OZONE POLLUTION ACROSS INDIA

WHY IN NEWS?

A recent study by the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has uncovered a concerning trend: ground-level ozone pollution is increasing in major cities across India. This invisible gas, distinct from the well-known fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a significant health risk, especially for individuals with respiratory issues.

The report titled “Air Quality Tracker: An Invisible Threat” was released on August 6, 2024. The researchers examined metropolitan areas including Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kolkata (West Bengal), Mumbai, and Pune (Maharashtra). They also analyzed data for the Delhi-National Capital Region, Greater Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Greater Hyderabad (Telangana), Greater Jaipur (Rajasthan), and Greater Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).

All 10 areas studied exceeded the national ozone standard, with Delhi being the most affected. The report also found that smaller cities like Ahmedabad and Pune are experiencing a particularly rapid increase in ozone pollution.

What is Ozone?

• Ozone (O3) is a colourless, reactive oxidant gas, and it is a major component of atmospheric smog.
• Ozone exists in both the Earth’s upper atmosphere and its surface, is composed of three oxygen atoms.
• Its environmental and health impact depends on its location in the atmosphere, leading to either positive or negative effects.
• Even at low concentrations, ozone, a pale blue gas, can be hazardous and explosive.
• In India, the ozone issue is primarily linked to sunny weather since sunlight directly influences ground-level ozone formation.
• Photochemical processes are facilitated by heat catalysis, resulting in higher ozone concentrations during summertime.

Formation of Ozone:

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere through a process known as the ozone-oxygen cycle.

 This cycle involves two main reactions: 

• Photodissociation: High-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun splits an oxygen molecule (O2) into two individual oxygen atoms (O).

O2 + UV radiation —> 2O

• Ozone Formation: The oxygen atoms (O) produced in the photodissociation reaction react with other oxygen molecules (O2) to form ozone (O3).

O + O2 —> O3

This process primarily occurs in the stratosphere, specifically in the ozone layer, which lies between approximately 10 to 50 kilometres (6 to 30 miles) above the Earth’s surface.

Rate of Formation of Ozone:

The rate of ozone formation is influenced by the availability of UV radiation and the concentration of oxygen in the stratosphere.

The ozone-oxygen cycle is a delicate balance between ozone production and destruction, which is strongly influenced by the presence of certain chemical species called catalysts.

One important catalyst in the ozone formation process is the hydroxyl radical (OH), which helps facilitate the recombination of oxygen atoms (O) into ozone (O3).

Dissociation of Ozone:

Ozone is not a stable molecule and can dissociate back into individual oxygen molecules and atoms.

This dissociation process occurs when ozone absorbs high-energy UV radiation in the stratosphere, leading to the breaking of the ozone molecule into an oxygen molecule and an oxygen atom.

O3 + UV radiation —> O2 + O

This dissociation reaction is crucial for maintaining the balance of ozone in the atmosphere and plays a significant role in regulating the ozone layer’s thickness.

Chapman cycle: The Chapman cycle, also known as the Chapman mechanism or ozone-oxygen cycle, is a set of chemical reactions that plays a crucial role in the formation and destruction of ozone (O3) in the Earth’s atmosphere. The cycle takes place primarily in the stratosphere, the second layer of the atmosphere located approximately 10 to 50 kilometres (6 to 30 miles) above the Earth’s surface.

About Ozone Pollution :

Ozone (O3) high in the Earth’s atmosphere shields us from the sun’s harmful radiation. However, at ground level (tropospheric ozone), it becomes an air pollutant that is detrimental to both people and plants.

Atmosphere pollutants:

• Primary pollutants : These are harmful substances released directly into the atmosphere as a result of human activities and natural processes. These pollutants can have adverse effects on both the environment and human health. Here are some common primary pollutants found in the atmosphere: Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ammonia (NH3)
• Secondary pollutants : These are not directly emitted into the atmosphere. Instead, they form through complex chemical reactions involving primary pollutants and other atmospheric compounds. These reactions occur in the presence of sunlight and other catalysts.

 Secondary pollutants can have significant impacts on air quality, visibility, and human health. Some common secondary pollutants include Ground-Level Ozone (O3), Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitric Acid (HNO3), Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN).

Ground-Level Ozone (O3):

Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) undergo photochemical reactions in the presence of sunlight. It is a major component of smog and can irritate the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems, especially in sensitive individuals such as children and the elderly.

