Plants do a lot in helping fight pollution, mainly air pollution. They help improve the quality of air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, increasing humidity by transpiring water vapor and passively absorb pollutants on the surface of leaves and on to the plant root-soil system.
While plants can be beneficial, the evidence does not show that they are an effective tool to reduce air pollution. A 2014 review of the research in scores of studies5 found mixed evidence in real-world studies for improved air quality indoors.
Plants contribute in reducing water pollution by the process called Phytofiltration where the algae can able to absorb certain pollutants for their growth from water.
Plants play a crucial role in contributing to air and water quality by acting as natural filters and purifiers. Here are some ways in which plants contribute to air and water quality:
Air Quality:
Oxygen Production: Through the process of photosynthesis, plants produce oxygen, which is vital for the survival of all living organisms.
Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Plants also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is an important greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Air Purification: Plants have the ability to filter and absorb pollutants from the air such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. This helps to improve air quality and reduce the negative impact of air pollution on human health.
Water Quality:
Erosion Control: Plants play an important role in preventing soil erosion, which helps to maintain the quality of nearby water bodies.
Nutrient Absorption: Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, including pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates. This can help to reduce the levels of these pollutants in water bodies, which can be harmful to aquatic life.
Water Filtration: Plants such as wetland plants and reeds are highly effective in filtering pollutants from water, including heavy metals and bacteria.
Plants can be used for natural pollution control through a process called phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remove pollutants from soil, water, and air. Different plants have different capabilities for absorbing different pollutants. For example, sunflowers are effective in absorbing lead, while willow trees are effective in absorbing benzene.
In addition to phytoremediation, planting trees and other vegetation in urban areas can help to reduce the negative impact of air pollution by improving air quality. Green roofs and green walls can also be used to help filter air and reduce the urban heat island effect. In water bodies, wetland restoration projects can help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and preventing erosion.
Overall, plants play a vital role in contributing to air and water quality, and can be used as a natural and sustainable method for pollution control.