Air Pollution

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 Pollutants
 PM2.5 (Particulate Matter having an
aerodynamic diameter less than or
equal to 2.5 µm),
 PM 10 (Particulate Matter size equal to
or less than 10 micron)

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 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2),

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 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and

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 Carbon monoxide (CO),

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 Ammonia (NH3) Lead (Pb)

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 Ozone (O3), Benzene (C6H6)

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 Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)

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 Arsenic (As) and

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 Nickel (Ni)
(For sources of pollutants and their impact
refer the handout).

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 Pollutants
• Primary pollutant
o directly from a source.
• Secondary pollutant

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o not directly emitted as such, but forms when other pollutants (primary

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pollutants) react in the atmosphere.

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o Examples: Ozone (O3), which is formed when hydrocarbons (HC) and

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nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight;

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o Acid rain, which is formed when Sulfur dioxide (SO2) or nitrogen

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oxides (NOx) react with water.

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o Photochemical Smog

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• Sources: Point and Non-Point

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 Acid Rain
• Any form of precipitation with acidic
components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid
that fall to the ground from the
atmosphere in wet or dry forms.

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• Acidic particles and gases can also deposit

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from the atmosphere in the absence of

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moisture as dry deposition.

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 Acid Rain
• It can lower the pH of these bodies of water, making
them more acidic,
• harmful to fish and other aquatic life by disrupting
their behavior, damaging their bodies, or reducing

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their reproductive success.

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• Acid rain can also harm forests, killing trees and

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damaging the leaves, stems, and roots of plants.

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• respiratory problems and other health issues among

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human beings.

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• Steps: to minimize the emission of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere
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 Ozone Pollution
• Good vs Bad Ozone
• Tropospheric ozone is
created by chemical
reactions between oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) and volatile

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organic compounds (VOC).

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• pollutants emitted by cars,

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power plants, industrial

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boilers, refineries, chemical

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plants, stubble burning and

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other sources chemically

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react in the presence of
sunlight.

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 Ozone Pollution
• Exposure to high levels of ozone can cause respiratory
problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath,
• it can also damage plants and reduce crop yields.
• It reduces photosynthesis.

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• Steps:

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National: Part of national ambient air quality standards

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o

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o The 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and

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Ground-level Ozone (Gothenburg Protocol)

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• The Protocol sets national emission ceilings for 2010 up to 2020 for four

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pollutants: Sulphur (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic

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compounds (VOCs) and ammonia (NH3).

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• one of the Eight Protocols under UNECE Convention on Long Range
Transboundary Air Pollution
• India is not a signatory.

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 Smog
• Smog is air pollution that reduces
visibility.
• The terms was first used in the early
1900s to describe a mix
of smoke and fog.

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• Classical smog is caused by the

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emission of smoke and sulfur dioxide

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from the burning of coal and other

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fossil fuels as well as from industrial

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processes such as metal smelting and

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refining.

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• In many cities, classical smog has
been largely replaced by
photochemical smog.

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 Photochemical smog
• is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides
and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating
a brown haze above cities.
• It tends to occur more often in summer, because that is when we

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have the most sunlight.

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• Natural Sources:

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o bushfires, lightning and the microbial processes that occur in soil generate

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nitrogen oxides.

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o VOCs are produced from the evaporation of naturally-occurring compounds, such

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as terpenes, which are the hydrocarbons in oils that make them burn.

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o Eucalypts have also been found to release significant amounts of these
compounds.

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 Photochemical smog
• Anthropogenic sources
o Nitrogen oxides are produced mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly in power
stations and motor vehicles.
o VOCs are formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, from the evaporation of

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solvents and fuels, and from burning plant matter—such as backyard burning and wood-
burning stoves.

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o Vehicle emissions: These emissions contain nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic

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compounds (VOCs), which contribute to the formation of smog when they react with sunlight.

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Industrial emissions: Industrial activities, such as power plants and factories, also contribute

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o

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to photochemical smog through the release of NOx and VOCs into the air.

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o Solvents: Solvents used in painting, printing, and other processes can release VOCs into the

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air, contributing to the formation of smog.

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o Tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that can contribute to photochemical

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smog, including NOx and VOCs.

