Smart filters of particulate matter: plants in urban areas

Plants can help restoring the environmental quality of dense urban areas realizing a trap-effect on air pollutants, specifically particulate matter (PMx) that causes cardiopulmonary diseases for long-term exposure. Plant characteristics (e.g., species used, plant shape, leaf surfaces, leaf area index, porosity, etc.) play a key role in potential air quality improvement. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between PM and leaf epidermis, the plant photosynthetic performance under pollutants stress and estimate the potential ability of PM removal in plant species commonly used for greening urban areas in Genoa (NW Italy). The evaluation of PM deposition by ESEM-EDS analysis revealed a removal ability species-specific and depending on leaf epidermis, morphology and disposition and an early ecophysiological response to PM in sensitive/tolerant plant species. Our results show the importance of choosing the right species to plan a functional, smart, mitigation in urban areas trough nature-based solutions.