Invasive plant 'increases ozone pollution'

[dipsydoodle]

A fast growing invasive plant spreading through south-eastern US has the potential to increase low-level ozone pollution levels, a study has warned.

Researchers found that nitric oxide (NO) emissions, a component in the formation of ozone, doubled in soils where the invasive kudzu was present.

The deep-rooted vine, native to Asia, was introduced in the early 20th Century to help control soil erosion.

The findings appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/science_and_environment/1011...