Meghan Hodges
Plants and animals play a crucial role in maintaining a clean environment by filtering out pollution. NASA's Clean Air Study found that certain indoor plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants from the air. Outdoor plants, such as pine species and conifers, also reduce particulate pollution from diesel combustion and industrial emissions. Additionally, animals contribute to the ecosystem by helping to reduce ammonia emissions, which come largely from animal waste in the US. While plants and animals are nature's purifiers, it is important to note that some indoor plants can be toxic to pets, so it is recommended to consult a local gardening expert or a resource like the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page before bringing plants into a home with animals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How plants filter pollution | Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, filtering various pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. |
| Specific pollutants removed by plants | Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
| Plants that filter pollution | Peace lilies, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena, broad-leaf lady palm, pine species, conifers, cotoneaster franchetii, rubber plants, spider plants, chrysanthemums, and Chinese evergreens |
| Animal pollution | In the US, animal waste contributes 50-85% of ammonia emissions |
| Impact of pollution on plants | Reduced plant growth, distorted pollen structure, discoloured needles, and foliar injury |
| Impact of pollution on animals | Respiratory problems, reduced food availability, reproductive issues, bioaccumulation, habitat loss, behavioural changes, weakened immune systems, and toxins in the bloodstream |
| Limitations of plants in filtering pollution | Plants may not be effective in removing high concentrations of pollutants, especially in cases of significant air pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Plants improve air quality by filtering pollutants
NASA's research has shown that certain common indoor plants are incredibly efficient at absorbing contaminants in the air, so much so that some will be used in biological life support systems in future space stations. The specific plants identified by NASA include peace lilies, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena, and broad-leaf lady palm, all of which can filter harmful gases in homes.
The benefits of plants as natural air purifiers extend beyond the absorption of carbon dioxide and the removal of VOCs. Plants can also filter out particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. A study from Lancaster University found that trees and plants between a road and a front door can reduce indoor particulate matter by half, showcasing the ability of plants to act as a natural barrier against outdoor pollution.
In addition to their air-purifying qualities, plants also provide aesthetic and psychological benefits. They enhance the look of a space and have been shown to reduce stress and improve mood and overall well-being. Furthermore, plants are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and do not require electricity to operate.
While plants are excellent natural air purifiers, it is important to note that they should not be solely relied upon, especially in cases of significant air pollution. Plants can be used in conjunction with air purifiers for optimal indoor air quality. Additionally, some plants may be toxic to pets, so it is crucial to research and choose pet-safe options.
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Some plants are toxic to animals and humans
Plants are natural air purifiers, reducing air and soil contamination and improving air quality. They can help reduce indoor air pollution, such as particulate matter, and clean toxic soil. However, some plants are toxic to animals and humans, and it is essential to be aware of these dangers when bringing plants into your home or garden.
Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs. For example, lilies from the Lilium and Hemerocallis families are highly toxic to cats, and even a small amount ingested can lead to acute renal failure within 12-36 hours. Lilies are also mildly toxic to dogs. Similarly, azaleas and rhododendrons, which contain grayantoxins, can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, weakness, and central nervous system depression in animals. Ingestion of azaleas by pets can even lead to coma and death. In addition, the popular houseplant aloe vera is toxic to both cats and dogs. Chrysanthemums, cyclamens, daffodils, ferns, and holly are also toxic to cats and dogs and should be avoided by pet owners.
Some plants can also be toxic to humans, particularly children. For example, the peace lily, a plant that removes household toxins, is toxic to cats, dogs, and children and can cause burning, swelling, and skin irritation. Rubber plants and Chinese evergreens are other examples of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.
It is important to research plants before bringing them into your home or garden, especially if you have pets or young children. Resources such as the ASPCA's Poisonous Plants list and the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page can help identify plants that are safe for your family and pets.
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Pine species and conifers reduce diesel and industrial particulate pollution
Plants and trees are natural purifiers that can help combat air pollution. They act as PM purifiers, trapping particulate matter (PM) that can cause lung and cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and heart disease. According to Prashant Kumar, founding director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey, conifers, such as pine species and cypresses, offer the best PM reduction as they are an evergreen species. Their dense canopy of needle-like leaves is very effective at trapping pollutants.
