Environmental Chem

Question 1

Primary Pollutants

Answer 1

Carbon Monoxide, oxides of Nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, particulates, and volatile organic compounds

Question 2

Natural source of CO

Answer 2

Incomplete oxidation of Methane

Question 3

Man-made source of CO

Answer 3

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels

Question 4

Natural source of oxides of nitrogen

Answer 4

Electrical storms, biological processes

Question 5

Man-made source of oxides of nitrogren

Answer 5

Reaction inside internal combustion engines at high temps

Question 6

Natural source of sulfur dioxide

Answer 6

Oxidation of H2S produced by volcanoes or decay of organic matter

Question 7

Man made source of sulfur dioxide

Answer 7

Combustion of sulfur containing coal or smelting of sulfide ores

Question 8

Natural sources of particulates

Answer 8

Sooth, ash, asbestos

Question 9

Man made sources of particulates

Answer 9

Burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal and diesel

Question 10

Natural sources of VOCs

Answer 10

Plants emit unsaturated hydrocarbons

Question 11

Man made sources of VOCs

Answer 11

Unburned or partially burned fuels

Solvents`

Question 12

Reduction of CO

Answer 12

Catalytic converters containing platinum, palladium, or rhodium

2 CO + 2 NO –> 2CO2 + N2

Question 13

Reduction of nitrogen oxides

Answer 13

Catalytic converters

2CO + 2 NO –> 2CO2 + N2

Control of fuel/air ratio, lower temperature, less oxides made

Question 14

Reduction of sulfur dioxide

Answer 14

Alkaline scrubbing

CaO + SO2 –> CaSO3

Burning coal on limestone bed

CaCO3 –> CaO + CO2

CaO + SO2 –> CaSO3

Question 15

Reduction of particulates

Answer 15

Electrostatic precipitation

Particles are charged, the attracted by oppositely charged electrodes. Material attaches to the electrodes is shaken off into precipitator

Question 16

Reduction of VOCs

Answer 16

Catalytic Convertor, completely oxidized

VOC + O2 –> CO2 + H2O