Methodology for substantiating the effectiveness of dust capture by “green” roofs

Abstract

Introduction. The analysis of practical and theoretical experience shows a significant impact of “green” roofs to reduce the concentration of PM2.5, but the existing methods do not allow in calculating the concentration of pollutants to take into account the dust absorption capacity of the plantations in respect of PM2.5 particles. The aim of this work is to create a method to justify the effectiveness of “green” roofs to reduce fine PM2.5 particles to increase the environmental safety of the urban environment (as applied to the RF) according to the proposed typology based on the developed mathematical model. Materials and methods. Analytical generalization and systematization of scientific research, mathematical methods were applied. Results. The developed method represents a sequence of 29 actions, the implementation of which will lead to a conclusion about whether to green the existing building roof, and whether it will be effective in terms of reducing the concentration of fine particles PM2.5 in the air environment. Performing the actions involves performing a calculation in accordance with a mathematical model. The final numerical result of this methodology will be the average for the summer period of time daily accumulation of dust on the surface of the “green” roof in grams. The greater the value, the more effective the device “green” roof in the selected location in terms of improving the environmental safety of the city. Conclusions. The developed method has practical significance and can be used in various urban planning scenarios, when it is necessary to evaluate numerically the effectiveness of the “green” roof on a particular building, which is carried out at the design stage by comparing different options for placement of “green” roofs and choose the best of them (for which, other things being equal, the average daily dust accumulation PM2.5 for the summer period in grams on the surface of the “green” roof will be the greatest) in terms of ensuring environmental safety.