Green Technologies to Combat Air Pollution

Abstract

Air pollution is a pressing issue as it is affecting life quality all over the world. Fossil fuel vehicles, industrial emissions, oil refineries, agricultural practices, and wood burning are the topmost sources causing an imbalance in the life holding capacity of a healthy environment. These sources produce emissions of NOx, SOx, and COs. (NOx: Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂, NO₃, N₂O, N₂O₅); SOx, sulfur oxides (SO₂, SO₃ & H₂SO₄); COs (CO & CO₂), and toxic wastes (dioxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and radioactive waste) are the culprits for the enhanced burden of diseases (lung cancer, heart diseases, eye infections, and skin allergies) especially in developing countries.

To tackle down the air pollution issue, there is a need to adopt a technology system that supports the “environment” without compromising the needs of present and future generations. “Green technology” or “sustainable technology” is the ultimate answer to pollution issues. Green technology is a combination of eco-friendly policies and energy-efficient devices to sustain life and economic growth. This is also known as sustainable technology dealing with both short-term and long-term effects of human activities on the surrounding environments. It includes a wide range of options (material change, process alteration, system innovation, policy development, and mass awareness) that can be opted according to the budget and requirements. Recent developments in this field include thermoelectric power generators, solar panels, green roofs, electric vehicles, hybrid cars, energy-efficient houses, and emission control devices. In addition to it, a paradigm shift is needed for the implementation of renewable wind and solar energy sources instead of fossil fuels to produce such energy carriers as electricity and hydrogen. This chapter will discuss the necessary options available for green technology to combat air pollution in a more detailed manner.