Environment and Ecology — Environmental Pollution (Part 1)
1. Nitrogen Pollution in Rivers
Context: A recent Nature Communication report links global water scarcity to declining water quality caused by nitrogen pollution in rivers.
Key Findings
- Clean-Water Scarcity: The study introduces the concept of "clean-water scarcity", offering a comprehensive evaluation of both water quantity and quality.
- Impact of Nitrogen Pollution: Significant increase in water scarcity, with sub-basins affected tripling due to future nitrogen pollution globally.
- Expansion of Affected Areas: Water scarcity in over 2,000 sub-basins worldwide, out of more than 10,000 assessed.
- Projected Water Scarcity by 2050: An estimated 33% of global river sub-basins could experience water scarcity.
- Projected Hotspots: South China, Central Europe, North America, and Africa.
About Nitrogen Pollution
- Definition: Excessive presence of nitrogen compounds in the environment from human activities (agriculture, industrial processes, transportation).
- Impact: Water contamination, air pollution, disruption of ecosystems.
- Sources: Agricultural fertilizers, sewage, nitrogen-rich food waste, wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater runoff, vehicular pollution.
Steps Taken to Control Nitrogen Pollution
- International Nitrogen Initiative (2003): Science-policy platform for sustainable management of nitrogen; sponsored by SCOPE and IGBP.
- Gothenburg Protocol (1999): Multi-pollutant protocol to reduce acidification, eutrophication, and ground-level ozone by setting emissions ceilings for SO₂, NOâ‚“, VOCs, and ammonia.
- South Asia Nitrogen Hub (SANH): Tackles nitrogen challenge with experts from 32+ research organisations across South Asia and the UK.
- Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Waste Management: Aims to halve nitrogen waste by 2030.
Key Points:
- Clean-water scarcity: 33% of river sub-basins could face scarcity by 2050
- International Nitrogen Initiative (2003) — SCOPE + IGBP
- Gothenburg Protocol (1999) — multi-pollutant protocol
- Colombo Declaration — halve nitrogen waste by 2030
2. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024
Context: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 was passed by the Parliament on February 15, 2024.
- Original Act: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974.
- Applicability: Initially applies to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan (both states enacted resolutions amending the Act) and the union territories. Other states may pass resolutions to extend applicability.
- Subject: Water is a state subject; states are primarily responsible for managing and using it efficiently.
- The Union Environment Ministry has notified the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024, which take effect immediately.
| Provisions | Water Act, 1974 | Water Amendment Act, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Exemptions from consent | State Government could exempt | CPCB and Central Government may decide |
| Chairman of SPCB | State Government designates | Central Government sets terms and conditions |
| Penalty for offences | Maximum 6 years imprisonment | Fines ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh |
| Offences by government departments | Head of department responsible unless due diligence proved | Head to pay penalty = one month's basic salary |
Additional Provisions
- Tampering with Monitoring Devices: Fine of ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh for willfully changing or interfering with monitoring devices.
- Adjudicating Officer: Central Government may designate adjudication officers (rank of Secretary to state government or Joint Secretary to federal government) to decide penalties.
3. Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater
Context: A recent study by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) highlighted significant fluoride contamination in groundwater across India.
- Groundwater in western Indian regions (arid and dry climates) generally has higher fluoride concentrations.
- Rajasthan recorded the highest levels of fluoride in groundwater during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
- Southern India: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu showed post-monsoon fluoride levels higher than the permissible limit.
- Eastern India: Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh have elevated fluoride levels.
About Fluoride
- Fluoride is an inorganic, single-atom anion of the element fluorine. Fluoride salts are usually white or colorless, have a bitter taste, and are odorless.
- Found naturally in groundwater from the Earth's crust (0.06-0.09%).
- Enters water through leaching and dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals in underground aquifers.
- WHO safe limit: 1.50 mg/litre — levels above are considered unsafe.
Fluorine vs Fluoride:
- Fluorine (F): Element; neutral charge; 9 electrons; zero oxidation state; atomic radius 147 pm
- Fluoride (F⁻): Anion; negatively charged; 10 electrons; -1 oxidation state; ionic radius 133 pm
4. Lead Pollution
Context: A recent study found that turmeric samples from Patna contained lead levels exceeding 1,000 µg/g, far above the 10 µg/g regulatory limit set by FSSAI.
- Lead (Pb): Bluish-white lustrous soft metal; atomic number 82; symbol Pb; electron configuration: [Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s²6p²; atomic weight 207.2.
- Uses: Batteries (automobiles and inverters), ammunition, metal products (pipes).
