Effects of the leaf functional traits of coniferous and broadleaved trees in subtropical monsoon regions on PM2.5 dry deposition velocities

Plants can intercept airborne particulate matter through deposition. Different types of plants exhibit different functional leaf traits, which can affect the dry deposition velocity (Vd). However, the most crucial leaf traits of coniferous and broadleaved trees remain unidentified. In this study, we...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental pollution (1987) 2020-10, Vol.265, p.114845-114845, Article 114845
Main Authors: Zhang, Xuyi, Lyu, Junyao, Han, Yujie, Sun, Ningxiao, Sun, Wen, Li, Jinman, Liu, Chunjiang, Yin, Shan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deposition velocity (Vd)
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
Single leaf area
Specific leaf area
Surface free energy
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Plants can intercept airborne particulate matter through deposition. Different types of plants exhibit different functional leaf traits, which can affect the dry deposition velocity (Vd). However, the most crucial leaf traits of coniferous and broadleaved trees remain unidentified. In this study, we selected 18 typical plants from the subtropical monsoon regions, where PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm) concentrations are relatively high, and classified them into coniferous and broadleaved categories. Subsequently, we analyzed the relationships between Vd and leaf surface free energy (SFE), single leaf area (LAs), surface roughness (SR), specific leaf area (SLA), epicuticular wax content (EWC), and width-to-length ratio (W/L). The results indicated that most coniferous trees exhibited a high Vd. The correlation analysis revealed that SFE, SR, LAs, and W/L were the key factors that affected the Vd of all the tested species. SFE and SLA had the strongest influence on the Vd of broadleaved trees, whereas LAs and SLA had the strongest effect on that of coniferous trees. Most coniferous trees had a high SLA, which can reduce water loss and hinder particle deposition. However, the stiff leaves of coniferous trees fluttered less, resulting in a larger leaf area that enhanced the capture efficiency. The leaf structure of broadleaved trees is more flexible, resulting in erratic flutter, which may impede deposition and lead to high resuspension. Coniferous and broadleaved trees may have different dominant leaf traits that affect particle deposition. [Display omitted] •Leaf functional traits of 18 typical subtropical monsoon tree species were analyzed.•Coniferous trees had higher dry deposition velocity (Vd) than broadleaved trees.•Leaf functional traits of coniferous and broadleaved trees affected Vd differently.•Larger conifer leaves may have a larger surface area for particle capture.•Smaller leaves of broadleaved trees may flutter less, preventing resuspension. Capsule: Different leaf functional traits have different effects on the dry deposition velocity (Vd): The key factors for coniferous trees are the specific leaf area and single leaf area while those for broadleaved trees are single leaf area and surface free energy.
ISSN:0269-7491
1873-6424
DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114845