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 Photochemical smog
• NO2 + sunlight = NO + O
• O + O2 = O3

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• O3 + NO = NO2 + O2

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• NO2 + R = products such as

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PAN (R = hydrocarbons)

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(PAN = peroxyacetyl nitrate)

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• NO + ROx = NO2 + other

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products

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 Photochemical smog
Steps:
• Reduction of nitrogen oxide The main method of lowering the levels of
nitrogen oxides is by a process called ‘catalytic reduction’, which is used in
industry and in motor vehicles.

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• a catalytic converter fitted to a car’s exhaust system will convert much of

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the nitric oxide from the engine exhaust gases to nitrogen and oxygen.

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Temperature also has an effect on emissions—the lower the temperature

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•

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of combustion, the lower the production of nitrogen oxides.

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• Reduction of VOCs There are various ways to reduce VOC emissions from

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motor vehicles. These include the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or

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compressed natural gas (CNG) rather than petrol

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 Control of Industrial Pollution
• Cleaner Fuel:
o LNG
o Clean Coal Technologies
o Coal Gasification

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• Filters such as baghouse filters to remove PM from

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gases

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• Electrostatic precipitators:

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o The emanating dust is charged with ions and the ionized


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particulate matter is collected on an oppositely charged

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surface and removed.

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Inertial collectors such as Cyclone dust collectors.

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•

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• Absorption by Scrubbers: transfer of a gaseous

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pollutant from the air into a contacting liquid, such as
water.
o Liquid serve as a solvent for the pollutant or to capture it
by means of a chemical reaction.

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 Control of Industrial Pollution
• Flue gas Desulphurization: from Power plants
o wet scrubbing or dry scrubbing.
o In wet FGD: The sulfur dioxide dissolves in or reacts with
the absorbent and becomes trapped in it.
o In dry FGD systems, the absorbent is dry pulverized lime

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or limestone; once absorption occurs, the solid particles
are removed by means of baghouse filters

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• Carbon Sequestration

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Selective Catalytic / Non-catalytic Reduction:

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converting nitrogen oxides (NOx) with the aid of

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a catalyst into diatomic N2 and H2O.

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 Indoor Air Pollution
• Indoor air pollution refers to the contamination of the air inside homes,
offices, and other buildings.
• Sources: including traditional chulhas, unclean energy sources, tobacco
smoke, mold, household cleaning products, pesticides, and radon gas.

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• Impact: including respiratory problems, allergies, and cancer.

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• Solution:

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o to keep the indoor environment clean and well-ventilated,

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o use natural and low-toxic cleaning products,

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o fix any water leaks or moisture issues to prevent mold growth.

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Awareness

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• Steps: 

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o Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
o Unnat Chulha Abhiyan
o Promoting solar cookers
o National Biogas and Manure Management Programme

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 Measures to Tackle
• Institutional Measures:
o CPCB and SPCB: Constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act 1974, to implement the environmental laws and rules.

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• Also derive power from Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981.

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National clean air program

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• Bharat Stage VI

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• Fly ash utilizations guidelines

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Emission norms for Thermal power plants

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Electric Vehicles

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• Hydrogen Mission
• Ban on Stubble burning: Utilization of Stubble
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 NCAP
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
• A comprehensive national level strategy
• launched in 2019 with the goal of reducing air

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pollution in the country by 20-30% by 2024.

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• It aims to improve air quality in 102 cities,

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which are identified as non-attainment cities,

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o cities that do not meet the National Ambient

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Air Quality Standards.

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• The Centre has set a new target of a 40%

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reduction in particulate matter concentration in

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cities covered under the National Clean Air

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Programme (NCAP) by 2026 in 131 non-
attainment cities

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 NCAP
• NCAP details seven mitigation actions:
o Web-based, three-tier mechanism - to monitor any form of non-

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compliance.

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o Extensive Planation Drive

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o Technology Support: Clean Technologies with potential for air pollution

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prevention and mitigation

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o Regional and Transboundary Plan

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o Sectoral Interventions: such as e-mobility, power sector emissions,

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indoor air pollution, waste management etc.
o City Specific Air Quality Management Plan
o exploring detailed funding mechanism by states.

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 NCAP
• Knowledge and Database Augmentation
o Air Quality Monitoring Network
o Air pollution health & economic impact studies

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o International Cooperation

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o Review of Ambient Air Quality Standards and Emission Standards.

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• Institutional Strengthening

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o National Apex Committee at the MoEF&CC and State-level Apex Committee

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under the chief secretaries in various states.

