Earth:Air pollution on vegetation
The effects of air pollution on our[who?] general life have been well documented, but a specific interest group[1] focusing on gardens and wildlife have been researched by local organisations.[2] Other national[3] and international organisations monitor air pollution also research its effects on people and vegetation.
Forecasts
Public interest has necessitated the need for ready available pollution tools and a forecast map was published by DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) [4] This site features a colour coded outlook forecast which can be viewed up to five days ahead.
Research
A pilot project was undertaken in a Sheffield park to determine the effects of air pollution on plant life growth patterns. The project has since completed and was managed by a research graduate whose work is being verified. This project and future comparative studies will show how air pollutants affect topical scorching on plant leaf and stunted growth as measured on cytokinins. Some of the plants used in this project included snap beans, wheat and white clover whose surface structure is susceptible to pollutants like ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Medical symptoms like lung irritation can be observed with the increase in air pollutants.[5] Crop yields are also stunted.
Hand held pollution monitors
Hand held monitors that are able to monitor volatile organic compounds, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are increasingly been purchased by consumers in the expectation of citizen monitoring.[6] An indiegogo project also raised funds for a smaller more cost effective hand held device that can be linked to a mobile device for push notifications.[7]
Animation
animation coming soon
Press
A recent newspaper article highlighted the need to research air pollution and its effects on vegetation.[8] This follows many features in national broadcasters that highlight the increase in health problems attributed to air pollutants.[5] Government organisations[9] have increased their promotion of clean air policies in the hope lower health care costs.
References
- ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel/problems_in_environment/pollutionrev2.shtml
- ↑ "Air pollution monitoring in Sheffield". Sheffield government. https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/environment/air-quality/monitoring.html.
- ↑ "UK-AIR: Air Information Resource". https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/.
- ↑ "Pollution Forecast - Defra, UK". https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/forecasting/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Roberts, Michelle (2016-02-23). "UK air pollution 'linked to 40,000 early deaths a year'" (in en-GB). BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35629034.
- ↑ "Air Quality Testing, Monitoring, Air Quality Measurement". http://www.tsi.com/air-quality-monitoring/.
- ↑ "Atmotube: The Portable Air Pollution Monitor" (in en-US). https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/atmotube-the-portable-air-pollution-monitor-environment#/.
- ↑ "Sheffield gets UK's 'first air pollution garden'" (in en-GB). BBC News. 2016-06-13. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36518213.
- ↑ https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/environment/air-quality/air-aware-sheffield
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