Ozone's Invisible Threat: How Air Pollution Alters Bee Navigation and Our Food Chain

Air pollution, especially ozone, is significantly reducing pollination by altering flower scents.

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This change makes it challenging for bees to find flowers.

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The research is a collaboration between UKCEH and several renowned universities.

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Ground-level ozone forms from vehicle emissions and VOCs from plants.

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Dr. Ben Langford from UKCEH led this impactful study.

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The research found that ozone changes the scent and size of floral odour plumes.

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Pollinators like bees rely on these scents to find flowers and remember their nectar amounts.

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Human-made pollutants are disrupting essential cues for plant-pollinator interactions.

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