A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Urban particulate pollution reduction by four species of green roof vegetation in a UK city
Abstract Urban particulate pollution in the UK remains at levels which have the potential to cause negative impacts on human health. There is a need, therefore, for mitigation strategies within cities, especially with regards to vehicular sources. The use of vegetation as a passive filter of urban air has been previously investigated, however green roof vegetation has not been specifically considered. The present study aims to quantify the effectiveness of four green roof species – creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), red fescue (Festuca rubra), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and sedum (Sedum album) – at capturing particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM10). Plants were grown in a location away from major road sources of PM10 and transplanted onto two roofs in Manchester city centre. One roof is adjacent to a major traffic source and one roof is characterised more by urban background inputs. Significant differences in metal containing PM10 capture were found between sites and between species. Site differences were explained by proximity to major sources. Species differences arise from differences in macro and micro morphology of the above surface biomass. The study finds that the grasses, A. stolonifera and F. rubra, are more effective than P. lanceolata and S. album at PM10 capture. Quantification of the annual PM10 removal potential was calculated under a maximum sedum green roof installation scenario for an area of the city centre, which totals 325 ha. Remediation of 2.3% (±0.1%) of 9.18 tonnes PM10 inputs for this area could be achieved under this scenario.
Highlights ► Green roofs act as passive filters of airbourne particulate matter. ► Species differences in particle capture efficiency were observed. ► Morphological reasons for differences in particle capture efficiency were posited. ► Spatial differences in leaf SIRM were observed in relation to PM10 sources. ► 0.24 tonnes of PM10 a year could be removed from Manchester city centre.
Urban particulate pollution reduction by four species of green roof vegetation in a UK city
Abstract Urban particulate pollution in the UK remains at levels which have the potential to cause negative impacts on human health. There is a need, therefore, for mitigation strategies within cities, especially with regards to vehicular sources. The use of vegetation as a passive filter of urban air has been previously investigated, however green roof vegetation has not been specifically considered. The present study aims to quantify the effectiveness of four green roof species – creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), red fescue (Festuca rubra), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and sedum (Sedum album) – at capturing particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM10). Plants were grown in a location away from major road sources of PM10 and transplanted onto two roofs in Manchester city centre. One roof is adjacent to a major traffic source and one roof is characterised more by urban background inputs. Significant differences in metal containing PM10 capture were found between sites and between species. Site differences were explained by proximity to major sources. Species differences arise from differences in macro and micro morphology of the above surface biomass. The study finds that the grasses, A. stolonifera and F. rubra, are more effective than P. lanceolata and S. album at PM10 capture. Quantification of the annual PM10 removal potential was calculated under a maximum sedum green roof installation scenario for an area of the city centre, which totals 325 ha. Remediation of 2.3% (±0.1%) of 9.18 tonnes PM10 inputs for this area could be achieved under this scenario.
Highlights ► Green roofs act as passive filters of airbourne particulate matter. ► Species differences in particle capture efficiency were observed. ► Morphological reasons for differences in particle capture efficiency were posited. ► Spatial differences in leaf SIRM were observed in relation to PM10 sources. ► 0.24 tonnes of PM10 a year could be removed from Manchester city centre.
Urban particulate pollution reduction by four species of green roof vegetation in a UK city
Speak, A.F. (author) / Rothwell, J.J. (author) / Lindley, S.J. (author) / Smith, C.L. (author)
Atmospheric Environment ; 61 ; 283-293
2012-07-16
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Species interactions in green roof vegetation suggest complementary planting mixtures
| Online Contents | 2014