The release of greenhouse gases from manufacturing and residential processes causes air pollution. In fact, over 40% of Americans live in areas with unhealthy particle contamination levels. Many people understand the environmental and health impacts, but not the effects on insects. Here are some of the ways air pollution harms pollination.
Bees Can’t Find the Flowers
Air contamination reduces visibility, making it harder for bees to locate flowers. The average visual range has decreased from 90 miles to 15-25 miles in eastern parks.
The bees rely on plant signals, such as their color, and are attracted to yellow and blue hues. However, air particles make insects more easily confused. In fact, there are 70% fewer pollinators in polluted areas. To help attract more butterflies to your yard, plant nectar-rich flowers like violets or lilies.
Insects Can’t Use Their Sense of Smell
Bees also rely on their sense of smell for pollination. They use their antennae to know which direction the scent is coming from so they can head directly to that flower. However, nitrogen emitted from diesel exhaust can alter the bloom’s smell.
The loss of scent makes the insect miss out on cues, leading to fewer pollinations. Pollinators are vital in maintaining our agricultural industry. In fact, 80% of crops require pollination by animals.
Also, the loss of smell could make it harder for insects to mate, lowering biodiversity.
Air Pollution Harms the Flowers
Gases from car emissions can create a delayed flowering effect. The harmful particles cause plants to preserve their natural resources, leading to late flowering. This means bees and butterflies have fewer plants to pollinate.
Another part of the flower affected is the stomata, which regulates the gas exchange between the plant and the environment. Air contamination can reduce its size and hinder the photosynthesis process, which provides plants with energy. These pollutants also harm the leaves, causing abnormal yellowing.
This creates a deficiency in chlorophyll, preventing them from making their own food. In addition, acidic soil can destroy root systems and limit important nutrients.
It Can Be Dangerous for Insects’ Health
Air pollution can affect bug health, just like humans. Some studies found anomalies in insects’ heart rates. They had fewer blood cells than those in more rural areas. In addition, there was a higher level of the genes responsible for stress response.
Pollination rates will start to decrease with fewer bees. This is a growing concern, as seven kinds of bees were added to the engaged species list.
How to Minimize Air Pollution
Contamination can negatively impact pollination, which is why it’s important to reduce it. One simple way is to take public transportation or carpool whenever possible. Vehicles can emit over 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.
The consumption of electricity also releases gases into the air, so turn off lights when you leave the room. In addition, run your laundry on a full load or use fans in the summer instead of blasting your air conditioning. If you cook a lot, buy Energy Star-rated appliances.
Another step to reducing pollution is switching to renewable energy, such as solar. You can adjust your habits, as well. Purchase secondhand items to reduce plastic packaging, which takes years to decompose. Repurposing items prevents things from ending up in landfills and releasing methane gas.
Here are some tips to reduce air contamination:
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products
- Don’t keep your car idling for long periods
- Compost yard waste
- Use gas logs instead of wood
- Keep your vehicle in good condition
The Impacts of Air Pollution
Pollination is essential to have a thriving agricultural industry and a healthy planet. However, air pollution impacts insects that play a role in this process. That’s why it’s important to help minimize air contamination by taking actions that add up. Start small, like driving less, or make bigger changes, like installing solar panels. Every change you make will help pollinators do their job and maintain the Earth’s health.
