We aimed to assess air quality and environmental comfort levels in three distinct
microenvironments (understory, pathway, and edge) within the Taipei Botanical Garden. Twelve
sensing monitors were deployed to record data for one year (1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023)
on PM2.5 concentrations, temperature, relative humidity, windspeed, and ambient noise levels.
Windspeed and ambient noise levels were consistently higher at the garden’s edges throughout
the year. During summer (June–August), temperatures at the edges were also higher than those
along pathways and in the understory, while relative humidity was lower, although with a smaller
difference. PM2.5 concentrations increased significantly in winter (December–February), but
differences between microenvironments were minimal throughout the year. During periods of high
pollution-related discomfort, PM2.5 concentrations along pathways were lower than those in the
understory and at the edges. The effective temperature was highest at the garden’s edges during the
daytime but lowest at night. The understory was cooler than the edge when temperatures exceeded
20℃ and slightly warmer at temperatures below 20℃. In addition, vegetation significantly reduced
ambient noise levels, particularly during high-traffic periods. Overall, the differences in comfort
levels between the three microenvironments in the Taipei Botanical Garden mainly reflected
ambient noise levels, while the effects of differences in PM2.5 concentrations and temperature were
relatively minor.