Impacto del arbolado urbano en la reducción de metales pesados: un análisis de la percepción ciudadana

Urban trees play a key role in reducing atmospheric heavy-metal pollution. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of three tree species to reduce airborne heavy metals and analyzed citizen perceptions and cultural consensus among residents of the municipality of Guadalajara regarding heavy-metal accumulation in urban tree leaves. Our results show that Ficus microcarpa leaves retained the highest concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni), and that leaf washing removed approximately 30% of all analyzed metals. Perception data revealed differences associated with age and educational level; however, notably, 52% of participants believe that heavy metals accumulate in tree leaves. These findings underscore the need for data-driven policies to mitigate atmospheric pollution, as well as the importance of integrating citizen perspectives into urban planning.