Plant-Bacteria Interactions for the Elimination of Atmospheric Contaminants in Cities

One of the major health risks for humans, especially for those living in large cities, is air pollution. Air pollution consists mainly of emissions of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The organic carbon fraction of particulate matter is a mixture of hundreds of organic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), or polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), some of which are mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. Because this particulate matter represents a serious threat for human health, measures to reduce emissions and to eliminate contaminants need to be strongly reinforced, with a focus on novel biotechnologies. In this review, we will explore the possibilities that bacteria associated with plants may offer the amelioration of atmospheric contaminants in cities, and we will discuss this strategy in the context of Green Architecture.

Automated summary

Air pollution, mainly consisting of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and ammonia, poses a significant health risk to humans. The organic carbon fraction of particulate matter, which includes potentially mutagenic or carcinogenic compounds, requires strong measures to reduce emissions and eliminate contaminants, with a focus on novel biotechnologies. Bacteria associated with plants offer potential solutions for improving air quality in cities, especially in the context of Green Architecture.