In 2015, Jun Yang, an urban ecologist at the Center for Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, ranked the most common tree species in cities based on their PM 2.5 absorption capacity. Conifers, including pines and cypresses, were found to be the best pollution filters. Yang concluded that planting conifers would be most effective in reducing PM2.5 levels in highly polluted cities like Beijing.
The success of conifers in reducing pollution is attributed to their canopy structure. The dense canopy of needle-like leaves characteristic of conifers effectively traps pollutants. Additionally, conifers help reduce PM through dispersion. When concentrated clouds of minuscule particles collide with conifers, the particles become dispersed and diluted in the air, reducing the risk of inhalation by humans.
While conifers are effective pollution filters, it is important to consider local conditions and ecosystems when selecting tree species for urban planning. Kumar co-authored a guide to assist urban planners in choosing species that mitigate roadside pollution, listing 61 species with traits like rugged leaves that are suited for air-pollution reduction. Among these species, evergreen oaks, pine species, and common yew were highlighted as potentially the most effective.
However, it is worth noting that some studies have suggested that pine trees can also contribute to air pollution. Research by Donahue and colleagues at the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies described the chemical processes by which aerosols emitted by diesel exhaust and other human-made sources are transformed into particles with different chemical compositions. These particles can then be aged by hydroxyl (OH) radicals, leading to altered properties and increased particulate matter in the atmosphere.
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Air pollution impacts plant reproduction and growth
Plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. However, air pollution poses a significant threat to their survival and functioning. The effects of air pollution on plant reproduction and growth are profound and far-reaching.
Pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides can interfere with the photosynthesis process, hindering a plant's ability to convert light into chemical energy. This interference can lead to a decline in crop yield, as evidenced by studies showing that a 10% reduction in photosynthesis can result in a 5-8% decrease in crop production.
The structural integrity of pollen is also affected by air pollution. Pollutants can distort pollen, impairing its function and making reproduction challenging for plants. This disruption has cascading effects on the ecosystem, leading to food shortages for herbivores and subsequent impacts on their predators.
Visible signs of air pollution damage on plants include discolouration, patches, or lesions on leaves. Additionally, air pollution can cause reduced growth rates, smaller leaves and fruits, weakened defences against pests and diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and soil contamination.
Furthermore, air pollution can lead to increased ozone levels, which cause tissue damage and reduce the plant's ability to produce food. The presence of pollutants can also contribute to acid rain, causing leaf damage and nutrient loss, as well as increased toxins that impact growth and reproduction.
Understanding the effects of air pollution on plants is crucial for developing effective mitigation and conservation strategies to protect our ecological systems.
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Animals are affected by air pollution, too
Animals, just like humans, are affected by air pollution. The effects of air pollution on animals range from respiratory problems to habitat loss. Air pollution can cause lung damage and breathing difficulties in animals. For example, in the US, birds like sparrows and kestrels living in urban areas have shown reduced hatch rates.
Respiratory problems in animals due to air pollution can lead to a variety of ailments, including bronchitis, asthma, and even irreversible lung damage. The pollutants in the air can also lead to hormonal disruptions and reduced fertility in animals. Additionally, air pollution can cause toxins to enter the bloodstream, resulting in direct organ damage.
Another impact of air pollution on animals is the reduced availability of food sources. This is because plants, which are the primary source of food for herbivores, are affected by pollutants that distort the structural integrity of pollens, hindering their reproduction. As a result, herbivores face food shortages, which further affect the predators that depend on them.
Air pollution also contributes to habitat loss for animals. Deforestation and habitat degradation caused by air pollution lead to the destruction of animal habitats, forcing them to migrate or adapt to new environments. Climate change caused by air pollution can also alter the microclimates that animals are accustomed to, creating stressful living conditions.
The weakening of animal immune systems due to air pollution is another concerning issue. Pollutants can increase the susceptibility of animals to various diseases. For example, amphibian populations in the US have experienced sharp declines due to compromised immunity, making them more vulnerable to fungal infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Plants filter out pollution through photosynthesis and transpiration, removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Animals do not filter out pollution.
Some plants that filter out pollution include peace lilies, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena, broad-leaf lady palm, and pine species.
Yes, plants may not be as effective in removing high concentrations of pollutants as air purifiers. Additionally, some plants may be toxic to pets and children, so it is important to do your research before introducing new plants into your space.
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