Electrical atomization of water dripping from plant leaves

Abstract

Electrical atomization of water dripping from plant leaves has been studied. It is observed that when a high positive d.c. voltage of 8-10 kV is applied to a plant then the water dripping from its leaves tips comes off the tips as a smoke of very fine monodisperse particles. Voltages required to produce the smoke and the currents associated with it have been measured. Possible significance of this phenomenon in transferring charge from foliage to the atmosphere below thunderstorms, and its probable role in introducing charged aerosols and organic and living materials into the atmosphere are discussed.