Air Pollution | Nichem
Air pollution is a growing concern that impacts everyone, no matter where they live. In this rapidly urbanising world, it comes from various sources: vehicle emissions and power plants, industrial and agricultural activities, or natural processes. Understanding the complexities of this global challenge is paramount in finding effective solutions. In this article, we will explore the scope of air pollution, its causes, its different elements, government and public schemes for its prevention, potential solutions and more.
What Exactly is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the term used to describe the process of harmful substances being introduced into the Earth’s atmosphere. Referred to as “pollutants”, these harmful substances can take the form of gases, solid particles, or liquid droplets. They can be natural or man-made.
Types of Air Pollutants
The types of air pollutants may be classified into two categories – primary and secondary pollutants. Each of the categories affects the air in different ways –
- Primary pollutants are those directly emitted into the atmosphere from various sources. Common examples include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants come from sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plants, and industrial processes. They can be harmful to health and the environment and also play a role in forming secondary pollutants.
- Secondary pollutants are not directly emitted but are created in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants. For instance, ground-level ozone (O3) and photochemical smog are secondary pollutants that form when NOx and VOCs react with sunlight. These pollutants often lead to smog and other air quality issues, particularly in urban areas.
Few pollutants fit within both categories. Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) is a significant contributor to both primary and secondary pollution. TRAP consists of gases and particles emitted from vehicles, including NOx, CO, VOCs, and PM.
Sources of Air Pollution
Air pollution originates from a variety of sources, which can be broadly categorised into natural and anthropogenic sources. Below, we expand on these sources –
Natural Sources
Natural sources of air pollution are those that arise from natural processes and have been part of Earth’s atmospheric system since its formation. These include volcanic eruptions, wildfires, dust storms, and biological processes like methane release. These natural sources have always been part of Earth’s atmospheric system and contribute to air pollution, though their impact is typically balanced by natural environmental processes. However, the increased contributions from human activities often overshadow the effects of these natural sources.
Anthropogenic Sources
Anthropogenic sources refer to air pollution resulting from human activities and can be understood when divided into two main categories: stationary and mobile.
Stationary sources
of air pollution include industrial emissions from factories and power plants, residential heating using fossil fuels, and agricultural activities involving fertilisers and livestock. These sources release a variety of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and methane, contributing significantly to air quality issues.
Mobile sources
of air pollution include transportation, energy production, and construction/demolition. Vehicles like cars, trucks, ships, and planes emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Fossil fuel combustion in power plants also generates sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Construction and demolition activities further release dust and particulate matter into the air.
Understanding The Impact
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths each year. Such health effects are diverse and severe, impacting various aspects of well-being.
Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides can worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, and also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and certain cancers. Emerging research links air pollution to accelerated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Beyond human health, air pollutants also contribute to the formation of acid rain, which damages ecosystems by disrupting soil and water quality. Ground-level ozone depletion raises the risk of skin cancer and other health issues.
Additionally, air pollution is a major driver of climate change, as greenhouse gas emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and more extreme weather events.
Measuring Air Pollution
Accurate measurement of air pollution is vital for effective management and control. There are several methods used to conduct such measurements –
Manual Monitoring Networks: Traditional air quality measurement involves manually collecting air samples from various locations and analysing them in laboratories. This method provides detailed information about pollutant concentrations but is time-consuming and less frequent.
Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM): CAAQM systems offer real-time data on air quality by continuously measuring pollutant levels. These systems use various instruments to monitor key pollutants, providing up-to-date information that helps track pollution trends and respond to air quality emergencies promptly.
Low-Cost Sensors: Recent advances have introduced more affordable and accessible monitoring options, including –
- Electrochemical Sensors: Measure gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), nitrogen monoxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO).
- Metal Oxide Sensors: Detect NO₂, O₃, and CO by measuring changes in electrical resistance.
- Optical Particle Counters: Analyse particulate matter (PM) by measuring the light scattered by particles in the air, providing data on particle size and concentration.
Satellite Imagery: Satellites provide a broad, comprehensive view of air quality over large areas. This method helps track pollution on a global scale and observe trends in atmospheric conditions. Satellites measure pollutants such as ozone and aerosols, offering insights into the movement and distribution of air pollutants.
Air Quality Indices (AQI): The data collected from these various sources is often compiled into Air Quality Indices (AQI). AQIs translate complex pollution data into an easy-to-understand scale, helping the public and policymakers gauge air quality quickly and make informed decisions.
Strategies in The Future
Efforts to combat air pollution encompass a multifaceted approach involving technological advancements, policy initiatives, and community actions. Technological solutions play a significant role, with industries employing pollution control equipment like scrubbers and filters to curb emissions. Advances in cleaner fuels and engine technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, help reduce pollutants from transportation. Additionally, air purifiers and innovative solutions like Enviroclean—a paint additive that neutralises pollutants—address air quality issues at the source.
On the policy front, emission standards set by governments regulate the amount of pollutants that can be emitted by vehicles and industries, helping to control overall air pollution levels. Promoting clean energy through investments in renewable sources like wind and solar power reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thus cutting down emissions. Urban planning also contributes by designing cities that reduce traffic congestion and increase green spaces, which can improve air quality.
Community and individual actions are equally important. Encouraging the use of public transportation and energy conservation practices helps to lower emissions from personal vehicles and reduce energy-related pollution. Proper waste management, including recycling and composting, minimises the pollutants released from landfills and incineration.
Conclusion
Mitigating air pollution is complex, but not impossible. Through technological innovation, effective policies, and active public participation, we can achieve cleaner air. Every action matters, from choosing public transport to supporting clean energy initiatives. As we strive for progress, remember that the air we breathe is the air we share. It’s time we commit to making it cleaner for all!
About NICHEM
Long-standing Specialty Chemicals player with ISO 9001:2015 certification and a history of providing specialty solutions for over 25 years. The company is headed by senior chemical industry specialists with the combined expertise of more than 100 years. With an emphasis on eco-friendly, non-toxic products, the company’s primary strength is research, development, and customization. More information on NICHEM can be found at https://nichem.solutions.
