Question

Aerosols reduce primary productivity by:

• A. Destroying leaf tissue
• B. Premature leaf fall
• C. Reducing crop yields
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Aerosols are chemicals used as refrigerants, propellants and solid plastic foams. These chemicals are released as aerosol by jets flying at high altitudes. The chlorofluorocarbons released as aerosols increase the amount of ultra-violet radiations reaching the earth. The increased ultraviolet radiations reaching the earth leads to increased incidence of cataract, skin cancers, herpes, dimming of eye sight, photo burning, snow blindness and deficient functioning of immune system. UV radiations also inhibit photosynthesis leading to decreased productivity. Aerosols reduce primary productivity by reducing crop yield, premature leaf fall, destroying leaf tissue etc.