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AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution may be defined as the presence of one or more contaminants in the air in such quantities and for such durations which may be or tend to be injurious to human, animal or plant life, or property, or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable usage of air.
 Main cause of air pollution is Combustion During combustion, elements in the fuel get burned in air to form various air pollutants. 

Introduction to Air Pollution & Control | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)    (2.1.1) 

Types of Air Pollutants 

  • Primary pollutants: Pollutants which are being emitted into the air directly by point/area/line sources.  Examples: CO, NOx, SO2, Pb, SPM, RSPM, VOCs  
  • Secondary pollutants: Pollutants which are getting formed from primary pollutants in the atmosphere. Some of the reactions are catalyzed by sun light.  Examples: acid rains, smog, O3, H2O2, formaldehyde, peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN)  

 

Classification of Air Pollutants Air pollutants can be classified into three broad categories:

  • Natural Contaminants: Natural fog, pollen grain, bacteria and products of volcanic eruption.
  • Aerosols (Particulates): Dust, smoke, moist, fog. 
  • Gases and vapors: 
    • Sulfur compounds: SO2, SO3, H2
    • Nitrogen compounds: NO, NO2, NO3 
    • Oxygen compounds: O2, CO, CO2 
    • Halogen compounds: HF, HCl 
    • Organic compounds: Aldehydes. Hydrocarbons 
    • Radio active compounds: radioactive gases 


Introduction to Air Pollution & Control | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)
Introduction to Air Pollution & Control | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

Figure 2.1.1: Air pollution sources 


AIR POLLUTION CONTROL  

[A] Mobile Sources 

Cleaner/Alternative Fuel 

  • Vaporization of Gasoline should be reduced.  
  • Oxygen containing additives reduce air requirement
     e.g., ethanol, MTBE (Hazardous).
     – Methanol: (Less photochemically reactive VOC, but emits HCHO (eye irritant), difficult to start in winters: Can be overcome by M85 (85% methanol, 15% gasoline)
     – Ethanol: GASOHOL (10% ethanol & 90% Gasoline),  
     – CNG: Low HC, NOx high, inconvenient refueling, leakage hazard.
     – LPG: Propane, NOx high 

 

Three-Way Catalytic Converter 

A three-way catalytic converter has three simultaneous tasks:

  • Reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen  
  • Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide 
  • Oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) to carbon dioxide and water

 

[B] Stationary Sources 

Pre-combustion Control 

– Switching to less sulphur and nitrogen fuel 

Combustion Control 

– Improving the combustion process
 – New burners to reduce NOx
 – New Fluidized bed boilers
 – Integrated gasification combined cycle  

Post-Combustion Control 

– Particulate collection devices
 – Flue gas desulphurization 

 

MAJOR INITIATIVES TAKEN FOR AIR POLLUTION CONTROL IN INDIA  (DURING LAST TWO DECADES)

  • National ambient air quality standards based on health impact evolved (1982, 1994, 2009). 
  • Emission standards for air polluting industries developed for major industries
  • Implementation of standards in 17 categories of highly polluting industries and other small/medium scale industries (stone crushers, brick kiln, re-rolling mills, etc.).  
  • Action plan implementation and pollution control in identified 24 problem areas. 
  • Coal beneficiation/clean coal technology –notification regarding use of beneficiated coal in thermal power plant. 
  • Improvement in vehicular technology (Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4, CNG vehicles, 4 stroke engines, etc.) 
  • Improvement in fuel quality -diesel with low sulfur content (0.25% in whole country and 0.05% in metro cities) 
  • Gasoline-lead phased-out throughout the country since 2000. 


EMERGING NEW AREAS FOR AIR POLLUTION CONTROL IN INDIA 

  • Development of low cost ash removal technology from coal and promotion of clean coal technologies 
  • Technology for reduction of fluoride emission (primary & Secondary) from pot room of aluminum industries using Soderberg technology 
  • Development of NOx control standard for thermal power plants and refineries  
  • Prevention and control of fugitive emission in cement industry 
  • Use of high calorific value hazardous waste including petroleum coke in cement kiln 
  • Low cost flue gas desulphurization technology for thermal power plants ·
  • Technology development of fugitive emission control from coke oven plants of iron & steel industry. 
  • Development of technology and standard to control emission of VOC, methyl chloride, P2O5, HCl, etc. from pesticide industry
  • Development of odor control technology for paper & pulp industry and standardization the method of odor measurement 
  • Fluidized bed combustion technology for solid fuel containing higher ash
     Development of improved design of Incinerators for Hazardous Waste. 
  • Control on emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from engine using LPG, compressed natural gas (CNG), low sulphur diesel, low sulphur petrol, etc. 
  • Apportionment study for fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) in major cities 
  • Technology for mercury emission control from thermal power plants. 
  • Noise and emission control system for small DG sets (<200 kW) 
  • Development of stack height guidelines for thermal power plants and industries using ventilation co-efficient of different regions in the country.
The document Introduction to Air Pollution & Control | Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE) is a part of the Civil Engineering (CE) Course Environmental Engineering.
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FAQs on Introduction to Air Pollution & Control - Environmental Engineering - Civil Engineering (CE)

1. What is air pollution?
Ans. Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air that can have negative effects on human health, animals, and the environment. These substances can be in the form of gases, particles, or biological materials, and they are often released into the air by human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, and burning of fossil fuels.
2. How does air pollution affect human health?
Ans. Air pollution can have various adverse effects on human health. Breathing in polluted air can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. It can also worsen existing respiratory conditions and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can have long-term effects on the respiratory system and overall well-being.
3. What are the main sources of air pollution?
Ans. The main sources of air pollution include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), agricultural activities, and household combustion (such as wood or coal-burning stoves). Other sources include wildfires, construction sites, and the release of chemicals from factories and manufacturing processes.
4. What are the control measures for air pollution?
Ans. There are several control measures that can be implemented to reduce air pollution. These include stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles, promoting the use of cleaner energy sources (such as renewable energy), improving public transportation systems, implementing waste management practices, and raising awareness about the importance of reducing individual carbon footprints. Additionally, planting trees and creating green spaces can help in absorbing pollutants and improving air quality.
5. How can individuals contribute to air pollution control?
Ans. Individuals can contribute to air pollution control by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. This includes reducing the use of personal vehicles and opting for public transportation, carpooling, or cycling/walking whenever possible. Conserving energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and reducing waste can also help. Supporting clean energy initiatives and advocating for stricter pollution control policies can make a significant impact as well.
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