Ozone Effects on Vegetation
Ozone enters plants through leaf openings called stomata and oxidizes plant tissue, causing changes in biochemical and physiological processes. Both visible foliar injury (e.g., stipple and chlorosis) and growth effects (e.g., premature leaf loss, reduced photosynthesis, and reduced leaf, root, and total dry weights) can occur in sensitive plant species In a natural ecosystem, many other factors can ameliorate or magnify the extent of ozone injury at various times and places such as soil moisture, presence of other air pollutants, insects or diseases, and other environmental stresses. Ozone effects on natural vegetation have been documented throughout the country, particularly in many areas of the eastern U.S. and in California.
For more information on the effects of ozone:
- Ozone Sensitive Plant Species on NPS/FWS Lands (PDF .2mb)
- Ozone Bioindicators
- Technical Information in Support of the Department of the Interior's Request for a Rule to Restore and Protect Air Quality Related Values: Overview of ozone effects on vegetation (.5mb PDF)
- USDA Forest Service Ozone Biomonitoring
Specific Park Websites with Ozone Information: