Particulate Pollution Capture by Seventeen Woody Species Growing in Parks or along Roads in Two European Cities

Irene Vigevani, Denise Corsini, Jacopo Mori, Alice Pasquinelli, Marco Gibin, Sebastien Comin, Przemysław Szwałko, Edoardo Cagnolati, Francesco Ferrini and Alessio Fini
Additional contact information
Irene Vigevani: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Denise Corsini: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
Jacopo Mori: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
Alice Pasquinelli: R3 GIS S.r.l. NOI Techpark, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Marco Gibin: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Sebastien Comin: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Przemysław Szwałko: Krakow Municipal Greenspace Authority (ZZM), 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Edoardo Cagnolati: Anthea S.r.l., 47923 Rimini, Italy
Francesco Ferrini: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
Alessio Fini: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: This research aims to extend the existing knowledge on air quality improvement by the arboreal–shrub heritage. The PM accumulation (PM 10–100 , PM 2.5–10 , and PM 0.2–2.5 (µg·cm −2 )) was measured with consolidated gravimetric techniques during spring, summer, and fall for 2160 leaf samples belonging to the basal, median, and apical part of the crown of 17 species located in the streets and parks of 2 European cities (Rimini and Krakow). On the same samples, the deposition (PM 10 and PM 2.5 (µg·cm −2 ·day −1 )) was evaluated according to a model based on the wash-off rain effect. Quercus ilex accumulated more PM x than the other species in Rimini, while in Krakow, the highest accumulators were Pinus nigra for PM 10 –100 , Tilia cordata for PM 2.5 –10 , and Populus nigra for PM 0.2–2.5 . Only in Krakow was the capture capacity of some species affected by the street or park growing condition. The basal leaves showed greater PM 10–100 accumulation than the median and apical ones. In Rimini, the total PM accumulation tended to increase throughout the year, while in Krakow, the opposite occurred. However, as the accumulation increased, the deposition decreased. The PM accumulation was reduced by rainfall and enhanced by the air PM concentration, while the wind speed effect was opposite, depending on the city. These findings are useful for directing decision makers in the design of greener, healthier, and sustainable cities.

Keywords: broadleaves and conifer species; leaf accumulation; meteorological parameters; particulate matter; urban air pollution; urban forest (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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