11:30am - 11:45amWE2-5: 1
Effects of Atmospheric Particles on Plant Growth Attributes Across Varying Concentrations
Sombir Pannu1, Piyush Jain2, Usha Mina3, Mayank Kumar4, Vikram Singh1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, New Delhi, India; 2Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; 3School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, New Delhi, India
This study examines the effects of aerosol deposition on Pusa Sadabahar tomato plants under controlled conditions. Plants without stress exhibited superior morphology, while relative water content (RWC) declined by 12.31% under PM exposure, alongside reductions in leaf pH, ascorbic acid, and chlorophyll content, impairing photosynthesis. SEM analysis revealed stomatal blockage, disrupting conductance and water use efficiency. PM deposition ranged from 70 µg/cm² in HEPA-filtered chambers to 570 µg/cm² in elevated PM chambers. Interestingly, the ambient aerosol chamber yielded 25% more fruit, suggesting a PM threshold where nutrient adsorption benefits growth, while excessive PM caused stress, impacting productivity.
11:45am - 12:00pmWE2-5: 2
Plants Interactions with Airborne Pollutants by an Atmospheric Simulation Chamber
Mattia Bosio1, Federico Mazzei2,3, Dario Massabò2,3, Paolo Prati2,3, Virginia Vernocchi3, Enrica Roccotiello1
1Department of Earth Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, 16132, Italy; 2Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Genoa, 16146, Italy; 3National Institute of Nuclear Physics, INFN Genoa Division, Genoa, 16146, Italy
This study investigates the air-purifying potential of Myrtus communis, Nerium oleander, and Taxus baccata using the ChAMBRe atmospheric simulation chamber. Plants were exposed to NO₂, SOOT, DUST, and a MIX condition, with pollutant capture analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. M. communis was most effective at SOOT removal, while T. baccata and N. oleander excelled at capturing DUST. These differences persisted in mixed conditions, highlighting species-specific pollutant affinities. The findings provide valuable insights into plant-pollutant interactions, supporting urban greening strategies to improve air quality, particularly in port cities affected by high pollution levels.
12:00pm - 12:15pmWE2-5: 3
The influence of simulated thunderstorm conditions on pollen rupturing
Sudharsun Venkatesan, Ali Zare, James Lamont, Behnaz Alinaghipour, Zoran Ristovski, Svetlana Stevanovic
Deakin University, Australia
Under certain conditions in the atmosphere, pollen grains, that are otherwise too large to enter the lower respiratory tract, can fragment into smaller particles that are called subpollen particles (SPPs). SPPs are frequently in the respirable size range. Specifically, during thunderstorms, SPPs can be released at very high amounts, and trigger more severe allergic reactions, intensifying conditions like Thunderstorm Asthma (TA). This study investigates the role of electrical charges in pollen rupturing during stormy conditions by simulating pollen-charge interactions for wind-pollinated pollen grains from the Lolium (Perennial Ryegrass) family.
12:15pm - 12:30pmWE2-5: 4
A Comparative Analysis of Airborne Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Urban, Rural, and Coastal Environments of Five Central Mediterranean Areas
Mattia Fragola1, Salvatore Romano1, Dalila Peccarrisi1, Ivano Ammoscato2, Lekë Pepkolaj3, Mark Scerri4, Anastasios Kalimeris5, Pietro Alifano6, Adelfia Talà6, Gianluca Quarta1, Lucio Calcagnile1
1Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Salento, Lecce; 2Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Lamezia Terme; 3Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and IT, Metropolitan Tirana University, Tirana; 4Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, Msida; 5Department of Environment, Ionian University, Zakynthos; 6Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce
The study focuses on the characterization of the airborne bacterial and fungal communities sampled across 28 urban, rural, and coastal sites from five Central Mediterranean regions (South Italy, Albania, Malta, and Zakynthos) in February 2024. Applying DNA metabarcoding and compositional data analysis, several genera, mostly including potentially human and plant pathogenic species, were identified. Regarding bacterial communities, Sphingomonas was detected in every location, while Brevundimonas, Geodermatophilus, and Rubrobacter dominated rural and coastal areas. Within fungal communities, Cladosporium and Alternaria were also prevalent in rural and coastal sites. Overall, the findings reveal complex microbial-environment interactions, highlighting potential health and agricultural impacts.
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