Pollution Solutions: Removing Pollutants from Air

Abstract

As air pollution can affect our health, reducing exposure to this type of pollution is important. The most effective way to reduce exposure to air pollution is by preventing pollution. But this is rarely achieved due to cities expanding over larger areas. The sub-optimal alternative is counteracting pollution, which involves removing pollutants from the air. Cities can use plants and buildings to improve air quality. Plants can improve air quality by increasing the distance between traffic and pedestrians, making sure pollutants settle, and decomposing organic molecules, microorganisms, and nitric oxide pollutants into harmless molecules. Buildings can be used to filter or absorb pollutants so that fewer particles float around.

Credit: This chapter is based on four scientific articles by Ioannis Manisalidis, C. Nick Hewitt, Elżbieta Stanaszek-Tomal, Elena Cristiano and their colleagues. (Full citations and link available at the end of the chapter)

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