The Main Pollutants and Their Impacts on Agriculture, Ecosystems and Health

Abstract

Agricultural activities emit a wide variety of air pollutants that have numerous impacts on human health and the environment. Agriculture production is also exposed to air pollution, the main impact being a decrease in crop yields. This chapter provides an overview of the main pollutants and impacts involved in the relationship between agriculture and air quality. It first reviews the main pollutants emitted by agriculture by chemical family: nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide), methane, volatile organic compounds, plant protection products, abiotic particles and allergenic pollens, viruses and bacteria. Next, pollutants affecting agricultural production are briefly described. These are mainly ozone, sulphur oxides and metallic elements. The main adverse effects of air pollution (including economic effects) on agricultural production are then described. This chapter also reviews the harmful effects of air pollutants emitted during agricultural activities for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and for humans, both general and professional populations, with consideration of the direct and indirect consequences in the short, medium and long terms. Finally, the interactions between agriculture, air pollutants and climate are briefly described.