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#airpollution

Good News

Study Finds: Mercury Emissions On a Friendly Decline

Mercury, a stealthy villain slowly poisoning our environment, has long been a toxic byproduct of human activities like gold mining and coal-fired power plants. For years, global inventories have shown mercury emissions on the rise, painting a grim picture for our planet. But recent groundbreaking research is flipping the script. A multinational team of scientists has uncovered new insights through cutting-edge atmospheric monitoring and powerful statistical analysis, challenging what we thought we knew about mercury’s impact—and offering hope in the fight against this invisible threat.Emissions of mercury are Declining ~ (Source: Google Images)  According to the study, mercury levels in our atmosphere are not rising. Conversely, throughout the last 20 years, it has been declining.  Data from all accessible monitoring stations in the Northern Hemisphere were evaluated by MIT scientists. Their conclusions? a considerable decrease in atmospheric mercury levels between 2005 and 2020, of about 10%. The study's principal author is Ari Feinberg, a former postdoc at the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS).The Trend in Mercury Emissions ~ (Source: Google Images)  The research team adopted two modeling methods to identify the cause of this downward trend. Boiling it down to raw basics, both techniques traced back to a decline in anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions as the driving force. The puzzle, however, didn’t stop there. Global inventories, built using models, reflected opposite trends. The mismatch between the models and actual recorded measurements remained shrouded in mystery due to data limitations and gaps in scientific understanding of mercury pollution. The broader message? “We need to keep measuring and advancing the science,” said Noelle Selin, co-author of the study.Joint scientific initiatives  ~(Source: Google Images)  A cohesive international scientific community is essential as we delve deeper into the complexity of mercury emissions and their impacts. Scientists can create more thorough models to comprehend mercury's atmospheric behavior and its wider environmental effects by combining resources and expertise. This collaborative strategy entails improving data exchange, standardizing monitoring procedures, and cultivating creative research collaborations. Future research must not only broaden the network of monitoring stations but also include cutting-edge technology that improves the precision and consistency of mercury measurements in order to fill in the gaps the researchers found. Even while there is still much to learn, one thing is certain: it is crucial to comprehend how human activity affects the environment in the real world.

14 Oct 2024
Good News

Breathing Easy: Innovative Air Tower Filters 273 Hot Air Balloons Worth of Polluted City Air Per Day in Delhi Park

A park in India has installed a unique air tower that filters the equivalent of 273 hot air balloons worth of polluted air every day. The air tower, located in the heart of Delhi's Lajpat Nagar Park, was developed by Kurin Systems, an Indian start-up dedicated to creating innovative solutions to combat air pollution. The tower, which stands 40 feet tall, uses a green technology called "Kurinji," which uses water to capture and remove pollutants from the air. The tower is capable of filtering up to 32,000 cubic meters of air per hour, making a significant impact on the air quality in the surrounding area. According to the CEO of Kurin Systems, Pavitra Singh, "We wanted to create a sustainable solution to the air pollution crisis in India. Our air tower is not only effective but also eco-friendly and cost-efficient." The installation of the air tower has not only improved the air quality in the surrounding area but also serves as a symbol of hope for a greener, cleaner future. The tower has become a popular attraction in the park, with visitors taking photos and sharing their support for the innovative solution to air pollution. As air pollution continues to be a growing concern around the world, innovative solutions like the Kurinji air tower provide hope for a healthier future for all.

4 Jul 2023
Good News

Now You Can Breathe Easy as CSIR-IITR's Breakthrough Technology Set to Transform Pollution Control!

