Breathing Fresh Air in the City: Implementing Avenue Trees as a Sustainable Solution to Reduce Particulate Pollution in Urban Agglomerations

Abstract

The issue of air pollution from particulate matter (PM) is getting worse as more and more people move into urban areas around the globe. Due to the complexity and diversity of pollution sources, it has long been hard to rely on source control techniques to manage this issue. Due to the fact that urban trees may provide a variety of ecosystem services, there is an urgent need to investigate alternative strategies for dramatically improving air quality. PM has always been a significant concern due to its adverse effects on humans and the entire ecosystem. The severity of this issue has risen in the current global environmental context. Numerous studies on respiratory and other human disorders have revealed a statistical relationship between human exposure to outdoor levels of particles or dust and harmful health effects. These risks are undeniably close to industrial areas where these airborne, inhalable particles are produced. The combined and individual effects of the particle and gaseous contaminants on plants’ general physiology can be detrimental. According to research, plant leaves, the primary receptors of PM pollution, can function as biological filters to remove significant amounts of particles from the atmosphere of urban areas. This study showed that vegetation could provide a promising green infrastructure (GI) for better air quality through the canopy and leaf-level processes, going beyond its traditional role as a passive target and sink for air pollutants. Opportunities exist for urban GI as a natural remedy for urban pollution caused by PMs.