Reducing pollution from aerosol particles has the potential to enhance air quality and positively impact plant photosynthesis, ultimately aiding in the fight against climate change. A team led by Liyin He, Lorenzo Rosa, and Joe Berry, affiliated with Carnegie, utilized satellite data to assess photosynthetic activity and aerosol pollution across Europe. Their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed a correlation between decreased industrial production and commuting on weekends and increased carbon capture by plants.
Plants play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through photosynthesis, a process converting solar energy into chemical energy while absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. However, poor air quality resulting from aerosol pollution, emitted during commuting and fossil fuel burning, hampers this process. Aerosols not only affect air quality and human health but also interfere with sunlight absorption crucial for plant growth.
Using the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) aboard the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite, the research team measured photosynthetic activity in Europe. The team observed a weekly cycle, with peak activity on weekends and a decline during the week, mirroring aerosol pollution patterns. Similar trends were noted during COVID-19 lockdowns when commuting reduced.
The researchers proposed that maintaining weekend levels of photosynthetic activity throughout the week by curtailing particulate pollution could remove 40 to 60 megatons of carbon dioxide annually. This reduction would contribute to climate goals and enhance agricultural productivity without expanding land use. The study highlights the policy implications for European governments aiming to capture 500 megatons of carbon dioxide annually, emphasizing the dual benefits of improving air quality and meeting climate targets.
In summary, the research underscores the potential positive impact of reducing aerosol pollution on both air quality and plant-driven carbon capture, offering a sustainable approach to addressing climate change and supporting policy decisions.
Also read: WEATHER IMPACTED BY MICROPLASTIC PARTICLES FOUND IN CLOUDS: KNOW MORE ABOUT IT
