NANOPARTICLES
1. Context
Nanoparticles in Delhi’s air, a major chunk of which comes from vehicular emissions, can potentially be transported from the respiratory system to other parts of the human body, creating more chronic and acute illnesses, according to a study.
2. About nanoparticles
A nanoparticle is a small particle that ranges between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm) in diameter. Nanometres are one billionth of a metre, so nanoparticles are incredibly small. For comparison, human hair is about 100,000 nm in diameter.
Nanoparticles can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, semiconductors, polymers, and ceramics. They can also be naturally occurring or synthetically produced.
2.1. Examples of nanoparticles
- Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules made up of carbon atoms. They are incredibly strong and lightweight, and they have a wide range of potential applications in electronics, medicine, and energy.
- Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is the thinnest and strongest material known to science, and it has many potential applications in electronics, medicine, and energy.
- Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor nanoparticles that can emit light of different colours depending on their size. They are used in a variety of applications, including medical imaging, displays, and solar cells.
- Metal nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles, have unique properties that make them useful in a variety of applications, including catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery.
- Ceramic nanoparticles, such as silica nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, are used in a variety of applications, including cosmetics, food packaging, and drug delivery.
- Liposomes are spherical vesicles made up of phospholipid molecules. They can be used to encapsulate drugs and other molecules, and they can be used to deliver these drugs to specific cells or tissues.
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Image Source: Nagwa2.2. Concerns associated with Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles have a wide range of potential applications, but they also pose some potential concerns, including:
- Nanoparticles can be toxic to cells and tissues. The toxicity of nanoparticles depends on a variety of factors, including the size, shape, surface chemistry, and composition of the nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticles can be released into the environment during manufacturing, use, and disposal. Nanoparticles can persist in the environment for long periods, and they can accumulate in the food chain.
- The long-term effects of nanoparticle exposure on human health and the environment are largely unknown. More research is needed to understand these potential effects.
- Carbon nanotubes can be inhaled and cause inflammation and damage to the lungs.
- Graphene can be sharp and could potentially damage cells and tissues.
- Quantum dots can be toxic to cells and tissues, and they could potentially accumulate in the brain.
- Metal nanoparticles can be toxic to cells and tissues, and they could potentially cause allergic reactions.
- Ceramic nanoparticles can be inhaled and cause inflammation and damage to the lungs.
- Liposomes can be toxic to cells and tissues if they are not properly formulated.
3. Action Plan for Delhi Climate
- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a 15-point winter action plan to tackle air pollution in the national capital.
- The plan is similar to last year's initiatives, but Kejriwal stressed that the issue of pollution extends beyond Delhi and urged neighbouring states in the NCR to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to discourage the use of generator sets.
- A joint action plan with the CAQM and the Union government to address the shared problem of air pollution affecting not only Delhi but also Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Regarding stubble burning in Punjab, the efforts to reduce it have shown.
- The measures such as crop diversification, the cultivation of short-term paddy varieties, and ex-situ management of stubble as evidence of progress.
4. The Key initiatives for Delhi's winter action plan includes:
- Thirteen pollution hotspots have been identified, and special action plans have been devised for each location. Thirteen special teams and a dedicated war room will oversee efforts to control pollution in these areas.
- The use of PUSA bio decomposer in Delhi's farmland to deter stubble burning will continue, covering 5,000 acres this year.
- A total of 591 special teams will monitor construction sites, requiring sites larger than 500 sq m to install anti-smog guns. Mechanical road-sweeping machines, water-sprinkling machines, and anti-smog guns will be deployed to address dust pollution.
- A total of 385 teams will enforce vehicle pollution control measures, including checking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and prohibiting old diesel and petrol vehicles. Alternate routes will be promoted in congested areas.
- To tackle the open burning of garbage, 611 teams have been established for enforcement.
- Sixty-six teams will ensure that 1,727 registered industrial units in Delhi switch to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
- A 24x7 Green War Room has been established for real-time monitoring and response.
- The Green Delhi App operational for three years, has addressed 90% of complaints received.
- A real-time source apportionment study will enable targeted action based on data.
- There is a complete ban on fireworks this year.
- Over 1 crore plants will be planted to increase green cover.
- A 20-acre E-waste eco-park is under development, with a consultant appointed.
- An awareness campaign, including the "Red Light On, Gaadi Off" initiative, will be conducted.
- Pollution doesn't recognize borders, so efforts to reduce pollution will involve coordination with other states. The vehicles coming from other states to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), industries in NCR areas to shift to PNG, provide 24x7 electricity, and impose a complete ban on firecrackers.
- Full enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan.
5. The Way Forward
Nanoparticles offer promising advancements in various fields, so it is imperative to address the associated concerns through research, regulation, and responsible practices. Balancing innovation with safety and environmental protection is key to harnessing the full potential of nanotechnology.
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For Prelims: Nano Particles, Air Pollution,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the key elements of Delhi's winter action plan to combat air pollution. How can similar strategies be adopted in other Indian cities facing air quality challenges? (250 Words)
2. Examine the challenges in regulating nanotechnology and suggest ways to ensure the safe and responsible development and use of nanoparticles. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2022)
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of same commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 2 D. 2 and 3
Answer: D
2. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? (UPSC CSE 2014)
1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
3. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? ( UPSC CSE 2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Answer: B 4. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment (UPSC CSE 2013) (a) Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen (b) Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide (c) Ozone and Carbon Dioxide (d) Nitrous Oxide and Sulphur Dioxide Answer: D 5. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (UPSC CSE 2017) (a) Measuring oxygen level in blood (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystem (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high-altitude regions Answer: C |
Source: The Indian Express
