Kochi – With the increase in chemical pollution in the air, it is certain that the amount of chemical substances will be very high during the first summer rains this year. The air quality index of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that Kochi’s air quality has deteriorated since August 2022. It got worse after December.
A fire broke out at the Brahmapuram waste plant when the level of fine chemical vapor particles crossed 300 points (50 points allowed by the World Health Organization). With this, Kochi fell from the frying pan into the fire. Chemical pollution in the air has also spread to Alappuzha, Kottayam and Thrissur districts.
After the Brahmapuram fire, in addition to chemical vapor particles, PM10 particulate matter, which is high in sulphate, nitrate, chloride and carbon, has increased. The data provided by CPCB’s chemical meters show that the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere are also increasing. With this, ecologists warn that there is a possibility of increasing the amount of sulfuric acid and nitric acid in the first rain of summer.
Acidity during the first summer rains is likely to have a detrimental effect on wildlife and agriculture. The fresh rains may adversely affect fresh water sources and fish stocks in Ernakulam and surrounding areas. Environmental scientists say that if we are not careful, there is a risk of skin diseases such as rashes and itching on the skin of humans and other species.
English summary : Chance of acid rain; Brahmapuram issue
