“Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Green Roofs and Urban Vegetation in Capturing Soot and Improving Air Quality”

This study evaluates the effectiveness of green roofs and urban vegetation in capturing soot and improving air quality in Port Harcourt, a city that has experienced persistent soot pollution largely linked to industrial activity and hydrocarbonrelated emissions. A structured questionnaire was administered to 384 respondents comprising residents, property owners, and professionals. The data were analysed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and chi-square tests applied to assess relationships between respondent categories and their perceptions of green infrastructure performance. Findings revealed that 68.0% of participants agreed that green roofs and vegetation effectively trap soot and fine particulate matter, while 71.9% affirmed their contribution to urban air quality improvement. Furthermore, 62.5% of respondents recognised the importance of plant species diversity, vegetation structure, and design configurations in enhancing particulate retention efficiency. Significant associations were identified between respondents’ professional backgrounds and their views on the performance of green infrastructure (p < 0.05). The results align with existing literature highlighting the potential of nature-based solutions in mitigating urban air pollution. Based on these findings, the study recommends the integration of green roofs and urban vegetation into urban planning policies in Port Harcourt, with a focus on native species diversity, multi-layered vegetation structures, and the provision of incentives for widespread adoption. The study contributes to the growing evidence on the role of green infrastructure in addressing urban environmental challenges in developing cities and underscores the need for continuous monitoring and policy support for sustainable air quality management.