Pollution
• Addition of undesirable material into the environment as a result of human activities.
• Pollutants – these are physical, chemical or biological substances which are directly or
indirectly harmful to human-being or other living organisms.
Major Pollutions
1. Air Pollution
2. Water Pollution
3. Soil Pollution
4. Noise Pollution
5. Thermal Pollution
6. Radiation Pollution
Classification of Pollutants :
(A) According to form in which they persist after release into environment
1. Primary Pollutant
• Persist as in original form.
• DDT, CO,CO2, Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur
2. Secondary Pollutant
• These pollutants are formed after interaction among the primary
pollutants.
• Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN) NOx + Hydrocarbon
Classification of Pollutants :
1. Qualitative Pollutants
• These do not occur in nature and are human made.
• Ex. Fungicides, herbicides, DDT etc
2. Quantitative Pollutants
• These occur in nature and become pollutant when their concentration
reaches beyond a threshold level.
• Ex. Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen oxide
Air Pollution
• Air pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or
compounds (Solid, liquid or gaseous) in the air, at levels that pose a health
risk or interferes with environmental processes.
• Increasing use of fossil fuels in industries, Power Plant, transportation etc.
• Mining
• Construction of buildings
• Stone quarrying
• Wildfires
• Indoor air pollution
• Open burning of Solid Waste
• Agriculture residue burning
• Microbial decaying process
Air Pollutants
*Carbon Monoxide (CO)*
• It is Colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas
• Less denser than air
• Short lived in atmosphere (only for few months)
• Source:
• Exhaust of vehicles due incomplete combustion of fuels.
• Iron-Smelting (Smelting is a process of converting ore to metal by
removing impurities.) – by Product
• Worldwide largest source of CO is natural in origin due to Photochemical
Reaction in troposphere.
• Exhaust of Internal Combustion engines and incomplete combustion of
various other fuel.
• Other natural resources: Volcano, forest fires
Health Effects
• Toxic to both humans and animals.
• CO mixes with hemoglobin in the blood and produces Carboxyhemoglobin.
• Carboxyhemoglobin reduces Oxygen flow.
Environmental Effects
• It is not a Green House Gas (GHG).
• But it has role in formation of tropospheric ozone and can elevate
concentration of Methane (Strong GHG).
*Carbon Dioxide (CO2)*
• Colourless and odourless gas
• Heavier than air & Soluble in water.
• Natural Sources: Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Geysers, Forest Fire etc.
• Anthropogenic sources: Burning of fossil fuels, Cooking using wood as fuel,
Burning solid waste.
Effects on Health
• CO2 is asphyxiant gas - it lowers the Oxygen concentration in blood.
• If CO2’s concentration reaches to 7% - it causes suffocation
• Due to which one feels Dizziness, Headache and Unconsciousness.
Effect On Environment
• It is a GHG – which causes Global warming.
• It is also responsible for Ocean Acidification (Carbonic Acid).
*Ozone(O3)*
• Occurs naturally in Stratosphere and absorb Ultra-violet radiation.
• At ground level – Ozone is GHG(Green House Gas).
• Highly toxic
• Sources: Vehicles and industries.
• CO and NOx – major role in converting Oxygen into Ozone.
• Health Effect: Chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, irritation in eyes, reduce
the lung function.
Ozone is formed naturally in the stratosphere (good ozone – formed due to
the interaction between O2 and UV light) and absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays
of the sun.
• However, at the ground level (bad ozone), it is pollutant (GHG) with highly
toxic effect.
Reaction involved in the formation of ground level ozone :
1. Carbon Monoxide reacts with Hydroxyl radical (-OH) to produce hydroperoxyl radical
(H2O)
2. Volatile Organic Compounds reacts with hydroxyl radical to produce peroxy radical
(RO2)
{ CO + OH CO2 + H
H + O2 HO2 (Hydroperoxyl radical) }
3. HO2 (Hydroperoxyl radical) / peroxy radical reacts with nitrogen oxide (NO) to form
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
{HO2 + NO OH + NO2}
4. NO2 gives O3 via photolysis (separation of molecules by the action of sunlight)
{NO2 + Sunlight NO + O
O + O2 O3}
Ground Level Ozone and its Effect
Human health:
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain,
coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis,
emphysema, and asthma.
• Ground level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of
the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
• Healthy people also experience difficulty breathing when exposed to ozone
pollution.
