So you thought plants are non-polluting? Three studies released recently by German scientists have turned this belief upside down. According to them, stressed plants release toluene, a smog-forming compound. This discovery could complicate pollution measurements. The results of the experiment show sunflowers and Scots pines emit toluene when stressed due to injury and nutrient deficiency. One of the scientists has been measuring plant emissions in the Amazonian forests. Suprisingly, he found toluene levels increasing in the rainforest canopy far from human sources. "However, at the moment, we cannot explain this by anthropogenic pollution," he says.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.