Notice of RetractionAbsorption of Airborne Particulates and Pollutants by Ivy (Hedera helix L) in Oxford, UK

Notice of Retraction

After careful and considered review of the content of this paper by a duly constituted expert committee, this paper has been found to be in violation of IEEE´s Publication Principles.

We hereby retract the content of this paper. Reasonable effort should be made to remove all past references to this paper.

The presenting author of this paper has the option to appeal this decision by contacting TPII@ieee.org.

This study examines the potential bio-protective role of ivy (Hedera helix L) and how it may interact with airborne particulates in urban environments. As dust and pollutants affect human health and may contribute to building deterioration, evaluation of how they interact with ivy can have applied significance. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy ivy leaves collected along on traffic corridors were examined to determine dust absorption rates. Results showed that ivy acts as a ´particle sink´ and was effective in adhering fine (1-2.5 microns) and ultrafine (<;1 micron) particles and pollutants from man-made sources. Findings suggest ivy can retard bio-deteriorative processes on buildings and reduce human exposure to vehicle pollutants.