Preliminary estimate of air pollution reduction by urban trees in Mexico city

Abstract

Air pollution levels in Mexico City are exceedingly high throughout the year Since urban trees have a role in removing air pollution, this study used tree cover and structure estimates as well as actual meteorological and pollution concentration data as input in a transpiration and dry deposition, mathematical model to preliminarily estimate air pollution removal by an urban forest. An area of 1480km(2) was studied in the Valle de Mexico, estimating that urban forests covered 26% of the study area. The UFORE model was applied to estimate the pollution removal of ozone (O-3) and particulate matter <10 mu m (PM10) by trees as well as seasonal variations. Estimated total pollution removal results are presented in g center dot m(-2) and in tons. Reducing just 1% of ozone and PM10 in Mexico City can result in benefits of up to 10 million USD per year .