+
Severe Winter Ozone Pollution Linked to Petrochemical Emissions
ECONOMY & POLICY

Severe Winter Ozone Pollution Linked to Petrochemical Emissions

A recent study has revealed that severe wintertime ozone (O3) pollution, typically associated with warm weather, is being driven by alkene emissions from local petrochemical industries in Lanzhou, China. Researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University discovered alarming O3 levels in the cold winter months of January 2018, with concentrations exceeding 100 parts per billion (ppbv) and peaking at an alarming 121 ppbv. This is contrary to the traditional belief that O3 pollution mainly occurs during hot weather with strong solar radiation.

The team used an advanced photochemical box model to simulate photochemical smog at the urban scale, identifying alkene ozonolysis as the main contributor to O3 formation. Unlike the typical radical sources initiated by sunlight, the alkene reaction occurs without sunlight and produces reactive radicals that accelerate O3 production. Alkenes, particularly trans/cis-2-butene and propene, contributed to nearly 90% of the O3 levels during the pollution episodes.

The study highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies, suggesting that reducing alkene levels by 28.6% or nitrogen oxides by 27.7% during early afternoon hours could significantly reduce O3 levels. The authors stressed the importance of taking action in industrial regions to reduce these harmful emissions.

Long-term exposure to high O3 levels can damage respiratory tissues, causing inflammation, irritation, and exacerbating asthma symptoms, posing serious health risks to the local population.

A recent study has revealed that severe wintertime ozone (O3) pollution, typically associated with warm weather, is being driven by alkene emissions from local petrochemical industries in Lanzhou, China. Researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University discovered alarming O3 levels in the cold winter months of January 2018, with concentrations exceeding 100 parts per billion (ppbv) and peaking at an alarming 121 ppbv. This is contrary to the traditional belief that O3 pollution mainly occurs during hot weather with strong solar radiation. The team used an advanced photochemical box model to simulate photochemical smog at the urban scale, identifying alkene ozonolysis as the main contributor to O3 formation. Unlike the typical radical sources initiated by sunlight, the alkene reaction occurs without sunlight and produces reactive radicals that accelerate O3 production. Alkenes, particularly trans/cis-2-butene and propene, contributed to nearly 90% of the O3 levels during the pollution episodes. The study highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies, suggesting that reducing alkene levels by 28.6% or nitrogen oxides by 27.7% during early afternoon hours could significantly reduce O3 levels. The authors stressed the importance of taking action in industrial regions to reduce these harmful emissions. Long-term exposure to high O3 levels can damage respiratory tissues, causing inflammation, irritation, and exacerbating asthma symptoms, posing serious health risks to the local population.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Globe Civil Wins Rs 2.22 Billion Haryana Stadium Deal

Globe Civil Projects Limited has received an order worth Rs 2.22 billion from the Haryana Cricket Association, Bhiwani, for the construction of an International Cricket Stadium at Lohat in Jhajjar district, Haryana.The project, to be executed on a bill of quantities (BOQ) basis, has a stipulated completion period of 24 months. It marks Globe Civil’s entry into the sports infrastructure sector, underscoring institutional confidence in the company’s execution capabilities.Chairman and Whole-time Director Ved Prakash Khurana said the contract was a milestone for the company and an opportunity..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Platinum Industries Q1 Revenue Rises 12 Per Cent

Platinum Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of PVC and CPVC additives and the third-largest player in India’s PVC stabiliser market, has reported a 12.4 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of FY26, supported by improved capacity utilisation and favourable market conditions.Revenue from operations rose to Rs 1.15 billion in Q1 FY26 from Rs 1.03 billion in the same quarter last year. On a sequential basis, revenue grew 19.6 per cent from Rs 965 million in Q4 FY25. EBITDA stood at Rs 152 million, down 26 per cent year-on-year from Rs 205 million, but more tha..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Agarwal Industrial Q1 Profit Falls 67 Per Cent

Agarwal Industrial Corporation Limited (AICL), a leading manufacturer and trader of bitumen and allied products, has reported a sharp decline in earnings for the first quarter of FY26, with profit after tax falling 67 per cent year-on-year.For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, consolidated revenue stood at Rs 5.95 billion compared with Rs 7.09 billion in Q1 FY25, marking a 16 per cent decline. EBITDA dropped 39 per cent to Rs 380 million, while profit after tax fell to Rs 130 million from Rs 390 million a year earlier. Margins contracted, with EBITDA at 6.4 per cent against 8.7 per cent and net ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?