- Current Lead Use: Over 85% of mined/recycled lead is used in lead-acid batteries.
Impact of Lead Pollution
- Health: Causes 5.5 million premature deaths annually (cardiovascular diseases).
- Children: 815 million with high lead levels; 765 million lost IQ points yearly; impacts intelligence, behavior, and learning.
- Accumulation: Mimics calcium, disrupts metabolism, harms intelligence, raises risks of heart disease and kidney failure.
- Economic Cost: $6 trillion annual cost vs $100 billion contribution (lead-acid batteries: $50 billion, mining: $7.3 billion).
5. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Context: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) recently completed five years. Analysis published by Respirer Living Sciences and Climate Trends.
- Launched: January 2019 by MoEFCC to achieve reductions up to 40% or achievement of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM10 concentrations by 2025-26.
- Non-Attainment Cities: Designated for consistently failing to meet NAAQS for fine particulate matter or nitrogen dioxide over five years.
Key Highlights
- Reduction in PM10 Levels: Of 46 monitored cities, PM10 levels worsened in 22; only 8 cities met the target of reducing pollution by 20-30%.
- Worst Performer in PM10: Durgapur (West Bengal), followed by Thane, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Aurangabad (Maharashtra).
- Maximum Improvement in PM2.5: Varanasi (UP) saw a 63% reduction; Talcher (Odisha) followed closely.
- Worst PM2.5: Navi Mumbai (47% increase), followed by Ujjain (MP).
Difference Between PM2.5 and PM10:
- PM10: Small enough to penetrate the respiratory system.
- PM2.5: Smaller and can reach deeper into the lungs, triggering fatal diseases.
6. India's Fossil Fuel CO₂ Emissions
Context: India's CO₂ emissions from burning fossil fuels are expected to increase by 4.6% in 2024, the highest among major economies, according to the Global Carbon Project.
- India's CO₂ emissions: Will rise by 4.6% in 2024 — highest among major economies.
- Global CO₂ emissions: Expected to hit 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, up by 0.8% from 2023.
- Major contributors: China (31%), USA (13%), India (8%), EU (7%).
- Carbon sinks: Land and ocean absorbed half of total CO₂ emissions.
- Risk: At this rate, there is a 50% chance of exceeding 1.5°C warming in 6 years.
About Global Carbon Project (GCP)
- Non-governmental organization studying the carbon cycle and other biogeochemical cycles.
- Established in 2001 by the Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP).
- Core project of Future Earth and research partner of the World Climate Research Programme.
7. Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024
Context: Oman ranked second among GCC nations with a score of 51.9/100, ranking 50th globally (improved from 149th in 2022).
- About: Global ranking system providing a data-driven summary of sustainability worldwide.
- Methodology: Uses 58 performance indicators across 11 issue categories ranking 180 countries on climate change performance, environmental health, and ecosystem vitality.
- Introduced by: World Economic Forum in 2002; updated every two years.
- Published by: Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy in collaboration with Columbia University Center for International Earth Science Information Network.
India's Performance in EPI 2024
- Overall Rank: 176th out of 180 countries
- Biodiversity & Habitat: 178/180
- Air Quality: 177/180
- Climate Change Mitigation: 133/180
- Forests: 15/180
- Heavy Metals: 147/180
Key Point: India ranks 176th out of 180 countries in EPI 2024, highlighting serious environmental challenges in air quality and sanitation despite progress in climate change mitigation.
8. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Context: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced GRAP Stage IV restrictions as Delhi's AQI exceeded 400.
- About: Emergency response plan to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
- Approved by: Supreme Court of India in 2016 in the case M. C. Mehta v. Union of India.
- Notified by: MoEFCC in 2017.
- Implementation: Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) uses forecasts from IMD and IITM.
- Focus Shift: Now focuses on overall Air Quality Index (AQI) instead of just PM2.5 and PM10.
GRAP Stages
- Stage 1 (Poor): AQI 201-300
- Stage 2 (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
- Stage 3 (Severe): AQI 401-450
- Stage 4 (Severe+): AQI >450
About Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Introduced: 2014 to systematically monitor and report air quality in India.
- Categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, Severe.
- Pollutants: 8 key pollutants — PM10, PM2.5, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃, Pb.
- Developed by: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with air quality experts.
AQI Categories:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
9. Plastic Pollution
Global Plastics Treaty
- Venue & Timeline: 5th Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC) in Busan, South Korea (concluding December 1, 2024).
- Objective: Establish a legally binding instrument to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
- India's Proposals:
- Developing countries should be compensated for implementation costs.
- Technology transfer respecting "national circumstances."
