Economic Valuation of PM2.5 Removal by Urban Trees in Parque Metropolitano Bicentenario, Toluca City, Mexico

Abstract

PM_2.5 are highly polluting atmospheric particles, especially in urban areas where they endanger the health of their inhabitants. Their retention by trees can reduce their concentration. This process also brings economic benefits by reducing the incidence of pollution-related diseases. This study evaluated PM_2.5 removal by urban trees and its economic valuation in the Parque Metropolitano Bicentenario (PMB), Toluca City, Mexico, using the i-Tree Eco model, which integrates tree dasometric data and meteorological conditions from the Nueva Oxtotitlán-15211 station, located 3.4 km from the study area. PM_2.5 concentration was obtained from the Toluca Centro monitoring station, located 0.87 km from the PMB, and was analyzed using Fisher's LSD method with a 95% confidence level. Trees retained a total of 120.93 kg year⁻¹ of PM_2.5 in PMB, valued at MXN 1 244 611.34. Hesperocyparis lusitanica retained 102.11 kg year⁻¹ (MXN 1 050 808.68), followed by Pinus montezumae (7.60 kg year⁻¹, MXN 78 176.07), mainly due to their persistent foliage, waxy cuticle, and high canopy cover (52.54%). The highest retention occurred in May–July (50 719 kg year⁻¹, MXN 521 973.45), coinciding with peak leaf area index (LAI 7.07) and biomass (202.63 t). Seasonal changes influenced the dispersion and deposition of PM_2.5. This highlights the importance of evergreen species and canopy structure in maximizing PM_2.5 air pollution mitigation and their economic value under changing climatic conditions.