Potential Impacts of Green Infrastructure on NOx and PM10 in Different Local Climate Zones of Brindisi, Italy

Abstract

This study delves into Green Infrastructure (GI) planning in Brindisi, Italy, evaluating its influence on urban air quality and thermal comfort. Employing an LCZ-centered Geographic Information System (GIS)-based classification protocol, the prevalence of LCZ 6 (Open low-rise) and LCZ 2 (Compact mid-rise) is highlighted. Despite generally low PM10 levels in Brindisi, intermittent NOx spikes surpassing WHO and EU standards pose health risks. Within LCZ 2, diverse GI interventions (green walls, hedges, trees) were tested, with green walls emerging as the most effective, albeit falling short of expectations, while trees exhibited adverse air quality impacts. LCZ 6 demonstrated enhanced air quality attributed to wind patterns, GI, and urban canyon improvements. Thermal comfort analysis consistently revealed positive outcomes across various GI types, reducing discomfort by a minimum of 10%. The study emphasized GI’s favorable comfort impact on sidewalks but cautioned against trees in street canyons with aspect ratios exceeding 0.7, heightening pollutant levels and implying increased exposure risks. Conversely, street canyons with lower aspect ratios displayed variable conditions influenced by prevailing regional wind patterns. In conclusion, the integrated assessment of LCZ and GI holds promise for informed urban planning, guiding decisions that prioritize healthier, more sustainable cities. This underscores the crucial need to balance GI strategies for optimal urban development, aligning with the overarching goal of promoting urban well-being and sustainability.

A Three-Wavelength Optical Sensor for Measuring the Multi-Particle-Size Channel Mass Concentration of Thermal Power Plant Emissions

“…Environmental pollution is becoming more and more serious with social development. With the increasing concern and demand for environmental protection, the pressure on environmental protection is rising [ 1 ]. As an important pollutant in emissions, particulate matter (PM) [ 2 ] affects human health in a way related not only to its concentration but also closely to its particle size [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Assessment of the Potential Contribution of the Urban Green System to the Carbon Balance of Cities

“…Urban parks offer greenery that aids in carbon storage and sequestration, along with providing citizens with numerous ecosystem benefits such as the mitigation of urban heat islands [10], the improvement of air quality through pollutant absorption and deposition [11,12], the enhancement of flood protection via increased soil permeability [13], and the promotion of human well-being [14]. Quantifying the capacity of the urban green system to impact the city-level carbon balance and offset anthropogenic emissions is a complex issue.…”

Assessment of the Potential Contribution of the Urban Green System to the Carbon Balance of Cities

“…Urban parks offer greenery that aids in carbon storage and sequestration, along with providing citizens with numerous ecosystem benefits such as the mitigation of urban heat islands [10], the improvement of air quality through pollutant absorption and deposition [11,12], the enhancement of flood protection via increased soil permeability [13], and the promotion of human well-being [14]. 2 Quantifying the capacity of the urban green system to impact the city-level carbon balance and offset anthropogenic emissions is a complex issue.…”