Review Questions Flashcards
1
Q
what are the four gases that compose most of the atmosphere?
A
carbon dioxide, argon, nitrogen, oxygen
2
Q
what are the major regulated air pollutants?
A
SO2, NO2, NOx, PM10, CO, CO2, O3, trace metals- lead, cadmium, platinum
3
Q
what are the units associated with gaseous air pollutants?
A
ugm-3 , ugl-1, ppm
4
Q
what are the units associated with particulate air pollutants?
A
ugm-3
5
Q
what is the equation for converting ppb to ugm-3
A
ugm-3 = ppb x molar weight/molar volume
6
Q
how do you work out the molar volume?
A
22.4 x T/273 x 1013/P
7
Q
what pollutant source is a motorway?
A
Line
8
Q
what pollutant source is a coal mine?
A
point
9
Q
what pollutant source is a large supermarket complex?
A
area
10
Q
what pollutant source is a steam engine?
A
line
11
Q
what pollutant source is a nuclear power station?
A
area
12
Q
what pollutant source is a hospital incinerator?
A
point
13
Q
give examples of how air pollution can damage human health
A
14
Q
list indoor air pollutants and their sources
A
.
15
Q
what are the main sources of nitrogen oxides?
A
road transport
16
Q
what are the main sources of aldehydes?
A
road transport
17
Q
what are the main sources of sulphur oxides?
A
combustion of fossil fuels for heating and energy
18
Q
why is time-series data often used to illustrate the emissions of gaseous pollutants?
A
times series data enables the identification of daily or seasonal variations, as well as trends
19
Q
state the potential health effects of sulphur dioxide
A
SO2 causes problems of the respiratory and pulmonary function
20
Q
state the potential health effects of hydrocarbons
A
some hydrocarbons have carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic effects
21
Q
state the potential health effects of carbon monoxide
A
causes diminution of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
22
Q
what is the urban concentration range of benzene?
A
10-12 mg m-3
23
Q
what is the urban concentration range of SO2
A
3-20 ppb
24
Q
what is the urban concentration range of CO
A
(3-15) x 10^3 ppb
25
what is the urban concentration range of formaldehyde?
5-40 ppb
26
what is the urban concentration range of acetone?
10-20 ppbv
27
what is the urban concentration range of NO2
10-50 ppb
28
what is the main legislation in place to control the emissions of SO2 in Europe?
EEC LCP Directive (88/609)
29
what is the main legislation in place to control the emissions of SO2 in Hong Kong?
Air Pollution Control Ordinance and its subsidiary regulation
30
what are two types of air quality standard and what is the difference between them?
limit values and guide values
limit values are designed to protect human health and identify the concentrations of pollutants, which MUST NOT be exceeded anywhere.
guide values are generally lower, being intended to serve as long-term precautions for health and the environment.
31
identify 4 main sources of VOC emissions in 1970, and state how these had changed by 2019?
road transport
solvent use
production processes
domestic
by 2006, domestic emissions had been significantly reduced, whilst those from the extraction and distribution of fossil fuels had increased.
32
list 6 main types of VOC
```
hydrocarbons
aldehydes
ketones
alcohols
heterocycles and other organics
toxic organic micropollutants (TOMPS)
```
33
what are the air quality standards for CO issued by the European commission?
.there are no standard issues for CO in Europe
34
what are the air quality standards for CO issued by the WHO
.87 ppm over 15 mins
50 oom over 30 minutes
25 ppm over 1 hour
10ppm over 8 hours
35
what are the sources of VOCs in the home?
household chemicals (cleaning and bleaching agents, polishes, air fresheners, deodorants, pesticide sprays, solvents), building materials and furnishings (paints, glues and varnishes), tobacco smoke, gas and paraffin heaters.
36
what are the possible units for CO emissions from motor vehicles?
there are a number of possible units for pollution emissions from motor vehicles:
mass of pollutant emitted per distance travelled per vehicle
mass of pollutant emitted per volume of fuel consumed per vehicle
37
what is the difference between gravimetric smoke and black smoke?
dark smoke is measured by reflectance, whereas gravimetric smoke is measured in terms of mass
38
how do fine particles form in the atmosphere?
the condensation of hot vapour (from recent combustion) into primary particles
39
what is the particle shape of atmospheric asbestos?
tiny figures which are relatively long and thin
40
what is the particle shape of atmospheric coal particles?
perfectly smooth spherical particles
41
what is the particle shape of atmospheric diesel particles?
chain-like agglomerates of sub-micron particles
42
```
out of :
pollen
carbon black
coal dust
sea salt
insecticide dust
paint pigments
```
put largest to smallest
```
carbon black
sea salt
paint pigments
insecticide dust
coal dust
pollens
```
43
what are the main sources of primary particulate matter?
emitted directly to the atmosphere from a combustion source (mobile and stationary sources).
44
list the main environmental effects of particulate matter
```
visibility reduction
accelerated deterioration of masonry
paints
fabrics
textiles
```
45
what are the main chemical components of particulate matter in the UK?
