Petrochemical Industries Linked to Winter Ozone Pollution: Study
New Delhi: A study by researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University reveals that severe wintertime ozone (O₃) pollution in Lanzhou, China, is primarily driven by alkene emissions from local petrochemical industries, posing significant risks to human health.
Traditionally linked to warm weather and strong sunlight, high ozone levels exceeding 100 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) were unexpectedly recorded during cold January days in 2018, with peaks reaching 121 ppbv. The findings, published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, challenge the prevailing belief that ozone pollution primarily occurs in sunny, warm conditions.
Using an advanced photochemical box model—a numerical tool for simulating urban-scale smog—the researchers identified alkene ozonolysis as the primary driver of ozone formation in winter. Unlike traditional processes dependent on sunlight, this reaction generates Criegee intermediates, which rapidly produce reactive radicals such as hydroxide (OH), hydroperoxyl (HO₂), and organic peroxy radicals (RO₂). These radicals accelerate ozone production, with alkenes accounting for nearly 90% of ozone formation during pollution episodes.
Key alkene contributors were identified as trans/cis-2-butene and propene. The study suggests targeted mitigation strategies, including reducing alkene emissions by 28.6% or nitrogen oxides by 27.7% during early afternoon hours, which could significantly lower ozone levels.
“This study updates our understanding of ozone pollution, demonstrating that intense ozone formation can occur in cold, low-light conditions,” stated researchers Jin Yang and Yangzong Zeren to IANS. The team called for targeted actions in industrial regions to address this issue.
Ozone pollution is a serious public health concern. Prolonged exposure can damage respiratory tissues, cause inflammation, and aggravate conditions like asthma. The study emphasizes the need for immediate interventions to curb emissions and protect public health.
Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.