Changes in species richness of vascular plants under the impact of air pollution: a global perspective

摘要: Aim  To investigate the general pattern of changes in species richness and diversity vascular plants due to environmental contamination associated habitat imposed by point polluters, identify sources variation response plant communities industrial pollution. Location  Global. Methods  We collected data from 86 studies that were conducted around 60 atmospheric polluters worldwide reported 95 papers (published 1953–2007). used meta-analysis search for a effect compare between polluter types groups, linear regression describe latitudinal gradient quantify relationships pollution size. Results  Although generally decreased with pollution, effects not uniform across studies. Polluters cause soil acidification stronger detrimental on than industries whose emissions increased pH. An overall adverse was primarily contribution non-ferrous smelters aluminium plants; other SO2-emitting less detrimental, albeit negative, chemical plants, fertilizer factories cement did differ zero. Longevity impact only made slight detected variation, while increase load. Main conclusions  This study is first demonstration geographical responses aerial emissions: high low latitudes, this explained increases both original (undisturbed) mean summer temperatures. The latter result suggests under future warmer climate existing loads may become more harmful. Model calculations indicate detectable depauperation unlikely if emits < 1500 t SO2 annually.