Limiting the environmental impact of road infrastructure through the use of roadside vegetation

Abstract

Green-belt shielding seems to be the right solution for protection against the spread of automotive environmental pollution, particularly when it comes to large areas. Roadside greenery fulfills a range of various functions – both natural and aesthetic, while also offering great potential for environmental protection. The aim of this study was to determine the content of zinc and copper in the soil collected from a roadside, as well as in soil collected from immediate surrounding areas where Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby) was grown as a form of biological roadside screen barrier, and to examine how the vegetation in this area may limit the spread of automotive environmental pollution. Furthermore, the content of the researched elements in the separate parts of the plants (leaves, stems, roots) collected in varying proximity of the road was specified. The highest concentration of copper was found in the leaves and roots of the Virginia mallow, whereas that of zinc was in the leaves of the plant.