Pollution & Environmental Issues

Fluoride Pollution

Context: Groundwater pollution is a growing concern in India. In the Sonabhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, rich deposits of granite have leached excess fluoride into the groundwater, making it unfit for consumption.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts related to fluoride pollution.

Mains: Groundwater pollution: Sources, Challenges and Prevention Strategies. 

Groundwater Pollution

  • Groundwater is a vital resource in India, supplying nearly 85% of rural and 50% of urban drinking water needs and supporting 60% of irrigation. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and excessive agricultural activities have led to severe groundwater pollution, making it unsafe for consumption.
  • Common pollutants: Arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, heavy metals, pesticides, industrial waste etc.

Fluoride Pollution

  • Fluoride is an essential element for dental health in small quantities, excessive intake can cause severe health issues, including dental and skeletal fluorosis.
  • Permissible limit: World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L in drinking water. When fluoride levels exceed this limit, it leads to health and environmental hazards. 
  • India is one of the worst-affected countries in terms of fluoride contamination in groundwater. Over 200 districts across 23 states have reported fluoride levels beyond the safe limit. The most severely affected states include: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana.
image 7

Sources of Fluoride

1. Natural Sources : 

  • Geological Factors: Many parts of India have fluoride-rich rock formations. When groundwater percolates through these rocks, it dissolves fluoride, increasing its concentration. E.g., in UP's Sonbhadra district, rich deposits of granite (an igneous rock), have leached “excess” fluoride into the groundwater, making it unfit for human consumption.
  • Hot and Arid Climates: In regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, high temperatures and low rainfall lead to excessive evaporation, concentrating fluoride in groundwater.

2. Anthropogenic Sources : 

  • Industrial Discharges: Aluminum smelting, fertilizer production, glass, ceramics, and steel manufacturing release fluoride as waste.
  • Agricultural Practices: Excessive use of phosphate fertilizers contributes to fluoride accumulation in soil and water.
  • Burning of Coal: The combustion of high-fluoride coal releases fluoride into the air, which eventually settles into water sources.

Health Impacts of Fluoride Pollution

  • Fluorosis: Though not fatal, it can cause joint pain, stiffness, bone deformities, mobility issues, muscle weakness and fatigue. In children, the most common sign is yellow stains on the teeth.
  • Neurological Disorders: High fluoride exposure may impair brain function, particularly in children.
  • Kidney and Thyroid Issues: Chronic fluoride toxicity has been linked to kidney damage and thyroid dysfunction.
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Government Initiatives

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (2008):

  • It aims to prevent and control dental and skeletal fluorosis through early detection, treatment, and awareness campaigns.
  • Activities under NPPCF: Surveillance of fluorosis cases, Early diagnosis and management of affected individuals, Safe drinking water supply through defluoridation techniques, Health education programs to promote awareness.

National Rural Drinking Water Programme (2009):

  • Under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, NRDWP aimed to provide safe drinking water in rural areas, including fluoride-affected regions.
  • Key features: 
    • Promotion of surface water sources to reduce groundwater dependence.
    • Community water purification plants in fluoride-affected villages.
    • Encouragement of rainwater harvesting as an alternative to contaminated groundwater. In 2019, NRDWP was subsumed under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
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Jal Jeevan Mission (2019): 

  • It was launched to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household by 2024.
  • It focuses on reducing fluoride contamination by supplying treated surface water and promoting piped water supply schemes in affected areas.
  • Encourages village-level water testing labs to monitor fluoride levels. E.g., At the village level, Jal Sakhis, a group of five trained women, test water samples using the kits provided by the Jal Nigam and upload the results on a mobile application.  

Aviation Turbine Fuel & Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Context: The Civil Aviation Ministry pointed out that high value-added tax (VAT) rates on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) imposed by certain states in India contribute significantly to increased airfare.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF); Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)

  • ATF is a type of aviation fuel designed for use in aircrafts and jet engines.
  • Constituents: Jet fuel is a mixture of a variety of hydrocarbons. The most common ATF is Kerosene-type jet fuel. 

Concerns: 

  • Price-sensitive: The price of ATF is a major component of the operating cost of airlines, and the tax on ATF significantly contributes to the ATF price. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has long advocated for bringing ATF under GST (Goods and Services Tax) to eliminate tax disadvantages faced by domestic airlines compared to foreign carriers.
  • Environmental pollution: ATF combustion in aircraft engines releases various pollutants like Nitrogen oxides, Carbon monoxide, Particulate matter etc. leading to ozone layer depletion and global warming. 
image 109

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

  • SAF is a biofuel alternative to conventional jet fuel with a smaller carbon footprint. 
  • It can be blended with conventional jet fuel (with blending limits ranging 1%-50%). 
  • Sources of SAF:
    • Oil seeds, other fats, oils, and greases
    • Residues- agricultural, forestry residues, wood mill waste
    • Wastes- municipal solid waste, sludge and wet waste
    • Produced synthetically by capturing carbon directly from the air. 

