The influence of roadside plants on urban ecology and the treatment of lead pollution

Abstract

Due to the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, lead pollution has become increasingly severe, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment and causing certain harm to human health. The management of lead pollution is also a popular research direction in todays ecological field. Phytoremediation technology, due to its economic efficiency (costs are 15% to 30% of engineering methods), sustainability (carbon footprint reduced by 73%), and ecological friendliness (increase in biodiversity by 58%), has become a core approach for global lead pollution control. Comparative studies between China and Russia show that using a fig tree-biochar composite system in southern China reduces lead leaching risk by 52%, while in the Arctic region of Russia, cold-resistant mycorrhizal willow-wood joint remediation maintains an 89% lead fixation rate even at-30℃, providing a model reference for different climate zones. This paper aims to highlight the important role of roadside plants in urban ecology and their effectiveness in managing urban lead pollution. By reviewing extensive research and analyzing actual cases from multiple countries and regions, it emphasizes that roadside plants are essential components of urban ecological environments and play a crucial role in urban ecological protection. The approach of phytoremediation demonstrates high efficiency, sustainability, economic viability, ecological friendliness, and foresight in addressing lead pollution.