Quantifying the Relative Ability of Tree Species in Intercepting and Removing Particle Pollution (0897-50-G-43)

According to the findings by the Natural Resources Defense Council, dust, soot, and many particles in polluted air over the nation's 239 major cities cause 64,000 of premature heart and lung-related deaths each year. In light of the new reports, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the plan to impose tougher restrictions to include fine particulates less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). The new regulations could cost more than $2.5 billion a year to implement in a city like Chicago alone. Previous studies have indicated that trees in Chicago removed 234 tons of particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10) annually. To the extend that trees can control particulate pollution there is potential for improved air quality and substantial cost savings. The proposed project will quantify the relative ability of individual tree species in removing PM2.5. Therefore, urban trees can be evaluated by decision makers in terms of dollars saved associated with avoided investment in new control strategies. Quantification of PM2.5 removal is important for integration into the UFORE model being developed.

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