Initiative by NASA to Monitor Ozone Pollution

Ozone layer has been a protective shield for the earth to protect us from the dangerous ultraviolet rays. But unfortunately the level of pollution near Earth's surface has been the reason for smog during summertime. At the same time it is very much difficult to measure it from space due to the presence of ozone in abundance in the atmosphere. A new research has been done to look for an alternative to use satellite measurements of the gases that add to the formation of Ozone layer. It is essential to differentiate among three different conditions that cause the production of the pollution near Ozone layer. The new research may also help air quality managers in assessing the better approaches to emission reduction programs to improve quality of air. Ozone is a health hazard contributing to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis at lower altitudes. It is because the layer is created due to complex chemical reactions by sunlight that involves gases namely volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). With a combination of computer models and space-based observations, researchers tried to understand whether ozone production increases more in presence of NOx, VOCs, or a mix of the both, for a selective area. Nitrogen oxides are a by-product of burning fossil fuels that are produced by power plants, factories, and vehicles. The research is going to be beneficial for controlling the Ozone pollution.

 By: Anita Aishvarya

Content: www.sciencedaily.com