Modeling the Effects of Vegetation on Air Purification Through Computational Fluid Dynamics in Different Neighborhoods of Beijing
Previous research has established that vegetation can significantly improve air quality. However, numerical simulations examining the purification effects of vegetation on air pollutants at the neighborhood scale remain limited, particularly regarding different neighborhood typologies. This study de...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/995 |
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| Summary: | Previous research has established that vegetation can significantly improve air quality. However, numerical simulations examining the purification effects of vegetation on air pollutants at the neighborhood scale remain limited, particularly regarding different neighborhood typologies. This study detailed the vegetation, buildings, and pollution emissions within neighborhoods by combining high-resolution imagery with field surveys. Then, a computational fluid dynamics model—validated through field monitoring—was used to design two scenarios to simulate and evaluate the air-purifying effects of vegetation in two typical Beijing neighborhoods. The simulation results were also well validated by the trial-and-error method compared with the computation of vegetation absorption coefficients. Findings indicated that in the Dashilar Traditional Hutong Community, vegetation contributed to reductions of 2.39% in PM<sub>2.5</sub> and 3.35% in CO, whereas in the east campus of Beijing University of Technology Pingleyuan, reductions were more substantial, reaching 10.07% for PM<sub>2.5</sub> and 8.21% for CO. The results also showed that the size and configuration of green patches directly influence PM<sub>2.5</sub> purification efficiency, with consolidated green areas outperforming scattered patches in particle absorption and deposition. Additionally, extensive vegetation near high-rise buildings may not yield the intended purification benefits. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for sustainable urban planning practices aimed at enhancing air quality. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-5309 |