Potential Tree Species as a Source of Air Filters to Capture Particulate Matter of the Atmosphere

Particulate pollution has become a serious health and environmental issue in Sri Lanka. Road side trees planted primarily for aesthetic purposes, provide coolness and shade, improve micro climate and reduce dust particles in air. However, there is little information on tree species for intercepting dust particles. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify potential tree species that could be used to reduce dust particles in urban areas. Six commonly used roadside tree species, Terminalia arjuna, Azadirachta indica, Tamarindus indica, Khaya senegalensis, Thevetia peruviana and Senna surattensis were selected for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative morphological characters which contribute effectively to mitigate dust particles were studied in all species. Based on the characters which contribute to a coarse texture and dense canopy, T. arjuna and S. surattensis can be recommended over other species for road side planting to reduce air pollution caused by dust particles and also to obtain aesthetic benefits in landscaping.