Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Reduction and Air Quality Improvement through Rooftop Farming in Urban Areas

Abstract

Growing urbanisation and industrialisation in urban areas have increased gaseous emissions, particularly in peripheral industrial areas. This pollution is mainly associated with CO2 and other greenhouse gases, among which CO2 is a major component. Carbon dioxide affects human beings and the environment. Emissions arise from several sources, including vehicles, industrial activities, domestic fuel use and other urban activities, whereas vegetation associated with rooftop farming can contribute to CO2 reduction. In the township, the CO2 level was recorded at 449 ppm. Lower carbon dioxide concentrations were observed in rooftop farming (RTF) areas because plants absorb CO2 through stomatal movement during photosynthesis. Dense plant growth in RTF areas reduced CO2 and supported the presence of fresher air for people spending leisure time on rooftops in the evening. The variation in CO2 levels associated with RTF vegetation was observed over five consecutive years, from 2021 to 2025. During festival periods, increased vehicle movement and traffic congestion contributed to higher CO2 emissions. The manuscript is important because it shows how rooftop farming can help reduce carbon dioxide levels and improve air quality in urban areas. This study also explains how plants on rooftops can provide fresher air and support small-scale climate resilience in cities affected by pollution and traffic emissions. Furthermore, the findings can help researchers, environmental scientists and city planners develop more sustainable approaches for managing urban pollution. The present study demonstrated that vegetation plays a significant role in the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Urban areas with rooftop gardens and other green spaces exhibited comparatively lower CO2 concentrations, thereby contributing to improved environmental quality and potentially reducing adverse impacts on ecosystems and human populations. Through photosynthesis, plants assimilate atmospheric CO2 and convert it into biomass, resulting in carbon storage and sequestration. This process contributes to the mitigation of environmental carbon footprints and supports climate change mitigation efforts. In contrast, non-vegetated or bare urban areas were associated with elevated CO2 concentrations, largely attributable to anthropogenic activities, including vehicular emissions, industrial discharges and the use of cooking fuels in densely populated residential and informal settlement areas. These findings highlight the importance of urban vegetation in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels and enhancing environmental sustainability.