• Because ozone forms in hot weather, anyone who spends time outdoors in
the summer may be affected, particularly children, outdoor workers and
people exercising.
On Vegetation:
Ground-level ozone also damages vegetation and ecosystems.
• It leads to reduced agricultural crop and commercial forest
yields, reduced growth and survivability of tree seedlings, and increased
susceptibility to diseases, pests and other stresses such as harsh weather.
• Ground-level ozone also damages the foliage of trees and other plants,
affecting the landscape of cities, national parks and forests, and recreation
areas.
Concerns with Stratosphere Ozone Layer?
• Ozone is produced naturally in the stratosphere. But this “good” ozone is
gradually being destroyed by man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-
depleting substances (ODS), including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon
tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.
• These substances were formerly used and sometimes still are used in
coolants, foaming agents, fire extinguishers, solvents, pesticides, and aerosol
propellants.
*Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)*
• Toxic gas, Pungent and irritating smell
• Natural Sources: Volcanic eruption, Hot spring and Geyser, Forest fire
• Anthropogenic sources: Vehicular, Industrial pollution (Thermal Power plant),
Burning of solid waste, Smelting of copper etc.
• It is mainly produced for production of sulphuric acid.
• Effects on Health: Respiratory symptom, weakens the function of nerves,
stroke, heart disease etc.
• On Environment: Acid Rain (H2SO4)
*India’s SO2 Emission*
According to a report from Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on
Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Report : “Ranking the world’s Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Hotspots: 2019-2020”
India continues to occupy the top spot among emitters for the fifth consecutive
year.
As per the report, the biggest emission hotspots in India, are thermal power
stations (or clusters of power stations) :
• Singrauli in MP
• Neyveli & Chennai in Tamilnadu
•
• Korba in Chhattisgarh
• Kutch and Surat in Gujarat
• Ramagundam in Telangana
• Chandrapur and Koradi in Maharashtra
*Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)*
• Produces mainly in internal combustion of engines and coal-burning power
plants.
• Also produces naturally by lightening.
• At high temperature Nitrogen and Oxygen reacts with each other and forms
various oxides of nitrogen (NO, NO2, N2O etc.)
Agriculture fertilisation – contribute to atmospheric nitrogen oxides
• NO and NO2 – contribute to Global cooling
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – It is GHG which causes Global warming
• N2O is used as Oxidiser.
*Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)*
• It is large group of carbon based chemicals.
• Easily evaporates at room temperature Example. Formaldehyde
• Indoor sources: Perfumes, hair spray, furniture polish, glues, air fresheners,
wood preservatives.
Health Effects
• It cause irritation of eyes and nose, Allergies
• Headache, Loss of coordination
Long term effects : It can damage liver and other parts of bodies.
*Particulate Pollutant*
Particulate pollutant are matter suspended in air such as dust and soot.
Their size ranges from 0.001 to 500 micrometre in diameter.
PM(Particulate Matter) > 10 micrometre – settle down
PM(Particulate Matter) < 10 micrometre – floats and move freely
PM(Particulate Matter) < 0.02 micrometre – Persistent Aerosols
According to CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board):
• PM 2.5 or less in diameter are responsible for causing the greatest damage to
human health
• It can be inhaled deep into the lungs which causes respiratory symptoms,
irritation, inflammations and Pneumoconiosis (disease of lung, Fibrosis).
Black Carbon
• Commonly known as soot.
• It is a solid particle or aerosol that contributes to warming of atmosphere.
• Soot is a form of particulate air pollutant, produced from incomplete
combustion.
• Black carbon warms the Earth by absorbing heat in the atmosphere and by
reducing albedo (the ability to reflect sunlight) when deposited on snow
and ice.
• Black carbon stays in the atmosphere for only several days to weeks.
• India and China are the largest emitters of black carbon in the world.
Major Source of Suspended Particulate Matter(SPM) :
1) Industries
2) Vehicles
3) Power plants
4) Construction Activities
5) Oil Refinery
6) Railway Yard
7) Marketplace
8) Industries etc.
Particulate Matter less than 2.5 Micrometre
• Limited Knowledge
• In atmosphere Arsenic and Nickel exist as particulate matter, mostly less
than 2 micrometre in diameter.
• Nickel compounds are carcinogenic.
• Nickel is mainly emitted by combustion of fossil fuel.
