Particulate matter deposition on roadside plants and the importance of leaf trait combinations

Abstract Road and vehicle use in urban environments are key contributors to urban air pollution and increase concentrations of carbon monoxide, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and particulate matter (particles Acacia parramattensis and A. longifolia , the composition and concentration of metals in deposited particulate matter. We found particulate deposition varied according to species and leaf shapes but not sample months and, those species with leaf hairs accumulated significantly more particulate matter. Furthermore, we found metals associated with vehicle use including copper, chromium and manganese in collected particulate matter. Ultimately, our results highlight the importance leaf trait combinations can have in affecting particulate matter deposition.