Enhancing Urban Sustainability: How Spatial and Height Variability of Roadside Plants Improves Pollution Capture for Greener Cities

Air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), poses a significant threat to urban environments and public health. This study aims to explore the impact of small-scale spatial and height variations on the ability of different roadside tree species: Tilia cordata Mill., Platanus × hispanica Mill. ex Münchh., and Sorbus intermedia (Ehrh.) Pers., to accumulate PM, providing insights for enhancing urban sustainability. Conducted along a high-traffic road in Warsaw, Poland, the research examines PM accumulation at varying heights and locations within tree canopies while also evaluating the influence of PM on photosynthetic efficiency. Results indicate substantial differences in PM accumulation between tree species and height ranges, with S. intermedia accumulating the highest PM levels. PM accumulation was greatest near the roadside and at lower canopy heights (1–1.5 m), while higher canopies and areas distant from the road showed reduced PM concentrations. T. cordata exhibited the highest PM accumulation on the side facing traffic, averaging 12% at 1–1.5 m height, while the interior recorded 5% at 2–2.5 m height. In S. intermedia, the roadside crown contributed the highest accumulation (14%) at 1–1.5 m height and only 6% on the side facing departing traffic at 2–2.5 m height. P. hispanica displayed higher efficiency in PM accumulation, reaching 11% at the roadside (1–1.5 m) and 7% at the top of the crown (3–3.5 m). Additionally, PM accumulation negatively impacted photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content, with the highest PM levels correlating with reduced plant vitality. PCA analysis showed a stronger association between leaf-deposited PM and total chlorophyll content and that the presence of accumulated PM may significantly influence the chlorophyll content of the plants. These findings provide valuable guidance for urban planners in strategically planting roadside vegetation to maximize air quality improvement, offering a cost-effective and sustainable approach to mitigate urban pollution.