Effect of atmospheric emissions on ecological and physiological parameters of plants

Abstract

The problem of air pollution is one of the most serious global problems of humanity. The danger of air pollution is not only that harmful substances that are detrimental to living organisms enter clean air, but also in the pollution-induced climate change of the Earth. Air pollution from human activities has led to an almost 30 per cent increase in carbon dioxide concentrations over the past 200 years. Nevertheless, mankind continues to actively burn fossil fuels and destroy forests. The process is so widespread that it leads to global environmental problems. Air pollution also occurs from other human activities. Combustion of fuel in thermal power plants is accompanied by the emission of sulfur dioxide. Nitrogen oxides enter the atmosphere with the exhaust gases of cars. Carbon monoxide is formed during the incomplete combustion of fuel. Besides, it is worth noting the fine solid pollutants, such as soot and dust. Most industrial emissions into the atmosphere have a harmful effect on vegetation. The main industrial gases are arranged in the following order according to the degree of decrease in their toxicity: fluorine, chlorine, sulfurous anhydride, nitrogen oxides, and ammonia. However, the extent of the lesion is determined not only by the toxicity of substances, but also by their emissions. The presence of pollutants in the atmosphere generally has a detrimental effect on plants, and this effect is noticeable at much lower concentrations than that of animals.