Title: Selection of the most suitable tree species in urban areas based on their capability of capturing heavy metals: a forest policy approach

Authors: Stefanos Tsiaras; Theano Samara

Addresses: Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 541 24, Greece ' Hellenic Agricultural Organisation – DEMETER, Forest Research Institute of Thessaloniki, Vassilika, Thessaloniki, 57 006, Greece

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to select the most suitable tree species in urban areas, taking into consideration their capability of capturing heavy metals. Five of the most common tree species for urban green in Greece were examined with the use of the PROMETHEE method, considering as criteria the captivity of seven heavy metals: manganese, zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel. The best choice among the alternatives is the Arizona cypress; a reasonable outcome, because as an evergreen species it absorbs heavy metals during the whole year, contrary to deciduous tree species. Broadleaves species with compound leaves could also capture high quantities of heavy metals. The selection of these species would have important benefits for the citizens of Thessaloniki, a city characterised by lack of urban green. Forest policy can play an important role in planning the green spaces in cities in an attempt to increase urban green.

Keywords: air pollution; urban green; multiple criteria decision analysis; MCDA; PROMETHEE; forest policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2019.101374

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2019 Vol.5 No.1, pp.15 - 24

Received: 10 Dec 2018
Accepted: 10 Feb 2019
Published online: 05 Aug 2019 *

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