Depletion of the Ozone Layer and Its Consequences: A Review

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.