What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how street canyon geometry impacts the stress in trees and soils beyond traffic emissions.

When Quiet Streets Are More Toxic: The Paradox of Low-Traffic Urban Canyons

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Matched comparison explores how street ventilation affects tree and soil health, suggesting urban planning implications.

This research aims to explore how street canyon geometry impacts the stress in trees and soils beyond traffic emissions.
Conducted a matched two-street comparison of tree health in different ventilation conditions.
Analyzed leaf morphology, physiology, and soil enzyme activity in Ginkgo biloba trees.
Compared biological responses between a high-traffic avenue and a poorly ventilated canyon.
Measured concentrations of various heavy metals (e.g., Ni, Pb, Cd) in foliage and soil.
Trees in poorly ventilated canyons showed higher stomatal density and elevated peroxidase activity.
Reduced soil enzyme activity (β-glucosidase) occurred in canyons with limited airflow.
Increased chlorophyll levels were observed possibly due to stress compensation or acclimation.
Greater accumulation of heavy metals was found in foliage and soil of narrow canyons.

Kisvarga et al. (2026) studied this question.

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