unit 7 pollution

Question 1

List ALL the air pollutants emitted from burning coal

Answer 1

Mercury, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and various other heavy metals

Question 2

Nitrogen oxides are primary air pollutants. However, they can mix with other compounds in the air to
make photochemical smog and acid rain. Smog and acid rain are examples of what type of pollutants?

Answer 2

Secondary Pollutants

Question 3

Nitrogen oxides are primary air pollutants. However, they can mix with other compounds in the air to
make photochemical smog and acid rain. Smog and acid rain are examples of what type of pollutants?

Answer 3

Secondary Pollutants

Question 4

The burning of diesel fuel releases what type of outdoor air pollutant

Answer 4

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Question 5

What is a VOC

Answer 5

Volatile Organic Compounds

Question 6

VOC. What are their main sources?

Answer 6

burning of gas and wood

Question 7

In what seasons do we see increases in smog concentration? Why?

Answer 7

summer. the temperatures are warmer, more sunlight present,
photochemical smog is the
dominant type of smog formation.

Question 8

Why are there high levels of smog in urban areas?

Answer 8

there is a higher concentration of PM and NOx.

Question 9

Why do thermal inversion layers trap pollutants?

Answer 9

Warm air rises in the atmosphere because it is less dense
This traps air pollutants and concentrations increase.

Question 10

What are natural sources of particulate matter in the air?

Answer 10

Volcanic eruption, sea salt, dust, pollen

Question 11

What’s the difference between PM 2.5 and PM 10?

Answer 11

PM 2. 5 refers to the atmospheric particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, which is about 3% of the diameter of human hair. PM 10 are the particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers and they are also called fine particles.

Question 12

natural sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Answer 12

Respiration

Question 13

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants: Formaldehyde

Answer 13

Manufactured wood

Question 14

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants = Radon

Answer 14

Foundation cracks

Question 15

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants: Mercury

Answer 15

Refrigeration

Question 16

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants: Lead

Answer 16

Paints

Question 17

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants: Carbon monoxide

Answer 17

Furnaces, wood burning stove

Question 18

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants: VOC’s

Answer 18

Burning of wood, cleaning products

Question 19

Identify significant sources of the following indoor air pollutants: Asbestos

Answer 19

Old damaged insulation or fireproofing material

Question 20

three specific health effects of lead on humans.

Answer 20

Anemia, kidney damage, brain damage, weakness, death

Question 21

is used to describe a situation in which the occupants of a building experience acute health- or comfort-related effects that seem to be linked directly to the time spent in the building.

Answer 21

Sick Building Syndrome

Question 22

dust collector that removes particulates or gas released from commercial processes out of the air.

Answer 22

Baghouse filter

Question 23

a device that removes suspended dust particles from a gas or exhaust by applying a high-voltage
electrostatic charge and collecting the particles on charged plates.

Answer 23

Electrostatic precipitator

Question 24

are effective air pollution control devices for removing particles and/or gases from industrial exhaust streams

Answer 24

wet scrubber

Question 25

operates by introducing the dirty gas stream with a scrubbing liquid – typically water.

Answer 25

wet scrubber

Question 26

are used mainly to remove acid gases from combustion sources.

Answer 26

dry scrubber

Question 27

this is done by introducing a series of dry reactants to exhaust gas at high speeds. This neutralizes the pollutants in the gas.

Answer 27

dry scrubber

Question 28

What is a vapor recovery nozzle on gas pumps

Answer 28

They capture the gasoline vapors that escape from automobile tanks when they are being refueled. The vapors are returned to the underground gasoline storage tank through special hoses and pipes.

Question 29

three things that a catalytic converter does on an automobile

Answer 29

Reduction of toxic by-products (like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons) of fuel into less hazardous substances such
as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen gas.

Question 30

What does the Clean Air Act of 1970 mandate

Answer 30

establish air quality goals and to impose pollution control technology requirements on new and existing stationary sources and on motor vehicles.

Question 31

NAAQS

Answer 31

U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards are limits on atmospheric concentration of six pollutants that cause smog, acid rain,
and other health hazards.

Question 32

NAAQS

Answer 32

U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards are limits on atmospheric concentration of six pollutants that cause smog, acid rain,
and other health hazards.

Question 33

two places in the environment where the above reaction occurs naturally.

Answer 33

Rainwater infiltrating through the soil absorbs carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide-rich soil and forms a dilute solution of carbonic acid.
Carbon dioxide, which is naturally in the atmosphere, dissolves into seawater. Water and carbon dioxide combine to form carbonic acid

Question 34

environmental consequences of acid rain/deposition?

Answer 34

seen in aquatic environments, such as streams, lakes, and marshes where it can be harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Question 35

How can limestone neutralize acid rain?

Answer 35

The sulfuric acid reacts with the limestone in a neutralization reaction. The calcium sulfate is soluble in water and hence the limestone dissolves and crumbles. The original acid (hydrogen ions) have been converted to water in these reactions.

Question 36

How does noise pollution affect human health?

Answer 36

stress, poor concentration, productivity losses in the workplace, and communication difficulties and
fatigue from lack of sleep, to more serious issues such as cardiovascular disease

Question 37

sources of noise pollution?

Answer 37

Industrial operations, vehicle traffic, construction

Question 38

How does noise pollution affect organisms in the environment

Answer 38

Sonar testing from subs can impact marine mammal hunting and migration. Can also impact the mating and calls of various bird
species.