Ground Level Ozone Pollution

Why in news?

• According to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), parts of the Delhi-NCR region witnessed ground-level ozone exceeding the national standards on 87 out of 92 days between March and May in 2023.

About Ground-Level Ozone:

• Ground-level ozone, also known as Tropospheric ozone, is a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms near the Earth's surface, typically within two miles above the ground.
• Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted from any specific source.
• It is formed through complex interactions between Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide emitted from vehicles, power plants, factories, and other combustion sources. These compounds undergo cyclic reactions in the presence of sunlight to generate ground-level ozone.

Impact:

• When NOx and VOCs interact in the presence of sunlight, they undergo complex chemical reactions that lead to the formation of ground-level ozone.
• Ground-level ozone is a significant air pollutant and can have harmful effects on human health, vegetation, and ecosystems.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

In the context of atmospheric pollutants, consider the following statements:

1. Tropospheric Ozone is a major component of Photochemical Smog

2. Tropospheric Ozone is not directly emitted from any specific source

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer