Evaluation of Different Shrub Species for Carbon Uptake and Pollution Removal

Summary

The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of seven shrub species (Arbutus unedo, Elaeagnus x ebbingei, Laurus nobilis, Ligustrum japonicum, Photinia x fraseri, Viburnum lucidum, Viburnum tinus) to absorb and store CO₂ and to remove some anthropogenic pollutants (including heavy metals and particulate matter) from the soil and the air. Plants were grown in 5-L containers arranged in a randomized block design with six blocks and two plants per species in each block. CO₂ uptake and carbon allocation were determined in 2010 and 2011 using combined measurements of leaf gas exchange and biomass. Carbon assimilation was measured in either well watered or water stressing conditions.  Removal of heavy metals (21 different metals including Cd, Pb, Al) and particulate matter were measured in 2010 and 2011 using widely-used methods in the literature. Results indicate significant differences in CO₂ uptake and pollution removal among the species compared and may provide useful information for sustainable planning of urban areas and roadside greening.