Case Study 3
Poor air quality also significantly affects wildlife, particularly in regions with high AQI levels due to industrialization. In China’s Sichuan province, known for its biodiversity, AQI frequently spikes due to emissions from nearby factories. This has a detrimental effect on local wildlife, especially birds and small mammals that are sensitive to airborne toxins.
Wildlife experts in the region have observed increased respiratory problems in birds, whose air sacs make them particularly vulnerable to pollutants. High levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) irritate their respiratory systems, leading to reduced survival rates and breeding difficulties. Small mammals, like rodents, experience similar issues, which disrupts the local food chain and impacts larger predators. Continuous AQI monitoring is essential to mitigate these effects by providing the basis for environmental policies. For example, regulating industrial emissions based on real-time AQI levels can reduce pollution-related mortality among wildlife. Conservationists also use AQI data to track pollution trends, enabling them to focus resources on critical habitats and rehabilitate affected species. By maintaining a healthy AQI, governments can help preserve biodiversity and protect ecological systems.
