Identifying the effects of surface level ozone in plant physiology and biochemistry

Abstract

The relationship between ground-level ozone and the changes associated with plant physiology has been well established through biochemical research and visual assessments. Long term exposure has been linked to changes in the plant’s ability to photosynthesise, therefore placing them in a hostile situation. This can have cumulative effects and can have adverse effects on both the ecosystem and crops. In this Study, visual assessment of plant injury was used along with a method to determine chlorophyll content, the chlorophyll A/B ratio and other parameters using spectrophotometry. These results were then compared to ozone concentration data recorded in three locations in Malta and Gozo. It was discovered that the yellowing of foliage is not solely attributed to Chlorosis. A group of flavonoids, referred to as anthocyanins were found to have correlated with the ozone levels that were monitored. Only three of the species collected passed through further analysis, Nerium oleander, Pinus halepensis and Schinus terebinthifolius. Nerium oleander showed promising results among the three, indicating that it can be considered as a bioindicator for O3 induced changes, one can conclude that this ornamental plant can be planted in public and roadside areas with the intent of being a bioindicator for ozone levels.