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o Public Awareness and Education:

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o Operationlize the NPL-India Certification Scheme
o Air-Quality Forecasting System (AQFS): as a state-of-the-art modelling
system
o Network of Technical Institutions- Knowledge Partners
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 Bharat stage VI
• to regulate the emissions of air pollutants from vehicles.
• It came into effect on April 1, 2020.
• BS-VI is the equivalent of the Euro 6 emission standards

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followed in Europe.

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• it reduces the allowable levels of several air pollutants such

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as CO, nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and

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hydrocarbons (HC).

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• Applicable to all vehicles including cars, motorcycles, and

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commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks.

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• vehicles must be equipped with advanced emission control
technologies such as diesel particulate filters, selective
catalytic reduction systems, and lean NOx traps.
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 Fly ash utilization
• by-product of burning coal in thermal power plants
• contains oxides of silica, alumina and calcium. Elements like Arsenic,
Boron, Chromium, lead etc.

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• Utility of Fly ash:

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o Agriculture: Improves holding capacity of water

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o Construction work: manufacturing of Portland cement, bricks/blocks/tiles manufacturing, road

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embankment construction and low-lying area development

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o Absorbents that are suitable for purification of waste gases

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Steps:

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Fly Ash Notification 2021 was issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986: Centre has made it

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mandatory for such plants to ensure 100% utilization of ash in an eco-friendly manner.

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the non-compliant power plants will be imposed with an environmental compensation of Rs

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1,000 per tonne
o CPCB will be use the amount towards the safe disposal of the unutilised ash.
o power plants will have to deliver fly ash at project sites free of cost.
o National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the constitution of a ‘Fly Ash Management and Utilisation
Mission.

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 Thermal Power Plants
• Emission norms by CPCB regarding liquid effluents, Pollutants such as
PM, SO2, NOx, Mercury
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to categorise thermal power
plants (TPPs) in three categories on the basis of their location

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o Category A: TPP within 10 kilometres of the National Capital Region (NCR) and in

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cities with more than 10 lakh population to comply with new emission norms by

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the end of 2024.

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Category B: In non-attainment cities (those cities which are not meeting

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National Ambient Air Quality Standards) and those within 10 kilometres of

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critically polluted areas have to meet the norms by December 31, 2025.

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o Category C: Coal-fired power plants in the rest of the areas have to comply with

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the new standards by December 31, 2026.

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• Penalty provisions: In case of non-compliance, a penalty of up to 0.20
rupees per unit
• TPPs declared to retire before December 31, 2025 are not required to
meet the specified norms
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 Quantifying Air Pollution
• National Ambient Air Quality
• National Air Quality Index

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 Delhi NCR Pollution
• Sources
• Geographical Factors

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• Impact of Stubble burning

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Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act

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• Steps:

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• Graded Respnse Action Plan: Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM)

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replaced Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA).

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Ban on Crop Residue

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National Policy for Management of Crop Residue

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• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran)
Yojana.
• Smog Towers

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 Noise Pollution
• Sound or Noise Pollution is excessive or
unwanted noise that can have negative
impacts on the environment and human
health.

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• Sources: traffic, construction, aircraft,

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loudspeakers and industrial and commercial

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activities.

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• Impact: increased blood pressure, loss of

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temper, decrease in work efficiency, loss of

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hearing, mental depression

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• prescribed optimum noise level by WHO

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o as 45 dB by day and 35 dB by night.

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• Anything above 80 dB is hazardous

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 Noise Pollution
• The Government of India has taken a number of steps to
reduce noise pollution, including the following:

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o The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 (under

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Environment protection Act, 1986) : These rules establish standards for

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noise levels in various areas and provide guidelines for the prevention, control,

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and abatement of noise pollution.

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o The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: This act regulates the noise levels of vehicles

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and imposes penalties for violations.

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o The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This act

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establishes standards for noise levels in the environment and provides for the

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prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution, including noise pollution.
o The Noise Monitoring and Measurement Rules, 2009: These rules provide
guidelines for the monitoring and measurement of noise levels in various areas.

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 Noise Pollution
More Steps:
• Limit the use of loud equipment and vehicles, such as by using quiet power
tools and choosing low-noise appliances.
Use noise barriers and insulation, such as soundproof windows and walls, to

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reduce the transmission of noise.

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• Follow noise regulations, such as those related to construction and vehicular

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traffic.

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Plant trees and other vegetation, which can absorb and deflect sound waves.

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• Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce the impact of noise

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when you are in a loud environment.

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• Turn down the volume on music and other audio devices, and use headphones

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instead of speakers.