In a groundbreaking initiative, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR) is spearheading the development of a cutting-edge device to tackle ambient air pollution more effectively than existing anti-smog guns and smog towers. What sets this device apart is its ability to not only reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations but also target gaseous pollutants, a feature absent in current air pollution reduction technologies. Ambient (outdoor) air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, contributing to a range of diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory ailments like asthma. It is a pervasive issue affecting individuals worldwide, irrespective of income levels. With a generous grant of Rs 34.79 lakh from the DST-Science and Research Engineering Board (SERB), the CSIR-IITR has successfully designed and developed this groundbreaking device. The institute has now entrusted an external agency with the fabrication process. Dr. B. Sreekanth, the brilliant mind behind the device and assistant professor of the environmental monitoring division at CSIR-IITR, expressed the need for a more advanced solution to address the shortcomings faced by existing air purification devices. Previous technologies such as CSIR-NEERI's WAYU and IIT Bombay's Smog-Tower encountered obstacles during field evaluations due to their unwieldy size, high power requirements, and demanding maintenance. Recognizing the demand for a competent and upgraded device, CSIR-IITR has taken on the challenge of creating a new and improved solution. This groundbreaking device promises to revolutionize the fight against air pollution and pave the way for enhanced air quality. As the project progresses, the world eagerly awaits the positive impact it will have on our environment and well-being.

5 Jun 2023
Good News

A New Hope: India’s LIFE Initiative Shows the Way To Reduce Global Emissions

India’s G20 presidency this year marks a crucial point in the fight against climate change, air pollution, and unaffordable energy bills. The IEA estimates that adopting India’s LIFE initiative could help reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2 billion tonnes in 2030, which is equivalent to one-fifth of the emission reduction needed to be on the pathway to global net-zero emissions. The G20 countries, which make up almost 80% of the global energy demand, can make meaningful changes by adopting India’s Lifestyles for Environment (LIFE) initiative. This initiative includes measures such as addressing sanitation and clean cooking challenges, reducing waste and plastic usage, promoting healthy lifestyles, and adopting sustainable food systems. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that over 60% of the emission reduction can be directly influenced by governments.  To make LIFE measures easier to implement, governments can introduce policy support through initiatives such as low-emission zones in cities or supporting investments in clean energy technologies. India has seen an impressive rise in consumer-centric solutions such as distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicle sales, which have tripled over the past year.   It is clear that India’s G20 presidency this year represents a unique opportunity to globalize the LIFE initiative and make a real difference to the environment.

8 Feb 2023
Good News

A Breath of Fresh Air: IIT Bombay Develops Innovative Model to Reduce Air Pollution

Air pollution has been an ongoing problem in cities across India, particularly in Mumbai. To reduce air pollution, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a new model called Pavitra. This user-friendly tool is designed to help stakeholders decide how best to reduce fine particle (PM2.5) pollution on different scales such as city, regional, and state levels.  The initiative is a collaborative effort between IIT Bombay, the University of California Berkeley, the University of Washington, and the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). It has also been funded by US-based Open Philanthropy with a grant of $3 million. The model, named InMAP, is an open-source air quality model which can be run on a web platform or a desktop computer. It is user-friendly and provides scientifically sound information on the benefits of air pollution interventions. This will allow various stakeholders to get involved in the policy debate, including university scholars, non-profits, think-tanks, industries, regulatory bodies and the citizens. The project will also help build critical mass in a user community in India by creating an indigenous hub at IIT Bombay and CSTEP for model development and capacity building. By providing this type of scientifically backed tool, IIT Bombay hopes to improve air quality in India and reduce the health risks posed by air pollution.

27 Jan 2023
Good News

Relief From Air Pollution: Indian Scientists Have New Capsules to Decrease Crop Burning

Air pollution is increasing day by day and we all are sick of it. One of the major reasons for a bad AQI has been crop burning. The activity is done by farmers, and you can't even fault them for doing it. So, what do to do then? Well, you must have heard — modern problem requires modern solutions!  The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi has developed a new type of capsule that could potentially help decrease the amount of crop burning in the region. Crop burning is a common practice in India, especially in the northern states, where farmers often burn their fields after harvesting in order to clear the land for the next planting season. However, this practice has been linked to air pollution and other environmental issues. The IARI capsules contain microorganisms that can break down the leftover plant material in the fields, reducing the need for burning. The capsules are easy to use and can be applied directly to the fields after harvest. According to IARI scientists, the capsules have shown promising results in field trials, with the microorganisms effectively breaking down the leftover plant material. This not only helps to reduce the amount of burning but also enriches the soil with organic matter, improving its fertility and increasing crop yields. In addition to the environmental benefits, the IARI capsules could also help farmers save money on labor costs, as they no longer need to hire workers to burn the fields. The capsules could also potentially reduce the risk of fires spreading and damaging nearby homes and communities. The IARI capsules have the potential to be a valuable tool in the fight against crop burning and its negative impacts on the environment and public health.

