Another Reason to Not Like Kudzu (Unless It’s Good for Making Biofuel)

Scientists at the University of Virginia have linked kudzu to excess ozone formationThe jury is still out on the commercial viability of kudzu as a biofuel crop, but scientists at the University of Virginia have come up with a compelling reason to get the invasive, fast-growing vine under control but quick.  The team has found evidence that kudzu is a major contributor to surface ozone pollution.

The kudzu-induced increase in ozone is so powerful that it “completely overcomes the reduction in ozone realized from automobile pollution control legislation,” reports a member of the research team.  Dang!

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