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• Support organizations that work to reduce noise pollution and advocate for
responsible noise practices.
• Educate others about the negative impacts of noise pollution and ways to
reduce it.

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 Water Pollution
• Pollution of Water Bodies
• River Pollution

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• Groundwater Pollution

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• Sources: Point and Non-Point

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 Parameters used by CPCB to measure Water Quality

• Temperature
• Dissolved Oxygen

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• pH

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• Conductivity

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Bio-Chemical Oxygen demand

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Nitrate and Nitrite

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• Fecal Coliform
• Total Coliform
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 Thermal Pollution
• The process of increasing the
temperature of a natural body of water,
as a result of human activity.
This includes discharge of hot water

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•

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from

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o power plants and industrial facilities,

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o the use of water for irrigation,

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o the operation of boats and other

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watercraft.

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• The impacts of thermal pollution

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depend on the magnitude and duration

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of the temperature increase.
• It also depends upon sensitivity of the
organisms in the affected ecosystem.

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 Thermal Pollution
• Impact:
o Thermal pollution can be harmful to aquatic life by stressing or killing
them, disrupting their behavior, or reducing their reproductive

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success.

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o resistance to diseases and parasites decreases.

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o Running away from predators or chasing prey becomes difficult.

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• Steps:

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o minimize the use of water for cooling

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o recycle or reuse cooling water whenever possible
o use the most efficient cooling technologies available
o allow the water to cool before releasing into any receiving water body

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 BOD and COD
• Biological Oxygen Demand,
o is a measure of the amount of oxygen that is consumed by bacteria as they break down organic matter
in water.
o BOD is an indication of the amount of organic matter present in water and is often used as a measure

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of water pollution.

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• Chemical Oxygen Demand,

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o is a measure of the amount of oxygen that is required to chemically oxidize organic matter in water.

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o COD is an indication of the amount of organic matter present in water,

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o it also includes inorganic matter such as metals and nitrogen compounds that cannot be broken down

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by bacteria.

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• both measured in milligrams of oxygen per liter of water (mg/L).

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• The higher the BOD or COD level, the greater the amount of organic matter

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present in the water and the poorer the water quality.
• COD is higher than BOD because chemical oxidation is easier than BOD
• Example of chemicals in COD: potassium dichromate, potassium
permanganate, copper sulfate, and titanium sulfate.

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 Nitrate and Nitrite
• Nitrate (NO3) is a soluble compound that is found in fertilizers, animal
manure, and other sources.
• Nitrite (NO2) is a less stable compound that is produced when nitrate
is reduced by bacteria.

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• they can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood

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o Blue baby syndrome, also known as methemoglobinemia, is a condition that

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occurs when there is an excess of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin, in the

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blood. most commonly caused by high levels of nitrate in drinking water.

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can enter water through agricultural runoff, sewage discharges, and

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•

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other sources.

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• can be reduced through treatment methods such as denitrification, in

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which bacteria are used to convert the nitrogen compounds into
harmless gases.

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 Coliform
• Coliform bacteria are found in the feces of warm-
blooded animals, including humans.

om
• indicates the presence of other potentially harmful

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ai
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bacteria or pathogens that may have contaminated

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the water.

ye
ty
di
• Coliform bacteria can enter water through sewage

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fo
y
discharges, agricultural runoff, and other sources.

nl
O
• Coliform bacteria levels in water can be reduced
through proper treatment and filtration.
Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert
 Groundwater Pollution
• Sources:
o Chemical pollutants: Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides,
herbicides, and fertilizers.

om
l.c
o Petroleum products: Leaks or spills of gasoline, oil, and other

ai
petroleum products

gm
a@
o Industrial waste: manufacturing and mining

ye
ty
o Septic systems: Improperly designed or maintained septic systems

di
can leak or overflow

ra
fo
o Landfills: Landfills can leak chemicals and other pollutants

y
nl
O
o Agricultural practices: The use of chemicals and animal manure
o Human waste: The improper disposal of human waste, such as sewage
or diaper waste

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Uranium Contamination
• Effects: thyroid cancer, blood cancer,
depression, chronic kidneys disease etc.
• Sources:
o sediment carried down from the Himalayas by

om
streams or from uranium-rich granitic rocks.