- Dedicated Multilateral Fund: Grant-based financing for developing countries; additional contributions from developed nations; governance by a subsidiary body.
India Tops Global Plastic Pollution Ranking
- India releases 9.3 million tonnes (one-fifth of the world's total) of plastic annually — top plastic polluter.
- Other Top Polluters: Nigeria, Indonesia, China.
- Main Sources: Littering in the Global North; uncollected waste in the Global South.
- Twenty countries contribute to 69% of world's plastic waste emissions (mostly low- and middle-income nations).
- High-income countries produce more plastic waste but are not among the top 90 polluters due to better waste collection systems.
Microplastics & Novel Hydrogel
- Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles with an average size of 5 mm.
- Novel Hydrogel:
- Composition: Chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline (Intertwined Polymer Network).
- Efficiency: Removes 95% and 93% of two types of microplastics in water at neutral pH (~6.5).
Key Point: India releases 9.3 million tonnes of plastic annually — the top plastic polluter globally, with Nigeria, Indonesia, and China following.
10. Summary: Environmental Pollution at a Glance
| Topic | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen Pollution | 33% of river sub-basins at risk by 2050; Colombo Declaration (halve by 2030) |
| Water Amendment Act 2024 | Fines ₹10,000-₹15 lakh; decriminalized offences; adjudicating officer |
| Fluoride Contamination | Highest in Rajasthan; WHO limit: 1.50 mg/L |
| Lead Pollution | 5.5M premature deaths annually; 765M lost IQ points |
| NCAP (2019) | 40% reduction target by 2025-26; 8 cities met target |
| EPI 2024 | India: 176th/180; Forests: 15/180; Air Quality: 177/180 |
| GRAP | 4 stages (Poor to Severe+); AQI categories (0-500) |
| Plastic Pollution | India: 9.3M tonnes (top polluter); Global Plastics Treaty (Busan) |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Nitrogen Pollution: 33% river sub-basins at risk by 2050; International Nitrogen Initiative (2003); Colombo Declaration (halve nitrogen waste by 2030)
- Water Amendment Act 2024: Fines ₹10,000-₹15 lakh; decriminalized offences; adjudicating officer; initially applies to HP, Rajasthan, and UTs
- Fluoride: Highest in Rajasthan; WHO safe limit: 1.50 mg/L
- Lead Pollution: 5.5M premature deaths; 765M lost IQ points; economic cost: $6T/year
- NCAP (2019): 40% reduction target by 2025-26; Varanasi best performer (63% reduction)
- EPI 2024: India 176th/180; Forests: 15th (best), Air Quality: 177th (worst)
- GRAP: 4 stages; AQI categories (0-50 Good, 51-100 Satisfactory, 101-200 Moderate, 201-300 Poor, 301-400 Very Poor, 401-500 Severe)
- Plastic Pollution: India top polluter (9.3M tonnes); Global Plastics Treaty (Busan, INC-5)
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Environmental Pollution — Part 1)
Q1. By 2050, what percentage of global river sub-basins could experience water scarcity due to nitrogen pollution?
Correct Answer: C. An estimated 33% of global river sub-basins could experience water scarcity by 2050 due to nitrogen pollution.
Q2. The Colombo Declaration aims to halve nitrogen waste by:
Correct Answer: C. The Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Waste Management aims to halve nitrogen waste by 2030.
Q3. Under the Water Amendment Act 2024, what is the penalty range for offences?
Correct Answer: B. The Water Amendment Act 2024 decriminalizes most offences and imposes fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh.
Q4. Which state recorded the highest levels of fluoride contamination in groundwater?
Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan recorded the highest levels of fluoride in groundwater during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
Q5. According to WHO, the safe limit for fluoride in drinking water is:
Correct Answer: C. According to WHO, the safe limit for fluoride in drinking water is 1.50 mg/L, and levels above this are considered unsafe.
Q6. India's rank in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024 is:
Correct Answer: C. India ranks 176th out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024.
Q7. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has how many stages?
Correct Answer: C. GRAP has 4 stages: Stage 1 (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage 2 (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage 3 (Severe, AQI 401-450), Stage 4 (Severe+, AQI >450).
Q8. India is the top plastic polluter, releasing how many million tonnes of plastic annually?
Correct Answer: C. India releases 9.3 million tonnes (one-fifth of the world's total) of plastic annually, making it the top plastic polluter.
Q9. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in January 2019 by MoEFCC to achieve reductions up to 40% by 2025-26.
Q10. Lead pollution causes approximately how many premature deaths annually?
Correct Answer: C. Lead pollution causes 5.5 million premature deaths annually, primarily from cardiovascular diseases.