What is Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5): Secondary PM2.5 is formed when primary pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react with ammonia (NH3) and other volatile compounds in the atmosphere. PM2.5 particles are small and can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems

Constitutional Provisions related to Constitutional Provision :

• Article 21of the Constitution provides for the fundamental right to life. It states that no person shall be deprived of his right to life or personal liberty except by procedures established by law.
• The right to life encompasses the right to live with dignity and includes access to necessities such as food, shelter, clean water, and clothing. This right also entails having a safe and clean environment where individuals can live without any threats to their well-being. Additionally, the environment should be free from diseases and various infections.
• The Constitution was amended Through the 42nd constitutional amendment of 1976. With this amendment, Article 48-A was inserted in the constitution to afford better provisions to preserve and protect the environment. This article places an obligation on the state to protect and enhance the environment, as well as to preserve the country’s forests and wildlife. The term “environment” is broadly interpreted within this article.

        The state shall not only play the role of being protectionist but also enact adequate measures for the improvement of the environment.

• Part IV-A of the constitution deals with Fundamental Duties. 

Article 51A(g) specifically outlines the fundamental duty of citizens to protect and enhance the natural environment, including forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife, and to show compassion for living beings. Similar to the state’s responsibilities, every citizen also must not only safeguard the environment but also take sufficient measures to improve it.

Government Initiatives:

• The 1981 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act: State and Central Boards were formed to monitor and control air pollution. Another Air Act for Union Territories was introduced in 1983.
• The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sets specific air quality standards to monitor and control air pollution in various Indian cities.
• The 2015 National Air Quality Index (NAQI): The NAQI was launched to provide real-time air quality data to the public, helping raise awareness about air pollution.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana(2016): The goal of this program was to provide access to clean cooking fuel (LPG) in order to decrease indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods.
• National Clean Air Program (2018) (NCAP): The NCAP was officially launched in January 2019 to tackle air pollution in Indian cities. It established specific targets for reducing particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants in more than 100 cities.
• FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) IndiaFAME India was initiated to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions.
• The 2019 BS-VI Emission Standards: India transitioned to Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards, which significantly reduced vehicle emissions by promoting cleaner fuels and technologies.
• 2020 GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): The GRAP is an emergency action plan designed to address severe air pollution events in the Delhi-NCR region and other major cities.
• The 2021 Green Hydrogen Mission: India launched the Green Hydrogen Mission to promote clean energy and reduce pollution from fossil fuels.
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), by the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, is authorised to establish air quality standards.  Consequently, the CPCB officially announced the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards in November 2009.  Before this, India had initially set Air Quality standards in 1994, which were later revised in 1998.
• The 2009 standards not only further reduced the maximum allowable limits for pollutants but also standardised these limits nationwide.

Previously, industrial zones had less stringent standards compared to residential areas. The specified pollutants include:

1. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
3. Particulate Matter (size less than 10 µm)
4. Particulate Matter (size less than 2.5 µm) or PM2.5
5. Ozone (O3)
6. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
7. Ammonia (NH3)
8. Lead
9. Benzene (C6H6)
10. Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP)
11. Arsenic (As)
12. Nickel (Ni).

Sustainable Development and Air Pollution:

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to tackle poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable development globally. These 17 interconnected goals acknowledge the interdependence of economic, social, and environmental dimensions of human well-being, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative actions.

SDGs associated with clean air :

Clean air significantly benefits multiple goals, directly contributing to

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) 

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

It also indirectly supports

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

SDG 4 (Quality Education)

SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

SDG 13 (Climate Action)

SDG 15 (Life on Land)

What steps can be taken to lower tropospheric ozone pollution?

• Strengthen Regulations and Policies:
• Implement and enforce stricter air quality standards.
• Develop and enforce regulations limiting emissions from industrial sources, vehicles, and power plants.
• Promote Clean Energy:
• Transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
• Invest in energy efficiency and conservation measures.
• Enhance Public Transportation:
• Improve and expand public transportation systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
• Promote carpooling, cycling, and walking as alternative modes of transportation.
• Adopt Cleaner Technologies:
• Encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Implement cleaner production technologies in industries.
• Improve Urban Planning:
• Design cities to reduce traffic congestion and promote green spaces.
• Implement smart city technologies to monitor and manage air quality.
• Raise Awareness:
• Educate the public about the sources and dangers of ozone pollution.
• Promote behavioural changes to reduce individual contributions to ozone formation.
• Enhance Monitoring and Research:
• Invest in air quality monitoring infrastructure.
• Support research to better understand ozone formation and its health impacts.
• International Cooperation:
• Collaborate with neighbouring countries to address transboundary air pollution.
• Participate in global initiatives and agreements aimed at reducing air pollution.

By taking these comprehensive steps, significant progress can be made in reducing ozone pollution and improving air quality for all.

Explore our courses: https://apnipathshala.com/courses/

Explore Our test Series: https://tests.apnipathshala.com/