l.c
o Overuse of such acquifers

ai
gm
o Increased solubility of Uranium in ground

a@
water: interaction with bicarbonate, oxidation

ye
(use of nitrates and other oxidizers)

ty
Way forward: Adsorption(TiO2, Activated

di
•

ra
Carbon), Precipitation [(Fe(OH)3, Al(OH)3,

fo
Ti(OH)4 and Ca3(PO4)2], Membranes,

y
nl
Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis

O
• As per Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS),
maximum permissible limit of Uranium is 0.03
mg/l (as per WHO provisional guidelines)
 River Pollution
• Causes and Sources:
o Agriculture runoff

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o Industrial effluents

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ai
o Household waste

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a@
o Mining

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Heavy metal pollution

ty
o

di
ra
o Sand mining

fo
y
Deforestation

nl
o

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Heavy Metals and impact

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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Namami Gange
• effective abatement of pollution in Ganga and tributaries
• conservation and rejuvenation of River Ganga
o Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure
o Industrial Effluent Monitoring

om
o River-Front Development

l.c
o River-Surface Cleaning

ai
gm
o Bio Diversity

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o Afforestation

ye
o Public Awareness

ty
o Ganga Gram

di
ra
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: a five- tier structure

fo
has been envisaged at national, state and district level to

y
nl
take measures for prevention, control and abatement of

O
environmental pollution in Ganga
• National Mission for Clean Ganga is registered as a society
under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
 Sand Mining
• Sand – a minor mineral as per Mines and
Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act,
1957
• Environmental Impact:
o River course change
o Bank Erosion
o Flooding

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o Lowering of Groundwater table

l.c
o Biodiversity loss

ai
• Steps taken:

gm
o empowers state governments to

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frame rules

ye
o Districts to have comprehensive mining

ty
plan

di
ra
o Define the mining and no mining

fo
zones: Prefer abandoned stream

y
channels

nl
O
o No Riverbed mining in Monsson
o Use of technology
o Annual audit of mining lease
o Online portal for sale and purchase of
sand and river bed material
 Eutrophication
• water becomes enriched in nutrients,
particularly phosphorus and nitrogen,
leading to an increase in the growth of

om
aquatic plants and algae.

l.c
ai
agricultural runoff and sewage discharge.

gm
•

a@
• Excessive eutrophication can have negative

ye
ty
impacts on the ecosystem.

di
ra
o overabundance of algae can lead to oxygen depletion

fo
y
in the water,

nl
O
o can harm or kill other aquatic organisms.
o can block sunlight from reaching deeper layers of the
water, disrupting the normal functioning of the
ecosystem.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Water Cycle

om
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ai
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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Water Sources

om
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fo
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Source: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/how-much-water-there-
Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] earth#:~:text=About%2071%20percent%20of%20the,Water%20is%20never%20sitting%20still.
 om
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2013

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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 om
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a@
2017

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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Radioactive Pollution
• Result of release of radioactive substances
into the environment during
o nuclear explosions, testing of nuclear weapons,
nuclear weapon production and

om
decommissioning,

l.c
ai
o mining of radioactive ores

gm
o handling and disposal of radioactive waste, and

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accidents at nuclear power plants.

ye
o

ty
• Non-ionizing and Ionizing radiation

di
ra
• Short-term exposure to high levels of

fo
radiation can cause immediate illness or

y
nl
O
death
• long-term exposure to low levels of radiation
may increase the risk of cancer and other
diseases

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Radioactive Pollution
• Steps:
o properly store, transport, and dispose of radioactive materials.
avoiding contaminated areas

om
o

l.c
o using protective gear when working with radioactive materials, and

ai
gm
o following safety guidelines in medical procedures that use radiation.

a@
Nuclear non-proliferation

ye
o

ty
di
• ways to dispose of radioactive waste, including:

ra
fo
o Burial: Burying the waste in a deep, secure underground location

y
nl
O
o Encapsulation: Encapsulating the waste in a durable material, such as
concrete, and storing it in a secure location.
o Reprocessing: Reprocessing the waste to extract usable materials and
reduce the volume of waste is another option.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Light Pollution
• excessive or inappropriate use of
outdoor artificial light
• affects human health, animal health,
wildlife behavior, and astronomical

om
observations.

l.c
• There are several types of light

ai
gm
pollution, including:

a@
o Glare: when the intensity of light is too high,

ye
causing discomfort or vision problems.

ty
di
o Skyglow: brightening of the night sky that

ra
occurs due to the scattering of artificial light in

fo
the atmosphere.

