Estimation of Ground-level Ozone as a Risk Factor for Crop Production in Central Regions of the Russian Federation

Abstract

Surface ozone is considered as a risk factor for crop production in the territory of central Russia. The known mechanisms of the effect of ozone on plants are given, and the levels of ozone in the surface atmosphere that are dangerous for various groups of plants are discussed. The data of long-term monitoring of ground-level ozone in central Russia (Vyatskiye Polyany town) are given, which indicate that due to the ongoing climate change and the increase in atmospheric pollution with nitrogen oxides, volatile hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, even in central Russia with a moderate non-hot climate there is a significant increase in the ozone content of the surface atmosphere. Moreover, the doses of exposure to ground-level ozone, which can be exposed to plants in central Russia, are comparable and even exceed the levels considered safe. This paper discusses the mechanisms of ozone influence on plants, levels of ozone in the surface atmosphere that are dangerous for different groups of plants, and provides monitoring data on tropospheric ozone in central regions of Russia.