The increase in particulate matter (PM) pollution in urban areas poses a serious threat to public health, making sustainable green infrastructure an important strategy for mitigation efforts. This study evaluated 14 different species of climbers for their capacity to accumulate and retain PM under the rainfall, with particular attention to the influence of leaf morphology variations. Field experiments combined with simulated rainfall were used to assess three PM categories: washed-off particles (RWPM), particles that remained on leaf surfaces (SPM), and those entrapped in epicuticular waxes (WPM) post-rainfall. Significant interspecific variation was recorded in both total PM accumulation and the distribution of particular categories. Campsis radicans 'Ursynów' showed the highest total PM accumulation, indicating strong long-term retention potential. Higher PM accumulation was linked to traits such as raised venation and serrated margins. The results demonstrate that in vertical greenery systems, climbing plants can serve as a sustainable element to support urban air-quality improvement. Nevertheless, a successful outcome depends on species selection suited to on-site (context-dependent) application. Species capable of strong PM retention suit highly impervious environments, while lower retention species can be strategically recommended on biologically active surfaces (soil with plants), providing esthetics and atmospheric pollutant removal benefits.

Traffic-derived particulate matter (PM) and trace elements (TEs) are pervasive stressors in roadside habitats. Although some insects, including pest species, appear to thrive despite roadside pollution, such observations may risk overgeneralization. We examined the responses of Yponomeuta padella, as a model roadside defoliator, to PM and TE pollution by rearing larvae on two hosts—Crataegus monogyna and Prunus cerasifera—obtained along a real-world pollution gradient (control, sidewalk, roadside). Leaves were characterized for physical traits (SLA, toughness), PM load, and TE concentrations. PM pollution followed a consistent control < sidewalk < roadside pattern across categories and size fractions; Cu, Fe and Sr showed the same spatial trend, while As, Cd, and Pb were absent in most control samples. Choice tests revealed strong larval avoidance of contaminated foliage (roadside and sidewalk) irrespectively of host species. Emergence dynamics (logistic models) showed slower growth rates and later inflection points with increasing pollution, and eclosion success declined significantly from control (90.1%) to sidewalk (82.5%) and roadside (77.1%). Adult body mass was lowest for roadside diets. Host species differed in SLA, toughness, and several accumulation metrics, but site effects dominated developmental outcomes. The results demonstrate context-dependent susceptibility of moths to PM and link adult performance costs to larval diets on PM-contaminated foliage. We propose that co-occurring pollution and stress typical of road verges act as an ecological filter shaping insect survival, with implications for habitat degradation in roadside ecosystems.

Urban blue-green spaces (BGS) provide essential heat mitigation; while their efficacy under extreme heatwaves (EH) and complex multi-stressor interactions (synergies or antagonisms) remains inadequately characterized. This study investigates the non-linear responses and interaction mechanisms governing how urban stressors modulate the thermal environment under EH versus non-extreme heat (NEH). Integrating a hierarchical generalized additive model (HGAM) with the SHAP decomposition, our framework reveals the compound impacts of seven stressors—building density (BD), building height (BH), road density (RD), sky view factor (SVF), the areal percentages of impervious surfaces (P_I), blue space (P_B), and green space (P_G)—on BGS cooling intensity (DLST) across eight spatial-climatic scenarios. Our analysis reveals that EH conditions significantly enhance BGS cooling capacity, with water bodies demonstrating superior thermal resilience and stability compared to vegetation. Furthermore, EH conditions induce a critical shift in dominant controls of the urban thermal environment, from surface cover characteristics (e.g., P_I) to three-dimensional spatial morphology (e.g., BH, SVF). Stressor interactions exhibit pronounced context dependency. While the antagonistic interaction between P_I and RD persists consistently, the dominant interaction mode of P_G and P_B with BH varies significantly by scenario. Notably, dense green space adjacent to large lakes may generate an antagonistic thermal effect under cooling mode due to humidity accumulation. These findings advocate shifting urban thermal management from static regulation towards interaction-oriented spatial optimization. Specifically, leveraging shading synergies in water-scarce, high-density areas and prioritizing ventilation corridors in waterfront areas to prevent humid heat accumulation can enhance resilience against future climate uncertainties.

