Ozone levels around Delhi prompt new collaborative research project with India

Researchers from the University of Birmingham and TERI University are working together to identify which emissions might best be controlled in order to reduce harmful ozone production in New Delhi. Ozone is a major air pollution problem in the Delhi area, where levels exceed World Health Organisation guidelines for around 50 days per year. It leads to significant reductions in regional crop yields and consequently has direct economic impact. Ozone is also harmful to health, but as it is a secondary pollutant the control of ozone levels is not straightforward. Understanding the factors controlling ozone, and therefore identifying the optimum emissions reductions to reduce ozone exposure, remains a key environmental challenge. The Birmingham and TERI University researchers will deploy a newly developed instrument to directly measure the local atmospheric ozone production rate in Delhi. This will enable better understanding of the ozone production rate and control regime.