Cyrano wrote: ↑01 Jan 2025 21:11
A bit of wishful thinking that's more suited for WhatsApp University.
Plants and trees cannot absorb pollutants through air, like they definitely do from the soil along with absorbed water, and other nutrients. (MetaAI in whatsapp is not wishful tinking )
The only thing I know of that plants absorb directly from air is CO2, which is not a pollutant in the present concentration levels in the atmosphere at 0.04% or about 400 parts per million. There is enough research that shows the earth had periods of much higher CO2 concentration - 2x to 3x and even more without the oceans boiling away to heavens.
What plants do is act as physical barriers and filters against dust particles and pollutants suspended in air. Which is good enough reason to increase green cover and plants in urban areas.
While the statement mentions that plants absorb CO2 from the air is correct, it overlooks the fact that plants can also
absorb other substances, including pollutants, directly from the air.
Eg:
Ozone (O3): Plants can absorb ozone through their stomata, which can damage their tissues and impair growth.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Plants can absorb NO2, which can contribute to the formation of nitric acid and other harmful compounds within the plant.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Some plants can absorb VOCs, such as benzene and toluene, which are emitted by industrial activities and vehicles.
Heavy metals: While primarily absorbed through the soil, some plants can also absorb heavy metals like lead and mercury through their leaves.
Regarding CO2 concentrations,
the statement is accurate in stating that the Earth has experienced higher CO2 levels in the past. and
oceans did not boil away to heavens.However,
it's essential to note that:
Past CO2 concentrations were often accompanied by higher temperatures, which had significant impacts on the Earth's climate and ecosystems.
One period that saw exceptionally high CO2 levels was around
3 to 5 million years ago, during the Mid-Pliocene Warm Period. At that time, CO2 concentrations reached approximately 400 parts per million (ppm), similar to today's levels - it had
profound effects on the planet. Global average surface temperatures were about 2 to 3.5°C higher than in the pre-industrial period, and sea levels were at least 16 feet higher than they were in 1900 The warmer climate also led to significant changes in ocean temperature, circulation, chemistry, and biology.
Around 50 million years ago, CO2 levels may have reached as high as 1000 ppm.
During this period, the Earth's average temperature was ~ 10°C warmer than today.
The current rate of CO2 increase is unprecedented in Earth's history, and it's primarily driven by human activities like fossil fuel burning and deforestation.
The statement's tone downplays the significance of current CO2 concentrations, which are causing concern among scientists.
Added later: Simple google search gives these:
(Reputable sources/links for plant absorption of pollutants:
Plant-based remediation of air pollution: A review
If interested do a google for the links/papers for below:
Plant antioxidant enzymes activated by endophytes help plants withstand oxidants triggered by pollutants .
Foliar surfaces of plants can absorb airborne pollutants, reducing their concentrations in indoor environments
Plant leaves can adsorb or absorb air pollutants, and habituated microbes on leaf surfaces (endophytes) can transform pollutants into less or nontoxic molecules .
Plants produce oxygen, which helps maintain a healthy atmospheric balance and improves air quality in densely populated urban areas .
Plant species like M. indica, Alstonia scholaris, and F. benghalensis have been reported to have high air-purifying potentia