Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.E012
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, E012 (2024)
Roadside plants as a tool for removing pollutants from road transport
Adam Nawrocki1*, Robert Popek1, Arkadiusz Przybysz1
1 Section of Basic Research in Horticulture, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Horticulture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
* Corresponding author: adam_nawrocki@sggw.edu.pl
Abstract
Road transport is the main source of year-round air pollution emissions in urban areas. One of the most harmful pollutants to human health and life is suspended particulate matter (PM). Particles smaller than 10 micrometers can be inhaled through the nose and then settle in the respiratory airways, causing many serious diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems. According to data from the World Health Organization, over 7 million people die every year around the world due to exposure to poor air quality. In many cities in Europe, certain restrictions have been introduced to reduce the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere by road transport. However, the only way to remove already emitted PM from the air is phytoremediation. This is a technology that uses the natural adaptive features of plants to capture air pollutants. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of plants growing at the close proximity of roads to capture PM. Various types of plants were selected, including: trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and mosses. Plant samples were collected during the growing season (from May to November) and, in the case of herbaceous plants, also in winter period. During the research, PM concentration in the air was measured and the weather condition was monitored. The research has shown that plants can accumulate large amounts of PM. The effectiveness of capturing PM particles depends on their species characteristics, but also on their location from the emission source. The presence of plants by the road significantly reduces the concentration of PM and has a positive impact on improving the air quality in the urbanized area.
Keywords: air pollution, particulate matter, phytoremediation, plants, road transport
How to cite
A. Nawrocki, R. Popek, A. Przybysz, 2024. Roadside plants as a tool for removing pollutants from road transport. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.E012