Urbanization has emerged as one of the most dynamic trends, which acts as a catalyst for economic development while posing pressing environmental challenges. Among them, air pollution poses a significant threat to public health and ecosystem. This study evaluated the particulate matter (PM) accumulation and pollution tolerance among ten abundant tree and shrub species across four sites with varying pollution gradients during summer time in Malda, West Bengal, India. Total PM carrying capacity, segregation of surface and in-wax PM, epicuticular wax, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The air pollution tolerance index, anticipated performance index, and a newly integrated the revised anticipated performance index were calculated to evaluate species tolerance to pollution. Results revealed that Ficus benghalensis, Ricinus communis, and Alstonia scholaris exhibited higher PM accumulation and tolerance, indicating their potential for greenbelt development. In contrast, Bougainvillea spectabilis showed sensitivity toward pollution. Principal component analysis indicated that plant responses were more strongly associated with site-specific environmental conditions than with species-specific traits. This research aims to provide a baseline for strategic plant selection and urban vegetation planning, which are essential for constructing sustainable cities. The planting of tolerant species in urban landscapes represents a practical and cost-effective approach for improving air quality.

Air pollution, particularly involving particulate matter (PM) and trace elements (TE), poses significant health risks in urban areas. Road traffic is a major year-round PM source, and vegetated earth berms are commonly used as acoustic barriers, but their role in mitigating airborne pollutants is underexplored. This study quantified PM and TE accumulation by herbaceous plants on a highway berm across four seasons, sampling multiple height levels and sides. Two-way ANOVA showed that study site and season significantly influenced all PM fractions and categories, as well as most TE in plants. Plants on the back-side accumulated 18-66 % less total PM than frontside. Total PM deposition peaked in summer (up to 7-fold higher than in spring), while PM10 in air was highest near the road edge in winter (up to 1.3-fold higher), and back-side PM10 was 32-86 % lower than at corresponding front-side. TE concentrations (Fe, Cu, Zn, As) were highest near the road edge, with winter maxima; RI values were up to 42 % lower on the back-side. PCA explained 72 % of total variance, revealing strong correlations between air PM and deposited PM, highlighting site-specific accumulation patterns. Soil Fe, Cu, and Zn were elevated near the road, whereas Pb peaked at the top; pH and EC varied across sites and seasons. Overall, the berm reduced PM levels in air on the back-side by up to 71 % relative to front-side. These findings demonstrate that herbaceous vegetation on earth berms can substantially reduce traffic-related air pollution in urban environments.

Urban vegetation mitigates air pollution by capturing particulate matter (PM) on leaf surfaces, yet rainfall can wash away accumulated particles, reducing retention efficiency. This study investigates how leaf morphological traits of ten tree species influence PM accumulation and retention under simulated rainfall. PM was categorized as rain-washable (RWPM), surface-bound (SPM), and wax-embedded (WPM), with the sum of SPM and WPM defined as rain-indelible PM (RIPM), reflecting long-term retention on and Araucaria araucana showed the highest total PM, while Platanus x acerifolia and Indesia polycarpa showed the lowest. RIPM was most abundant in A. araucana, T. plicata, and P. tomentosa. Total PM correlated positively with foliage type (r = 0.57) and negatively with petiole length (r = -0.59). Higher epicuticular wax content improved fine PM retention, emphasizing the role of chemical traits. In contrast, smooth-leaved species retained less PM, likely due to lower surface roughness. These findings highlight how both structural and biochemical leaf characteristics affect PM capture and retention. They offer valuable insight for selecting tree species in urban planning to enhance air pollution mitigation and contribute to healthier urban environments.

Vegetation mitigates air pollution with trace elements (TEs), by capturing them on plant surfaces. However, retention on foliage is typically temporal and TE can be washed off by precipitation. Due to the inherent variability and unpredictability of natural rainfall, as well as complex environmental factors, pollutant removal via precipitation is often studied using simulated rain. This study aimed to determine whether simulated rainfall can reliably replace natural rainfall in experiments assessing the wash-off of TEs from leaf surfaces. Plant material was foliage of 17 plant species (herbaceous plants, deciduous and evergreen trees, and shrubs), growing in an urban park in Wuhan, China. Across all examined TEs (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, Pt), simulated rainfall generally removed a higher fraction of pollutants than natural rainfall. Interestingly, natural rainfall was associated with increased amounts of Cu and Zn on foliage after precipitation. Pollutant removal efficiency varied depending on the type of rainfall and plant groups, with natural rainfall being more effective in TEs removal from evergreen trees, while simulated rainfall performed better with deciduous shrubs and herbaceous species. These inter- and intra-group variations suggest that simulated rainfall does not fully replicate the mechanisms of pollution removal occurring in real-life conditions.

