RETRACTED: Evaluating Ecological Contributions of Tree Assemblages in Urban Expressway Interchange Landscapes: A Case Study from Nanjing, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urban expressway interchanges, though primarily engineered for traffic efficiency, also serve as crucial ecological nodes within urban landscapes. This study evaluates the ecological functions of arborous vegetation across four typical interchange configurations—cloverleaf, single trumpet, double trumpet, and irregular—along the Nanjing Ring Expressway. Using the i-Tree Eco model, we quantified key ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and storage, air pollutant removal, and stormwater mitigation. Field surveys documented 7985 trees from 45 species, with the 10 most abundant accounting for over two-thirds of total individuals. Results revealed that the trees sequester around 115 tons of carbon annually and store nearly 1850 tons in total, equivalent to an estimated economic benefit of ¥5.8 million. Trees also removed more than 1.5 tons of air pollutants and intercepted nearly 2400 cubic meters of stormwater each year. Species such as Sophora japonica, Phoebe zhennan, and Cinnamomum camphora emerged as key contributors to ecological performance. Among interchange types, double trumpet configurations yielded the highest overall service value, while single trumpet interchanges demonstrated superior efficiency per unit area. These findings highlight the underutilized ecological potential of transport-adjacent green spaces and underscore the importance of species selection and spatial design in maximizing multifunctional benefits.

Source: Forests

DOI: 10.3390/f16081355

Authors: Mingxing Xu, Lu Ding

Institutions: Guangxi Arts University, Jiangsu University, Purdue University West Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Urban Arborization and Environmental Studies

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137