Approach

Introduction: Define what is ground-level ozone pollution.

Body: List down its causes and impacts on human health and the environment and further give some suitable measures to mitigate it.

Conclusion: Give an overall view of ground ozone pollution.

Answer:

Ground-level ozone pollution, commonly referred to as smog, is a short-lived climate pollutant with an atmospheric lifetime of hours to weeks that occurs near the Earth's surface. It is a secondary gas formed by the interaction of sunlight with hydrocarbons such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react with sunlight.

 Primary causes of ground-level ozone pollution:

1. Vehicular emissions: High levels of ground-level ozone in India are largely attributed to the significant emissions from cars, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles on the roads.

1. Industrial emissions: Industries, including factories and power plants, release pollutants that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions released from various sources like paints, solvents, and consumer products industries contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.

1. Agricultural activities: Practices such as the burning of crop residues, use of fertilisers, and pesticide applications release pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone pollution.

1. Construction and building activities: Dust and particulate matter emissions from construction sites and building activities can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.

1. Biomass burning: The burning of biomass for cooking and heating particularly in rural areas, releases pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone pollution.

1. Forest fires and wildfires: During dry seasons, forest fires and wildfires release large amounts of smoke and pollutants that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.

Impacts of Ground-Level Ozone Pollution on Human Health and Environment:

Impact on Human Health:

1. Respiratory problems: Ground-level ozone can cause or worsen respiratory conditions such as coughing, throat irritation, chest discomfort, and asthma attacks.

• People with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, are at the greatest risk of harm from ozone pollution. Ozone can trigger asthma attacks, worsen respiratory symptoms, and make it difficult to breathe.

1. Increased susceptibility to infections: Ozone exposure weakens the immune system, making individuals more prone to respiratory infections and illnesses.
2. heart disease: Ground ozone pollution can increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

Impact on the Environment:

1. Crop damage: It is a highly reactive oxidant that significantly reduces crop productivity as well as the uptake of atmospheric carbon by vegetation. Its effects on plants include impeded growth and seed production, reduced functional leaf area and accelerated ageing. E.g., soybean, cotton and peanut are more sensitive to yield loss caused by ozone.
2. Forest damage: Ozone can cause leaf injury and impair photosynthesis in trees, leading to forest decline and ecosystem imbalances. E.g., California’s 2,000-year-old redwoods were weakened by ozone pollution in 2021.
3. Biodiversity impact: Ozone pollution can negatively impact various plant and animal species, disrupting ecological balance and biodiversity. E.g., It can interfere with the ability of a pollinating insect to find its way to blossom.
4. Air Quality Degradation: Ground-level ozone contributes to overall air pollution, leading to poor air quality and visibility. E.g., According to the Centre for Science and Environment, unprecedented ozone levels made Delhi air more toxic during the summer of 2022.

To mitigate the effects of ground-level ozone pollution, several measures can be implemented:

1. Emission Reduction: Implementing stricter regulations and controls on industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and power plants can significantly reduce the precursor pollutants that contribute to ozone formation.

Example-Implementation of vehicle emission standards (e.g., Tier 3 standards) to reduce pollutants contributing to ozone formation.

1. Alternative Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, carpooling, biking, and walking can help reduce vehicle emissions and subsequently lower ozone levels.

1. Clean Energy Sources: Promoting the transition to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable energy and natural gas, can reduce emissions from power plants and other combustion processes.

Example-Encouraging the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as cleaner alternative fuels.

1. VOC Reduction: Implementing regulations and promoting the use of low VOC products, such as paints, solvents, and consumer products, can help minimise the release of ozone precursor pollutants.

1. Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness among the public about the impacts of ground-level ozone pollution and providing information on how to reduce personal contributions can lead to more informed choices and behaviours.

1. International Cooperation: Collaborating on a global scale to address ozone pollution by sharing best practices, technologies, and policies can help combat this issue effectively.

Hence, by ensuring collective efforts, individual responsibility and policy measures in the right direction we can mitigate the effects of ground-level ozone pollution, protect human health, and preserve the environment for future generations.