New research demonstrates how air pollution hinders insect pollination activities. (credit: Utah.gov)
During the summers of 2018 and 2019, ecologist James Ryalls and his team conducted a fascinating investigation in a field near Reading, England, carefully observing various insects interacting with black mustard plants. Each time they spotted a bee, hoverfly, moth, butterfly or other similar creatures attempting to extract pollen or nectar from the vibrant yellow blooms, they diligently recorded their findings.
This initiative was part of an innovative experiment where certain areas of these mustard plants were encircled by pipes that emitted ozone and nitrogen oxides—common pollutants linked to emissions from power generation facilities and standard vehicles. In contrast, alternate sections had pipes releasing uncontaminated air.
The outcomes of this study were surprising for the researchers involved. They discovered that the pollutant-laden sections experienced a staggering reduction in insect activity—approximately 70 percent fewer insects overall. Furthermore, there was a striking drop of about 90 percent in flower visits when compared to unpolluted areas. Alarmingly, even though the concentrations of these harmful substances were significantly below regulatory limits set by US authorities for safe levels, such stark results were unforeseen by the team members. “We did not anticipate such profound impacts,” remarked study coauthor Robbie Girling, an entomologist at Australia’s University of Southern Queensland and visiting professor at the University of Reading.
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