What type of environmental issue arises from excessive ozone levels?

Excessive ozone levels primarily lead to a decline in plant health, making this the correct answer. Ozone at ground level, often referred to as tropospheric ozone, is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from vehicles and industrial facilities. When plants absorb ozone through their stomas, it can cause various physiological and metabolic disruptions.

The exposure can result in decreased photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop yields. Additionally, high ozone levels can cause visible damage to plant leaves, manifesting as chlorosis (yellowing) and necrosis (death of tissue). This negative impact on plant health extends to entire ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and food supplies.

While water pollution, soil erosion, and airborne particulates are significant environmental issues, they do not directly result from excessive ozone levels. Water pollution relates to contaminants in aquatic systems, soil erosion addresses the loss of topsoil, and airborne particulates concern solid or liquid particles dispersed in the air. Thus, while these issues are serious, they are distinct from the specific effects that elevated ozone concentrations have on plant health.