What question did this study set out to answer?

To quantify particulate matter retention by shade-tolerant species in modular living walls and guide species selection.

April 16, 2026Open Access

Species-Specific Particulate Matter Retention by Shade-Tolerant Plants in Modular Living Walls: SEM-Based Quantification and Trait-Guided Selection

Key Points

To quantify particulate matter retention by shade-tolerant species in modular living walls and guide species selection.
Evaluated seven shade-tolerant species in a living wall system at Sapienza University of Rome.
Analyzed leaf samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after three months of exposure.
Used an automated image analysis pipeline to segment and classify particulate matter sizes.
Ultrafine and fine particulate matter (<0.5 µm) comprised 60-70% of total counts across species.
Vinca minor cv. albomarginata showed the highest density of ultrafine and fine particles.
Hedera helix was effective at capturing coarse particulate matter (>2.5 µm).

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter (PM) poses a major health risk, yet species selection for vertical greening systems (VGS) is poorly quantified. We evaluated PM retention by seven commercially available shade-tolerant species grown in a modular living wall system (LWS) on a north-facing façade at Sapienza University of Rome. After 3 months of in situ exposure, leaves were analyzed via SEM (1000×), collecting 210 images, 30 per species. An automated FIJI/ImageJ pipeline segmented particles, computed equivalent circular diameters, and classified them into (PM 10 µm). Heuchera sanguinea consistently displayed the lowest densities across all size classes. Performance patterns aligned with leaf surface traits: wax-coated, moderately rough or gently structured cuticles favored adhesion, whereas highly irregular microrelief did not consistently enhance retention. Methodological considerations include thresholding sensitivity, use of equivalent circular diameter for irregular particles, and an upper area filter that may undercount large aggregates. The findings identify Vinca minor cv. albomarginata and Fatsia japonica as priority species for PM mitigation in shaded VGS, with Hedera helix complementing coarse PM capture. The results provide trait-based, design-oriented guidance for living wall species selection in Mediterranean urban and indoor contexts.

Species-Specific Particulate Matter Retention by Shade-Tolerant Plants in Modular Living Walls: SEM-Based Quantification and Trait-Guided Selection

Key Points

Abstract

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