Quantifying PM 2.5 capture capability of greening trees based on leaf factors analyzing

Abstract

As PM_2.5 affect human health, it is important to target tree planting in the role of reducing air pollution concentrations. PM_2.5 capture capability of greening trees is associated with leaf morphology, while quantitative research is scanty. In this paper, the PM_2.5 capture capability of 25 species in Beijing and Chongqing were examined by a chamber device. Groove proportion, leaf hair, stomatal density, and stomata size were selected as indexes of leaf morphology. Results showed that groove proportion and stomata size significantly relate to PM_2.5 capture quantity, while no significantly positive correlations were found for leaf hairs and stomatal density. Broadleaf species are conducive to PM_2.5 capture for their rich leaf morphology and have an edge over coniferous in PM_2.5 capture per leaf area. However, coniferous had a larger PM_2.5 capture capability per tree due to the advantage of a large leaf area. Significant difference existed between the species in Beijing and Chongqing due to the different leaf morphology. Urban greening trees are diverse and the structures are complicated. Complex ecological environment may lead to different morphology characteristics. Climate and pollution conditions should be considered when greening.

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