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Assessing Particulate Matter Deposition and Resuspension by Living Wall Systems in a Wind Tunnel Setup

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  • Tess Ysebaert

    (Research Group DuEL, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Kyra Koch

    (Research Group ENdEMIC, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Roeland Samson

    (Research Group ENdEMIC, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Siegfried Denys

    (Research Group DuEL, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

Abstract

This study examines the particulate matter (PM) capture capacity of living wall systems (LWSs), focusing on leaf traits that facilitate PM deposition. Six LWS designs, differing in structure and substrate, were tested under constant airflow conditions with and without additional PM. Results showed that planter-based LWSs reduced PM 0.1 by 2% and PM 2.5 by 4%, while a textile LWS reduced PM 0.1 by 23% and PM 2.5 by 5%, though geotextile textile increased PM by 11% for both fractions. A moss substrate LWS worsened air quality, raising PM 0.1 by 2% and PM 2.5 by 5%. Magnetic analysis of leaf-deposited PM (SIRM) revealed species-specific differences ( p < 0.001), with SIRM values ranging from 5 ± 1 µA to 260 ± 1 µA and higher PM accumulation in plants with lower specific leaf areas. No differences were observed in SIRM between deposition and resuspension phases, indicating the PM source lacked sufficient magnetisable particles. The findings highlight the potential of LWSs in urban environments for air quality improvement but underscore the importance of selecting suitable LWS structures and plant species.

Suggested Citation

  • Tess Ysebaert & Kyra Koch & Roeland Samson & Siegfried Denys, 2024. "Assessing Particulate Matter Deposition and Resuspension by Living Wall Systems in a Wind Tunnel Setup," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-25, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10733-:d:1538518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Manso, Maria & Castro-Gomes, João, 2015. "Green wall systems: A review of their characteristics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 863-871.
    2. Margareth Viecco & Sergio Vera & Héctor Jorquera & Waldo Bustamante & Jorge Gironás & Cynnamon Dobbs & Eduardo Leiva, 2018. "Potential of Particle Matter Dry Deposition on Green Roofs and Living Walls Vegetation for Mitigating Urban Atmospheric Pollution in Semiarid Climates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-18, July.
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