particulate-matter
Particulate matter (PM) refers to microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, originating from both natural sources and human activities such as combustion and industrial processes. In plant science, PM is studied for its effects on photosynthesis, gas exchange, and overall plant health, as particles depositing on leaf surfaces can block stomata and reduce light interception. Plants also play a role in PM dynamics by acting as biofilters that capture and accumulate airborne particles, making them valuable tools in air quality research and urban greening strategies.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-05-01
Researchers used drones to measure air pollution at different heights near elevated highways in Fuzhou, China, finding that traffic-related particulate matter is not evenly distributed — residents (and plants) on certain floors of nearby high-rise buildings face significantly different pollution exposure than those at ground level.
Over 100,000 drone-based 10-second measurements were collected, making this one of the most detailed vertical air-quality profiles ever taken near elevated urban roads.
Elevated road infrastructure redirects airflow in ways that create height-dependent 'hot spots' of particulate matter, challenging the assumption that higher altitude means cleaner air.
The study documents 'vertical environmental inequity' — meaning pollution exposure differs significantly by building floor based purely on proximity to and height of nearby road infrastructure.