Weekend Air Quality Boosts Plant Photosynthesis, Reveals New Research

New research reveals that plants in Europe undergo increased photosynthesis on weekends due to reduced air pollution. The related study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on November 20.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants capture energy from the sun and convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar, representing ecosystem productivity. To understand the impact of air quality on photosynthesis, researchers analyzed satellite measurements of chlorophyll emissions from plant leaves in Europe between 2018 and 2021. Comparing this data with satellite measurements of air pollution during the same period, they found that photosynthesis rates increased when aerosol levels were lower.

Aerosols, including dust and smoke from wildfires and human activities, hinder sunlight from reaching the Earth's surface, affecting plant photosynthesis. When aerosol pollution in the atmosphere decreases, more sunlight can reach plant leaves.

The study found that photosynthesis rates were higher on weekends in 64% of Europe. This is attributed to reduced traffic and industrial activities during weekends, resulting in fresher air compared to weekdays, demonstrating a significant "weekly cycle."

Furthermore, aerosol pollution was significantly reduced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, plants exhibited consistent productivity throughout the entire week during that year.

Lowering aerosol levels, particularly those generated by transportation or industrial processes, allows plants to capture and store more carbon. Improving air quality not only benefits human health but also enhances ecosystem productivity.