Related Experiment Videos
Ozone and the clean troposphere: ecological implications.
A H Legge1, M Nosal, G E McVehil
1Kananaskis Centre for Environmental Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Determining a clean air reference for ozone (O3) exposure studies is complex. This research questions if a truly natural ozone level exists for plant response comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Physiology
- Atmospheric Chemistry
Background:
- Chronic ozone (O3) exposure significantly impacts plant responses.
- Statistical and empirical cause-effect models are commonly used to assess these impacts.
- The selection of an appropriate control or reference O3 exposure is a critical, yet complex, decision in such studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concept of a 'clean troposphere' as a reference for O3 exposure.
- To evaluate the existence of geographically distinct locations free from human influence for O3 monitoring.
- To examine the suitability of existing O3 reference levels in vegetation response studies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of O3 concentrations in the "clean troposphere" using data from Fortress Mountain, Alberta, Canada.
- Comparison of Fortress Mountain photochemical oxidant data with air quality data from other North American locations.
- Evaluation of O3 data in the context of designing vegetation response studies.
Main Results:
- The existence of a universally applicable 'clean' ambient O3 reference level is questioned.
- Data suggests variability in O3 concentrations even in remote locations, challenging the notion of a single reference point.
- Current O3 reference exposure choices may require re-evaluation for accurate vegetation response studies.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a definitive 'clean' O3 reference for plant studies is challenging due to widespread anthropogenic influence.
- Integrated research designs are essential for accurately assessing plant responses to O3 exposure.
- Future studies must carefully consider and justify their chosen O3 reference levels.