TITLE:
Tree Role in Environmental Quality Amelioration of the Sapienza University of Rome Campus
AUTHORS:
L. Gratani, F. Tarquini, R. Catoni
KEYWORDS:
Air Temperature, Carbon Storage, Noise Level, Trees Species, University Campus
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.10 No.11,
November
28,
2019
ABSTRACT: The capability of trees growing in the Campus of
Sapienza University of Rome to improve environmental quality was analyzed.
Measurements of CO2 concentration, air temperature and humidity,
traffic density and noise level were carried out along a transect from streets
outside the Campus to sites inside. Moreover, measurements were also carried
out at the Experimental Garden placed inside the Campus. In each of the
considered sites, diameter at breast height, plant height and carbon stored in
the tree aboveground biomass were calculated. Air temperature in summer was 5%
lower inside the Campus than in the surrounding streets, while relative
humidity increased by 4%. CO2 concentration in winter was 11% lower
inside than in the surrounding streets. Carbon stored by trees was 374 Mg to
which Pinus pinea, Cedrus deodara, Quercus ilex and Tilia × europaea contributed by 30%, 20%, 18% and 13%, respectively.
Moreover, noise level was 36% lower inside than in the surrounding streets.