Publication Date
7-17-2025
In many suburban areas, particularly around Greater Houston, rapid residential expansion has contributed to declining air quality. This study investigates the impact of vegetation barriers in mitigating pollution caused by ongoing construction, with a specific focus on FM 1463 in Fulshear, TX, 77441. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has stated that the construction project would not significantly deteriorate air quality; however, their assessment failed to consider the effects on PM 2.5 levels. This study examines whether the construction had measurable effects on air quality by comparing AQI and PM 2.5 data from 2020 and 2024. Additionally, it evaluates the role of species diversity in increasing the efficiency of vegetative barriers as a nature-based solution for pollution mitigation. Through quantitative analysis of air quality at four locations, each with different vegetation compositions, the results indicate that greater species diversity correlates with improved pollutant mitigation. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive urban planning strategies that incorporate diverse vegetation barriers to address the air quality concerns associated with suburban expansion.
Recommended Citation
Pasunuri, Ananya R.
(2025)
"An Inquiry into the Effectiveness of Vegetation Barrier Composition on Air Pollutant Mitigation in Fulshear, Texas, 77441,"
Cities and the Environment (CATE):
Vol. 18:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
DOI: 10.15365/cate.2025.180202
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cate/vol18/iss2/2
DOI
10.15365/cate.2025.180202
