Depletion of the Ozone Layer and Its Consequences: A Review

Anjali Aggarwal, Reeta Kumari, Neeti Mehla,   Deepali, Rishi Pal Singh, Sonal Bhatnagar, Kameshwar Sharma, Kuldeep Sharma, Vashishtha Amit, Brijesh Rathi

Department of Biochemistry Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India;.
Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India;.
Department of Botany, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India;.
Department of Botany, Uni- versity of Delhi, New Delhi, India..
Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkates- wara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India;.

DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2013.410247                

Abstract

Ozone (O₃) is a stratospheric layer that plays important role in providing support to humans for their survival. It is an essential factor for many global, biological and environmental phenomena. The ultra-violet (UV) rays emitted from sun are captured by ozone and thereby provide a stable ontological structure in the biosphere. Various anthropogenic activities such as emissions of CFCs, HCFCs and other organo-halogens lead to the depletion of ozone. The ozone depletion resulted in secondary production of an ozone layer near the ground (terrestrial ozone layer), which is responsible for adverse effects on plants, humans and environment with increased number of bronchial diseases in humans. The mutations caused by UV rays result in variation in morphogenic traits of plants which ultimately decreases crop productivity. However, UV radiation is required in optimum intensity for both plants and animals. This review takes into an account the wide ranging effects of ozone depletion with a majority of them being detrimental to the plant system.

Keywords

Ozone Depletion; Ultra-Violet Radiation; Chlorofluorocarbons; Plants; Ecosystem

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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