Advantages:

  • Engine compatibility: can be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure.
  • Fewer emissions: 100% (pure) SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94% depending on feedstock and technology pathway.
  • Sustainable: SAF feedstock does not compete with food crops, neither causes forest degradation.

Challenge: 

  • Expensive: SAF is about four times more expensive than petroleum jet fuel. 
image 111

SAF indicative blending Target:

  • In 2022, members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation had agreed to a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from aviation by 2050, and SAF has long been seen as the industry's fastest way to reduce emissions.
  • In 2023, Indian government has set the following initial indicative blending percentages of SAF in ATF:
    • 1% SAF indicative blending target in 2027 (Initially for International flights).
    • 2% SAF blending target in 2028 (Initially for International flights )
    • 5% by 2030. 

The success of SAF will require using a greater diversity of feedstock and production methods. This includes areas such as investing in carbon offset programmes and the diversification of SAF feedstocks. 

Impact of Ethanol Production on Environment

Context: Concerns about the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme refuse to die down in Andhra Pradesh, with scientists and farmers saying water resources are depleting and emissions from factories are polluting the air, water, and soil.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme

Mains: Impact of ethanol on Environment

Ethanol Blending

  • Ethanol blending in petrol refers to the practice of mixing ethanol, a type of alcohol/biofuel, with petrol to create a blended fuel.
    • E10, is the most common blend, which consists of 10% ethanol and 90% petrol. 
    • E20, is a higher ethanol blend, which has 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. 
  • Ethanol is naturally produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.
image 195

Ethanol Blending Target

  • India launched its Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in 2003. It is aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on crude oil imports, cutting carbon emissions and boosting farmers’ incomes.
  • The National Policy of Biofuels 2018 provided indicative targets of 20% ethanol blending in petrol and 5% biodiesel blending in diesel by 2030.
    • Encouraged by the past 7 years performance under the Ethanol Blending Programme, the Government advanced the targets of 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26.
    • In 2022, India’s blending programme achieved the significant milestone of 10% ethanol blending in petrol.
    • As of 2024, the blend percentage is 15%.
  • First-generation (1G) Ethanol is sourced from food crops like sugarcane and foodgrains (broken rice, corn).

Concerns about Ethanol Production

  • Water Resource Depletion:
    • Ethanol plants require 8-12 litres of water/litre of ethanol. Over-reliance on groundwater is reducing availability for drinking water and agriculture.
    • Factories located near rivers (like Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh) add pressure on already lean water flows.
  • Pollution from Ethanol Factories:
    • Ethanol plants fall under the ‘red category’ of polluting industries (pollution score of 60+).
    • Hazardous emissions from ethanol factories include acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein cause air, water, and soil pollution and pose significant health risks.
    • Lokayukta officials have criticised pollution control failures  from Ethanol factories (particularly in East Godavari, Krishna, and NTR districts of Andhra Pradesh). 
  • Risks Food Security:
    • Primarily Ethanol to meet blending targets is procured from grain-based ethanol. E.g., Developing an organised maize-feed supply chain for ethanol. 
    • This risks food security as more area under the food grains can be diverted for growing food grains for ethanol production. 
  • GHG emissions from Ethanol feedstock: 
    • Diverting food crops towards fuel production increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agriculture sector, counteracting the goal of reducing emissions in the transport sector. 
  • No Reduction in NOX Emissions: 
    • Use of Ethanol Blended Petrol reduces emissions of carbon monoxide. However, there is no reduction in the emission of nitrous oxides, which is one of the major environmental pollutants.

Conflicting Perspectives

  • Government and Industry view:
    • NITI Aayog reports that 20% ethanol blending reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 30% in four-wheelers and 50% in two-wheelers.
    • Industrialists argue that pollution control measures increase production costs, making compliance difficult.
  • Environmentalists' view:
    • While biofuels reduce vehicular emissions, ethanol production itself can be highly polluting.
    • If unchecked, the programme could harm agriculture, water availability, and public health.