```
particulate elemental carbon (PEC)
organic compounds
soil-derived minerals
carbonates
water content
sulphates
nitrates
ammonium salts
chlorides
metals
```
46
how are particulate emissions from industrial processes regulated int eh UK under permitting regime?
by prior approval for the level of emissions, issued by either the EA or the relevant local authority.
47
what are the 5 key messages from the UK's 2019 Clean Air strategy?
emissions of the main air pollutant in Europe declined between 2001-2021, resulting in improved air quality across the region
many EU countries still do not comply with one or more emissions ceilings set under EU and UN agreements
due to the complex links between emissions and air quality, emission reductions do not always produce a corresponding drop in the atmospheric concentration
air pollution in Europe continues to cause significant human health and environmental problems
improving understanding of air pollution and developing and implementing effective policy to reduce it, remains a challenge and a priority
48
what is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?
quality assurance and quality control describe procedures and systems applies to activites withina programme such that the overlal programme meets defined and appropriate stanrdas with a state level of confidence.
quality assurance relates to the way in whcih systems and procedures for the conduct of the programme are DEVISED, PLANNED and IMPLEMENTED.
quality control is primarly concerned with the integrity of the measurements themselves- the OUTPUTS.
49
what is the difference between automatic and non-automatic networks?
automatic networks produce hourely pollutant concentrations, wtih the data being collected remotely fromthe monitoring site via a link
non-automatic networks measure pollutnats less frequently, and samples are collected by a physical mean.
50
list the main considerations involved in network design?
```
overall objectives
resourcing
organisation and operating strategies
instrument selection
quality assurance and control procedures
overall data management strategy
```
51
outline the main costs involved in monitoring networks?
purhcase and operation
| also ongoing costs
52
outline the activities involved in the day-to-day running of a monitoring
freuqnet site visits to ensure smooth running of equipment
equipment support and maintenance
equipment calibration
site audits and inter-calibrations
53
outline briefly the key points of the diselgate scandal
“2007: Suspect software first installed
According to the mass-circulation daily Bild, auto parts supplier Bosch made the suspect software
available to Volkswagen in 2007, “purely for purposes of internal testing only”.
The automaker begins to install the technology in its vehicles, despite a warning from Bosch that it
was illegal to do so in cars destined for sale to the general public.
May 2015: New tests
The US authorities, including the California Air Resources Board (Carb), undertake a new series of
tests, the results of which are still unsatisfactory. Carb informs Volkswagen and the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). A series of “technical meetings” between the carmaker and the authorities
ensues.
September 3: VW confession
Unable to provide any convincing answers, Volkswagen admits to Carb and EPA that it deliberately
installed the software in its cars.
54
what is the difference between absorption and absorption?
adsoprtion is a phenomemon in whcih molecules of a substance are taken up and held on the surface of a material (the adsorbent).
absoprtion: draw s air through absorbent using a pump.
55
what is the difference between ambient and source measurement?
source monitoring: when networks target pollution "hot spots".
ambient monitoring is when networks are designed to assess the exposure of a general population or ecosystem to key pollutants- this is also called background monitoring
56
what types of information may be obtained from an air quality monitoring programme?
provide appropriate information on atmospheric pollution.
57
list the main considerations involved in the storage of samples?
depending on the type of collection method used, the equipment and other pollutant being monitored, certain samples may have to be returned to the lab for chemcial or physical treatment.
standard protocol for transportation and storage of samples.
standard extraction/concentration scheme must be applied
58
what are the partitioned gases contained in the rotating gas filters used in GF correlated IR spectroscopy?
CO, O3, NOx, gaseous hydrocarbons and SO2
59
how are nitrogen oxides measured in the NO2 fraction of an air sample?
monitored continuously using chemiluminescnece detection device. based on the chemiluminescence of activated NO2 produced by the chemical reaction between nitric oxide and ozone.
60
what are the main disadvantages of filtration techniques?
they are very labour intensive, and do not provide immediate information relating to short and significant periods.
61
what problem has been identified with the TEOM?
recent research suggests that TEOM devices underestimate gravimetric PM10 by 30-40%. therefore, all PM10 data should be expressed as either ugm-3 or ug.-3 gravimetric or TEOM, in order to clarify the basis of the measurement
62
what is the difference between mechanical turbulence and buoyant turbulence?
mechanical turbulence is the air flow over uneven ground feaures, such as trees, hills and buildings. it is caused by wind moving past venegtation or structures. the stronger the wind, the greater the degree of mechical turbulence generated.
buoyant turbulence is caused by the heating or cooling of air earth's surface. the suns heat causes an upward heat flux at the ground surface, which heats the air in the upper layers and results in upward rising thermals.
63
what is Planck's equation
E = hv = hc(tick)
```
h- constant
c- the speed of light
v- the frequenct of radiation
upside down y- wavelength of radiation
tick- wavenumber
```
64
state the equation that summaries the photolytic destruction of ozone in the troposphere
.
65
explain why the hydroxyl radical is such an important component of the troposphere
the chemical pathways for the formation and removal of gas pollutants in the troposphere are controlled largely by atoms and free radicals.
