Ozone Causes Ecosystem Impacts Sara Busken Mona Shores High School

Ozone “Good up high” “Bad nearby”

Good Ozone Depletion 1970’s Researchers discover “hole” in Stratospheric ozone which blocks UV rays 1980’s CFC’s identified as cause of thinning 1989 Montreal Protocol world wide treaty banning use of CFC’s It takes decades for CFC’s to dissipate, but the thinning has slowed

Tropospheric Ozone = SMOG

Ozone Formation in the Lower Atmosphere VOC + NOx + Sunlight OZONE

Tropospheric Ozone Record

Global Distribution of Tropospheric Ozone

Free-Air CO 2 Enrichment Experiments (FACE) Open-air control of atmosphere conditions Fairly large scale Longer term than previous chamber experiments Major investment of research money Large teams of researchers

Aspen FACE Experiment, Rhinelander, WI

Experimental Design

CO 2 and Ozone Effects on Trees CO 2 effects: + photosynthesis + growth + water use efficiency – wood density O 3 effects: – photosynthesis – growth – wax cuticle of leaves + leaf senescence

Cell-level Ozone Damage

CO 2 and O 3 Effects on Tree Growth

Research Findings I

Research Findings II

Ozone affects plant & human health  “sunburns” lungs  breathing difficulties during exercise  permanent lung damage after repeated exposure  Photosynthesis  Leaf size  Leaf longevity  Fine root biomass

Global change interactions

Rates of global nitrogen fixation

Consequences of doubling Nitrogen fixation

Two-thirds of Nitrogen in Mississippi comes from fertilizers & manure

How can you reduce bad ozone Choose a cleaner commute — car pool, use public transportation, bike or walk when possible. Combine errands to reduce "cold starts" of your car and avoid extended idling. Be sure your tires are properly inflated. Keep car, boat and other engines properly tuned, and avoid engines that smoke. Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery. Be careful not to spill fuel and always tighten your gas cap securely