Way Forward

  • Stronger pollution monitoring: Clearances must include emission impact assessments.
  • Sustainable water management: Strict groundwater usage regulations for ethanol plants.
  • Sustainable Biofuels produced from crop residues and other low-impact sources, have a lower water and GHG footprint. Global Biofuels Alliance initiative aims to develop these sustainable alternatives and promote ethanol use. 
  • Balancing Industrial growth and Environmental safety: Ensuring affordable pollution control measures for ethanol plants.

The EBP programme aims for a greener future, but its implementation must align with sustainability.

Stubble Burning contributes only 14% PM 2.5 in Delhi-NCR: Study

Context: A study published in the journal Climate and Atmospheric Science highlighted that stubble burning only contributes about 14% of PM 2.5 in Delhi-NCR and is therefore not a primary source of particulate matter concentration in Delhi-NCR. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Questions based on pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10. 

Key Findings of the Study

  • The report claims there is no linear correlation between stubble-burning events in Punjab and Haryana and fine particulate matter  (PM2.5) concentration in Delhi-NCR.
  • It highlighted that PM 2.5 concentration remained stable, despite stubble burning in the Punjab and Haryana declining by over 50% from 2015 to 2023.
  • Contradictory trends: There is a contrast in the stubble burning and concentration of PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR: 
Trend of stubble burningPM2.5 concentration
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana declined by 31% and 37% respectively in 2023 compared to 2022.20% increase in PM2.5 (as per sensor at the U.S. Embassy in 2023).
Stubble burning ceased after November.The Air Quality Index in Delhi-NCR in December to February has remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category since 2016.
  • Day and Night variation: The day and night variation of PM2.5 and Carbon Monoxide (CO) points towards other sources of pollution other than stubble burning.
    • Night concentration of PM 2.5 is 20% more as compared to day throughout the year. Whereas, such clear variation is witnessed in Punjab-Haryana during stubble burning months only. This reflects the contribution of other sources in pollution.
    • As such clear variation is observed in Punjab and Haryana during stubble burning months, but in Delhi-NCR such variation is constant throughout the year.
  • Visible reflection of interventions: The reduction in the pollution and improvement in air quality after implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) reduced PM 2.5 levels significantly. These stringent transport control and regulation of construction activities underscored the possibility of other major sources of pollutants.
  • Supported by other studies- Another study of IIT Kanpur also supported the claim that stubble burning contributes about 13% PM2.5 and that too only during October and November.
image 128

Other reasons for PM 2.5 apart from stubble burning

  • Alternate pollution sources: Another study of IIT Kanpur has identified that the transport sector is the largest contributor of the PM 2.5 i.e., 30%, followed by local biomass burning (23%), construction industry (10%) and industry (5-7%). These pollutant sources contributed to PM 2.5 in continuous manner.
  • Stagnant winds: The Delhi-NCR region has stagnant winds, lower mixing heights and inversion conditions from the month of December to February intensifies the pollution in the region.
  • Land-locked conditions of Delhi-NCR and delayed mobilisation of pollutants leads to the constant degradation of the air quality in the region.
  • Dip in temperature: Temperature in North India faces a dip from months of November to January. Further, dry conditions during winters intensifies the severity of the pollution.
  • Unsustainable practices: Sectors like constructions follow unsustainable practices by violating the construction by-laws. This further aggravates the condition of pollution in India.
  • Laxed enforcement of laws: Vehicle control and pollution control rules lack proper implementation. Old diesel vehicles and poor monitoring of pollution norms leads to the intensification of PM 2.5 and CO concentration, impacting air quality negatively. 
image 129

About PM 2.5

  • Fine particulate matter (≤2.5 micrometers) suspended in air. 
  • Sources: Vehicle emissions, biomass burning, construction dust, and industrial pollution.
  • Remains airborne for long periods and travels deep into the respiratory system.
  • Direct impacts of persistent exposure to PM2.5:
    • Respiratory Issues: Triggers asthma, bronchitis, lung infections, and reduces lung function.
    • Cardiovascular Diseases: Increases risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia.
    • Neurological Effects: Linked to cognitive decline, memory loss, and increased risk of dementia.
    • Impact on Children & Pregnant Women: Causes low birth weight, preterm births, and hampers lung development in children.
    • Eye & Skin Irritation: Leads to eye redness, itching, and skin allergies.
    • Reduced Life Expectancy: Long-term exposure can cause chronic illnesses, lung cancer, and premature death.

