IIT Madras-Led Study Reveals Power Plant Emissions Drive High Cloud-Forming Potential in Particulate Matter

International research team examines impact of coal-fired power plant emissions on aerosol growth and cloud formation during COVID-19 lockdown.

An international research team led by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has investigated how gaseous emissions from power plants are converted into particulate matter rich in sulphate, with high cloud forming potential.

This study offers insights for shaping policies related to controlling PM2.5 and involved researchers from 17 institutions across eight countries. Led by Prof. Sachin S. Gunthe, the team examined emissions from a coal-fired power plant in Tamil Nadu during the COVID-19 lockdown, advancing our understanding of climate implications.

The findings were published in the respected npj Climate And Atmospheric Science journal. The study underscores the need for emission control measures and challenges assumptions about aerosol growth.