y
nl
o Light trespass: when artificial light spills over

O
onto areas where it is not wanted or needed,
such as into a neighbor's window.
o Clutter: confusing or excessive grouping of light
sources, which can be disorienting and visually
confusing.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Light Pollution
• Nocturnal light interrupts sleep and confuses the circadian rhythm
• For example, production of the hormone melatonin
o An increased amount of light at night lowers melatonin production, which
results in sleep deprivation

om
• Affects animals such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and

l.c
ai
habitat formation.

gm
several ways to reduce light pollution,

a@
•

ye
o including using shielded lighting fixtures,

ty
di
o turning off unnecessary lights,

ra
fo
o using energy-efficient bulbs.

y
nl
o responsible lighting practices.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Waste Management

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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Solid Waste Management
• The total quantity of Solid waste generated in the country is
160,038.9 TPD
• 75- 80% of the municipal waste gets collected and out of this
only 22-28 % is processed and treated and remaining is disposed

om
of indiscriminately at dump yards.
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016:

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ai
• Under Environment Protection Act, 1986

gm
• Applicability: Municipal areas, urban agglomerations, towns,

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areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbase, Port

ye
and harbour, defence establishments, special economic zones,

ty
State and Central government organizations, places of pilgrims,

di
religious & historical importance.

ra
fo
• The Waste Generators: • Every household • Event organizers •

y
Street Vendors • RWAs & Market Associations • Gated

nl
Community having more than area 5000 sq.m. • Hotels &

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restaurants, etc.
• 3R: The source segregation of waste has been mandated to
channelize the waste to wealth by recovery, reuse and recycle.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Solid Waste Management
• Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced to segregate waste in to three streams,
Wet (Biodegradable), Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.) and domestic hazardous wastes
(diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.) and
handover segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste collectors or local bodies.

om
• Integration of waste pickers/ rag pickers and waste dealers/ Kabadiwalas in the formal

l.c
system

ai
gm
• No person should throw, burn, or bury the solid waste generated by him, on streets, open

a@
public spaces outside his premises, or in the drain, or water bodies.

ye
• Generator will have to pay ‘User Fee’ to waste collector and for ‘Spot Fine’ for Littering and

ty
Non-segregation.

di
ra
• The bio-degradable waste should be processed, treated and disposed of through

fo
composting or bio-methanation

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nl
O
• Non-recyclable waste having calorific value of 1500 cal/kg or more shall not be disposed of
on landfills and shall only be utilized for generating energy
• Construction and demolition waste should be stored, separately disposed off, as per the
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
• Construction of landfill on the hill shall be avoided.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Waste to Energy
• Methods: 
o Incineration: Direct burning
o Plasma Gasification: extreme thermal process using plasma which converts

om
organic matter into a syngas

l.c
o Pyrolysis,: involves application of heat with no added oxygen in order to

ai
gm
generate oils and/or syngas

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o Bio methanation: organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic

ye
conditions to biogas.

ty
di
• Benefits:

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fo
o Net Greenhouse Gas Reducer: Methane is a greenhouse gas which is mostly

y
nl
emitted from decomposing waste in landfills.

O
o Resource savings and recovery
o Landfill usage and expansion greatly reduced
o Transportation of waste long distances can be greatly reduced

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Waste to Energy
• Challenges:
o Low Calorific Waste: Municipal waste in India is often not segregated properly. It has a very high
biodegradable (wet) waste with a high moisture content and low calorific value.
High Toxic Waste: Incinerators develop toxic ash or slag, containing heavy metals and gas pollutants

om
o
Expensive power

l.c
o

ai
o Lack of Finance for Urban Local Bodies

gm
o inadequate quantity of supply; non-payment of agreed fee and non-marketability of waste processed

a@
projects

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Opposition from local people

ty
o

di
• Way forward

ra
fo
o Improved MSW collection system

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nl
o Encourage Private Partnership

O
o a provision for State Electricity Discoms to mandatorily purchase all power
o Incineration is preferable to pyrolysis (which is unsuited for our municipal solid waste) and plasma
technology (which is too costly). Composting and biogas are not sustainable since they generate by-
products or residues in large quantities.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Plastic Waste Management
• India produces 3.5 million tonnes of plastic annually, only about
50% is recycled.
• The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate the

om
l.c
generators of plastic waste

ai
gm
o to take steps to minimize generation of plastic waste,

a@
ye
o not to litter the plastic waste,

ty
ensure segregated storage of waste at source and hand over segregated waste

di
o

ra
in accordance with rules.

