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Unraveling the Night Smog Mystery: Swiss and Indian Researchers Reveal the Cause of New Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis
Discovery of Night Smog Formation
A team of Swiss and Indian researchers have discovered the cause of night smog formation in New Delhi, a phenomenon that goes against the known rules of atmospheric chemistry. The primary trigger of this smog is the fumes from wood fires used by inhabitants for cooking and heating. In the absence of strict regulations, plastics and other waste materials are also burned, releasing a gaseous mixture with numerous chemical compounds, including the toxic cresol. As nighttime temperatures in New Delhi drop rapidly, these gaseous molecules condense and form fine particles that create a greyish vapour.
Unique Chemical Processes in New Delhi
Imad El-Haddad, an atmospheric chemist at Switzerland’s Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and one of the study authors, states that the chemical processes occurring in the air at night are unique to the Indian capital and have not been observed anywhere else in the world. This groundbreaking research is a collaboration between PSI and Indian scientists, including members of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Comparing Air Quality Globally
New Delhi's air quality ranks among the worst in the world. During winter, the fine particle content can exceed 500 micrograms per cubic meter, a stark contrast to Beijing's 70 and Zurich's 10. The findings, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of the city's air pollution crisis.
The Impact on Global Warming
While the study specifically focuses on night smog formation in New Delhi, air pollution and its associated emissions significantly contribute to global warming. The burning of wood, plastics, and other waste materials releases not only toxic compounds but also greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures and the exacerbation of climate change.
Addressing the Air Pollution Crisis
Understanding the causes of New Delhi's night smog is the first step in tackling the city's air pollution problem. Implementing stricter regulations on waste burning, promoting cleaner cooking and heating alternatives, and investing in renewable energy sources can help reduce emissions and improve air quality. In turn, this will contribute to mitigating global warming and protecting public health.
In conclusion, the joint research by Swiss and Indian scientists has shed light on the unique chemical processes responsible for New Delhi's night smog formation. By addressing the underlying causes, it is possible to combat the city's air pollution crisis and contribute to the global effort against climate change.
