What is AQI? Describe in detail about various environmental pollutants and their control with regards to animal health.

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The AQI is a real-time indicator of air quality, calculated based on concentrations of several pollutants. It is categorized into six levels: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500). The CPCB's AQI considers six pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). The highest pollutant concentration determines the overall AQI and the associated health advisory.

Environmental Pollutants and Their Impact on Animal Health

Here's a breakdown of major pollutants and their impact on animal health:

1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

• Description: PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers) and PM10 (particles less than 10 micrometers) are inhalable pollutants. PM2.5 is particularly concerning due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.
• Impact on Animals: Respiratory distress in livestock (cattle, sheep, goats), reduced growth rates in poultry, increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases (e.g., pneumonia in calves), impaired reproductive performance, and damage to wildlife habitats. Studies have shown that exposure to high PM levels can reduce milk production in dairy cows.
• Control Measures: Promoting cleaner fuels, controlling industrial emissions through stricter regulations (e.g., National Clean Air Programme - NCAP), dust suppression measures in construction sites, and promoting public transport.

2. Ozone (O3)

• Description: Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.
• Impact on Animals: Ozone damages lung tissue, leading to decreased lung function in livestock and wildlife. It can also impair immune function, making animals more vulnerable to infections. For example, grazing animals can experience reduced forage quality due to ozone damage to plants.
• Control Measures: Reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vehicles and industries.

3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) & Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

• Description: NO2 is primarily emitted from combustion processes, while SO2 is released from industrial activities and burning fossil fuels.
• Impact on Animals: Irritation of the respiratory tract, reduced lung capacity, increased risk of respiratory infections. SO2 can also affect forage quality.
• Control Measures: Switching to cleaner fuels, installing scrubbers in industrial facilities, and promoting energy efficiency.

4. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Description: CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion.
• Impact on Animals: CO reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deficiency). This can be particularly dangerous for young animals and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Control Measures: Vehicle emission control, improved combustion efficiency in industrial processes, and public awareness campaigns.

Table: Summary of Pollutants & Impact on Animal Health

Pollutant	Description	Impact on Animal Health	Control Measures
PM2.5/PM10	Inhalable particulate matter	Respiratory distress, reduced growth, increased disease susceptibility	Cleaner fuels, industrial emission controls, dust suppression
Ozone (O3)	Secondary pollutant formed from NOx and VOCs	Lung damage, impaired immune function, reduced forage quality	Reduce NOx & VOC emissions
NO2	Emitted from combustion	Respiratory irritation, reduced lung capacity	Cleaner fuels, industrial scrubbers
SO2	Released from industrial activities	Respiratory irritation, reduced lung capacity, forage quality issues	Cleaner fuels, industrial scrubbers
CO	Incomplete combustion product	Hypoxia, reduced oxygen-carrying capacity	Vehicle emission control, improved combustion efficiency

Control Measures – A Multi-pronged Approach

• Source Reduction: Implementing stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles. Promoting cleaner fuels and renewable energy sources.
• Technological Solutions: Developing and deploying air purifiers for livestock farms and wildlife sanctuaries. Utilizing biofiltration techniques to remove pollutants.
• Policy Interventions: Strengthening environmental regulations and enforcement. Implementing economic incentives for pollution reduction. Raising public awareness about the impacts of air pollution. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a key initiative aimed at reducing PM2.5 and PM10 levels in Indian cities.

Case Study: Impact of Delhi's Air Pollution on Dairy Animals: A study in Delhi found that the air pollution significantly impacted the health and productivity of dairy animals, leading to reduced milk yield, increased respiratory problems, and higher veterinary costs. This highlights the economic impact of air pollution on the livestock sector. FAQ: Does air pollution affect wild animals more than livestock? Answer: While both livestock and wild animals are affected, wild animals often face greater challenges due to limited access to shelter and veterinary care. They are also more vulnerable to habitat degradation and the cumulative effects of pollution. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): These are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. They contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. According to a 2021 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Delhi consistently ranks among the most polluted cities globally, with PM2.5 levels often exceeding safe limits by several times. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 20-30% in 122 cities by 2024. AQI Components: The AQI is a weighted average of six pollutants - PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Sulfur Dioxide. A 2020 study estimated that air pollution contributes to approximately 17% of deaths in India annually. (Source: Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health)