Urban meadow—a recipe for long-lasting anti-smog land cover

Abstract

This study evaluates for the first time whether 33 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants originating from a moderate climate continue to be capable of air filtration of particulate matter (PM) at the end of the growing season. Research was undertaken in November in two urban meadows located in trafficked areas of Białystok (Poland). The study reveals that despite the lateness in the season, tested species remained capable of PM accumulation. Deposition of total PM exceeding 100 μg·cm⁻² was found on S. vulgaris, S. latifolia, T. pratense, E. vulgare, and A. officinalis. The finest and most toxic fraction was accumulated most effectively by S. latifolia, E. vulgare, and L. vulgare (>12 μg·cm⁻²). Taraxacum officinale and M. sylvestris retained c. 60% of PM in their epicuticular wax. A slight significant correlation was found between rosette growth pattern and deposition of total PM on foliage, while the accumulation of the finest fraction was correlated with a simple leaf shape. These results support the usefulness of urban meadows as long-lasting air bio-filters provided that their composition includes species that have a confirmed, prolonged PM accumulation capacity and that the meadow is not mown in autumn.

Graphical Abstract

Novelty statement

This is the first time that the PM accumulation capacity of urban meadow species at the end of the vegetative season has been evaluated in real-life conditions. Evidence of prolonged PM deposition on herbaceous plants was obtained. To enhance PM mitigation in cities located in moderate climate zones, it is proposed that a selection of species be sown in urban meadows.

Highlights

• Evaluation of the PM accumulation capacity of 33 plant species at the end of the vegetative season.

• Herbaceous plants filtered the air effectively despite the lateness in the season.

• Unmown urban meadows provide long-lasting protection from PM in cities.

Keywords:

• Herbaceous plants
• moderate climate zone
• prolonged air filtration
• vegetative season cessation

Acknowledgments

This paper is dedicated to the memory of Andrzej Karolski (Director of the Department for Utilities of Białystok Municipal Council) who established the meadows studied. The authors express their gratitude to the members of “Fundacja Łąka” for their help conducting the research. The authors thank Claire Tarring for her diligent proofreading of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences, WULS—SGGW.