Hydroxyl radical is the MOST important, and is formed continuously by a series by a series of photochemcial reactions.
66
list the main requirements for the formation of photochemical smog in urban areas
nitrogen oxides and free radicals . needs the right circumstances- a chemical soup.
it needs summer, as its formed by sunlight-catalysed chemcial reactions involving NOx and VOC;s in the atmosphere.
67
what conditions are associated with high ozone pollution episodes?
.
68
explan the importance of ozone in the stratosphere to life on earth
ozone in the stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun, preventing UV-C radiation, whcih is lethal to man, reaching the earth's surface and reduces the amount of harmful UV-B passing through the stratosphere
69
outline the evidence supporting the claim that the stratospheric ozone layer is depleting
a steady decline of 4% per decade in the total volume of ozone in the stratosphere
a large springtime decrease in ozone over polar regions. ozone "holes" where O3 concentrations are down to around 100 ppb, occur most frequently in the Antarctic region, and most often in spring when rising temperatures create the right conditions for the release of reactive gases.
70
state the equations that summarise the formation and destruction of ozone in the stratosphere
O2 + UV => O + O
2 O + 2 O2 + third molecule => 2 O3 + third molecule
Net Reaction: 3 O2 + UV => 2 O3
destruction:
O3 + UV => O + O2
O + O3 => 2 O2
Net Reaction: 2 O3 + UV => 3 O2
71
outline the physio-chemical properties and uses of CFCs
on-flammable, tasteless and odourless, and generally chemically stable and unreactive
72
explain the phenomena of fluroescence and phosphorescence
both luminescence.
furoescence is short lived, and phosph os longer-lived.
this is the second law of photochemistry- only one quantum of light absorbed per molecule, which may then emit luminescence.
73
what is the ionosphere?
Ionosphere is the atmospheric layer located from upper mesosphere into thermosphere
74
what is the composition of the ionosphere?
contains electrically charged particles called ions due to UV radiation.
75
what is airglow
Airglow is a faint emission of light by a planetary atmosphere. In the case of Earth's atmosphere, this optical phenomenon causes the night sky never to be completely dark, even after the effects of starlight and diffused sunlight from the far side are removed
76
why were HCFC identified as substitudes for CFC's
as the structure is very close to that of CFCs, but include one or more hydrogen atoms.
77
explain why cooling of the meosphere is regarded as the biggest and most unequivocal signal that the global climate is changing
temperature falls rapidly at teh mesosphere.
78
when does noise become a nuisance?
it is subjective and people react to it in different ways. what can cause annoyance for some people may be barely noticeable by others.
79
what are the steps to investigate a noise complaint?
local authorities in the UK deal with noise from fixed premises.
proceedings may be taken against noise from factories, shops.
people with a complaint are encouraged to approach whoever is responsible for the noise and explain the problem.
civil action can be taken if noise nuisance can be demonstrated to substantially affect health, comfort of convenience.
investigation:
the council will look at the evidence and assess the extent of the disturbance. if they they decide to take legal action, the individual must provide a statement and appear in court as a witness.
80
will reducing light pollution lead to more crime or cause safety problems?
lighting can assist criminals in what woudl otherwise be unfamiliar territory, so yes.
81
how can light pollution be controlled?
law.
exterior lighting joined noise and smells on the list of things that can be treated as a Statutory Nuisance under the EPA1990.
theres also CfDS- campaigner for dark skies, aiming to preserve and restore the beauty of the night sky.
82
how does light pollution effect the enviornment?
a vast amount of CO2 is needlessly pumped into the atmosphere to generate the electricity that is wasted by inefficient lighting
lights at night have a detrimental effect on nocturnal wildlife that has evolved to take advantage of the night, and also keep daytime creatures awake throughout the night, without rests.
most of the world's species are nocturnal.
83
how does light pollution affect the behavriour of migratory birds
night time artificial light has a negative effect, and can cause birds to change their behaviour.
84
how does sound vary across urban areas?
depending on roads, transport, neighbourhood, industrial areas, construction and cultural events, this will vary the sound across urban areas.
85
explain the difference between an air quality standard and an emission standard
air quality standard puts the level of pollution at the heart of the control process, it is a zero-damage philosophy, assuming that each pollutant ahs a threshold value.
emissions standard is based on some form of direct control over the amount of emissions. controls are placed on individual emittors, and controls are shown.
86
what are the 4 air pollution controls?
the emission standard philosophy
the air quality standard philosophy
the emission tax philosophy
the cost-benefit standard philosophy
87
what are the disadvantages of each of the four main approaches to air pollution control?
88
explain why the emission tax philosophy for air pollution control may be regarded as a market allocation of public resources
involves taxing each emitter of identified pollutants according to the emission rate or level. this, any industry choosing to pay the emission tax RATHER than having to control their emissions and would face no sanctions.
89
identify the main reaches of teh IPPC approach as explained on the UK Environment agency website?
setting emission standards applied to motor vehicles.
90
compare and contrast the current US and Hong Kong air quality standards as set out in the websites
91
identify the elements of electrostatic precipitator
