Seasonal Variations of Particulate Matter Capture and the Air Pollution Tolerance Index of Five Roadside Plant Species

Particulate matter (PM) is the most dangerous type of air pollutant and is harmful to human health. Plants can be used as a biofilter to remove PM from the atmosphere and improve air quality. In this study, we used the air pollution tolerance index and four leaf traits of five different plant species commonly used in landscaping in Korea to determine which plants are best suited to remove PM from the atmosphere in roadside areas in spring, summer, and autumn. We found that the PM concentrations in the atmosphere impacted the amount of PM accumulated in the plants, with increased PM accumulation during periods of increased environmental PM levels on the roadside. Euonymus japonicus, and Euonymus alatus accumulated the highest amount of PM and had the highest tolerance levels to air pollution. Thus, these species could be suitable for use in areas with high PM concentrations to improve air quality. We also found that shrubs were more effective in accumulating PM than trees and recommend that shrubs and trees be used together to further increase the amount of PM removed from the atmosphere in urban areas.

Automated summary

PM is a dangerous air pollutant harmful to human health, and plants can be used as biofilters to improve air quality. This study determined the best plant species to remove PM in roadside areas during different seasons in Korea. The results showed that the PM concentration in the atmosphere affected the amount of PM accumulated in plants, with high accumulation during periods of increased environmental PM levels. Euonymus japonicus and Euonymus alatus were the most effective in PM removal and had high tolerance to air pollution, making them suitable for areas with high PM concentrations. Moreover, shrubs were found to be more effective in accumulating PM than trees, suggesting a combination of shrubs and trees for better PM removal in urban areas.