Trees can act as efficient biological filters to remove significant amounts of particulate pollution from urban atmospheres (Nowak, et al. 1994 ). Recent controlled environment studies have indicated that tree's ability in intercepting and removing particle pollution varies among species. Studies by Abdollahi et al. (2000) confirmed that there were significant differences among different tree species in intercepting particle pollution. Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana), River Birch ( Betula nigra),and Sugar hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) are statistically more efficient at capturing pollutant particles of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) than tree species such as Red Maple (Acer Rubrum),Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora),and Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).Other Studies also suggested that the leaf surface morphology of these trees might play an important role in interception and removal of PM2.5.
The main objectives of this study were to quantify the relative ability of selected oak species (Quercus spp.) in removing particle pollution of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and to characterize oak leaf surface morphology.