In the bustling world of urban development, vehicle emissions have surged alongside population growth.  The initial targets of these vehicle emissions are the vegetation along the roadsides and highways. Here is a quick overview of vehicle emissions' effects on plants. Conversely, there has also been discussion on roadside plants' potential benefits in mitigating the negative impacts of vehicle emissions. There have also been theories on how plants may function as bioindicators of air pollution. One of the main concerns has been highlighted regarding the inadequate investigation of the nanocarbon particle element of vehicular pollution and their interactions with roadside plants, and more specifically with roadside crops.

A State Of Emergency ~ 

Take Care Of Them and They Will Revert ~ 
( Source: Google Images ) 

In the last several decades, the world's population has gradually increased, rising from 7.4 billion in 2016 to 7.7 billion in 2019, 7.8 billion in 2020, and 7.9 billion in 2021. By 2050, it is predicted that there will be 9.9 billion people on the planet. Transportation needs have grown as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and a rise in different economic activities to fulfill the wants of this population that is growing at an exponential rate. The insufficiency of public transportation networks has also subtly led to a rise in the usage of private automobiles. If you drive in India regularly, you probably know more than anybody about the importance of roadside vegetation. A verdant portion of traffic junction canopy not only magnificently elevates the otherwise boring jungle of concrete and asphalt visually, but for many riders, it's their final line of defense against the scorching Indian sun.

It is very uncommon to witness plants near highway medians and islands withering away from neglect or even being destroyed by stray cattle who eat at these locations as they pass by. Not only is this awful in terms of aesthetics, but recent research discovered that these plants are essential in reducing the negative impacts of motor vehicle pollution. Researchers carefully tested the air at five locations along a US highway, comparing places with natural or decorative vegetation to identical sites devoid of greenery, to determine the effect of trees and shrubs on lowering air pollution. The findings were remarkable: there was a 37% decrease in soot and a 7% decrease in ultrafine particles on the roadways with vegetation.

This, according to the researchers, is because shrubs and trees provide a lot of surface area for tiny particles to stick to, which effectively traps pollutants and keeps them from escaping into the surrounding region. The thoughtful placement of vegetation in conjunction with this natural filtering mechanism may provide a practical response to the urgent problem of increased pollution levels in the vicinity of roads.
But Roby Greenwald, the study's author, is keen to warn against thinking that lush roads would solve every problem relating to automobile emissions. Although it greatly lowers particle air pollution, it does not sufficiently address greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and ozone pollution, which are contributing to the planet's catastrophic overheating.

"We should plant more trees along roadways because they provide benefits that go beyond aesthetics," Greenwald explains. "But I don't want to give anyone the impression that we can solve all of the problems associated with motor vehicle emissions simply by planting trees." Air pollution is a silent killer that has no limits and is frequently linked to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, a large number of Indian universities and colleges are situated near roads, increasing the likelihood that their students may be exposed to dangerous pollutants as well as an increased chance of being involved in traffic accidents.
As scientific data tying motor vehicle pollution to ailments including asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart attacks keeps growing, the urgency of addressing this issue grows. Municipalities need to prioritize environmental sustainability in their policies, encourage active transportation options like walking and cycling, and invest in public transit infrastructure to enhance the quality of the air.

As scientific evidence tying automobile pollution to ailments like asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart attacks keeps mounting, the urgency of addressing this issue grows. Municipalities need to prioritize environmental sustainability in their policies, support active transportation options like walking and cycling, and invest in public transit infrastructure to enhance the quality of the air.