University of Reading study finds air pollution disrupts pollinator scent detection

Researchers at the University of Reading have found that air pollution significantly disrupts the ability of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and moths, to locate flowers. A review of 22 studies published in ‘Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment’ indicates that pollutants like ozone (O₃) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) alter or break down the chemical scents plants use to attract insects.

Elevated ozone levels were found to reduce pollinator performance by an average of 42%, while nitrogen oxides caused a 46% reduction. When both pollutants are present simultaneously, performance drops by an average of 68%. The study notes that while the two gases can react and partially neutralize each other, the overall impact on searching efficiency is a decline of approximately 67%.

Specialist pollinators that rely on specific floral scents, such as certain moths, face higher risks than generalists. The research highlights a looming challenge: ozone levels are projected to rise until approximately 2050, even as nitrogen oxide emissions decrease due to the transition away from fossil fuels. This creates a difficult multi-decade period for insect populations and the food production systems that depend on them.