15 Dec 2022
Good News

This Remarkable Invention When Attached to a Car Exhaust Significantly Bring Down Air Pollution

Vehicular pollution is one of the major causes of air pollution across the globe. Thankfully, an IIT engineer gives us hope as he has developed a device that can absorb minute particles and reduce the levels of pollution to a great extent. The Device The device has been conceived and made by Debayan Saha who has been a Global Biodesign Fellow at Stanford University. The device is named -2.5 and can be attached to the exhaust of the vehicle. The main component of vehicular pollution is PM 2.5 which is hazardous because of its very minute size that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. According to Saha, a car fitted with - 2.5 can control pollution caused by 10 cars in its vicinity. Technology The technology of this remarkable device involves the use of both electric energy and wave energy to act on pollutants like PM 2.5 in such a way that they act like a magnet attracting other particulate pollutants from the ambient atmosphere to get attached to it. As more and more pollutants get attached to it they become bigger and heavy. Eventually, they fall off safely on the ground like soil. Saha is in talks with various organizations to commercialize this product. If he succeeds, it can be used for the benefit of the environment and mankind.  

23 Oct 2019
Good News

Delhi CM to Promote Cracker Free Diwali by Organizing Mega Laser Show in the Capital

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a bid to curb air pollution during the forthcoming winter season, has appealed to the citizens of Delhi to restrain from bursting crackers. He assured them that he would instead organize a laser show on the day of the festival. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal informed about his plans to tackle air pollution which assumes enormous proportions in winter due to burning of farm stubble in nearby regions being one of the reasons. To control air pollution arising due to traffic, the CM said that the much-debated odd-even car-rationing scheme would return on Delhi roads. Kejriwal stated that his top priority would be to achieve  100 percent mechanized sweeping in Delhi. Water sprinklers and mechanized sweeping of roads would be implemented to control dust particles. When asked about the Motor Vehicles Act which levies hefty fines for traffic violations, Kejriwal supported it saying that the move has had a positive impact over Delhi’s erratic vehicular movement. Ahead of the Assembly elections to be held in February 2020, Kejriwal has been announcing various schemes for the people of Delhi like the waiver of water bill dues and free electricity up to 200 units. Employing major steps to curb air pollution will definitely help him to win back the traditional voters.  

