Phytoremediation potential of selected herbaceous species in vertical gardens for urban air pollution mitigation and integration with the EU Emissions Trading System

The cognitive objective was to prove the thesis that vertical gardens based on the proper selection of plant species are capable of purposefully and efficiently reducing air pollution in the urban environment. Simultaneously, the practical purpose is to propose a response of the construction industry with an original method to the European Emissions Trading System to reach the Zero-Emission objective. The research applies the analysis of the most common pollutions in metropolitan areas, using the example of Cracow, field experimentation methods, biochemical and laboratory studies, statistical analysis, and quantitative techniques. The relevant qualities and adequacy of the chosen species with valued medicinal and health-promoting properties were tested. The plant species used included fennel spike (Agastache Foeniculum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), chives (Allium schoenoprasum), dill (Anethum graveolens) and common ivy (Hedera helix). The analysis proved that a significant level of phytoremediation of air pollutants can be achieved with vertical gardens. The technology offers a promising nature-based solution concerning its combined innovation responding to the new trend in food production – urban farming and effective greenhouse gas reduction.