Why in the News
A study by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has found that fully controlling sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from coal-fired power plants could prevent nearly 1.24 lakh deaths annually in India.
Key Findings of the Study
- Reduction of SO₂ emissions can significantly lower:
- PM2.5 pollution
- Respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular illnesses
- Estimated annual prevention:
- 1,24,564 deaths
- Including thousands of respiratory and heart disease cases
About SO₂ (Sulphur Dioxide)
- A major air pollutant released from:
- Coal fired thermal power plants
- Fossil fuel combustion
- In atmosphere, SO₂ forms:
- Sulphates
- Secondary particulate matter (PM2.5)
What is PM2.5
- Fine particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micrometres
- Can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream
- Causes:
- Asthma
- Lung diseases
- Heart diseases
Coal Fired Power Plants (CFPPs)
- Major contributors to:
- SO₂ emissions
- Air pollution in India
- Important pollution hotspots identified in:
- Chhattisgarh
- Odisha
- Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)
- FGD Technology
- Removes SO₂ from exhaust gases of thermal plants
- Helps reduce: Air pollution and Acid rain
| [2024] According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions? (a) Locomotives using fossil fuels (b) Ships using fossil fuels (c) Extraction of metals from ores (d) Power plants using fossil fuels |
