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Air Pollution Control

Sachin U.Gaikwad #1, Satyam K. Harde #2, Prasad D. Prasad#3
# Department of Information technology, Amrutvahini Polytechnic, Sangamner
1
gaikwads@amrutpoly.in
2
hardesatyam91@gmail.com
3
prasadrahinj1@gmail.com
*Lecturer in Department of Department of E&Tc Engineering , Amrutvahini Polytechnic, Sangamner

Abstract- Air pollution is a critical II. LITERATURE SURVEY

environmental issue that affects human health,
ecosystems, and the global climate. The London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)[1] was
increasing concentration of harmful pollutants introduced in April 2019 to combat air pollution by
such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), imposing a daily charge on high-emission vehicles
nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), operating within the city. The policy, which
carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic expanded in 2021, has significantly reduced
compounds (VOCs) has led to severe nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels, particularly in
environmental and health consequences. This deprived areas. Within the first year, central
paper explores various strategies for air London saw a 36% drop in NO₂ concentrations,
pollution control, including technological
and the number of high-polluting vehicles
interventions, regulatory measures, and urban
decreased, improving air quality and public health.
planning approaches. The paper also discusses
successful case studies from different countries Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) [2] was
and highlights future directions in air pollution launched in June 2021 to reduce pollution from
management.
older, high-emission vehicles in the city center. The
program has led to a 13% decrease in NO₂ levels
Keywords:Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)),
Nitrogen oxides (NOx),Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), within six months, with fewer non-compliant
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) vehicles on the road. The initiative has also
encouraged investment in public transport and
I. INTRODUCTION infrastructure for active travel, promoting long-
Air pollution has become a major environmental term sustainable mobility.
challenge due to rapid industrialization,
urbanization, and increased vehicular emissions. Beijing’s Road Space Rationing [3]was first
According to the World Health Organization implemented during the 2008 Olympics, restricting
(WHO), air pollution is responsible for vehicle usage based on license plate numbers and
approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. enhancing public transportation. The policy led to a
The primary sources of air pollution include 40% reduction in vehicle emissions and improved
industrial processes, transportation, agricultural air quality. Post-Olympics, the government
activities, and household emissions. This paper introduced permanent measures such as a license
examines effective air pollution control methods plate lottery and incentives for electric vehicles,
and their implementation worldwide. helping to manage traffic congestion and curb
pollution in the long run.
Importance of Controlling Air Pollutants
Controlling air pollutants is essential to protect III. IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION
human health, preserve the environment, and
mitigate climate change. Air pollution is linked to Controlling air pollutants has numerous benefits for
severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, both human health and the environment. It reduces
causing millions of premature deaths annually. It respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and
also harms ecosystems by contributing to acid rain, lung cancer, while also improving neurological
ozone depletion, and reduced biodiversity. health and increasing life expectancy.
Economically, poor air quality leads to increased Environmentally, it improves air quality, reduces
healthcare costs, lower agricultural yields, and acid rain and ozone depletion, protects ecosystems
infrastructure damage. By implementing effective and biodiversity, and helps mitigate climate change.
pollution control measures, we can improve air
quality, enhance public health, and ensure a
sustainable future for future generations.
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1.HEALTH EFEECTS nutrients. It also disrupts aquatic ecosystems by