Festivals are significant markers of cultural heritage and community traditions. Nevertheless, every year, significant increases in pollution levels are recorded during celebratory events, due to the overuse of firecrackers. This study evaluated gaseous and particulate matter (PM) concentrations using a gas and particulate sampler, alongside noise levels measured by a sound level meter, during the pre-to-post-Diwali period of 2023 and 2024 in Malda, India, and PM concentrations in Warsaw, Poland in 2024, using a DustAir dust meter. The results indicated that during Diwali, the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM1 exceeded the standard set by the World Health Organization, while gaseous pollutants remained within acceptable limits. Since no standards set for PM1 exist, PM2.5 criteria were utilized as a benchmark. Additionally, on New Year’s Eve in Warsaw, concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 surpassed the standard around midnight, while gaseous pollutants remained within the standard range. An elemental analysis revealed 13 elements in Diwali PM samples, with toxic metals like arsenic and cadmium more prevalent in PM1. The risk of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects through ingestion was higher for children compared to adults. The findings of this study could potentially raise awareness among researchers and policymakers, prompting them to develop sustainable substitutes for firecrackers and sparklers.

In response to ongoing climate warming, tree species adapted to colder climates are expected to shift their geographic ranges northward. Within the framework of long-term ecological monitoring in Wigry National Park (northeastern Poland), observed changes in forest biocenoses reflect the combined influence of climate change and natural ecological dynamics. This study compares dendroflora composition and diversity between two monitoring periods, 2011 and 2024, as part of an ongoing effort to track climate-related ecological shifts. Tree observations and measurements were carried out using concentric circular plots. In the largest plots, all trees with a diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) >= 12 cm were recorded by species, and their d.b.h. was measured. In the smaller plots, all trees with a d.b.h.>= 2 cm and < 2 cm but taller than 30 cm were similarly identified and measured. Data were recorded with Field-Map software integrated with an electronic calliper. The species-level taxonomic data, individual counts and basal area per species and plot were used to calculate biodiversity indices. Over the 13-year interval, a marked increase in overall dendroflora diversity was observed. Notably, the dominance of canopy-forming conifers - Pinus sylvestris and, to a lesser extent, Picea abies measured as the proportion of individuals or stem density, has declined. This decline of coniferous species has been accompanied by an increase in the abundance and diversity of broadleaved deciduous species, including Tilia cordata, Quercus robur, Betula pendula, and Acer platanoides. Other thermophilous deciduous taxa also exhibited upward trends in both presence and abundance. Furthermore, the exponential of Shannon entropy, reached the highest value when evergreen conifers comprised 35% of the stand composition in 2011 and 18% in 2024. This finding suggests that maximum dendroflora diversity reaches its highest level at an intermediate proportion of conifers presence, rather than under conifers dominance or absence. Collectively, the processes occurring in Wigierski National Park illustrate the gradual shift in ecotonal forest ecosystems from cold-adapted coniferous species to broadleaved deciduous taxa due to ongoing climate change.

With the rapid expansion of urban areas and industries, particulate matter (PM) pollution has become a pressing global concern. Phytoremediation offers a sustainable solution to mitigate indoor and outdoor air pollution. Leaves, with their expansive surfaces, serve as primary PM receptors, playing a vital role in air quality improvement by retaining deposited PM. Retention of foliage PM relies on a dynamic equilibrium between accumulation and resuspension of PM, predominantly influenced by functional leaf traits. Both macro- and micro-morphological features, including leaf length, width, aspect ratio, surface roughness, petiole length, stomata, trichomes, cuticle, waxes, ridges, and grooves, significantly affect PM accumulation and retention. Among macro-morphometrical characters, broader, rough-surfaced leaves with shorter petioles are more efficient in PM accumulation than those with narrow-smoother surfaces having long petioles. Moreover, exposure to polluted environments can induce microstructural changes in leaves, further enhancing PM retention. Rather than focusing on a single trait, combining multiple effective traits may better optimize PM removal. Developing green spaces with plants possessing these traits not only enhances urban greenery but also maximizes their potential to reduce pollution and improve air quality.

Urbanization and increasing vehicular traffic have intensified air pollution, particularly the accumulation of particulate matter (PM), trace elements (TEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban environments. These pollutants pose significant risks to human health, urban ecosystems, and biodiversity. This study evaluates the efficacy of mixed-species vegetation barriers, comprising Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Physocarpus opulifolius, and Sorbaria sorbifolia, in mitigating air pollution along three road types (highway, urban, and suburban). Using Tilia cordata as a bioindicator, PM deposition across three size fractions (10-100, 2.5-10, and 0.2-2.5 µm) as well as TEs and PAH concentrations were analyzed. Results revealed significant variation in pollutant accumulation across species, barrier types, and locations. Shrubs captured up to 12% more PM than trees, and vegetation barriers reduced large PM by approximately 50% behind the barrier at highway sites. Concentrations of TEs and PAHs were highest near high-traffic roads, especially in tree foliage, with values decreasing in less polluted areas. These findings highlight the importance of strategic plant species selection, barrier composition, and design in urban greening initiatives aimed at combating air pollution and enhancing public health and ecological resilience.

