INTERCEPTION OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES BY TREE PLANTINGS

The ability of tree plantings to abate overland movement of particulate pollutants was examined. Estimates of deposition of dust and of total suspended particles indicated that, in comparison to clearcut sites, tree plantings in both urban and rural locations were effective in reducing the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere. During an 8-month sampling period, the overall reduction of dustfall by deciduous trees was 30% (rural) and 27% (urban). In comparison, rural and urban coniferous stands reduced dustfall by 42 and 38%, respectively. Interception of total suspended particles was 11% for deciduous trees and 13% for conifers at the rural site, and 9% for deciduous trees and 13% for conifers at the urban site.