Student’s understanding about the ozone layer and its conservation: a quiz study on the occasion of ozone day

Abstract

This study explores the understanding and awareness of undergraduate and postgraduate students regarding the ozone layer and its conservation in alignment with the observance of International Ozone Day on 16^th September 2024 in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Government Girls P.G. college Fatehpur, India. The research investigated students' knowledge and level of awareness about ozone layer depletion, its causes, consequences, and preventive measures for today and for future. The findings reveal varying degree of knowledge and awareness in students i.e. the students showed low level of knowledge of type of Sun-rays the ozone layer absorbs, the delicate relationship of ozone hole and global temperature rise and how do chlorine atoms destroy ozone molecules in ozone layer etc. although they showed fair amount of  awareness about the major source of chlorofluorocarbons, effect of ozone layer depletion is related to the increased risk of eye and skin diseases etc. This study recommends the need for enhanced educational initiatives to promote environmental responsibility among college students.

Key words: Ozone layer, chlorine atoms, CFCs, chemical pollutants, student awareness, ozone conservation