Latest news with #SO2
Time of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
City turns a bowl of dust, shows AQI; Courtesy: Potholes & patchy repairs
Bhopal: The city's air quality has been constantly deteriorating for the past six days. The air quality index in all three different air monitoring stations of Bhopal was around 40 on July 13. It increased to 75 on July 16 and was 100 on July 19, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. The flying of dust from damaged roads due to the monsoon was the main reason for the city turning into a dust bowl after reduced rainfall activity. The AQI of the city was rated in the good category a week ago. Air quality came down to close to the moderate category on Saturday. The AQI of Idgah Hills was 108, TT Nagar 100, and AQI in Paryavaran Parisar was 92 on Saturday morning, as per the CPCB. A week ago, the AQI was around 40 in the three areas of the city. Officials said, apart from the damaged roads, flying dust from vehicles and an increase in construction activities after showers lead to an increase in pollution levels. Showers may add to traffic woes, suspend power supply, and lead to water logging issues, but when it comes to air quality, it is the best time of the year. Showers do wonders for air quality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Think Aliens Don't Exist, These 22 Facts Might Make You Change Your Mind Liseer Read More Undo The reason why air pollution comes down during rains, experts pointed out, is that dust gets heavy in showers and does not fly in the air. Vehicular pollution also decreases as tyres do not lead to the flying of pollutants and dust in the air, as it settles down on the ground. This is the reason why pollution levels come down during rains. Experts said air quality is measured by taking into account the levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), RSPM10, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. Of the four, officials said, PM2.5 is the most harmful to health and causes severe lung diseases. PM10 is due to dust and construction, including the building of roads, while PM2.5 is due to dust, human activity, and climatic conditions.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
CeNS scientists develop pocket-sized sensor to detect toxic sulfur dioxide
Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have developed a pocket-sized sensor that can help detect toxic Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), which is responsible for respiratory irritation, asthma attacks, and long-term lung damage, even at extremely low concentrations. According to the Department of Science and Technology, SO2 is a toxic air pollutant commonly released from vehicles and industrial emissions, and even minute exposure can cause serious health issues and long-term lung damage. It is said that SO2 is hard to detect before it has an adverse effect on health. 'Monitoring SO2 levels in real-time is crucial for public safety and environmental protection, yet existing technologies are often expensive, energy-intensive, or unable to detect the gas at trace levels,' it said. To overcome this, the CeNS scientists have fabricated a sensor by combining two metal oxides, Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Neodymium Nickelate (NdNiO3), through a simple synthesis process. 'While NiO acts as the receptor for the gas, NdNiO3 serves as the transducer that efficiently transmits the signal, enabling detection at concentrations as low as 320 parts per billion (ppb), far surpassing the sensitivity of many commercial sensors,' the department said. To demonstrate the capabilities of this material, the team led by S. Angappane developed a portable prototype that incorporates the sensor for real-time SO2 monitoring. The prototype features a straightforward threshold-based alert system that activates visual indicators, green for safe, yellow for warning, and red for danger, allowing easy interpretation and response, even by users without scientific expertise. Its compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for use in industrial areas, urban locations, and enclosed spaces where continuous air quality monitoring is necessary. 'With its high sensitivity, portability, and user-friendly operation, this sensor system offers a practical solution to monitor and manage SO2 pollution, supporting public health and environmental safety. This work demonstrates the potential of material science to create accessible technologies for real-world challenges,' the department added.
Deccan Herald
24-04-2025
- Health
- Deccan Herald
Study stresses need for reducing SO2 emissions at polluting thermal plants
A pollutant gas, SO2 has major implications for health due to the adverse impact it has on the respiratory system.
