Tropospheric Ozone

A ground level ozone

Presented by:
Prabesh Ghimire
BPH 3rd year
Valley College of Technical Sciences

Applied Environment
“Environmental Pollution”
 Tropospheric Ozone

Troposphere:- the lowest portion of earth’s atmosphere.

The troposphere extends from the surface of the earth to
between 10 and 18 kilometers above the surface of the
earth.
Ozone is a naturally occurring gas found in the
troposphere ( & other parts of the atmosphere).
Concentrations of ozone are not uniform in the
troposphere. (i.e. there are large diurnal and seasonal
changes in the concentrations of O3 in the lower
atmosphere)
 Sources of Tropospheric Ozone

Natural Sources
 lighting during thunderstorms
 downward mixing of O3 from the upper layers of the
atmosphere

Anthropogenic Sources
 through photochemical reactions that are driven by sunlight.

 Note: Ozone is not emitted directly from a tailpipe or a

smokestack; rather it is formed through reactions with volatile
organic compounds (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
 Tropospheric Ozone as pollutant

Tropospheric ozone is formed by the interaction of

sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light, with
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (emitted by
automobiles, gasoline vapors, fossil fuel power
plants, refineries, & other industries)
At abnormally high concentrations brought about by
human activities (largely incomplete combustion of
fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, etc.), it is a
pollutant, and a constituent of smog.
 Tropospheric Ozone as pollutant

Tropospheric ozone is a greenhouse gas and initiates

the chemical removal of methane and other
hydrocarbons from the atmosphere.
Ground-level ozone, though less concentrated than
ozone aloft (higher atmosphere), is more of a
problem because of its pollutant nature.
 Human Health Effects

Irritation of the respiratory system

 causing coughing, throat irritation, and/or an uncomfortable
sensation in the chest.
Reduced lung function.
Breathing may become more rapid and more shallow
than normal
Aggravation of asthma. (ozone makes people more
sensitive to allergens, which in turn trigger asthma
attacks)
 Human Effects

Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Shortness of breath, dry cough or pain when taking a
deep breath, tightness of the chest, wheezing, and
sometimes even nausea are common responses to
ozone.
Inflammation and damage to the lining of the lungs.
Within a few days, the damaged cells are shed and
replaced much like the skin peels after a sunburn.
It can worsen heart disease, bronchitis, and
emphysema.
 Human Effects

 It effects the human immune system, making it less reactive towards

bacteria and viruses and more responsive to allergens (which just so
happen to be highest when ozone levels peak in the summer months)
(USEPA, 2009)
 It affects the nervous system, causing alterations in circadian rhythms
and even perhaps contributing to the destruction of the substantia
nigra in Parkinson's disease through its oxidative effects (USEPA,
2009). 
 Other effects
 eye irritation
 chest pain
 coughing
 Headaches
 chest congestion and discomfort
 Effects in plants

High concentrations of ozone cause plants to close

their stomata. This slows down photosynthesis and
plant growth.
Ozone may also enter the plants through the stomata
and directly damage internal cells.
Rubber, textile dyes, fibers, and certain paints may
be weakened or damaged by exposure to ozone.
Plants weakened by ozone may be more susceptible
to pests, disease, and drought.
Thank
You!!!