Why in the News?
Millions of people die early because of dirty air. But where does this air pollution come from?
Where do the majority of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions in India come from?
- Energy Production: The largest source of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions in India is energy production, primarily from coal-fired power plants. Eg, coal contains sulphur impurities that are released when it is burned, contributing significantly to SO2 pollution.
- Industrial Activities: Industries like cement production, steel manufacturing, and chemical plants also release SO2. Eg, the cement industry, which uses fossil fuels, is a major emitter of this pollutant.
What are the main sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions?
- Transportation: The largest source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions is transportation, particularly from the exhaust of cars and trucks. Eg, diesel-powered vehicles, which burn fuel less efficiently, produce higher NOx emissions.
- Energy Production: The burning of coal and gas for electricity generation also significantly contributes to NOx emissions. Eg, power plants that burn coal release large amounts of NOx during the combustion process.
- Industrial Activities: Industrial processes such as manufacturing and chemical production also emit NOx. Eg, refineries and other heavy industries use high-temperature processes that release NOx as a byproduct.
What sectors are the biggest contributors to methane (CH4) emissions?
- Agriculture: The largest source of methane emissions, particularly from livestock digestion (enteric fermentation) and rice paddies. Eg, cows and other ruminants produce methane during digestion, and flooded rice fields emit methane as organic matter decomposes anaerobically.
- Waste Management: Methane is released from organic waste decomposing in landfills under anaerobic conditions. Eg, food waste rotting in landfills produces significant methane emissions.
- Fossil Fuel Extraction: Methane is emitted during the extraction, transport, and use of fossil fuels, especially natural gas. Eg, methane leaks from oil and gas pipelines, as well as from coal mines, contributing to atmospheric emissions.
How does agriculture contribute to ammonia (NH3) emissions and their health impacts?
- Agriculture: The application of nitrogen-based fertilizers is a major source of ammonia emissions. Eg, the use of urea fertilizers in crop fields results in ammonia volatilization when applied to the soil, contributing to air pollution.
- Livestock Waste: Ammonia is released from animal manure, especially from large-scale livestock farming. Eg, in intensive dairy and poultry farms, ammonia is emitted from urine and feces, leading to air and water pollution.
- Health Impacts: Ammonia contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause respiratory issues, asthma, and premature deaths. Eg, exposure to ammonia-laden air in farming areas has been linked to increased health risks such as lung diseases and cardiovascular problems.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
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Way forward:
- Shift to Clean Energy: Expand renewable energy use and enforce cleaner technologies in the power and industrial sectors to cut SO₂ and NOₓ emissions.
- Strengthen Enforcement & Awareness: Ensure strict implementation of air quality norms and raise public awareness on pollution-reducing practices.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Discuss in detail the photochemical smog, emphasising its formation, effects and mitigation.
Linkage: Formation of a significant type of air pollution, photochemical smog, which is formed from primary pollutants like Nitrogen oxides (from transport and industry) reacting in the presence of sunlight [209, external knowledge]. Understanding the formation requires knowing the precursor pollutants and their sources.
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