Background: Plants are essential for thriving in rural areas, especially for agricultural purposes. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that warms the planet through its ability to hold onto radiation in the atmosphere, which can remain in the atmosphere for centuries.

Plants use carbon dioxide as a way of survival as it pulls down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to support their growth, as it is used to create their sugar.

New technology called “Direct air capture” allows for carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere by bringing in carbon dioxide air, capturing it, and sending it below ground for storage, instead of fully relying on plants to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As a result, the air is released from the direct air capture system. Concerns from the public arise for farmers as the implementation of this technology might cause a lack of plant growth since carbon dioxide is needed for plant growth and energy.

SGP 30: CO₂: Measures total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and equivalent CO₂

• Liz Cardoza worked on project during 2024 Summer REU, see REU Poster