India’s reliance on kerosene-based lamps as a secondary lighting source significantly contributes to environmental pollution. This article summarizes findings from a recent study published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, highlighting the extent of black carbon emissions from kerosene use in households.
Black Carbon Emissions
- Total Emissions: Kerosene lighting releases approximately 12.5 gigagrammes (Gg) of black carbon annually, which accounts for 10% of total residential black carbon emissions (cooking, heating, and lighting).
- Rural Dependency: About 30% of rural households use kerosene lighting during power outages, a figure that rises to 70% in eastern India.
- Regional Contributions: Eastern India is responsible for 60% of black carbon emissions from secondary light sources, contributing 7.5 Gg.
Electricity Access and Kerosene Usage
- Despite improvements in residential kerosene consumption through initiatives like the Saubhagya scheme, the study indicates ongoing reliance on kerosene due to frequent power outages, driven by an imbalance between electricity demand and supply.
Research Methodology
- Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, surveyed 6,000 households from 2018 to 2020 to understand fuel usage patterns.
- They identified two common kerosene lighting devices:
- Wick Lamp: Simple, homemade device.
- Hurricane Lamp: More sophisticated version.
- The study calculated fuel consumption, burn rates, and black carbon emission factors for various kerosene devices.
Emission Factors and Burn Rates
- Burn Rates (grams per hour):
- Flat wick lamps: 14.7 g/h
- Hurricane lamps: 15.3 g/h
- Wick lamps: 5.4 g/h
- Black Carbon Emission Factors (grams per kg of kerosene burned):
- Flat wick lamps: 190 g/kg
- Wick lamps: 61.4 g/kg
- Hurricane lamps: 17.2 g/kg
- Comparison with Biomass: Kerosene lighting has higher emission factors than biomass, which ranges from 1-2 g/kg.
State-Specific Emissions
- The study reported that Bihar alone emitted more than 3 Gg of black carbon in 2017.
- During Diwali, additional emissions from oil lamps powered by sesame oil were significant, with states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra being the top contributors.
Recommendations for Reducing Emissions
- Improved Electricity Supply: Enhancing the electricity grid can reduce dependency on kerosene lighting.
- Awareness of Alternatives: Promoting solar lamps and rechargeable options can help mitigate reliance on polluting lighting sources.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for policies aimed at reducing kerosene use in households, particularly in rural regions. Improved electricity infrastructure and public awareness of cleaner alternatives are essential for mitigating black carbon emissions and their impact on climate change.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the annual release of black carbon from kerosene lighting in India?
- A) 10 Gg
- B) 12.5 Gg
- C) 15 Gg
- D) 20 Gg
Answer: B) 12.5 Gg
- What percentage of rural households in India rely on kerosene as a secondary light source?
- A) 20%
- B) 30%
- C) 50%
- D) 70%
Answer: B) 30%
- Which region in India contributes the most to black carbon emissions from secondary light sources?
- A) Western India
- B) Southern India
- C) Eastern India
- D) Northern India
Answer: C) Eastern India
- What is the black carbon emission factor for flat wick lamps?
- A) 17.2 g/kg
- B) 61.4 g/kg
- C) 190 g/kg
- D) 14.7 g/kg
Answer: C) 190 g/kg
- What alternative lighting source could reduce emissions by roughly 90%?
- A) Solar lamps
- B) LED bulbs
- C) Wax-based lamps
- D) Biogas lamps
Answer: C) Wax-based lamps