A review on atmospheric aerosols and dusts in different tropical forest ecosystems and policy recommendations toward climate resilience

Abstract

A significant challenge exists in the interconnections among tropical forests, aerosols, and climate resilience, as aerosols profoundly influence weather patterns and air quality. Emissions from forest fires and deforestation increase aerosol concentrations, disrupting cloud formation and precipitation, which undermines the ability of tropical forests to purify air, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity. This review aims to synthesize recent research on aerosol science related to tropical forest ecosystems and their roles in air quality and climate regulation. This review highlights the role of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs)—such as isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes—in ozone formation and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generation in tropical forests. Biomass burning and anthropogenic emissions enhance BVOC oxidation, altering SOA characteristics like particle size and hygroscopicity. Land cover changes, such as converting forests to plantations, also affect BVOC emissions, potentially increasing ozone levels in the upper troposphere. Additionally, the review explores hydrogen sulfide emissions from mangrove forests, emissions of primary biological aerosol particles, and the impacts of soil dust and mineral aerosols from regions including the Amazon and Southeast Asia. The effects of biomass burning in these areas vary by combustion efficiency and fuel types, with implications for cloud dynamics and air quality. Moreover, key transport routes, such as trans-Atlantic movements of African smoke, exacerbate aerosol impacts on soil fertility and air quality. In Southeast Asia, biomass burning increases particulate matter, impacting air quality and regional climate. Finally, policy recommendations and current research gaps are presented to help policymakers and scientists enhance sustainable forest management toward climate resilience in tropical ecosystems amid ongoing environmental changes.