A Practical Green Infrastructure Intervention to Mitigate Air Pollution in a UK School Playground

Air pollution severely compromises children’s health and development, causing physical mental implications. We have explored the use of site-specific green infrastructure (green barriers) in a school playground Sheffield, UK, as an air-pollution-mitigation measure to improve environment. The study assessed air quality pre-post intervention compared it with two control sites. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) particulate matter <2.5 µm size (PM2.5) concentration change was via three methods: (1) continuous monitoring fixed devices (de-seasonalised); (2) monthly diffusion tubes (spatial analysis); (3) intermittent mobile device at height analysis). De-seasonalised results indicate reduction 13% for NO2 2% PM2.5 after years plant establishment. Further reductions levels (25%) were observed during exceptionally low mobility period (first COVID-19 lockdown); this is contrary levels, which increased. Additionally, particles captured by barrier plant, Hedera helix ‘Woerner’, analysed using SEM/EDX techniques. Particle elemental analysis suggested natural potential anthropogenic origins, potentially signalling vehicle traffic. Overall, barriers are valid complementary tool quality, quantifiable significant changes even our space-constrained site.