Instead of scapegoating stubble burning, there should be constant enforcement of pollution control laws, promotion of public vehicles and installation of mitigative equipment like Smog towers to reduce the menace of pollution in Delhi-NCR.

strategies for improving AIR quality in Delhi

Ammonia Pollution in Yamuna

Context: The political debate and blameshifting has erupted between Haryana and Delhi state governments for persistent high Ammonia Pollution in Yamuna river.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Questions on impact of pollutants and source of pollutants. 

Mains: Detailed question on impact of ammonia, challenges in controlling pollution in yamuna and suggestive measures.

Ammonia Pollution in Yamuna: 

  • Ammonia is a nitrogen and hydrogen based inorganic compound with formula NH3.
  • According to the Bureau of Indian standards, the ammonia limit in drinking water is 0.5 parts per million (ppm). 
  • While ammonia concentration in Yamuna was reported with a pollution of 2.3 ppm at the Wazirabad treatment plant.

Impacts of Ammonia Pollution

  • Water supply disruptions: High ammonia concentration forces water treatment plants to reduce or halt operations. Eg; Ammonia pollution causes 40% reduction in water production at the Wazirabad treatment plant..
  • Health risk: 
    • Toxicity in drinking water as ammonia when reacts with chlorine during treatment forms harmful byproducts.
    • Respiratory issues due to ammonia fumes.
    • Skin rashes, eye irritation.
    • Neurological effects in the long term like headache, dizziness and confusion. 
  • Ecosystem degradation: 
    • Algae bloom due to ammonia leading to depletion in dissolved oxygen.
    • Reduced biodiversity as ammonia makes water bodies uninhabitable for sensitive aquatic species. 

Sources of Ammonia Pollution

  • Industrial effluents: Factories release untreated or partially treated waste containing ammonia. Eg; Yamuna’s high ammonia levels can be credited to Haryana and Delhi industrial zones.
  • Sewage and waste discharge: Untreated sewage contains organic matter that breaks down into ammonia. Eg; Delhi releases 58% of its untreated wastewater into the Yamuna.
  • Agriculture run-off: Fertilizers containing nitrogen compound breakdown into ammonia. Eg; Punjab and Haryana excessive fertilizer use increases ammonia pollution in water sources.
  • Decomposing organic waste: Dead plants and animals in stagnant water bodies lead to rise in ammonia levels. 
  • Reduced river flow: Diminished water flow, especially during dry seasons leads to higher pollutant concentration exacerbating ammonia levels.
    • The report from National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee concluded that the current water withdrawals upstream significantly reduce Yamuna river’s flow through Delhi, exacerbating pollution levels and harming aquatic life. 
    • It recommended regulating water releases from upstream barrages, especially during lean seasons, to maintain a minimum environmental flow.
image 244

Constraints in controlling pollution in Yamuna:

  • Upstream pollution from states like Haryana and Punjab. It is beyond the jurisdiction of the Delhi authorities to take action against them. 
  • Limited sewage treatment: Delhi produces 3200 million liters per day of sewage but treatment plants have a capacity of only 2600 MLD. 
  • Limited technology capacity: Delhi water treatment plants are not fully equipped to handle ammonia levels beyond 1 ppm leading to frequent shutdowns.
  • Delay infrastructure development: There is a repeated delay in the upgradation of the infrastructures like interceptor drain projects to divert untreated sewage challenging pollution reduction targets.
  • Ineffective regulations: Lax Industrial regulations, especially in small scale industries discharge and improper implementation, leaves scope for violation leading to pollution.
  • Lack of coordination: Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) often have overlapping roles but lack proper coordination.

Way Forward

  • Capacity building of treatment plants: Upgrading sewage treatment plants to effectively remove ammonia before discharge. The focus should be on completing the delayed infrastructure projects.
  • Reducing fertilizer usage: Implementing controlled fertilizer application and promoting organic farming can reduce ammonia runoff to water bodies.
  • Implementing real-time monitoring of ammonia levels and industrial effluents.
  • Strengthening interstate cooperation between Delhi and Haryana for upstream pollution control.
    • Joint inspection of water released by Haryana, both in terms of quality and quantity.
    • Independent monitoring system, and retribution in case the water released is short of the agreed norm or contains pollutants that render it untreatable for drinking. 
  • Revisiting the 1994 water-sharing agreement between the basin states of Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and UP to ensure more equitable distribution of water, and maintain a minimum environmental flow.

A multi-stakeholder approach involving both state governments, pollution control agencies, and the public is essential for a sustainable solution to the issue of Ammonia Pollution.

Microplastics block Blood Flow in Brain in Mice: Study

Context: A new study has revealed that microplastics (tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5mm in diameter) can block the flow of blood in the brains of mice. It is still unclear if plastics could cause similar blockages in the human brain, the analysis is concerning due to the increasing presence of microplastics in the human body. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Microplastics; their impact. 