Particulate Matter less than 1 micrometre
• PM 2.5 is 30 times finer than human hair.
• PM 1 is 70 times finer than human hair.
• PM 1 is likely to reach deeper into the respiratory system and small enough
to penetrate through the skin.
• More toxins, Lung injury, gene damage and cancer.
• 40 % of the PM is as tiny as PM0.7 and is not even monitored officially.
*Lead*
• Present in petrol, diesel, lead batteries, hair dye etc.
• Tetraethyl lead (TEL) is used as anti-knocking agent in petrol for smooth and
easy running of vehicles.
Effect on Health :
• Can cause nervous system damage and digestive problem.
• Injurious effect on Kidney and liver.
• Interferes in the development of RBC.
• On children – It lowers intelligence.
*Fly Ash*
• Ejected mostly by thermal power plants
• It is by-product of coal burning operations
• It can pollute air and water
• It may cause Heavy metal pollution in water bodies.
• It affects crop and vegetation – due to deposition on leaves – hinders
photosynthesis process.
• Fly ash is oxide rich – consist silica, Alumina, oxides of iron and toxic heavy
metal like arsenic, lead, cobalt, cadmium, mercury and copper.
Uses of Fly Ash
• Cement can be replaced by fly ash up to 35% - reduce cost of road, building
construction.
• Fly ash bricks – light in weight – offers high strength and durability.
• Better fill material for road embankment and in concrete road and
Abandoned mines
• Reclamation of wasteland. (It can increase crop yield when added to the soil.)
• It can enhance water holding capacity.
Policy measures of MOEF (Fly Ash)
• Mandatory to use Fly ash based products in projects, road embankments
etc. within 100 km radius of Thermal Power plant.
• And for mine filling activities within 50 km radius of Thermal Power Plant.
Consider the following statements : (2020 UPSC Prelims)
1.Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
2.Coal-fired power plants release Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the
environment.
3.High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 correct
*Benzene*
• It is a natural constituent of crude oil.
• It has high octane number.
• Increase risk of Cancer and bone marrow failure.
• It is used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants etc.
• It can form ground level ozone which can damage crops and material.
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution ?
1.Automobile exhaust
2.Tobacco smoke
3.Wood burning
4.Using varnished wooden furniture
5.Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a)1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 correct
*Ethylene*
• It has industrial use – Polyethylene – Plastic Bags etc.
• It is natural plant hormone - used to force the ripening of fruits
• Low toxic
• But if one exposes to excess ethylene – it causes adverse health effects
• Headache, Dizziness and unconsciousness
• Ethylene – not carcinogenic
• Ethylene Oxide is carcinogenic
*Styrene Gas*
• Styrene gas leak from LG Polymers chemical factory in Vizag in May 2020
left several dead.
Description:
• Styrene is an organic compound with the formula C8H8
.
• It is a derivative of benzene (C6H6
).
• It is stored in factories as a liquid, but evaporates easily, and has to be
kept at temperatures under 20°C.
Sources:
• Styrene is found in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and in natural foods
Uses:
• It is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene
plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex.
Risk of Exposure:
• Short Term Exposure: It can result in respiratory problems, irritation in
the eyes, irritation in the mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Long-Term Exposure: It could drastically affect the central nervous system
and lead to other related problems like peripheral neuropathy. It could
also lead to cancer and depression in some cases.
• However, there is no sufficient evidence of an association between
styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma.
*Radon*
- It is a gas that is emitted naturally by the soil.
- Due to modern houses having poor ventilation, it is confined inside the
house and causes lung cancers.
*Biological Pollutants*
• Pollen from plants, Hair from pets, fungi, parasites and bacteria.
• Health problems: Allergens and causes respiratory diseases like Asthma,
Fever etc.
• Silicosis – Reported from Kolar Gold mines in 1947.
- Common disease among miners, pottery and ceramic industry
workers.
• Pneumoconiosis – common among mica industry workers
*Black Lung Disease*
• Lung disease of older workers in the coal industry, caused by inhalation of
coal dust over many years.
• A thick layer of coal dust accumulated inside the lungs of workers making
lungs less efficient in supplying to the blood.
*Nano- Particles*
• Size 1x10-9
• Source:
• Naturally release through forest fires, volcanic eruptions, weathering,
dust from the deserts.
• Anthropogenic : Industrial and mechanical processes
• They are transported to the thousand of Km and remain suspended in the
air.
