OZONE

DEPLETION
(OZONE HOLE)
 OZONE LAYER
The ozone layer is a layer is a layer in the
earths atmosphere which contains 90% of
atmospheric ozone (O3). The ozone layer is found
in the lower portion of the stratosphere from
about 20 to 30 km above earths surface. Its
thickness varies seasonly and geographically .

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 FORMATION OF OZONE LAYER
The ozone layer or the ozone forms by conversion
of atmospheric oxygen(O2) into ozone (O3), this
process is called as Chapman cycle . The oxygen
get photolyzed by U.V.rays to form oxygen
radical.

U.V. Light
2
O2 O
 The oxygen radical then react with molecular
oxygen and forms ozone molecule (O3).

O O2 O3
At the same time ozone gets reduce to oxygen by
reacting with oxygen radical.

2
O O2
O3
So, ozone is constantly get created and destroyed by
Chapman cycle, which is a natural process.
 OZONE DEPLETION
Decrease in concentration of ozone and thinning
of ozone layer is called Ozone depletion.
From industries and our day to day life many
gases like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) , Hydro-
chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) , halons, halogens,
etc. get evolved in atmosphere which are mainly
responsible for ozone depletion, as it contains or
produce Chlorine (Cl) atom.
lets take look at the process of ozone depletion---
 PROCESS OF OZONE
DEPLETION
Due to solar radiation i.e. U.V. Rays CFCs , HCFCs breaks
and form Cl atom which react with ozone molecule and forms
Chlorine monoxide (ClO). Chlorine monoxide then reacts with
oxygen radical to form Chlorine atom and molecular oxygen.

U.V. Light

Cl ClO O2
O3

ClO O Cl O2
NET REACTION :

U.V. Light
2

O3 O O2

As Cl atom acts as a catalyst , one single Cl atom

can destroy much amount of ozone molecules.
 OZONE HOLE
As a result of ozone depletion, over Antarctica
the ozone hole is formed. This ozone hole leads to
melting of ice of Antarctica, increase in sea level
and other harmful effects on its environment.
OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
Ozone depleting substances are
mainly CFCs, HCFCs, Halons, etc.
which are found in Refrigerators,
Cleaning agents, sprays, Pesticides, Air
conditioners, car emissions, etc.
 EFFECT OF OZONE DEPLETION
Due to ozone depletion harmful U. V. Rays such as
UV-B Radiation reaches to earth which leads to
harmful effects on animals, plants, aquatic life as well
as on humans also.
Effect on Aquatic System: Affects phytoplankton,
fish, larval crabs. Decrease in amount of phytoplankton
increase the CO2 in atmosphere which contribute the
global warming.
Effect on Materials: Degradation of paints and
plastics.
Effect on Climate: Global Warming (Increasing
the Average temperature of the Earths surface).
 Effect on Human Health:
Damage genetic materials in the cells.
Leads to more people suffering from Cataracts.
Causes cancer, allergies and some other
infectious disease.
10% depletion in ozone layer results in 30%
increase in skin cancer infection.
 PREVENTIONS
Limit private vehicle driving to decrease vehicle
emissions.
By using Eco-friendly household or other cleaning
agents.
Avoid excess use of pesticides. Replacing CFCs by
other material which are less damaging.
Manufacturing and using of ozone depleting
chemicals must be stopped, etc.
 But, for controlling ozone
depletion the most important thing
is to aware people about it,
and thats why International
Environmental Community declared
16 September as a World Ozone
Day .