Severe Winter Ozone Pollution Linked to Petrochemical Emissions

13 Jan 2025 CW Team

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.

Real Estate

17 Sep 2025

Indian REITs Offer 6-7.5 per cent Yield, Surpassing Many Global Markets

Indian Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are delivering average yields of 6–7.5 per cent for unitholders, outperforming many mature markets, including the US, according to a report by Credai and Anarock.Credai, the apex body of Indian real estate developers, and property consultant Anarock released the report Indian REITs – A Gateway to Institutional Real Estate at an event in India.Currently, India has five listed REITs – Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, Nexus Select Trust, and Knowledge Realty Trust. Nexus Select Trust pr..

Insolation Energy Wins 226 MW Solar Projects Under PM-KUSUM

Insolation Energy on Monday announced securing multiple solar projects totalling 226.45 MW, with an investment of Rs 7.5 billion, under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The orders were awarded to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Insolation Green Energy Pvt Ltd, by Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited for 20 sites and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited for 115 sites, the company informed the exchanges.“The combined SPV solar power plants will total 226.45 MW under PM-KUSUM Component A, with the final levelised tariff at Rs 3.04 per unit for 16 sites, Rs 2.82 per unit for 5 sites, Rs 2.75 per unit for 53 sites, ..

Numaligarh Refinery Awards EPC Contract for Rooftop Solar Projects

State-owned Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) has awarded a Letter of Award to Solarium Green Energy Ltd. for the rate contract covering the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects at various locations. The projects fall within the categories of 51–200 kW and 201–1000 kW. Notable projects include a 140 kW rooftop solar plant at NRL Assam, a 760 kW plant at NRL Assam, and a 280 kW plant at NRL West Bengal.The supply order covers ex-manufacturing works and the dispatch price for plant and equipment for the 140 kW, 760 kW, and 280 kW rooftop s..