Effects of Nano-Particles
• Decreases sunlight intensity (Dust Cloud Formation)
• NPs will accumulate in various environmental matrices such as air, water, soil
and sediments including wastewater sludge.
• Asian Brown Cloud impact on Himalayan glaciers:
• These are the clouds of soot and black carbons.
• Deposits on Himalayan glaciers.
• Higher absorption of Sun heat – Increased in melting of glaciers – Floods in
Northern Indian rivers. (Reduced Albedo)
On Stratospheric Temperature :
• NP in troposphere interact with Hydrogen molecules.
• Molecular hydrogen along with NPs moves up to the stratosphere.
• Resulting into the abundance of water vapours in the stratosphere.
• Cooling of the stratospheric clouds due to the formation of Ice crystal
clouds.
• Stratospheric clouds destroy ozone.
Q. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical
elements that are used by the industry in the manufacturing of various
products. Why ?
1) They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.
2) They can enter the food chain.
3) They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1,2 and 3 correct
*Acid Rain*
• Acid rain refers to any precipitation (rain, fog, mist, snow)
• It is caused by the atmospheric pollution from acidic gases such as SO2,
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emitted from burning of fossil fuels.
• PH is less than 5.6.
• Oxides of Nitrogen –
• N2O3, NO2 and N2O5 – Acidic in Nature
• N2O, NO – Neutral in Nature
• These acidic oxide react with water and produce acids like HNO3(Nitric
Acid) and HNO2(Nitrous Acid) which causes acid rain.
Q. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by (UPSC 2011)
a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen
b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
c) ozone and carbon dioxide
d) Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide correct
*Ocean Acidification*
• It is called as evil twin of global warming.
• Ocean acidification is ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth’s ocean caused
by the uptake of CO2 from atmosphere.
• Atmospheric CO2 react with water to form Carbonic Acid(H2CO3).
• An estimated 30-40 % of the carbon dioxide from human activity released
into the atmosphere dissolves into oceans, rivers and lakes.
Checking CO and CO2 emissions and controlling pollution are the only means to
reduce ocean acidification.
Effects of Ocean Acidification
- Increasing acidity of ocean depresses metabolic rates and immune response
in some marine organisms.
- Difficult for marine calcifying organisms, such as coral (Calcareous coral) and
some plankton, to form biogenic calcium carbonate.
- Coral Bleaching
Effect On cloud Formation
• Most of the Sulphur in the atmosphere is mainly from phytoplankton's.
• It is emitted in the form of Dimethylsulfide (DMS)
• Dimethylsulfide Sulphuric acid Aerosols
• Aerosols are responsible for formation of clouds
• Also it reflects the sunlight – Cooling
But due to ocean acidification – less DMS – decreased the cloud formation and
increases the global temperature
The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause
of concern?
1) The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely
affected.
2) The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3) The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be
adversely affected.
4) The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which of statements given above is / are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 correct
*Ozone Depletion*
• Human induced chemicals like CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon), Nitrogen Oxides
(NOx) react with Ozone and destroy it.
• Ozone hole was first observed in 1985.
Chlorofluorocarbon (Halocarbon)
• Used in refrigerants, propellants in aerosol sprays, fire-extinguishing agents,
solvents for cleaning electronics and metallic components.
• Two-Third of CFC used as refrigerants and One-Third as blowing agents in
foam insulation product
• Properties: Non-corrosiveness, Non-inflammability, Low-toxicity, Chemical
stability.
Why over Antarctica and Arctic (i.e. Polar region) ?
• Temperature in polar region is colder, which allows the formation of Polar
stratospheric clouds at the Height of 20 Km.
• Polar Stratospheric clouds: These are the clouds of Ice Crystals which
provide base for Chemical reactions for the formation Single chlorine and
depletion of Ozone layer.
• Polar Vortex – Only present in Polar region
• Polar vortex is a polar cyclone, occur in polar regions and can reach up to
2000 km wide.
Nacreous Clouds are rare clouds in frigid regions of the lower stratosphere.
(12-22 Km above the surface)
• They are seen mostly during winter at high latitudes.
• They are formed mainly during the event of Polar Vortex in winter, more
intense at south pole.
*Vienna Convention for the protection of the Ozone Layer*
• Agreed in 1985
• It established Global Monitoring and reporting on Ozone Depletion.
