Atmospheric Pollutants and Plant Growth Responses

Atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter exert profound influences on plant physiology and development. These compounds, primarily originating from combustion processes and industrial activities, can disrupt photosynthetic machinery and gas exchange, impose oxidative stress and alter nutrient uptake. At moderate concentrations, some pollutants may function as signalling molecules, stimulating growth or defence pathways, whereas at higher levels they impair cellular function, trigger stomatal closure and diminish biomass accumulation. Central to plant responses are mechanisms that mitigate reactive oxygen species, adjust carbon assimilation and regulate gene networks governing stress tolerance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience, optimising urban greening strategies and safeguarding agricultural productivity in a changing atmosphere.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have examined the contrasting responses of two Carpinus species to elevated NO₂ concentrations and their capacity for recovery. When seedlings were exposed to high‐concentration NO₂ fumigation, one species exhibited delayed peroxidase activation and maintained membrane integrity more effectively than the other, highlighting interspecific differences in oxidative defence. Following a 30‐day recovery period in clean air, both species demonstrated restoration of photosynthetic performance and metabolite levels, indicating reversible damage and the role of endogenous detoxification pathways in driving resilience under episodic pollution events.

Atmospheric Pollutants and Plant Growth Responses publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in atmospheric pollutants and plant growth responses across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Stomatal conductance: A measure of the rate at which CO₂ enters and water vapour exits leaves through stomata, influencing photosynthesis and transpiration.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen, generated under stress and capable of damaging proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

Photosystem II (PSII): A protein complex in the chloroplast thylakoid membrane that drives the initial light‐dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Antioxidant enzymes: Proteins such as peroxidases and superoxide dismutases that neutralise ROS and protect cellular structures.

Photorespiration: A metabolic pathway that consumes oxygen and releases CO₂, often increased under stress, helping to dissipate excess energy.

References

1. Physiological and biochemical responses of two precious Carpinus species to high-concentration NO2 stress and their natural recovery. Scientific Reports (2021).
2. Acute NO2 Stress Shortens the Median Survival Period of Bougainvillea glabra ‘Elizabeth Angus’ by Disrupting Tissue Structure and Photosynthetic Response Centers. Plants (2023).
3. Atmospheric nitrogen dioxide at different concentrations levels regulates growth and photosynthesis of tobacco plants. Journal of Plant Interactions (2021).
4. Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Rare Carpinus putoensis Plants under NO2 stress. Genes (2021).