lowering the pH of lakes and rivers, making them
Air pollution poses a severe threat to human health, uninhabitable for many fish species and other
affecting multiple organ systems and increasing the aquatic organisms. Additionally, acid rain
risk of both acute and chronic diseases. Exposure to accelerates the corrosion of buildings, bridges, and
fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases historical monuments, leading to significant
such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide economic losses in maintenance and restoration
(SO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can efforts.
lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic
bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary Another major environmental impact is climate
disease (COPD). Long-term inhalation of these change, driven by pollutants such as carbon dioxide
pollutants causes inflammation in the lungs, (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and black carbon. These
leading to reduced lung function and an increased greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere,
risk of lung cancer. Additionally, air pollution leading to rising global temperatures, more
contributes significantly to cardiovascular diseases, frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions in
including hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. natural ecosystems. Melting glaciers, rising sea
Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to levels, and desertification are direct consequences
high levels of air pollution increases oxidative of climate change exacerbated by air pollution.
stress and systemic inflammation, which can Moreover, pollutants like ground-level ozone (O₃)
damage blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis, damage vegetation by inhibiting photosynthesis,
raising the likelihood of heart-related complications. weakening plant structures, and reducing crop
yields. This not only threatens food security but
Beyond the respiratory and cardiovascular also disrupts entire ecosystems, affecting the
systems, air pollution also has profound effects on survival of pollinators and other wildlife.
the nervous system. Research suggests that
pollutants like fine particulate matter and heavy Air pollution also contributes to biodiversity loss,
metals can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, as pollutants settle on land and water bodies,
leading to cognitive decline, neuro developmental contaminating habitats and harming species that
disorders in children, and an increased risk of neuro depend on clean air and water. Polluted air can alter
degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and migration patterns, disrupt breeding cycles, and
Parkinson’s. Additionally, prenatal exposure to high reduce reproductive success in various animal
pollution levels has been linked to low birth weight, species. Forests, which act as crucial carbon sinks,
premature births, and developmental impairments are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, as high
in children, increasing their susceptibility to ozone levels and acidic deposition weaken trees,
chronic illnesses later in life. Furthermore, recent making them more susceptible to diseases, pests,
studies indicate that poor air quality can also and climate-induced stress. Furthermore, poor air
contribute to mental health disorders such as quality in urban areas creates heat islands, where
depression, anxiety, and stress due to its impact on the temperature rises significantly due to the
brain function and overall well-being. The global accumulation of pollutants and reduced green cover,
health burden of air pollution is staggering, with worsening air quality and contributing to increased
the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating energy consumption for cooling. The widespread
around seven million premature deaths annually environmental consequences of air pollution
due to exposure to polluted air. The increasing emphasize the need for stronger regulatory
prevalence of pollution-related diseases highlights measures, investment in clean energy solutions, and
the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations global cooperation to mitigate its damaging effects
and enhanced mitigation strategies to protect public
health. IV. METHODS OF AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL
2.ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The methods of Electrostatic Precipitation (ESP),
Air pollution significantly impacts the environment, Wet Scrubber, and Catalytic Converter are crucial
causing widespread damage to ecosystems, in controlling air pollution. ESP removes
biodiversity, and the overall stability of the planet. particulate matter with high efficiency, while Wet
One of the most critical environmental Scrubber absorbs gases and particulate matter,
consequences of air pollution is acid rain, which reducing emissions. Catalytic Converter, on the
occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen other hand, converts harmful pollutants into
oxides (NOx) combine with atmospheric moisture harmless gases, reducing emissions from vehicles
to form acidic precipitation. Acid rain leads to soil and industrial sources. These methods are vital in
degradation, reducing its fertility and affecting mitigating the harmful effects of air pollution on
agricultural productivity by leaching essential human health and the environment.
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1.Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP):

Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) are highly efficient 3.Catalytic Converters:
air pollution control devices used in industries to Catalytic converters are essential pollution control
remove fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) devices installed in vehicles to reduce harmful
from exhaust emissions. They operate by passing exhaust emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx),
polluted air through an ionization chamber, where carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned
particles become electrically charged. These hydrocarbons. These devices consist of a
charged particles are then attracted to oppositely honeycomb-like structure coated with platinum,
charged metal plates, where they accumulate and palladium, and rhodium catalysts, which facilitate
are periodically removed. ESPs are widely used in chemical reactions that convert toxic gases into less
power plants, cement factories, and steel industries harmful substances. NOx emissions are broken
to control smoke, dust, and ash emissions. With down into nitrogen and oxygen, CO is converted
over 99% efficiency in capturing airborne particles, into CO₂, and hydrocarbons are transformed into
they significantly improve air quality while water vapor and CO₂. Catalytic converters play a
maintaining low operational costs, making them a crucial role in reducing air pollution in urban areas
preferred choice for large-scale industrial and ensuring compliance with emission regulations
applications. like Euro 6 and U.S. EPA standards. Their
widespread adoption has significantly improved air
quality by reducing vehicle-related emissions by
over 90%.

2.Wet Scrubbers:
Wet scrubbers are advanced pollution control
devices designed to remove harmful gases and
particulate matter from industrial emissions, with a
primary focus on sulfur dioxide (SO₂) control.
These systems function by introducing a liquid—
usually water or an alkaline solution—into the 4.Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
exhaust stream, which absorbs and neutralizes Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an advanced
pollutants through chemical reactions. The climate mitigation technology that captures carbon
scrubbed pollutants are then collected in a liquid dioxide (CO₂) emissions from power plants and
slurry for disposal or treatment. Wet scrubbers are industrial processes before they reach the
commonly used in power plants, waste incinerators, atmosphere. The process involves three key steps:
and chemical industries to reduce acid gas capture, transport, and storage. CO₂ is first
emissions. They are particularly effective in separated from emissions using chemical
preventing acid rain by limiting SO₂ release, and absorption, membranes, or direct air capture. Once
their ability to handle both gas and particulate captured, it is compressed and transported through
pollutants makes them one of the most versatile air pipelines to underground geological formations,
pollution control technologies. such as depleted oil fields or saline aquifers, for
long-term storage. CCS is a crucial technology for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving
carbon neutrality, particularly in industries like
cement, steel, and energy production. By
preventing millions of tons of CO₂ from entering
the atmosphere, CCS contributes to global efforts
to combat climate change.
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practices, such as recycling, composting, and

