Vertical Allies in Air Purification: Evaluating Climbing Plants for Particulate Matter Retention - Dataset

The increase in particulate matter (PM) air pollution in urban areas poses a serious threat to public health, and the development of green infrastructure is one of the most accessible and effective ways to mitigate it. This study aimed to assess the retention and wash-off capacity of PM by 14 species of climbing plants, with particular attention to leaf morphology. A field experiment combined with simulated rainfall was used to analyze three PM types: washed-off (RWPM), leaf surface-retained (SPM), and leaf waxes-embedded (WPM). Results showed significant interspecific variation in total PM accumulation and the distribution of individual PM fractions. The results revealed significant differences between species in their total PM accumulation and in the proportion of PM fractions. Some species retained more PM in the waxes layer, indicating a higher potential for long-term retention, while others had most particles easily rinsed off. The findings highlight the importance of species selection in green infrastructure planning, especially where air purification is a desired ecosystem service. Climbers can be a valuable element of vertical greenery systems contributing to the reduction of PM pollution.