The Level of Particulate Matter on Foliage Depends on the Distance from the Source of Emission

Abstract

One of the most dangerous inhaled pollutants is particulate matter (PM). PM in inhaled air have a negative impact on human wellbeing and health, and may even cause deaths. Where pollutants have been emitted into the outdoor atmosphere, the only possible method for cleaning the air is through phytoremediation, a form of environmental biotechnology, where plants act as biological filters for pollutants. This study compared PM levels on the leaves of Tilia cordata Mill. trees growing in locations at increasing distances from the source of the PM emission. Significant differences between individual trees growing at a distance of between 3 m and 500 m from the road edge were found in: (i) the mass of PM that accumulated on leaves (total, surface, in-wax and the three determined size fractions) and (ii) the amount of waxes deposited on leaves.

Keywords:

• air phytoremediation
• city park
• small-leaved lime
• particulate matter
• Tilia cordata

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from Norway through the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, # PNRF-193-AI-1/07 granted to S.W. Gawroński and A. Sæbø and by the Warsaw Plant Health Initiative, FP7-REGPOT-2011-1-286093.