In a breakthrough study, a team of researchers led by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has revealed how emissions from power plants contribute to cloud formation. The truth about emissions has shed new light on how to keep our skies clean.
This discovery could reshape Policy Planners’ approach to managing air pollution and its impact on the environment mainly in cities in Coastal areas and in states where NTPC and other utilities run coal-fired thermal power plants across India.
This study implies that the existing strategies aimed at reducing PM2.5 levels from traffic and industries in India's polluted coastal clusters need thorough revaluation, said researchers.
Researchers seized the Lockdown Opportunity during the COVID-19 lockdown, when human activities and pollution were reduced.
The researchers turned their attention to emissions from the Neyveli coal-fired power plant near Chennai. This unique situation allowed them to isolate the effects of power plant emissions on cloud-forming particles.
Prof. Sachin S. Gunthe, Coordinator, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Departmen of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “Our study provides a rare opportunity to examine the sensitivity of cloud-forming aerosol particles to new particle formation and growth due to SO2 emissions from a coal-fired power plant under relatively cleaner conditions".
"These findings have important implications for assessing the climate impacts of anthropogenic aerosols and highlight the need for comprehensive emission control measures.”
Contrary to common assumptions, the study found that emissions from the power plant, when combined with cleaner air during the lockdown, led to the production of particles that are instrumental in cloud formation. These particles are rich in sulfate and have a strong potential to create clouds.
A doctoral student at the Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, IIT Madras, Ms. Aishwarya Singh, single-handedly calibrated, maintained, and operated the set of six advanced and state-of-the-art instruments during COVID-19 induced lockdown under challenging and adverse conditions.
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The institute administration provided special permissions, strong logistical support, and proper care to Ms. Singh at IIT Madras once she decided to continue the measurements.
Understanding Clouds' Dual Role
Clouds play a critical role in our climate system. Not only do they help regulate temperature by reflecting sunlight, but they also contribute to the water cycle by providing the conditions for precipitation.
This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between air pollutants and cloud formation.
Global Collaboration for a Greener Future
The research was a collaborative effort involving 27 researchers from 17 institutions across 8 countries. This level of international cooperation highlights the urgency and significance of understanding the complex interactions between human activities, pollution, and climate.
Implications for Pollution Management
The findings challenge previous assumptions about the effects of power plant emissions in cleaner environments. This new insight suggests that we need to rethink how we tackle air pollution, especially in regions with coal-fired power plants, said Dr Gunthe.
Looking Ahead: Towards Cleaner Skies
As the world strives to address climate change and reduce pollution, studies like this provide critical insights.
By uncovering the unexpected ways emissions interact with our atmosphere, we pave the way for more effective strategies to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future.
