Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone layer depletion is one of the major environmental issues.  Ozone layer is a layer of o₃ (Tri atomic Oxygen) gases present around the stratosphere of earth. In the 1980s, researchers have reported and proved that there is a decrease of ozone gas in Antarctic stratosphere because of some man-made chemicals.  In the upper atmosphere, an oxygen atom absorbs Ultra-violet rays emitting from Sun and reacts with an oxygen molecules to form Ozone layer or gases. The process of forming Ozone layer is also called as photoisomerization or photolysis.

In late 1970s scientists discovered that chemicals like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Carbon mono oxide (CO) could destroy the Ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbon is a gas used in air conditioning, refrigerator and aerosol spray propellants. It was invented by Thomas Midgley in the year 1928. CFC is uses as a by-product in some chemical processes and cleaning agent for some electronic equipment. Studies showed that CFC molecule is heavier than nitrogen or oxygen molecules, it takes around 15 years to reach to the upper atmosphere from ground level and can stay there for centuries. During the stay at upper atmosphere CFC breaks down into free radical catalysts (Chlorine, Bromine, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide), these catalysts further react with ozone gas molecules and results in thinning of ozone gas.

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Effect of Ozone layer depletion on Humans

Ozone layer acts as a natural sunscreen for the humans and other living organism on the planet earth. Depletion in the ozone layer can results in an increase of surface ultraviolet level. Experts predict that an estimate 10 % reduction in the ozone layer will cause 20% increases in Ultraviolet level on the earth surface. Increase in level on Ultraviolet lights can cause skin cancer and chronic eye diseases to the human’s.  It has been reported that incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically by 690 percent from 1950 to 2001, and the overall death rate increased 165 percent during the same period.  The World Health Organization estimates that 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Effect of ozone Layer depletion on Plants and Crops.

• Reduced Photosynthesis
• Enhanced drought stress sensitivity
• Either inhibited or stimulated flowering
• Yield Reduction
• Growth limitation

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