What are Microplastics?

  • Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in diameter, that occur in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution.
    • Microplastics are likely to degrade into smaller nanoplastics through chemical weathering processes & mechanical breakdown. 
    • Nanoplastics are smaller than 1 µm (1nm - 1000 nm).
  • Microplastics accumulate in the air, terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic and marine ecosystems (even found at deep layers of ocean sediment). 
  • Humans are exposed to microplastics by oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. Researchers have detected the existence of microplastics in human lungs, testicles, bone marrow and even in blood. 
    • According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that the average person can eat, drink or breathe between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles  annually. 
image 219

Types of Microplastics:

Microplastics can be divided into primary and secondary microplastics. 

  • Primary microplastics are items of plastic that are already smaller than 5mm. E.g., nurdles (plastic beads used in plastic manufacturing), microbeads from cosmetics, fibres from clothing, spills during manufacturing or transport. 
  • Secondary microplastics are formed from the breakdown of larger plastics via exposure to wave action, wind abrasion, and ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
Microplastics

Impacts of Microplastics

  • Microplastics exposure in humans can cause:
    • intestinal injury, liver infection
    • neurotoxicity 
    • lipid accumulation and metabolic disorder 
    • increases expression of inflammatory factors, autoimmune disorders
    • reduces the quality of germ cells, and affects embryo development
    • inhalation of airborne microplastics can cause asthma, lung cancer.  
  • Environmental impacts: 
    • Causes water pollution. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic fauna.  
    • In terrestrial ecosystems, microplastics reduce the viability of soil ecosystems.
  • Microplastics can act as a reservoir of microbes resistant to antimicrobials. 

Excessive Nitrates found in Groundwater 

Context: The latest report of the Central Ground Water Board finds the presence of excessive nitrates (defined as more than 45 mg per litre) in groundwater in 440 districts as of 2023, an increase from 359 such districts in 2017. Other major chemical contaminants affecting groundwater quality are Fluoride and Uranium. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Nitrate Contamination; Methemoglobinemia; Eutrophication.

Major Highlights:

  • About 56% of India’s districts face the problem largely due to subsidised synthetic nitrogenous fertiliser, a key input for farming. This is a health hazard, particularly for young children, and a source of environmental toxicity.
  • Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu reported the highest nitrate contamination problem, with 49%, 48%, and 37%, respectively, of their tested samples reporting numbers beyond the safe limit.
image 14

What is Nitrate Contamination?

  • Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of Nitrogen and Oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some foods. 
  • Utility of Nitrates:
    • Plants require nitrates for their survival and growth. It occurs naturally in soil and dissipates when the soil is extensively farmed. Thus, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to replenish the soil.
    • In Agriculture, nitrate is used as fertiliser for crops and lawns. 
    • In Industry, nitrates are used in food preservation, certain pharmaceutical medications, as well as the manufacture of munitions and explosives. 
  • Sources of Nitrates:
    • Natural sources: Igneous rocks, atmospheric deposition and symbioses of some plants, along with cyanobacteria and some heterotrophs.
    • Anthropogenic sources: Nitrogen-rich fertilisers used for agricultural purposes, discharge of poorly treated domestic, and industrial wastewaters, livestock manure, and leachate from landfill sites. 
  • Nitrate Pollution:
    • Nitrogen (N) in the form of nitrate is a common pollutant in both surface and ground water. Nitrates are highly soluble in water and have no taste or smell. 
    • It can be highly toxic as they can enter the food chain via groundwater and surface water.
    • High Nitrate levels can harm the respiratory and reproductive system, kidney, spleen and thyroid in children and adults. It is particularly harmful to infants, causing Methemoglobinemia (or blue-baby syndrome).
    • Together with phosphorus, Nitrates in excess amounts can accelerate Eutrophication, causing dramatic increases in aquatic plant growth.

What is Methemoglobinemia? 

  • Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder which occurs due to an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood.
    • Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body. 
    • Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen (due to its lower tendency to bind with Oxygen). 
  • Due to higher Methemoglobin concentration in blood, the Red Blood Cells’ Oxygen carrying capacity becomes low. Thus, body tissues do not receive enough Oxygen, which gives it a bluish appearance (blue-baby syndrome). 
Methemoglobinemia

What is Eutrophication?

