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| Dr. Yadong Qi |
Baton Rouge, LA – Research scientists at the Southern
University Ag Center continue to study the impact of everyday happenings on the
human environment, health and future generations. The findings from these
studies help mitigate issues in a timely and cost effective manner. Recently,
Dr. Yadong Qi, Professor of Urban Forestry has published an article in an
international magazine that reveals the role of trees in protecting humans from
ultraviolet radiation for healthier living, particularly in urban areas.
Ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere has resulted in a significant
increase in solar UVA and UVB radiation on the Earth’s surface. When Ultraviolet
B radiation reaches the Earth’s surface it causes problems to public health and
the environment. The need to reduce these impacts is crucial, but without understanding
nature’s ability to regulate and potentially curb these damaging properties, scientists
are unable to devise preventative mechanisms. For example, the link between excessive exposure
to UVB radiation and skin cancer has long been established. UVB tolerance in trees
could play a role in skin cancer prevention. The study tackles the issue by monitoring UVA and UVB
reduction by tree canopy of live oak.
“The goal is to discover UVB protection strategies,
leading to a better understanding of the UVB tolerance mechanisms of various
broadleaf trees in the Southern US,” Dr. Qi said.
Since leaves absorb more than 90% of UVB radiation, the
study set out to discover where and how such a high amount of UVB is absorbed. The
study looked at the leaf optical properties of broadleaf species and discovered
that, tree leaves can generally absorb 91-95% of incident UVB radiation,
regardless of tree species or leaf age. The study utilized a fiber optic
microprobe system combined with anatomical knowledge of the leaf to measure the
depth of UVB light penetration. All leaf samples were collected from a local arboretum
and urban tree farm on the SU campus in Baton Rouge.
Results have shown that broad leaves can absorb over 90% of
UVB radiation; and found the pecan tree (Carya
illinoinensis) to be among those tree
species with a high tolerance to UVB radiation. Study
findings will enhance the ability to predict the role of UV and climate change
on both wild and urban forests and select UV tolerant species to maintain
healthier and more sustainable forests in the future. “Promoting the most UVB-tolerant
species could also bring social benefits in urban areas, since incorporating trees
into the urban landscape could help protect inhabitants from excessive UV radiation.”
The article was published in International Innovation by Research Media Ltd., and available online.
Click here to view article
The project was funded by US Department
of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714
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