Air Pollution Flashcards
Pollutant Names:
CO, NOx, SO2, particulates, volatile,organic compounds
Anthropogenic sources of Carbon monoxide
-incomplete combustion of carbon fossil fuels
-high concentrations build up locally
2C8H18(l) + 17O2(g) => 16CO(g) + 18H2O(l
Natural source of carbon monoxide
Anaerobic decomposition of organic matter
Anthropogenic sources of nitrogen oxides
-high temperatures in internal combustion engines
N2(g) + O2(g) => 2NO(g)
Methods of control (carbon monoxide)
- thermal exhaust reactor
- catalytic converter
- lean burn engines
Natural sources of nitrogen oxides
- bacterial decomposition of nitrogen containing compounds
- electrical storms
methods of control of nitrogen oxides
- catalytic converter
- lean burn engine
- recirculation of exhaust gases
Anthropogenic sources of sulfur dioxide
-sulfur-containing coal combustion
-smelting
-sulfuric acid plants
S(s) + O2(g) => SO2(g)
natural source of sulfur dioxide
- no major sources
- oxidation of H2S gas from organic matter decay and volcanic activity
Methods of control of Sulfur Dioxide
- sulfur removal in fossil fuels
- alkaline scrubbing
- fluidized bed combustor
Anthropogenic sources of particulates
- fossil fuel combustion
- break up of solid matter
- industrial plants
Natural sources of particulates
- volcanic activity
- forest fires
- biological sources (pollen, fungal spores)
Methods of control of particulates
- gravity settling chambers
- cyclone separators
- electrostatic precipitates
- wet scrubbers
Anthropogenic sources of volatile organic compounds
- unburned petroleum
- solvent
Natural sources of volatile organic compounds
- CH4 from bacterial decomposition of organic matter
- plants produce hydrocarbons called terpenes
methods of control of volatile organic compounds
-catalytic converters
