Urban bus stops are critical air pollution hotspots often overlooked in mitigation strategies. While large green spaces are studied, the impact of small-scale vegetation remains less clear. This research evaluated the role of common evergreen shrubs ( Prunus laurocerasus and Pyracantha x 'Navaho') in reducing PM 10 mass concentration. The study was conducted at a high-traffic bus stop in Bergamo, Northern Italy, during winter (January-February) and autumn (October) 2024, focusing on their potential to improve air quality in dense urban microenvironments. Results showed that the shrubs reduced PM 10 mass concentrations by 21% in winter and 16% in autumn compared to adjacent areas without vegetation. Additionally, chemical analysis via ICP-OES and XRF showed that PM 10, -associated metals decreased by an average of 5%, with Cu showing the highest removal rate at 64% followed by Sr (61%). SEM/EDX analysis of plant leaves revealed a chemical profile (Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and Ti) consistent with the atmospheric samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of small-scale, evergreen vegetation to reduce air pollution in traffic-heavy areas. Integrating such green elements into urban planning offers a sustainable, low-cost strategy to improve air quality and public health in densely populated cities. • Shrubs cut PM 10 by 21% in winter, 16% in autumn at high-traffic bus stop. • Study confirmed role of small-scale vegetation in dense urban microenvironments. • Metal elements bound to PM 10 dropped 5%; Copper removal reached 64%. • Leaves' abundant element profile matched atmospheric PM 10 , confirming pollutant collection. • Integrating evergreens is a sustainable, low-cost air quality strategy.
Feo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.