Plants growing in elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide conditions are showing a decline in mineral, protein and vitamin content.
As published in Mongabay India on 15 August, 2023.
Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels negatively impact key mineral nutrients in plants, reducing the nutrition derived from consuming them, reveals a recent review article in the Trends in Plant Science Journal which summarises findings from several studies. The review by scientists from France explained that almost all C3 plants – which employ the C3 pathway for photosynthesis where the first carbon compound has three carbon atoms – that are exposed to elevated levels of carbon dioxide show reduction across nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and sulphur.
Estimates reveal that compared to the pre-industrial era, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are now 50 percent higher. In 2022, global average carbon dioxide levels rose to 417.06 parts per million, resulting in a new record increase.
In May this year, carbon dioxide levels measured by NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory averaged 424.0 parts per million (ppm), an increase of 3.0 ppm over May 2022.
While being a vital resource for plants, carbon dioxide is also among the prominent greenhouse gases. Considering that the majority of plants on the planet, including cereals like wheat, rice, barley and oats, use the C3 pathway, the review article raised alarm bells about increasing carbon dioxide levels not only impact the quantity of food produced but also its quality.
Although this phenomenon was recorded about two decades ago, recent evidence has aided in establishing the extent of its impact, states the review article
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