We investigated the impact of ozone exposure on Hornbeam using a novel dual approach based on Terahertz (THz) imaging in a free-air ozone exposure experiment (three ozone levels: ambient; 1.5 times ambient; twice ambient). The research aims at unraveling the physiological responses induced by elevated ozone levels on water dynamics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOzone (O) is an oxidative pollutant that significantly threatens plant development and ecological dynamics. The present study explores the impact of O on Moringa (Moringa oleifera) ecotypes when exposed to ambient and elevated O levels. Elevated O concentrations resulted in significant reductions in total biomass for all ecotypes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPoplars are economically important tree crops and biologically important model plants, which are known to be sensitive to ozone (O). Although surface O is considered as a significant global environmental issue because of its phytotoxicity and greenhouse effect, the knowledge of the dose-response (DR) relationships in poplars for the assessment of O risk is still limited. Hence, this study aimed at collecting data of studies with manipulative O exposures of poplars within FACE (Free Air Concentration Enhancement) and OTC (Open-Top Chamber) facilities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExtreme climatic conditions, like heat waves or cold spells, associated to high concentrations of air pollutants are responsible for a broad range of effects on human health. Consequently, in the recent years, the question on how urban and peri-urban forests may improve both air quality and surface climate conditions at city-scale is receiving growing attention by scientists and policymakers, with previous studies demonstrating how nature-based solutions (NBS) may contribute to reduce the risk of population to be exposed to high pollutant levels and heat stress, preventing, thus, premature mortality. In this study we present a new modeling framework designed to simulate air quality and meteorological conditions from regional to urban scale, allowing thus to assess the impacts of both air pollution and heat stress on human health at urban level.
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