What vital role do plants play in air quality improvement?

Plants play a crucial role in improving air quality primarily through the process of photosynthesis. During this process, they absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and air pollution, and convert it into organic compounds. As a byproduct of this process, they release oxygen into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms. This balance of absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen helps to maintain the atmospheric composition that supports life and mitigates the impacts of pollution.

While reducing humidity levels, increasing soil temperature, and providing shade are important functions that plants serve in the ecosystem, they do not directly contribute to air quality improvement in the way that photosynthesis does. These other functions primarily affect microclimates and soil health rather than the broader air quality of an environment. Thus, the significant impact plants have on air quality stems from their ability to absorb harmful gases and produce the oxygen that is vital for both human and ecological health.