Air Pollution Quiz - Environmental Engineering

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of air pollution?

A natural occurrence in the atmosphere

The beneficial effects of greenhouse gases

The balance of gases in the atmosphere

An excessive concentration of foreign matter in air causing adverse effects (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a natural source of air pollution?

Volcanic eruptions

Forest fires

Wind blown dust

Automobile exhausts (correct)

What is considered a primary pollutant?

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Sulfur Trioxide (SO3)

Ozone (O3)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) (correct)

How does deforestation contribute to air pollution?

It increases CO2 emissions while reducing O2 production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants is primarily released from the transportation sector?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does rapid industrialization have on air quality?

It leads to an increase in air pollutants such as SO2 and NO Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is a common byproduct of burning fossil fuels?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of radioactive fallout on the environment?

It contributes to nuclear pollution harming living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary pollutant that can damage vegetation?

Ozone (O3) Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant is responsible for causing corrosion on metal surfaces?

Nitric acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of aromatic hydrocarbons on human health?

Leads to cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants is least toxic to sensitive areas based on annual averages?

Lead Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary effect of Carbon Monoxide (CO) on humans?

Causes dizziness and headache at 100 ppm Signup and view all the answers

What effect do hydrocarbons have on plant leaves?

Discolors leaves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a secondary air pollutant?

Ozone Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) have on plants at high concentrations?

Causes leaf tissue damage Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT a recommended way to control air pollution?

Burning waste in landfills Signup and view all the answers

How does NO2 affect materials?

Fades colors of clothes Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of high levels of NOx on human health?

Irritation of the digestive tract Signup and view all the answers

How does Carbon Monoxide (CO) affect plants?

Reduces nitrogen fixing capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which control measure can assist in reducing air pollution from vehicles?

Replacing older, polluting vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary means by which SO2 affects human respiratory health?

Irritating the respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What secondary pollutant is formed from reactions of primary pollutants, including Oxides of Nitrogen?

Photochemical smog Signup and view all the answers

What harmful effect does high concentration of SO2 produce on materials?

Attacks carbonates, causing discoloration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Air Pollution Overview

Air pollution is the excessive concentration of foreign matter in the atmosphere adversely affecting health and property.

Major Sources of Air Pollution

Natural Sources

Volcanic eruptions release gases like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Forest fires and organic decay contribute to air quality degradation.
Pollen grains and wind-blown dust can trigger allergies.

Anthropogenic Sources

Rapid industrialization, particularly from pulp and paper, chemical, and metallurgical plants, releases CO2, SO2, and NOx.
Transportation emissions arise from automobile exhaust, primarily CO, CO2, and hydrocarbons.
Burning fossil fuels, including coal and wood, produces poisonous gases such as CO, methane (CH4), and NOx.
Deforestation disrupts the natural balance of O2 and CO2.
Population growth accelerates global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
Agricultural activities utilize pesticides and insecticides, contributing to air pollution.
Nuclear activities can lead to harmful radioactive fallout.

Air Pollutants Classification

Primary Pollutants: Directly emitted pollutants including particulate matter, SO2, NOx, CO, and radioactive compounds.
Secondary Pollutants: Formed by reactions between primary pollutants, examples include ozone, formaldehyde, and photochemical smog.

Key Air Pollutants and Their Effects

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

High CO levels can cause death; it forms carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), reducing blood oxygen capacity.
Concentration of 100 ppm causes dizziness; 750 ppm can be lethal.
Impairs nitrogen-fixing bacteria, negatively impacting plant growth.

Oxides of Sulfur (SOx)

Causes eye irritation and respiratory issues; high SO2 levels are linked to lung cancer.
Long-term exposure leads to leaf discoloration and growth inhibition in plants.
SO2 reacts to form sulfuric acid, damaging materials and structures.

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

Nitric oxide lowers blood oxygen levels while nitrogen dioxide irritates lungs, leading to pneumonia and cancer risks.
High NOx levels damage plant tissues and lead to secondary pollutants like smog.
Nitric acid corroding metal surfaces and fading colored materials are notable effects.

Hydrocarbons (HC)

Aromatic hydrocarbons are potentially carcinogenic; they irritate the respiratory tract.
Methane can induce narcotic effects, highlighting its toxicity.
HCs contribute to plant discoloration and material degradation.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Guidelines indicating acceptable pollutant levels:
- Sulfur Dioxide: Varies from 15 µg/m3 (sensitive areas) to 120 µg/m3 (industrial areas) annually.
- Nitrogen Oxides: Same standards as sulfur dioxide for different area types.
- Particulate Matter (PM10 and SPM): Distinct limits for industrial, residential, and sensitive areas.
- Lead and CO: Specific allowable levels based on area usage.

Control of Air Pollution

Installation of air pollution control devices in industries.
Utilizing low sulfur coal to reduce sulfur emissions.
Regular maintenance of vehicles to minimize transportation emissions.
Promotion of public transportation, cycling, and alternative fuels.
Increasing urban greenery through tree planting initiatives.
Reducing usage of firecrackers during celebrations to lower pollution levels.

Pollution Control Devices

Cyclone Separator: Removes particulates from air or gas.
Bag House Filter: Captures dust and particulate matter efficiently.

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Description

Test your knowledge on air pollution, its definition, sources, and impacts on health and property. This quiz covers key concepts from the Environmental Engineering and Science (HS103C) course, focusing specifically on air quality issues. Challenge yourself and learn about the major contributors to air pollution.