Climbing Plants on Acoustic Barriers as Bioaccumulators of Airborne Pollutants: A Study of PM and Heavy Metal Deposition and Physiological Plant Responses - Dataset

This study investigates the role of climbing plants grown on various types of noise barriers in the accumulation of airborne particulate matter (PM) and heavy metals, as well as the physiological responses of the vegetation. Two barrier types—standard vertical walls and planter-based green barriers—were analyzed under urban environmental conditions. Climbing species such as Parthenocissus quinquefolia and Vitis riparia were assessed for their pollutant retention capacity. PM and metal concentrations were quantified from leaf surfaces and plant tissues. Physiological parameters, including chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency were evaluated. The results indicate that vegetated barriers significantly contribute to air pollutant capture, with planter-based systems showing enhanced accumulation. However, elevated pollutant loads were associated with measurable physiological stress in the climbing plants. These findings highlight both the ecological value and biological limitations of using climbing vegetation in urban greening and pollution mitigation strategies.