4 September 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

• Researchers have developed a groundbreaking gas sensor using mixed spinel zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanostructures, capable of detecting nitrogen oxides (NOx) at ultra-low concentrations (ppb levels) and room temperature.
• This advancement addresses key challenges in gas sensing, offering a more precise and affordable solution for air quality monitoring.

Causes of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Pollution:

• Emissions from vehicles (cars, trucks, buses) due to fuel combustion.
• Industrial processes, especially from power plants and factories burning fossil fuels.
• Agricultural activities, including the use of fertilisers and burning of biomass.
• Emissions from residential heating systems and stoves.
• Natural sources like wildfires and lightning strikes, though in smaller amounts.

Impact of NOx Pollution:

• Contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog), which affects respiratory health.Leads to acid rain, damaging crops, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.
• Causes respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and decreased lung function.
• Reacts in the atmosphere to form fine particulate matter, worsening air quality.
• NOx pollution accelerates climate change by contributing to greenhouse gas formation.
• Harms infrastructure by corroding buildings, monuments, and materials due to acidic reactions.

PYQ: Q. Which of the following add/adds nitrogen to the soil? (2013)

Excretion of urea by animals

Burning of coal by man

Death of vegetation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: Option C