The persistent danger after landscape fires

(University of Vienna) Every year, an estimated four percent of the world's vegetated land surface burns, leaving more than 250 megatons of carbonized plants behind. A study by the University of Vienna has now recorded elevated concentrations of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) in these charcoals - in some cases even up to five years after the fire. These EPFR may generate reactive substances, which in turn harm plants and living organisms. The study is published in Nature Communications Earth& Environment.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news