15 Sep 2019
Good News

The Whys and Hows

The Green Defense: The Role of Plants in Combatting Vehicle Pollution

In the bustling world of urban development, vehicle emissions have surged alongside population growth.  The initial targets of these vehicle emissions are the vegetation along the roadsides and highways. Here is a quick overview of vehicle emissions' effects on plants. Conversely, there has also been discussion on roadside plants' potential benefits in mitigating the negative impacts of vehicle emissions. There have also been theories on how plants may function as bioindicators of air pollution. One of the main concerns has been highlighted regarding the inadequate investigation of the nanocarbon particle element of vehicular pollution and their interactions with roadside plants, and more specifically with roadside crops. A State Of Emergency ~  Take Care Of Them and They Will Revert ~  ( Source: Google Images )  In the last several decades, the world's population has gradually increased, rising from 7.4 billion in 2016 to 7.7 billion in 2019, 7.8 billion in 2020, and 7.9 billion in 2021. By 2050, it is predicted that there will be 9.9 billion people on the planet. Transportation needs have grown as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and a rise in different economic activities to fulfill the wants of this population that is growing at an exponential rate. The insufficiency of public transportation networks has also subtly led to a rise in the usage of private automobiles. If you drive in India regularly, you probably know more than anybody about the importance of roadside vegetation. A verdant portion of traffic junction canopy not only magnificently elevates the otherwise boring jungle of concrete and asphalt visually, but for many riders, it's their final line of defense against the scorching Indian sun. It is very uncommon to witness plants near highway medians and islands withering away from neglect or even being destroyed by stray cattle who eat at these locations as they pass by. Not only is this awful in terms of aesthetics, but recent research discovered that these plants are essential in reducing the negative impacts of motor vehicle pollution. Researchers carefully tested the air at five locations along a US highway, comparing places with natural or decorative vegetation to identical sites devoid of greenery, to determine the effect of trees and shrubs on lowering air pollution. The findings were remarkable: there was a 37% decrease in soot and a 7% decrease in ultrafine particles on the roadways with vegetation. This, according to the researchers, is because shrubs and trees provide a lot of surface area for tiny particles to stick to, which effectively traps pollutants and keeps them from escaping into the surrounding region. The thoughtful placement of vegetation in conjunction with this natural filtering mechanism may provide a practical response to the urgent problem of increased pollution levels in the vicinity of roads. But Roby Greenwald, the study's author, is keen to warn against thinking that lush roads would solve every problem relating to automobile emissions. Although it greatly lowers particle air pollution, it does not sufficiently address greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and ozone pollution, which are contributing to the planet's catastrophic overheating. "We should plant more trees along roadways because they provide benefits that go beyond aesthetics," Greenwald explains. "But I don't want to give anyone the impression that we can solve all of the problems associated with motor vehicle emissions simply by planting trees." Air pollution is a silent killer that has no limits and is frequently linked to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, a large number of Indian universities and colleges are situated near roads, increasing the likelihood that their students may be exposed to dangerous pollutants as well as an increased chance of being involved in traffic accidents. As scientific data tying motor vehicle pollution to ailments including asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart attacks keeps growing, the urgency of addressing this issue grows. Municipalities need to prioritize environmental sustainability in their policies, encourage active transportation options like walking and cycling, and invest in public transit infrastructure to enhance the quality of the air. As scientific evidence tying automobile pollution to ailments like asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart attacks keeps mounting, the urgency of addressing this issue grows. Municipalities need to prioritize environmental sustainability in their policies, support active transportation options like walking and cycling, and invest in public transit infrastructure to enhance the quality of the air.  

12 Apr 2024
The Whys and Hows

Global Inspirations

Know About This Single Tree That Works Like a Forest to Curb Pollution

We all know how important trees are for cleaning the air and how chopping down trees in the name of development has resulted in increased levels of air pollution.  It would have been a great boon to our ecology if the saplings we planted could immediately grow into trees, but that is not possible as trees take a very long time to grow. Scientists at Biomitech, a Mexican startup have now come up with this artificial tree called Biourban that is capable of sucking up the equivalent amount of air pollution as 368 living trees, in other words, a mini forest. The company claims that the artificial tree not only saves on growing time but also on the space needed to accommodate them.   How Biourban Works The Biourban is nearly 14-foot tall and is made of metal. It holds microalgae that pull carbon dioxide and other contaminants from the air and returns pure oxygen in exchange. Thus, it follows the natural process of photosynthesis and is a great success. The only downside is that it costs around $50,000. This exorbitant cost may act as a deterrent to obtain it in places of the world where it may be much needed. Uses Of Biourban According to Jaime Ferrer, a founding partner in Biomitech, this system inhales air pollution through technology and gives out clean air through a natural process. It will be helpful for those cities to achieve cleaner air where it’s not possible to plant a large number of trees. According to the World Health Organization, each year, an estimated 7 million people die from exposure to air pollution which amounts to more than five times the almost 1.25 million people who die in road crashes each year. In present times, this artificial tree is a much needed modern invention to tackle the issue of air pollution. Image Source: Inceptive Mind

19 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

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