Authors : Dr. Aayushi Sharma, Rahul Mehta
ABSTRACT : Air pollution poses one of the most severe threats to public health and environmental stability in urban and industrialized regions worldwide. While much attention has been given to artificial air filtering technologies, the natural filtering capabilities of plants have often been overlooked. Plants not only absorb carbon dioxide but also a variety of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter. This paper delves into the role of vegetation—both urban and rural—in mitigating air pollution levels through various physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Trees, shrubs, grasses, and even indoor plants exhibit varied capacities to trap airborne particulates and absorb toxic gases through their stomata and surface deposition. The efficiency of plants depends on factors such as leaf morphology, canopy structure, climatic conditions, and proximity to pollution sources. Furthermore, the paper evaluates case studies and experimental findings that support plant-based air quality improvement strategies in urban environments. With climate change intensifying pollutant concentrations in several cities, it becomes essential to integrate vegetative planning into urban infrastructure development. The abstract aims to highlight the dual benefit of plants—not just in carbon sequestration but in real-time pollution abatement—and makes a strong case for expanding green belts, rooftop gardens, and reforestation initiatives as part of future urban planning policies.
Keywords: Air pollution, Phytoremediation, Urban forestry, Green infrastructure, Pollutant absorption, Particulate matter
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