trees and the environment ?

Question

what tree absorbs the most CO2 and convert it into oxygen ?

Answer 1

None. Blue green algae absorb the most. And trees do not technically convert CO2 to oxygen. They take the C from CO2 and combine it with water to make cellulose (wood) and expel the oxygen as a waste product. The gotcha here is that when the tree dies of old age (which trees do even if they are never cut), then the wood decays, which takes oxygen out of the air and releases CO2. So trees on average do not add oxygen or remove CO2.

But if you insist on trees, then whatever one grows the fastest. Trees trap the CO2 in their wood, so the one that adds the most pounds of wood per year is trapping the most CO2 per year. Obviously, a small seedling is not nearly as good as a big tree that is still growing. And obviously a tree in fertile, well watered soil is better than one just barely surviving in bad soil with insufficient water, even if it is the same species as the other tree.

But I suppose you want to know what exact species in good soil and with plenty of water can absorb more than another of the same size. I say whatever one grows fastest. I don't know which grows fastest, but I suspect any of the 10 or 20 or even 100 fastest growing species is 99% as good as any other. Just be sure to cut it just before it dies and then preserve the wood forever after that.

Answer 2

Paulownia is what the world bank subsidises a lot of farmers for

quote

this tree is indestructible… it shot out of the ground in spring and grew 15 feet that year, then reached 25 feet the next year. It was like watching Jack and the Beanstalk.

You could measure its growth daily. My 6 year old was out there almost every day staring at it. Two of my neighbors thought it was so beautiful that they planted Empress Trees as well. I've even had professional landscapers stop and ask me where they can find them.

It’s an entertaining tree year-round. In the winter its branches are covered with furry, pea sized buds, just waiting to burst into huge flowers. At the first sign of spring, the tree explodes with purple blooms. Cars slow down to look at it. The fragrance is incredible… it’s like a cross between gardenia and jasmine.

When summer comes, the tree forms a dense canopy that can drastically cut your power bills. The leaves are huge, measuring about a foot wide. They’re almost tropical looking. When they drop in the fall, it’s an easy clean up... not like my Oaks that scatter tens of thousands of tiny leaves.

Plus, bigger leaves mean fewer branches, so you get more sunlight and natural heat coming through in the winter when you need it most.

Best of all, this is a tree you don’t have to baby. It grows almost everywhere, from Mexico to Canada, preferring zones 5-11. It has no significant insect or disease problems… tolerates drought…and grows in almost any kind of soil, even toxic ones. It's a hardwood tree that lives to an old age.

You can also feel good that you’re planting one of the most environmentally beneficial trees in the world. Those large leaves act as giant air filters, pulling pollution out of the air at a remarkable rate… turning it into wood, then releasing high amounts of beneficial oxygen.

This year’s Paulownia Trees are in short supply. Recent publicity and recommendations from TV shows like Oprah have fueled demand.

Just beware that not all Paulownia Trees are the same. Some nurseries use wild seed that doesn't grow as quickly. Others use growth inhibitors to keep their trees smaller for shipping. This can stay in the tree for several months, giving you disappointing results.

Answer 3

The stoichiometrics of the reaction in trees that produces oxygen ultimately results in the production of sugars.

If your are looking for the tree that has the most bang for the buck in producing oxygen, pick a fruit tree.

The tree not only has to use photosynthesis for it's own growth, repair, etc, it has to manufacture the fruit, which is a huge storehouse of sugars.

Answer 4

One in a tropical rainforest.

Next is a tree in a warm climate, where the wood is harvested so it doesn't decay.

Worst is a pine tree in a snowy climate. They can actually make global warming worse.

A main factor is that, at night, trees breath. They take in O2 and release CO2. More night, more CO2. The other is that trees are dark. If they block reflective snow, it's bad.

Answer 5

Doing a little sum I found that 'petrol' is some 90% carbon.
Trees - cellulose - are only about 10% carbon.
SO for every kilo of petrol - or diesel or coal - you burn you need to grow 90kilos of tree and NOT burn it.
That should make some people think - I hope!
RoyS

Answer 6

why are we talking about trees and oxygen when the bulk of the oxygen is created by phytoplankton in the ocean

Answer 7

The one which is growing best due to being most suited to its environment.

Or perhaps the answer you seek is the 'super' willow, but then I'd prefer a coppice grown oak for the construction industry.

Answer 8

I would say the larger trees would. Like chestnut tree.

Answer 9

Huge trees, that have lots of leafs... I think...