Kudzu could contribute to climage change

Kudzu, the vine-gone-wild that runs rampant in the South, may be spewing pollution into the atmosphere, scientists reported last winter.

University of Virginia researcher Manuel Lerdau and State University of New York scientist Jonathan Hickman believe the plant is emitting sizable amounts of ground-level ozone, potentially increasing smog and contributing to global climate change.

Kudzu produces two key ingredients of ozone: isoprene and nitric acid. Isoprene is emitted through leaves. Kudzu’s roots convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, some of which can leak into the soil where it’s converted by bacteria into nitric oxide. In the presence of sunlight, isoprene and nitric oxide mix together to make ozone.

Many plants produce these elements, but kudzu appears to do it faster and in larger quantities. The vine produces isoprene five to ten times faster than similar plants and nitric acid three times faster.

{sidebar id=3}

For more: Manuel Lerdau, (540) 837-1758, Ext. 239; mlerdau@virginia.edu.