fo
y
Responsibilities of CPCB, SPCB/PCC, Local bodies, gram

nl
•

O
Panchayat, waste generators, retailers and street vendors,
manufacturer, Importers and producer, recyclers and waste
processors
Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert
 Plastic Waste Management
• Plastic Waste Management
(Amendment) Rules, 2022
• 4 categories of plastic based on

om
l.c
recyclability as per Plastic Waste

ai
gm
Management Rules, 2016

a@
ye
• Ban on Single use plastic: Ear buds

ty
di
with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for

ra
fo
balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks,

y
nl
ice-cream sticks, polystyrene

O
[Thermocol] for decoration, plastic
cutlery for food

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Plastic Waste Management
• the thickness of plastic carry bags has been increased from fifty
microns to 75 microns and to 120 microns
• Extended Producer Responsibility Certificates:

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l.c
o sale and purchase of surplus extended producer responsibility certificates,

ai
gm
a market mechanism for plastic waste management.

a@
o Centralised Online Portal: single point data repository with respect to

ye
ty
orders and guidelines related to implementation of EPR

di
ra
• Based on Polluter pays principle

fo
y
nl
• create an ecosystem for accelerated adoption and availability of

O
alternatives across the country
• Challenges to implement the ban on single use plastics

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Biomedical Waste Management
• about 619 tons/day of biomedical waste was generated during the
year 2018-2019 by 3,22,425 numbers of Healthcare Facilities.
• Biomedical waste of about 74 tons/day might get disposed off

om
l.c
through deep burials located at isolated places.

ai
gm
• Impact:

a@
ye
o Infection: Biomedical waste can contain pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that

ty
can cause serious infections if not properly handled.

di
ra
o Chemical hazards: Some biomedical waste may contain chemicals that can be harmful to

fo
humans and the environment if not disposed of properly.

y
nl
O
o Physical hazards: Sharps such as needles, scalpels, and broken glass can pose physical
hazards if not properly contained and disposed of.
o Environmental pollution: Improper disposal of biomedical waste can lead to pollution of soil
and water, which can have negative impacts on the environment and public health.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Biomedical Waste Management
The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016:
• Applicability to to all generators of biomedical waste, including
hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, and research

om
l.c
institutions.

ai
gm
• They outline the duties and responsibilities of these generators in

a@
ye
relation to the segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal

ty
di
of biomedical waste.

ra
fo
• Bio-medical waste has been classified in to 4 categories instead

y
nl
O
10 to improve the segregation of waste at source.
• Operator of a common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal
facility to ensure the timely collection of bio-medical waste.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 om
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a@
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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Biomedical Waste Management
The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016:
• No occupier shall establish on-site treatment and disposal facility, if a service of
`common bio-medical waste treatment facility is available at a distance of

om
seventy-five kilometer.

l.c
• The rules require generators to separate biomedical waste into different

ai
gm
categories based on the type of waste, such as infectious waste, pathological

a@
waste, and sharps.

ye
• Pre-treatment of the laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood samples

ty
di
and blood bags.

ra
fo
• They also prescribe specific requirements for the storage, transportation, and

y
nl
disposal of different categories of biomedical waste.

O
• The rules establish the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution
Control Boards as the implementing agencies for these rules.
• They also prescribe penalties for non-compliance, including fines and
imprisonment.
Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert
 Electronic Waste Management
• term used to describe old, end-of-life, or discarded electronic
devices.
• According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2017, India generates

om
l.c
about 2 million tonnes (MT) of e-waste annually and ranks

ai
gm
3rd among e-waste producing countries, after the China and US.

a@
ye
• E-waste can contain lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),

ty
di
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), mercury, polybrominated

ra
fo
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs),

y
nl
and valuable substances such as iron, steel, copper, aluminium,

O
gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and plastics.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Electronic Waste Management

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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Electronic Waste Management
E Waste Management Rules, 2016
• Producers of electronic products have a responsibility
to take back their end-of-life products and ensure

om
their safe disposal.

l.c
ai
gm
o Extended Producer Responsibility

a@
• Collection centers have been set up across the

ye
ty
country to facilitate the collection and transportation

di
ra
of e-waste.

fo
y
nl
• E-waste recyclers must be registered and authorized

O
by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in order
to operate in India.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Electronic Waste Management
E Waste Management Rules, 2016
• E-waste recyclers must use environmentally sound
techniques for the treatment, recycling, and disposal of e-

om
waste.