  • Eutrophication is a natural or human-induced process in which bodies of water become overly enriched with nutrients, particularly Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
  • This nutrient enrichment leads to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, known as an algal bloom. 
  • As the algae die and decompose, the oxygen in the water is depleted (due to High Biological Oxygen Demand), causing hypoxia or even anoxic conditions. This can harm fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
Eutrophication

What is Silicosis? 

Context: National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Central Pollution Control Board to draft new guidelines for granting permission for [silica] mining and washing plants and the Uttar Pradesh government and Pollution Control Board to set up health-care facilities in areas with silica mines.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Silicosis. 

What is Silicosis?

  • Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust.
    • Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled.
  • Impact: Once inside the lungs, it causes swelling (inflammation) and gradually leads to hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Lung tissue that is scarred in this way does not function properly.
  • Treatment: There is no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can not be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Silicosis

Which industries are more vulnerable?

  • Stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone
  • Construction and demolition – as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials
  • Worktop manufacturing and fitting
  • Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
  • Mining and quarrying
  • Sand blasting

What are various challenges faced by India in this regard?

  • Silicosis is a common occupational disorder seen all over India, particularly in the Central and Western States. It is an important cause of respiratory morbidity.
  • Majority of silicosis cases are anticipated to be reported in smaller units and cottage industries.
    • Small enterprises may also be exempt from the statutory norms outlined in the Factories Act, 1948, and the Mines Act, 1952.
    • Operators do not follow occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 which require mine workers’ employers to notify threats of bodily harm to workers and workers developing specific diseases, including silicosis.
  • Lack of data with the government prevents them from taking actions.
  • Lack of standardised diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for silicosis certification.
  • Free annual health checkups have failed to reverse Silicosis.
  • Misdiagnosis also happens many times, confusing it with tuberculosis. 

Smog Pollution in North India 

Context: The Indian subcontinent, particularly New Delhi, is gripped with high levels of air pollution (smog). The air quality levels in the region have exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by over 50 times posing severe environmental and health risks. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Photochemical Smog, Sources of Smog, Health impacts of Air Pollution.

Mains: Why does the Indian subcontinent experience one of the highest levels of air pollution?

What is smog?

  • Smog is type of air pollution that reduces visibility. The term "smog" was first used in the early 1900s to describe a mix of smoke and fog. 
  • Today, most of the smog is predominantly photochemical smog. It is produced when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. 

Sources of Smog:

  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Emitted from vehicular exhaust, coal power plants, and industrial emissions. 
  • VOCs: Released from gasoline, paints, and cleaning solvents. 
  • Process: Sunlight triggers chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to produce ground-level ozone and particulate matter — or smog. 
Sources of Smog

Why does the Indian subcontinent experience one of the highest levels of air pollution? 

According to the World Air Quality report, India’s air had 54.4 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic metre on average. The poor air quality persists in Pakistan as well as Bangladesh.  

Natural factors responsible:

  • Himalayas trap the pollutants over the subcontinent and do not allow them to disperse.
  • Low lying topography of Gangetic plains stabilises the air mass over it, further accumulating the air pollutants.
  • Continental type of climatic conditions promote extreme winters in northern Plains spanning across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The winter inversions promote atmospheric stability, further contributing to air pollution.
  • The presence of the Thar desert also leads to the spread of dust particles in the entire region.

Anthropogenic factors responsible:

  • Emissions from coal-fired power plants, steel mills, and other industrial facilities release large amounts of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM).
  • Traditional brick kilns (prevalent in many parts of South Asia) are significant sources of air pollution due to their inefficient combustion processes.
  • High levels of vehicular traffic, often with poorly maintained vehicles, lead to the release of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), NOx, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PM.
  • Farmers often burn crop residues (stubble burning) to clear fields, releasing large amounts of smoke, PM, and greenhouse gases.
  • Decomposing organic waste in landfills emits methane (CH4) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • The use of biomass (wood, dung, crop residues) and coal for cooking and heating in rural and low-income urban households produces significant indoor and outdoor air pollution.

What steps India has taken in this regard?

  • National Clean Air Program to reduce the levels of air pollution at both regional and urban scale.
    • Target: Reduction of PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels by 20-30% by 2024.
    • Measures: Stringent implementation of mitigation measures, strengthening air quality monitoring and augmenting public awareness.
  • Clean Air India Initiative to curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for cleaner air.
    • E.g., Under it, an ‘INDUS impact’ project aims to reduce stubble burning by promoting businesses to make construction and packaging materials using paddy biomass. 
  • Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS),  National Air Quality Index, Sector-specific emissions and effluent standards for industries to reduce emission of PM 10, SO2 and Nitrogen Oxides. 
  • Promotion of fuel standards: Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel; ban on pet coke and furnace oil.
  • LPG subsidy under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to curb indoor pollution.
More steps:https://compass.rauias.com/environment-biodiversity/impacts-air-pollution/

What are the major health impacts of air pollution?

