Plants have different strategies to defend against air pollutants

Abstract Plants are exposed to various harmful air pollutants, which cause oxidative stress and pose a threat to plant health, agriculture production and vitality of ecosystems. Despite the climate actions and technological development, most ecosystems and agricultural areas are exposed to high levels of tropospheric ozone, nitrogen oxides and particulate matters (PMs). The situation is still worsening globally due to rapid urbanization and development. The harmful impacts of air pollutants on plants are manifested as impaired growth and productivity, lower nutritional value of food and disturbance of ecosystem functioning. To mitigate effects of air pollutants, occurring often as mixtures, plants have developed an array of structural, physiological, metabolic and biochemical defence mechanisms, including antioxidative machinery. Therefore, there is high potential to use appropriate plant species, particularly multi-stress tolerant trees, as efficient sink for airborne air pollutants in polluted areas.