Air Pollution and Control Quiz

What is the main source of NOx emissions?

Lightning

What are secondary pollutants?

Pollutants formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions

What are PM2.5 particles and where do they come from?

Particles less than 2.5 μ in diameter; come from combustion of fossil fuels

What are the main sources of sulfur oxides (SOX) emissions?

Burning coal, high-sulfur oil, and diesel fuel Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total air pollution do stationary sources contribute?

Approximately 40% Signup and view all the answers

Where do mercury emissions primarily come from?

Volcanoes Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main classifications of air pollution described in the text?

The four main classifications are: ambient air pollution, indoor air pollution, occupational air pollution, and personal exposure. Signup and view all the answers

According to the definition provided, what conditions must be met for a situation to be considered air pollution?

For a situation to be considered air pollution, substances must be present in the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to produce a measurable effect on human health and welfare, living organisms, materials, or the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of personal exposure to air pollution given in the text?

Cigarette/cigar smoking and sniffing of glue are given as examples of personal exposure to air pollution. Signup and view all the answers

Why was flue gas desulfurization installed at the power plant shown in the image?

Flue gas desulfurization was installed to reduce the excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide emissions from the power plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between ambient air pollution and indoor air pollution based on the definitions?

Ambient air pollution refers to outdoor air pollution, while indoor air pollution refers to air pollution inside buildings where people live and sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of pollutants are involved in occupational air pollution?

Occupational air pollution involves exposure to a large range of pollutants such as particles, mists, acid vapors, and organic and inorganic gases in the workplace. Signup and view all the answers

How does the inversion progress through the evening?

The inversion extends to a higher and higher elevation, reaching a few hundred meters before morning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of temperature inversions near the ground?

The temperature of the air just above the ground becomes colder than the air above it. Signup and view all the answers

When do temperature inversions often begin, and what is their effect on air pollution?

They often begin at about the time traffic builds up in the early evening, which traps auto exhaust at ground level and causes elevated concentrations of pollution for commuters. Signup and view all the answers

How long can subsidence inversions last, and when are they more common?

Subsidence inversions may last for months on end, and are more common in summer than winter. Signup and view all the answers

What causes the warming of air in subsidence inversions?

As the air in the center falls, it experiences greater pressure and is compressed and heated. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the air circulation pattern associated with subsidence inversions.

Air near the ground moves outward from the center, while air aloft moves toward the center from the edges, creating the massive vertical circulation system. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of ozone on the respiratory system?

Ozone can irritate the respiratory tract, impair lung function, cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Exercise increases these effects. Signup and view all the answers

How do increasing ozone levels affect hospital admissions and emergency room visits?

As ozone levels rise, hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses such as asthma also increase. Hospital admissions rise roughly 7 to 10 percent for a 0.05 ppm increase in ozone levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical equation for the formation of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) from nitrogen and oxygen?

N2 + O2 -----> 2NO (Nitrogen Oxide) 2NO + O2 ----> 2NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the formation of smog?

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a critical component in smog forming reactions. Signup and view all the answers

How does carbon monoxide (CO) affect the ability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood?

Carbon monoxide (CO) attaches to hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which reduces hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen and disrupts the release of oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of global carbon monoxide (CO) emissions come from mobile sources?

20% of global carbon monoxide (CO) emissions come from mobile sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a wet scrubber over an electrostatic precipitator?

A wet scrubber can trap fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, while electrostatic precipitators are primarily effective at removing particulate matter. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the basic operating principle of an electrostatic precipitator.

An electrostatic precipitator applies a high direct current potential between plates and wires, ionizing particles in the gas stream. The ionized particles are then attracted to the oppositely charged plates where they accumulate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of wet scrubbers?

Wet scrubbers require a large amount of water to operate. Signup and view all the answers

In what types of applications are electrostatic precipitators commonly used?

Electrostatic precipitators are commonly used where large volumes of gas need treatment, and where wet scrubbers are not appropriate, such as incinerators and coal-fired power plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adsorbent material used in adsorptive air pollution control systems?

Activated carbon is the most common adsorbent used in adsorptive air pollution control systems. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the basic operating principle of an adsorptive air pollution control system.

An adsorptive system consists of a bed of adsorbing material like activated carbon contained in a pressure vessel. As contaminated air passes through, pollutants transfer from the air stream to the adsorbent material. Signup and view all the answers