l.c
ai
• The rules also specify penalties for non-compliance with

gm
a@
these regulations.

ye
• Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) shall apply to

ty
di
ra
the Central Pollution Control board (CPCB) for registration

fo
to undertake activities prescribed in the Rules.

y
nl
O
• Companies will have to register on an online portal and
specify their annual production and e-waste collection
targets

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Bioremediation
• Bioremediation is a natural and cost-effective way to clean up
environmental pollution.
• it relies on the ability of certain microorganisms to break down and
neutralize toxic substances.

om
l.c
• Can work on a wide range of pollutants, including oil spills, chemical

ai
gm
waste, heavy metals, and contaminated soil.

a@
• in situ or ex situ

ye
ty
• Condition for Bioremediation

di
ra
such as the right temperature, pH, and nutrient levels.

fo
o

y
• It is not always successful, as it can be slowed or stopped by factors

nl
O
such as the toxicity of the pollutants, the availability of nutrients, and
the presence of other environmental stresses.
• Phytoremediation process which helps to absorb the Heavy metals in
the soil by using plants and trees to remediate the soil.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 International Conventions
• Basel Convention, 1992:
o control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their

om
Disposal

l.c
o applies Prior Consent Approval procedure to regulate the

ai
gm
transboundary movement

a@
ye
o Radioactive Wastes & Wastes derived from normal operations of the

ty
di
ships are excluded from the list of hazardous wastes

ra
fo
o India is a member.

y
nl
O

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 International Conventions
• Stockholm Convention, 2001:
o Persistent Organic Pollutants

om
o Known for toxicity and biomagnification, certain cancers, birth defects,

l.c
dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems,

ai
gm
o Original: 12 POPs (dirty dozens, mostly pesticides), many added later

a@
ye
o convention aims to reduce or eliminate the use of POPs listed in Annex

ty
di
A through the active measures of the member states.

ra
fo
o India is a member.

y
nl
O

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 International Conventions
• Rotterdam Convention, 1998:
o Entered in force in 2004
o to ensure shared responsibilities and cooperative efforts while trading certain hazardous

om
chemicals internationally.

l.c
o To exchange information about the characteristics of the chemicals that the parties to the

ai
gm
convention trade

a@
• chemicals listed in Annex III include pesticides and industrial

ye
ty
chemicals that have been banned or severely restricted for health

di
ra
or environmental reasons by two or more Parties

fo
y
nl
• two important mechanisms:

O
o PIC Procedure
o Information Exchange

• India is a member.
Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert
 International Conventions
• Minamata Convention, 2013
o an international environmental treaty that aims to protect human

om
health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury and

l.c
its compounds.

ai
gm
o include a ban on new mercury mines, the phase-out of existing ones,

a@
the phase-out and phase-down of mercury use in a number of

ye
ty
products and processes

di
ra
fo
o Minamata disease

y
nl
o India is a member.

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 International Conventions
• MARPOL Convention, 1973
o Entered in force in 1983

om
o Under International Maritime Organization

l.c
ai
o aimed at preventing and minimizing pollution from ships - both

gm
accidental pollution and that from routine operations - and currently

a@
ye
includes six technical Annexes.

ty
di
o India is a signatory.

ra
fo
y
nl
O

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 International Conventions
• Convention on Long range Transboundary Air Pollution
• implemented by the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP), directed by
the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
8 Protocols:

om
• Aarhus Protocol on Heavy Metals

l.c
• Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone

ai
gm
• Aarhus Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

a@
• Oslo Protocol on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

ye
• Geneva Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or

ty
their Transboundary Fluxes

di
ra
• Sofia Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or their

fo
Transboundary Fluxes

y
nl
• Helsinki Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or their Transboundary Fluxes

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by at least 30 per cent
• Geneva Protocol on Long-term Financing of the Cooperative Programme for Monitoring
and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

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gm
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Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 Mains Questions
• Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects
and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Answer in 150 words)
10. - 2022

• Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs)

om
recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these

l.c
different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean

ai
gm
Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)

a@
ye
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated

ty
•

di
by the government of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 2020

ra
fo
y
nl
• Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats

O
to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts,
citing specific examples. (Answer in 200 words) 12.5 2017

Copyright © 2016 by Vision IAS. [www.visionias.in] Subject, Topic & Expert

 om
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2013

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 om
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a@
2011

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 om
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2012

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 om
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2014

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 om
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2017

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 om
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a@
2019

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