Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol.
Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution, often seen as a brown haze, common in sunny, warm, and dry cities with heavy motor vehicle traffic.
Formation: It's a secondary pollutant, formed when primary pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. This chemical reaction creates a toxic cocktail of secondary pollutants, including ground-level ozone (O3), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and aldehydes.
Effects: It has severe health effects, causing respiratory problems, eye irritation, and headaches. It also damages plant life and can degrade materials like rubber and textiles.
Mitigation: The key is to control the emission of primary pollutants (NOx and VOCs) from vehicles and industries by using catalytic converters, promoting public transport, and shifting to cleaner fuels.
The 1999 Gothenburg Protocol is a multi-pollutant protocol designed to abate acidification, eutrophication, and ground-level ozone by setting emission ceilings for sulphur dioxide, NOx, VOCs, and ammonia.
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Important Questions from GS3
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
