What atmospheric contaminant is produced by trees?

Trees play an important role in producing biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which are organic chemicals emitted by plants and trees. These compounds are a natural part of the metabolic processes of vegetation and contribute to the atmospheric chemistry. BVOCs are significant because they can influence air quality and play a role in forming secondary pollutants like ozone and particulate matter.

In contrast, while carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and methane are all relevant atmospheric contaminants, they are not directly produced by trees. Carbon monoxide is primarily a result of combustion processes, particulate matter can come from various sources including vehicle emissions, and methane is often released from sources such as livestock and natural gas extraction. Therefore, the role of trees in generating biogenic volatile organic compounds highlights their importance in ecological and atmospheric processes.