Abstract

ESCOBEDO, Francisco  and  CHACALO, Alicia. Preliminary estimate of air pollution reduction by urban trees in mexico city. INCI [online]. 2008, vol.33, n.1, pp.29-32. ISSN 0378-1844.

Air pollution levels in Mexico City are exceedingly high throughout the year. Since urban trees have a role in removing air pollution, this study used tree cover and structure estimates as well as actual meteorological and pollution concentration data as input in a transpiration and dry deposition, mathematical model to preliminarily estimate air pollution removal by an urban forest. An area of 1480km² was studied in the Valle de Mexico, estimating that urban forests covered 26% of the study area. The UFORE model was applied to estimate the pollution removal of ozone (O₃) and particulate matter <10μm (PM₁₀) by trees as well as seasonal variations. Estimated total pollution removal results are presented in g·m^-2 and in tons. Reducing just 1% of ozone and PM₁₀ in Mexico City can result in benefits of up to 10 million USD per year.

Keywords : Bosques Urbanos ; Calidad del Aire ; Servicios Ambientales .