Total suspended particles interception by five urban tree species in Valle de Aburrá

Abstract

Between May–July 2005, the capacity of interception of total suspended particles (TSP) by five tree species occurring in Valle de Aburrá was evaluated by measuring the quantity of solids present in the leaves. Morphological features, which could influence contaminant interception, were also analyzed. The information obtained was extrapolated to the total vegetation maintained by Metro of Medellín. Syzygium malaccense and Lagerstroemia speciosa intercepted more TSP than the other 3 species here evaluated, estimating that 1379 individuals belonging to the five species included in the sampling and established in the perimeter of Medellín Metro, intercept 658 Kg/year. This research wants to generate information that helps to take decisions about the type of species to plant in polluted areas in order to maximize the interception of such contaminants.

Keywords

• Pollution
• total suspended particles (TSP)
• urban trees
• interception
• Valle de Aburrá