What are the major health impacts of air pollution

Way Forward:

  • For Individuals: Staying indoors, keeping oneself hydrated, using public transport, and avoiding construction sites. 
  • Govt. agencies: 
    • Strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle pollution during severe conditions.
    • Temporary stay on new construction projects.
    • Expand infrastructure for producing biomass from stubble waste. 
    • Retiring old thermal power plants, exploring use of Carbon Capture technologies in heavy industries. 
    • Strict fines for violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and other environmental laws.  
    • Promotion of public transport and network of metro, e-rickshaws, promotion of car-pooling etc.
    • Increase green cover in urban areas to act as pollution sinks.

Global Plastic Treaty

Context: More than 170 countries have converged in Busan, Republic of Korea, to negotiate a new legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, including marine pollution. This is the fifth (and final) round of talks since 2022, when the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) agreed to develop such a by the end of 2024.  The UNEP’s (United Nations Environment Programme) intergovernmental negotiation committee (INC) is leading the negotiations. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Facts about Plastic pollution, Key provisions of Global Plastic Treaty (once it is finalised) 

Mains: Impacts of Plastic pollution/ Need for a Global Plastic Treaty 

Need for a Global Plastic Treaty: 

  • A global treaty to end plastic pollution is crucial to address the growing crisis of plastic pollution, which impacts the environment, human health, and contributes to climate change.

1. Rapidly Increasing Plastic Production and Waste:

  • Production surge: Annual global production of plastic has doubled from 234 million tonnes (mt) in 2000 to 460 mt in 2019, and is expected to reach 700 mt by 2040.
    • Nearly half of this was produced in Asia, followed by North America (19%) and Europe (15%). 
    • India contributes to a fifth of global plastic pollution. It accounts for 20% of the world’s global plastic pollution with emissions of 9.3 mt
  • Challenge of Waste management: About 400 mt of plastic waste is generated annually, a figure expected to jump by 62% between 2024 and 2050. However, only about 9% of plastic waste has been recycled globally.
    • Plastic takes anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose. 
Rapidly Increasing Plastic Production and Waste:

2. Environmental and Health Impact:

  • Microplastics pollution: Plastic waste often leaks into the environment, especially into rivers and oceans, where it breaks down into smaller particles (microplastic or nanoplastic), harming ecosystems and food chains.
  • Health risks: Exposure to chemicals in plastics can cause endocrine disruption and a range of human diseases including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairment. 
  • Ecosystem damage: Marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species are severely affected by plastic pollution.
plastic pollution in human body

3. Contribution to Climate Change:

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: In 2020, plastic production accounted for 3.6% of global emissions, with most emissions arising from fossil-fuel-based plastic production. If trends continue, emissions from production could increase by 20% by 2050.

4. Need for global coordination and standards:

  • Transnational nature of pollution: Plastic pollution does not respect borders; coordinated international action is essential.
  • Comprehensive life-cycle approach: Negotiations aim to establish rules covering the entire plastic lifecycle, from production and usage to disposal and recycling.

Key Negotiation Points:

  • Production caps vs. Waste management:
    • Conflict: Oil and gas-rich countries resist production limits, favoring downstream measures (e.g., improved waste management).
    • Advocates for limits: Rwanda, Peru, and the EU propose ambitious reduction targets, such as Rwanda's call for a 40% reduction by 2040.
  • Harmful Chemicals:
    • Scientific basis needed: Countries like India stress domestic regulation and scientific validation before excluding specific chemicals.
  • Financial and technical support:
    • Developing nations emphasize the need for financial resources, technology transfer, and technical assistance to manage plastic waste effectively.
    • Private funding: UNEP suggests increasing private sector investment aligned with treaty goals.
  • Just transition: Ensuring livelihoods of workers in plastic-related industries are protected during the transition away from plastics.

India’s Position: India has taken the following position:

  • Against production limits: India opposes restrictions on polymer production, emphasising innovative waste management. According to India, any restrictions are beyond the mandate of the UNEA’s resolution adopted at Nairobi in 2022. 
  • Context-sensitive regulation: India advocates for nationally driven, pragmatic decisions reflecting domestic circumstances.
    • On the exclusion of harmful chemicals used for plastic production, India has said that any decision should be based on scientific studies, and the regulation of such chemicals should be regulated domestically.
    • India banned the use of single-use plastics covering 19 categories in 2022. However, the decision on the issue of including certain plastic items for phase-out in the final treaty should be pragmatic.
  • Focus on financial support: India has stressed on including financial and technical assistance, and technology transfer in the substantive provisions of any final treaty for equitable implementation.