Road transportation emits both gaseous and solid air contaminants, along with significant noise pollution. To mitigate the noise, acoustic walls and berms are constructed along roads. When covered with vegetation, these structures can also reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution and provide habitats for invertebrates in environments fragmented by road infrastructure. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of vegetated acoustic berms (covered with meadow vegetation, Rosa rugosa, or Spiraea japonica) and walls (Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Vitis riparia) created in accumulation of PM and providing shelter for invertebrates along a busy motorway. A combination of field and laboratory analyses, including plant and invertebrate sampling and air quality measurements, was used to assess the links between PM accumulation on vegetation and invertebrate diversity indices (S, H ', D ', J', Chao1, and BP) on both sides (sidewalk vs. roadside) of a given barrier. Results indicated that all barrier types improved air quality on sidewalks compared to traffic-exposed roadsides. Despite the highest total PM accumulation, berms with meadow vegetation and R. rugosa supported the greatest abundance and diversity of invertebrates (210 species combined). The roadsides were characterized by the lowest diversity indices and the highest prevalence of common taxa, indicating a significant role of PM in shaping invertebrate communities, especially the flying insects. This was further supported by Pearson's correlations between total PM on plants and ecological indices values. The findings suggest that ecosystem services of noise reduction, PM biofiltration, and invertebrate diversity support are best achieved with earth berms planted with meadow vegetation and R. rugosa shrubs.

Particulate matter (PM) is a critical component of urban air pollution, with severe implications for human health and environmental ecosystems. This study investigates the capacity of green roofs at the Warsaw University Library to mitigate air pollution by analyzing the retention of PM and associated trace elements (TEs) across eight perennial plant species during spring, summer, and autumn. The results highlight significant interspecies variability and seasonal trends in PM retention, with peak levels observed in summer due to increased foliage density and ambient pollution. Sedum spectabile and Spiraea japonica emerged as the most effective species for PM capture, owing to their wax-rich surfaces and dense foliage, while Betula pendula demonstrated a high retention of TEs like manganese and zinc. Seasonal shifts from surface-bound PM (SPM) to wax-bound PM (WPM) in autumn underline the importance of adaptive plant traits for sustained pollutant capture. These findings underscore the critical role of green roofs in urban air quality management, emphasizing the need for species-specific strategies to maximize year-round phytoremediation efficacy. Expanding the implementation of diverse vegetation on green roofs can significantly enhance their environmental and public health benefits.

Simulated rainfall effectively removes particulate matter (PM) from plant surfaces and facilitates subsequent PM re-accumulation, offering potential for enhancing atmospheric PM mitigation. However, comprehensive studies on its efficacy remain limited. This study examined the impact of varying simulated rainfall frequencies on washable PM (RPM) removal efficiency and PM re-accumulation dynamics in Parthenocissus quinquefolia cultivated on a green screen. PM was categorized into three fractions-RPM, surface PM (SPM), and wax PM (WPM)-and quantified using filter-based assessments. Results indicated that daily simulated rainfall (ED) consistently removed RPM across all PM fractions (total RPM, RPM10-100, PM2.5-10, and PM0.2-2.5) throughout the study. While twelve-day (12D) numerically led to the most RPM removal, its efficiency was comparable to single ED and six-day (6D) frequencies, with no significant statistical difference. Cumulative RPM washed off in the ED treatment was significantly higher than in the 12D treatment for all PM fractions (3.0-3.3 times greater), with no adverse effects on plant physiology. Notably, no consistent patterns of RPM re-accumulation were observed, and simulated rainfall had minimal influence on daily SPM and WPM re-accumulation. Extended experimental durations are recommended to validate these findings. This study highlights the simplicity and scalability of frequent simulated rainfall as an effective strategy for accelerating PM phytoremediation in urban environments with persistent air pollution, contributing to sustainable air quality management.

