Plants play larger role than thought in cleaning up air pollution

October 22, 2010

By hammersmith

[Source: ScienceDaily] – Vegetation plays an unexpectedly large role in cleansing the atmosphere, a new study finds.

The research, led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo., uses observations, gene expression studies, and computer modeling to show that deciduous plants absorb about a third more of a common class of air-polluting chemicals than previously thought.

The new study, results of which are being published in Science Express, was conducted with co-authors from the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Arizona. It was supported in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF), NCAR’s sponsor.

For more information: Plants Play Larger Role Than Thought in Cleaning Up Air Pollution, Research Shows