B.Urban & Individual Measures waste-to-energy technologies, help mitigate
pollution. Landfill gas capture systems can also
Effective air pollution control requires active reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
participation at both the urban planning level and Community-led waste reduction initiatives,
the individual level. Cities worldwide are such as zero-waste programs and plastic bans,
implementing innovative strategies to reduce further contribute to reducing environmental
emissions, improve air quality, and promote pollution. Cities like San Francisco and Stockholm
sustainable living. Urban measures focus on long- have implemented comprehensive waste
term structural and policy changes, while management strategies, achieving high recycling
individual actions contribute to reducing pollution rates and reducing landfill waste. Additionally,
at a personal level. promoting responsible consumer behavior, such as
1. Green Infrastructure reducing single-use plastics and adopting eco-
Green infrastructure plays a crucial role in friendly products, plays a vital role in minimizing
mitigating air pollution by integrating natural pollution at an individual level..
vegetation into urban spaces. Trees, green roofs,
and urban forests act as natural air filters, absorbing V. CHALLENGES IN AIR POLLUTION
pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen CONTROL
oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM2.5, Despite significant progress in air pollution control
PM10). Studies have shown that urban trees can through technological advancements and regulatory
remove thousands of tons of air pollutants annually, frameworks, several challenges persist, making it
improving air quality while also reducing urban difficult to achieve consistent and long-term
heat island effects. Additionally, parks and green improvements in air quality. These challenges
corridors enhance biodiversity, promote mental range from policy enforcement issues to economic
well-being, and encourage eco-friendly constraints and public resistance.
transportation such as walking and cycling. Cities 1. Weak Enforcement of Regulations
like Singapore and New York have successfully Many countries have implemented air quality
implemented large-scale urban greening projects, standards and pollution control regulations;
leading to measurable reductions in air pollution however, weak enforcement remains a major
levels. challenge. In developing nations, regulatory bodies
often lack the necessary resources, funding, and
2. Public Transport and Electric Vehicles (EVs) personnel to monitor compliance effectively.
Reducing vehicular emissions is a major Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and
component of urban air pollution control. political interference further hinder enforcement.
Expanding and modernizing public transportation Even in developed countries, industries sometimes
systems, such as buses, subways, and trams, can find loopholes or delay compliance through legal
significantly decrease the number of private means. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and
vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions of ensuring strict implementation through real-time
CO₂, NOx, and VOCs. Additionally, promoting monitoring, penalties, and incentives for
non-motorized transport options such as cycling compliance is crucial for effective air pollution
and walking through dedicated lanes and control.
pedestrian-friendly urban designs reduces air
pollution while improving public health. 2. High Costs of Pollution Control Technologies
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is The adoption of advanced pollution control
another crucial step in urban pollution reduction. technologies, such as carbon capture and storage
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, unlike (CCS), electrostatic precipitators (ESP), and
gasoline and diesel vehicles, which release harmful catalytic converters, requires significant financial
pollutants. Governments are increasingly offering investment. Many industries, especially in low- and
incentives such as tax rebates, subsidies, and middle-income countries, struggle to afford these
charging infrastructure development to encourage technologies, leading to continued reliance on
EV adoption. Countries like Norway, China, and outdated and polluting methods. Small and
the Netherlands have successfully increased EV medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face the
usage through policy measures, leading to greatest financial burden, as they lack access to
significant reductions in urban air pollution. subsidies or government incentives for cleaner
technology adoption. Reducing the cost of green
3.Sustainable Waste Management technologies through research, development, and
Improper waste disposal and open burning of waste mass production can help make them more
contribute significantly to air pollution by releasing accessible to industries worldwide.
harmful gases such as dioxins, furans, and
particulate matter. Sustainable waste management
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enhanced public awareness to ensure long-term

3. Public Awareness & Behavioral Change sustainability.
A major barrier to effective air pollution control is REFERENCES
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Air pollution control requires a multi-dimensional
Mediated Impacts on Human Health."
approach that includes technological innovations,
Environmental Health, 8(Suppl 1), S8.
stringent regulations, and behavioral changes.
While several countries have successfully
implemented policies to mitigate pollution,
challenges remain in enforcement and economic
feasibility. Future efforts must focus on cleaner
technologies, stronger regulatory frameworks, and
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