Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) in different size fractions (PM0.1–2.5, PM2.5–10 and PM>10) accumulation on four tree species (Populus tomentosa, Platanus acerifolia, Fraxinus chinensis, and Ginkgo biloba) at two sites with different pollution levels was examined in Beijing, China. Among the tested tree species, P. acerifolia was the most efficient species in capturing PM, followed by F. chinensis, G. biloba, and P. tomentosa. The heavily polluted site had higher PM accumulation on foliage and a higher percentage of PM0.1–2.5 and PM2.5–10. Encapsulation of PM within cuticles was observed on leaves of F. chinensis and G. biloba, which was further dominated by PM2.5. Leaf surface structure explains the considerable differences in PM accumulation among tree species. The amounts of accumulated PM (PM0.1–2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM>10) increased with the increase of stomatal aperture, stomatal width, leaf length, leaf width, and stomatal density, but decreases with contact angle. Considering PM accumulation ability, leaf area index, and tolerance to pollutants in urban areas, we suggest P. acerifolia should be used more frequently in urban areas, especially in “hotspots” in city centers (e.g., roads/streets with heavy traffic loads). However, G. biloba and P. tomentosa should be installed in less polluted areas.
Highlights
In Beijing, the capital of China, with rapid economic development, urbanization, and industrialization, ecological problems are becoming increasingly prominent
The mass of PM0.1–2.5, PM2.5–10, and particulate matter (PM)>10 accumulated on leaves showed significant differences among tree species (p < 0.001, Table 1), except for PM>10 at Site 1 (p = 0.363, Table 1)
The differences in PM accumulation among species should be used for species selection during afforestation
Summary
In Beijing, the capital of China, with rapid economic development, urbanization, and industrialization, ecological problems are becoming increasingly prominent. Especially particulate matter (PM), has become one of the most severe problems over the past several decades [1]. Studies have shown that PM has recently been ranked fifth among the major risk factors threatening human health globally, and is first among environmental risks [2,3]. Fine particles (particles with diameter less than 2.5 μm, PM2.5 ) are more toxic and more strongly associated with human health effects than coarse particles (particles with diameter between 2.5 and 10 μm) [7]. The air quality standards for PM10 and PM2.5 in
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