• It created a framework for the development of protocols for taking more
binding action.
*Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer*
• Agreed in 1987
• Global cooperation in reversing the rapid decline in atmospheric
concentrations of stratospheric ozone (Good Ozone)
• Countries agreed to phase out the production and consumption of certain
chemicals that deplete ozone.
The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol are the first and
only global environmental treaties to achieve universal ratification
with 197 parties.
Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol (Paris Climate Deal)
•On October 15, 2016, with the United States leadership, 197 countries
adopted an amendment to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol in
Kigali, Rwanda.
•The Kigali Amendment aims for the Phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs) by cutting their production and consumption.
•The goal is to achieve over 80% reduction in HFC consumption by 2047.
•Given their zero impact on the depletion of the ozone layer, HFCs are
currently used as replacements of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in air conditioning, refrigeration and foam
insulation, however they are powerful greenhouse gases.
•The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding and came
into force from January 1, 2019.
•Under the amendment :
• Developed countries will reduce HFC consumption beginning in 2019.
• Most developing countries will freeze consumption in 2024,
• Some developing countries including India with unique circumstances will
freeze consumption in 2028.
•The plan also provides financing to certain countries, to help them transition
to climate-friendly alternatives.
•With the Kigali Amendment, the Montreal Protocol has become an even more
powerful instrument against global warming.
*Aerosols*
- An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or
another gas.
Aerosol can be natural or anthropogenic :
1) Natural : fog, mist, dust, geyser steam.
2) Anthropogenic : Particulate air pollutants and smoke.
- In atmosphere these particles are mainly situated in the low layers of the
atmosphere (<1.5 km).
- Certain aerosols can still be found in the stratosphere especially due to
volcanic activity.
High Aerosol Loading
• Increased incidents of high rainfall events in the foothills of the Himalayan
Region.
• Urban areas High Pollution High Aerosol Loading More cloud
condensation nuclei More Precipitation Floods
• Aerosol lead to enhancement or suppression of the Indian Summer
monsoon rainfall.
*Smog (Smoke + Fog)*
• Smog is caused by the burning of coal, vehicular emission and industrial
fumes.
• Smog contains soot particles like smoke, ozone(O3), Carbon Monoxide(CO),
Sulphur dioxide(SO2), Nitrogen dioxide(NO2) & other.
• Two different type of Smog :
1) Sulphurous Smog (London Smog)
2) Photochemical Smog (Summer Smog / Los Angeles Smog)
Ozone Formation
*State of Global Air 2020: HEI*
State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020) has been released by the Health Effects
Institute (HEI).
HEI is an independent, nonprofit research institute funded jointly by the USA’s
Environmental Protection Agency and others.
Air Pollution is the 4th greatest killer in 2019.
Long-term exposure to outdoor and household (indoor) air
pollution contributed to over 1.67 million annual deaths from stroke, heart
attack, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and neonatal diseases,
in India in 2019.
Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
*The Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act of 1974 & Amendment
in 1988*
• Its objective is
• to provide prevention and control of water pollution.
• maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness and purity of water in the
various sources of water.
• It vests regulatory authority in Centre Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) and
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB).
• It empowers SPCB to establish and enforce effluent standards for factories
discharging pollutants into water bodies in states.
CPCB performs these same functions for Union Territories. It also formulates
policies related to the prevention of water pollution and coordinates
activities of different State Boards.
• Prior to the amendment in 1988, enforcement under the Act was achieved
through criminal prosecutions initiated by the Boards.
• The 1988 amendment act empowered SPCB and CPCB to close a defaulting
industrial plant.
*The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act of 1977*
• The Water Cess Act was passed to generate financial resources to meet
expenses of the Central and State Pollution Boards.
• The Act creates economic incentives for pollution control and requires local
authorities and certain designated industries to pay a cess (tax) for water
effluent discharge.
The Central Government pays the central and state boards such sums, as it
seems necessary.
• To encourage capital investment in pollution control, the Act gives a polluter a
70% rebate of the applicable cess upon installing effluent treatment
equipment.
*The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 and
amendment, 1987*
• The main objectives of this Act are to improve the quality of air and to
prevent, control and abate air pollution in the country.
Important provisions of this Act are given below:
• The Air Act’s framework is similar to that of the Water Act of 1974.
• The Air Act expanded the authority of the central and state boards
established under the Water Act, to include air pollution control.
