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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘Major Air Pollutants and Their Sources in India’ : 24 April

Daily News Analysis ‘Major Air Pollutants and Their Sources in India’ : 24 April

Table of Content

KeyPoints:

1. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

  • Main Source: Energy production, especially coal-based power plants (due to sulphur impurities in coal).
  • Impact: Major cause of acid rain, harms ecosystems and infrastructure.

2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

  • Main Sources: Transport (vehicles) and the energy sector (coal and gas).
  • Impact: Lung inflammation, respiratory diseases.

3. Black Carbon (Soot)

  • Main Sources: Biomass burning, charcoal for cooking, and open waste burning.
  • Impact: Contributes to airborne particulates, climate warming, and poor visibility.

4. Methane (CH₄)

  • Main Sources: Agriculture (especially livestock) and landfills (organic waste decay).
  • Impact: Potent greenhouse gas, accelerates climate change.

5. Ammonia (NH₃)

  • Main Source: Agriculture, especially from fertilisers and livestock waste.
  • Impact: Contributes to particulate matter (PM2.5); linked to up to 3.85 lakh premature deaths.

6. Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCS)

  • Main Sources: Solvents, paints, cleaning agents, and chemical industries.
  • Impact: Contribute to ozone formation and toxic air pollution.
Why in the News?
  • As per Our World Data, Millions die prematurely from air pollution every year.