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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of air pollution?
Which of the following is NOT a natural source of air pollution?
What is considered a primary pollutant?
How does deforestation contribute to air pollution?
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Which of the following pollutants is primarily released from the transportation sector?
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What impact does rapid industrialization have on air quality?
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Which gas is a common byproduct of burning fossil fuels?
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What is the effect of radioactive fallout on the environment?
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What is a secondary pollutant that can damage vegetation?
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Which pollutant is responsible for causing corrosion on metal surfaces?
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What is the effect of aromatic hydrocarbons on human health?
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Which of the following pollutants is least toxic to sensitive areas based on annual averages?
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What is a primary effect of Carbon Monoxide (CO) on humans?
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What effect do hydrocarbons have on plant leaves?
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Which of the following is considered a secondary air pollutant?
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What effect does Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) have on plants at high concentrations?
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Which method is NOT a recommended way to control air pollution?
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How does NO2 affect materials?
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What is a consequence of high levels of NOx on human health?
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How does Carbon Monoxide (CO) affect plants?
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Which control measure can assist in reducing air pollution from vehicles?
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What is the primary means by which SO2 affects human respiratory health?
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What secondary pollutant is formed from reactions of primary pollutants, including Oxides of Nitrogen?
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What harmful effect does high concentration of SO2 produce on materials?
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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.
