India is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the world, contributing more than 21 per cent of global anthropogenic emissions mainly coming from coal-based electricity generation.
Russia is the second largest emitter of SO2, causing approximately 12% of global emissions. Most of the SO2 emissions stem from smelters (75%), followed by oil and gas (15%), and coal (10%).
Must read: Exposure to benzene pollution
China emitted approximately 8% of global SO2 emissions – mainly stemming from its coal-fired power generation, which has the largest capacity in the world.
Must read: Pollution dome : formation and impacts
Reasons for India’s High Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Emission
The primary reason for India’s high emission output is the expansion of coal-based electricity generation over the past decade. Five of the top 10 SO2 emission hotspots from coal/power generation industry across the world are in India.
Must read: Particulate pollution in Delhi NCR
The thermal power plants or clusters at Singrauli, Neyveli, Talcher, Jharsuguda, Korba, Kutch, Chennai, Ramagundam, Chandrapur, and Koradi are the major emission hotspots in the country.
Must read: PARTICULATE MATTER AND ITS EFFECTS
In India, there has been an increase of SO2 emissions at already existing hotspots and new sites generating emissions are emerging across the country.
Must read: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
In fact, rising emissions have made India overtake China whose success in reducing emissions has also made Russia the number two emitter. China reduced their SO2 emissions through stringent emission norms and implementation of technologies like FGD (flue-gas desulfurization).
Must read: Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emission hotspot in the world
When it comes to individual hotspots, the Norilsk smelter site in Russia continues to be the largest anthropogenic SO2 emission hotspot in the world, followed by the Kriel area in Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Zagroz in Iran, and Rabigh in Saudi Arabia. Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh is at number five.
External link: https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/sulfur-dioxide-basics
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES . According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions? UPSC 2024
(a) Locomotives using fossil fuels
(b) Ships using fossil fuels
(c) Extraction of metals from ores
(d) Power plants using fossil fuels
Ans (d) EXPLANATION: According to EPA, the largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. Smaller sources of SO2 emissions include: industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore; natural sources such as volcanoes; and locomotives, ships and other vehicles and heavy equipment that burn fuel with a high sulfur content. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
