NOx -oxides of nitrogen is a potential green house gas. Thermal power plants, vehicular exhaust is a biggest source of NOx. Latest SC direction to thermal power plant to curb emission of Nox is a step to curb India's green house burden.
Nox Emission- Concerns :-
1. Nox is potential green house gas. It taps heat cumming from sun which results in to global warming. Its GHG potential is many times higher that CO2
2. Contributor in acid rain. Acid rain is harmful for vegetation & living beings, monuments, soil , aquifers etc
3. A constituent of SMOG along with oxides of sulfur.
4. One of the key air pollutant results into respiratory , skin & eye problems
Control Measures :
1. Using good quality of coal with less Nitrogen content
2. Purifying the exhaust before exposing the same to environment
3. technological up-gradation of plants can help toxicity of exhaust to get reduced
4. Oxides of nitrogen can be utilized by fertilizer industry
5. establishing plant outside residential area will help
6. Regulating operation as per weather condition. Ex in winter when air circulation is low & conditions are supporting smog formation, their operation can be curbed down.
7. As Oxides of sulfur are being used by cement industry some innovation shall be brought for NoX also.
CONCLUSION:Thermal power plants fulfill biggest share of India's energy requirement. In coming few years at least ,we do not have a credible alternative clean energy source available. Hence pollution controlling measures for thermal power plant is only option we are left with, which shall be pursued with seriousness in order to meet India commitment towards Paris Climate treaty.
