Ms. Urooj Fatima, Green Blogger, Department of Environmental Science, GCWUS
As per country-wise world rankings, India was found at the top position in emitting sulphur dioxide (SO2) as it has the maximum hotspots. India is the world's largest emitter of anthropogenic sulphur dioxide, which is produced from coal burning, and greatly contributes to air pollution. According to an analysis of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) data released by environmental NGO Greenpeace, India has more than 15 % of all anthropogenic sulphur dioxide (SO2) hotspots in the world detected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite.
Sulfur dioxide concentrations for India have increased between 2005 and 2016. The vast majority of plants in India lack flue-gas desulfurization technology to reduce their air pollution. Environment experts called for strict action on coal power plants. They said these plants should not be given a free hand to continue polluting and causing a health emergency situation in the country.
Scientists have found different ways to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide released from coal-burning power plants. One option is to use coal that contains less sulfur. Another option is to “wash” the coal to remove some of the sulfur. Or the SO2 emissions are controlled using a spray dryer absorber (SDA) flue gas desulfurization system.
Urooj Fatima
Department of Environmental Science, GCWUS
The Earth needs love