Air pollution is the contamination of atmospheric air by chemical, physical, or natural agents, making it unsuitable and harmful for breathing. Primary pollutants like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides, aerosols, and fine particulates have serious effects on both the environment and human health.Read more
Air pollution is the contamination of atmospheric air by chemical, physical, or natural agents, making it unsuitable and harmful for breathing. Primary pollutants like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides, aerosols, and fine particulates have serious effects on both the environment and human health.
Observed Climate Changes:
- Global Warming by gases like CFCs and Methane.
- High global temperature causing rise in sea levels and coastal flooding by rapid melting of polar ice caps.
- Severe droughts and torrential rains.
Impact on Human Health:
Exposure to –
- UV radiation (due to the depletion of the ozone layer) weakens the immune system, causes sunburn and even cancer.
- Air pollutants can cause chronic diseases like lung cancer and asthma.
- Air containing even 0.001% of carbon monoxide can cause drowsiness, collapse, coma, or even death.
- Volatile Compounds like Benzene can cause mutations in foetus and other reproductive problems.
Impact on Environment:
Gaseous air pollutants can cause damage to –
- Leaves of crop plants and flower buds (by acid rain).
- Nutrient content and growth potential of plants.
- Phytoplankton and zooplankton (by UV radiation).
The Indian Government, observing the alarming effects of air pollution, has implemented certain measures such as the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act and Central Motor Act to mitigate the effects of air pollution. However, more such preventive measures are needed to address the emerging concerns.
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Advancements in waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies play a pivotal role in reducing landfill waste and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. WTE technologies convert municipal solid waste into usable energy, such as electricity, heat, or fuel, through processes like incineration, gasification, and anaRead more
Advancements in waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies play a pivotal role in reducing landfill waste and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. WTE technologies convert municipal solid waste into usable energy, such as electricity, heat, or fuel, through processes like incineration, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. By diverting waste from landfills, these technologies significantly reduce the volume of waste that would otherwise contribute to land degradation and pollution. In landfills, organic waste decomposes anaerobically, releasing methane—a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential much higher than carbon dioxide. WTE technologies mitigate this by capturing the energy potential of waste before it decomposes, thus preventing methane emissions. For instance, incineration reduces waste volume by up to 90% while generating electricity, and advanced gasification converts waste into syngas, which can used for power generation with lower emissions. Furthermore, WTE reduces reliance on fossil fuels by providing a renewable energy source, contributing to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from traditional power plants. Modern WTE facilities are designed to operate with high efficiency and strict emission controls, minimizing pollutants. By integrating WTE technologies into waste management systems, cities can achieve more sustainable waste disposal practices, reduce landfill dependency, and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
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