The existence of PM_2.5 poses significant threats to environmental safety and human health. Although there has been improvement in the atmospheric PM_2.5 levels both domestically and internationally, occurrences of hazy weather still persist. The capability of plants to effectively adsorb and purify PM_2.5 in the atmosphere has garnered considerable attention in ecological studies. In recent years, research in this field has shifted its focus from macro scale to micro scale, transitioning from vegetation areas to individual plant bodies, and from field monitoring to artificial control methods. In light of these developments, this study aims to compare the disparities in PM_2.5 concentration between vegetated and non-vegetated regions on a regional scale. Moreover, it examines the PM_2.5 retention per unit leaf area among different tree species. Two research methods, namely the wind tunnel method and the fumigation method, are employed to investigate the effects of environmental factors on plant-based PM_2.5 purification, taking into account atmospheric PM_2.5 concentration and meteorological factors. The findings reveal certain limitations in the current research landscape. Macro studies often lack comprehensive data on PM_2.5 concentrations in vegetated and non-vegetated areas, while micro studies have yet to delve deep enough into the mechanisms underlying the absorption and retention of PM_2.5 by individual plants. Additionally, there is a lack of high-precision indoor simulations that accurately replicate the external environmental conditions affecting the process and mechanisms of plant-based PM_2.5 absorption and retention, as well as a dearth of research focusing on the direct influence of environmental factors on the absorption and distribution of PM_2.5 by plants. In the future, it is crucial to strengthen the investigation of the dynamic characteristics of PM_2.5 in vegetated and non-vegetated areas. This can be achieved through enhancing the distribution of environmental monitoring stations in specific regions, particularly by increasing the number of stations in non-vegetated areas, and improving the reliability of station equipment. Furthermore, there is a need to intensify research on the correlation between plant traits and their ability to purify PM_2.5, by quantifying the actual purification effects through one-time fumigation during pollution events and analyzing the contribution of different plant organs to PM_2.5 absorption. Lastly, emphasis should be placed on studying the impact and processes of various environmental factors on the absorption and retention of PM_2.5 in plants. Combining artificially controlled experiments with modeling techniques can significantly enhance the reliability of research outcomes and elucidate the interconnected relationship between environmental factors and the absorption and distribution of PM_2.5 in different plant organs.