• Under the Air Act, all industries operating within designated air pollution
control areas must obtain a “consent” (permit) from the State Boards.
The states are required to prescribe emission standards for industry and
automobiles after consulting the central board and noting its ambient air
quality standards.
• The Act grants power to SPCB and to test equipment and to take the sample
for the purpose of analysis from any chimney, fly ash or dust or any other.
• Prior to its amendment in 1988, enforcement under the Act was achieved
through criminal prosecutions initiated by the Boards.
• The 1988 amendment act empowered SPCB and CPCB to close a defaulting
industrial plant.
• Notably, the 1987 amendment introduced a citizen’s suit provision into the
Air Act and extended the Act to include noise pollution.
*Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)*
• It is a statutory body
• It is established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
1972.
• Also entrusted with the functions and responsibilities under Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act 1981.
• It coordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards by providing
technical assistance and guidance and also resolves disputes among them.
Constitution:
• CPCB is led by the Chairman who has special knowledge and practical
experience relating to environmental protection
• Other members
Functions :
• To improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air
pollution in the country.
• To promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the
states by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.
*National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)*
• Notified in 1982
• It is set by CPCB
• It contains 12 pollutants
1. SO2 2. NO2 3. PM 10 4. PM 2.5
5. Ozone 6. Lead 7. CO 8. Ammonia
9. Arsenic 10. Nickel 11. Benzene 12. Benzo-pyrene
*National Air Quality Monitoring Programme*
• Execution by CPCB
• Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme known as NAMP.
NAMP is undertaken :
• To determine status and trends of ambient air quality.
• To ascertain the compliance of NAAQS.
• To identify non attainment cities.
• To understand the natural process of cleaning in the atmosphere.
*National Air Quality Index (Launched under Swachh Bharat)*
• NAQI, launched by CPCB, is a number used to communicate to the public
how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecasted to become.
• The classifications of air quality are part of a 6 grade, colour coded taking
into account 8 pollutant levels.
These pollutants are:
1. SO2 2. NO2 3. PM 10 4. PM 2.5
5. Ozone 6. Lead 7. CO 8. Ammonia
*National Clean Air Program (NCAP)*
• It was launched by the MoEFCC in January 2019.
• It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for
air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
• It seeks to cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter
10 micrometer or less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter of
diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or PM2.5) by at least 20% in the next five
years (till 2024), with 2017 as the base year for comparison.
*National Green Tribunal*
• It is a specialised body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to
environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural
resources.
• It draws inspiration from India’s constitutional provision of Article 21, which
assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment.
NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6
months of filing the same.
• The NGT has five places of sittings, New Delhi is the Principal place of sitting
and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four.
*SAFAR System for Monitoring Air Pollutants*
• The System of Air Quality and weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) is a
national initiative by MoES (Ministry of Earth Sciences)
• Target : Air quality of metro politan city by measuring the overall pollution
level and the location specific air quality of city.
• Monitors : Temperature, Rainfall, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, UV
radiation and solar radiation.
• Developed by : IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Metrology, Pune) and is
operationalized by the IMD.
Pollutants Monitored are :
1. PM 2.5 2. PM 10 3. Ozone 4. CO 5. Nitrogen oxide
6.Sulphur Dioxide 7. Benzene 8.Toluene
9. Xylene 10. Mercury
*Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI)*
• Bharat Stage (BS) are emission standards instituted by the Government of
India to regulate the output of air pollutants from motor vehicles.(2000)
• The Central Pollution Control Board sets up and implements these
standards.
• BS regulations are based on the European emission standards.
• BS II – 2001, BS III – 2005, BS-IV – 2010, BS-VI – 2020
• April 2020, decided as deadline for the manufacturer to manufacture BS-IV
vehicles.
How does BSVI emission norms differ from BS4?
• Sulphur traces in BS6 fuel is five times lower (10 ppm) as compared to
sulphur traces in BS4 fuel (50 ppm).
• Nitrogen oxide level for BS6-grade diesel engines and petrol engines will be
brought down by 70% and 25%, respectively.
• BS VI can bring PM in diesel cars down by 80 per cent.
• Real Driving Emission (RDE) – emission measure in real world condition,
not under test condition (in laboratory)
• Onboard driving is mandatory – informs the vehicle owner how efficient
the systems in the vehicle are.