Since airborne microplastics (AMPs) are a recent and unexplored field of study, there are several unresolved issues regarding their effects on plants. The accumulating potential of AMPs and their effect on the biochemical parameters of ten different plant species in an Indian city environment were assessed. The four types of AMPs deposited in the phyllosphere—fragment (30.76%), film (28.95%), fiber (22.61%), and pellet (17.68%)—were examined using stereomicroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was determined, and other biochemical parameters such as proline, phenol, malondialdehyde, carotenoids, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were also measured. The findings showed that in the case of polymers type, PE (30%) was more abundant than others, followed by PET (17%), PP (15%), PVC (13%), PVA (10%), PS (7%), ABS (5%), and PMMA (3%). Clerodendrum infortunatum L., Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, and Mangifera indica L. all showed a strong APTI and also exhibited significantly higher amounts of AMP accumulation. Principal component analysis showed a stronger association between phyllospheric AMPs and biochemical parameters. Additionally, the correlation analysis revealed that the presence of accumulated AMPs may significantly influence the biochemical parameters of the plants. Thus, it can be concluded that the different plant species are uniquely specialized in AMP accumulation, which is significantly impacted by the plants’ APTI as well as other biochemical parameters.

Coniferous species are known for their ability to purify air from particulate matter (PM), yet particulates accumulated during cultivation, transport, and outdoor storage may be transferred indoors. This study assesses the particulate load, subsequent retention, and further accumulation/release of PM by commercially available Christmas trees-Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach). Trees were examined in two commercial forms and maintained in six typical households (three with cut and potted P. abies, three with cut and potted A. nordmanianna) for 30 days. Measurements at four intervals included concentration dynamics of total PM, PM size fractions, as well as surface vs. in-wax PM ratios and epicuticular waxes on needles. Results showed that potted trees carried substantially higher initial PM loads than cut trees, with P. abies exceeding 200 mu gcm-2, likely due to differences in production and handling. Potted P. abies and cut A. nordmanniana retained large PM fractions more effectively than cut P. abies. In contrast, the fine PM fraction, the most health-relevant, was best accumulated by cut P. abies. Wax-bound PM shares increased time in potted trees and decreased in the cut. Overall, the findings suggest that choosing a Christmas tree is not only an aesthetic preference but a decision with measurable implications for winter indoor air quality.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has recently garnered substantial attention worldwide due to their tendency to contaminate ecosystems and transmit toxic substances in the food chain, compromising human health. The primary goal of this study is to provide a level of understanding about the source, occurrence, detection, and potential ecological risk of MPs in Eastern Indian dumping sites in the years 2022 and 2023 as well as representing a scenario encompassing urban, suburban, and rural areas. The MPs concentrations in dumping sites ranged between 10 and 3,457 MPs mg/kg. Fragments were the predominant shape in samples from both years, 32% and 36% in 2022 and 2023, respectively. White was the leading color of MPs in both years (34% in 2022, 45% in 2023), followed by gray, blue, green, and others. Based on the chemical analysis, the most common polymers discovered were polyethylene (20%), nylon (15.5%), polyethylene terephthalate (11.62%), and polypropylene (10.28%). Most of the study area has high polymer hazard index values (>1,000) due to the presence of high-hazard polymers like polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane. According to polymer load index (PLI) values, the samples from English Bazar and riverside dumps are highly contaminated with MPs (PLI: 26 to 49), whereas samples from Manikchak and Old Malda are less contaminated (PLI: 1 for both). The ecological risk index (ERI) values of riverside samples were the highest (ERI: 318950).

Anthropogenic and natural particulate matter (PM) affects urban and agricultural areas and contaminates the bodies of Apis mellifera (honeybee) and Bombus terrestris (buff-tailed bumblebee). Although both species accumulate PM, scientific interest has primarily focused on A. mellifera as a pollution indicator. This study directly compared the efficacy of honeybees and bumblebees as indicators of PM and its associated trace elements (TEs). Insects were collected from ecological and conventional apple orchards and underwent quantitative analysis of total PM, PM size fractions, and TEs. To establish an environmental context, plant samples and bee products were obtained from both plantations, and screened for PM and/or TEs. Bombus terrestris accumulated 191.3 mu g total PM per individual, whereas A. mellifera accumulated 64 mu g. Particular PM size fractions were also significantly more abundant on bumblebees. Accumulation patterns of total and large PM on bumblebees differed between the ecological and conventional orchards. Total PM accumulated by both species combined correlated strongly with the total PM covering apple tree foliage in the ecological orchard (r = 0.836) and with grass in the conventional orchard (r = 0.851). The amount of total PM accumulated by B. terrestris strongly correlated with the concentrations of Fe (r = 0.927) and Mn (r = 0.91) in this species. Accumulation of Fe by A. mellifera correlated with the content of this metal in pollen (r = 0.912) and bee bread (r = 0.91), whereas the reverse trend was found for Mo in bee bread (r = -0.912). The results indicate that B. terrestris is a more accurate pollution indicator, with potentially greater efficacy in more polluted areas. The observed differences are most likely attributed to the distinct morphology and behavior of the species.