Conclusion and the way forward:

A global plastic treaty aims to create legally binding frameworks to curb plastic pollution at its source, establish recycling standards, and ensure environmental and social equity. Harmonising international efforts is crucial for meaningful, long-term solutions to the global plastic crisis.

What is light pollution?

Context: Researchers in the US have found a correlation between light pollution at night and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Exposure to artificial light at night is one environmental factor that could be a significant risk factor in causing Alzheimer’s disease.

Light pollution

  • Light pollution is the excessive artificial light in the night which disrupts the natural darkness of the night sky. 
  • This light can come from various sources, including streetlights, billboards, commercial buildings, and residential homes.
Light pollution

Impacts of light pollution:

As much as 80% of the global population experiences light pollution. Although these artificial night-time lights are most often seen as harmless, they have numerous negative impacts both to humans and the environment.

  • Human health: Exposure to light at night can disrupt a person’s circadian rhythm (body’s natural sleep-wake pattern), which can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues, like sleep disorders, eye problems, and potentially increased risk of certain diseases like Alzheimer's.
  • Impact on plants: During the day, plants need sunlight for photosynthesis. However, during the night, they require darkness to replenish a crucial molecule called phytochrome, which controls several important plant processes like photoperiodism, abscission, dormancy, and seed germination. According to recent research, light pollution near lakes inhibits zooplankton from consuming surface algae, leading to algal blooms that can kill the lake's vegetation and degrade the water's quality. 
  • Impact on animals: Artificial light can interfere with nocturnal species' natural behaviours like ability to navigate in darkness (may become blinded), breeding patterns and disturb prey-predator dynamics.
  • Impact on birds: The seasonal migration schedule of migrating birds is guided by the light from the moon and stars. But due to light pollution, they may migrate too early or too late as a result, thus they can miss the best weather conditions for nesting, feeding, and breeding, and may get diverted from their intended migratory path. 
  • Impact on sealife: During their mating period, the females sea turtles approach the beach to deposit their eggs. Hatchlings instinctively move towards the brighter horizon (identify the sea by spotting the bright horizon across the water), but the artificial beachfront lighting confuses them, leading them inland which can be fatal.
  • Astronomy: Light pollution creates a bright glow in the night sky, making it difficult to observe faint astronomical objects like stars, galaxies, and nebulae and interferes with astronomical observations.

Alzheimer disease:

  • Alzheimer is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. It is the most common type of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioural and social skills that affect a person’s ability to function independently.
  • Causes: The disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain, and the accelerated ageing of certain neurons concerned with storage and processing of memory.
    • One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells.
    • The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.
  • Symptoms: Early signs include forgetting recent events/conversations. Later, the person will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks. In the advanced stages, complications from severe loss of brain function result in death.
  • Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but certain medications can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms.
  • According to WHO estimates from 2023, more than 55 million people suffer from dementia worldwide, with Alzheimer’s contributing to around 75% of these cases.

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Global Solar Facility

Context: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will launch a $100 million fund, Global Solar Facility, that will help catalysing up to $1.5 billion in funding to expand decentralised solar power capacities across the least developed countries in Africa, where more than 700 million people have no access to electricity.

About Global Solar Facility (GSF)

  • It is a payment guarantee mechanism created by International Solar Alliance (ISA) to stimulate investments in solar power projects.
  • It aims to catalyse solar investments across the world, starting with Africa’s underserved segments and geographies, thereby unlocking commercial capital.
  • It will primarily focus on decentralised solar solutions, rooftop solar, and productive use solar.
    • Through this financing vehicle, which includes payment guarantees, insurance and investment funds, the ISA aims to mitigate project risks, provide technical assistance to address regulatory gaps, reduce currency risks, resolve contractual and financial uncertainties in the solar energy sector. 
  • In 2022, the ISA Assembly approved the creation of a Global Solar Facility (GSF) in Africa, which was announced at COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh.
  • After Africa, the GSF aims to expand to regions such as Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, where the Regional Facilities will be tailored to meet specific requirements. 
  • In future, the GSF will invest in innovative technologies to enhance solar energy efficiency, support startups for faster solar energy implementation, and explore emerging solar energy sectors. 

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