Environmental Chemistry Quiz: Isotherms and PAHs

Particulate matter refers to all non-gaseous substances present in the air. These can be solid particles or liquid droplets.

Particulate matter originates from both natural and human-made sources. Natural sources include things like dust storms, pollen, and volcanic ash. Human-made sources, also called anthropogenic sources, include industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and burning wood.

Particulate matter comes in different sizes. Smaller particles can reach deeper into the lungs, potentially causing more harm.

Primary particulate matter is emitted directly into the air. Examples include dust from construction sites, soot from burning wood, and ash from volcanoes.

Secondary particulate matter forms in the atmosphere through chemical reactions. Examples include the conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from volcanic eruptions into sulfate particles.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particularly NO and NO2, are gases that contribute to air pollution. They are primarily emitted from combustion processes like vehicle engines and industrial activities.

The amount of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from a wood chip boiler varies depending on the air-to-fuel ratio. Excess air leads to higher NOx emissions.

Air excess ratio refers to the amount of air supplied to a combustion process compared to the amount of fuel. A higher air excess ratio means more air is available for the reaction.

Combustion processes, like burning wood or fossil fuels, release a variety of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Pollutants from vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust sources contribute to air pollution and can negatively impact human health and the environment.

A colorless and flammable gas produced by incomplete combustion, meaning there's not enough oxygen to burn the fuel completely.

The process where a fuel reacts completely with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

The process where a fuel reacts with oxygen in limited supply, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other byproducts.

A condition where the air contains high levels of carbon monoxide, exceeding safe limits.

A group of organic compounds containing two or more fused benzene rings, often formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials.

A specific PAH known to be carcinogenic, often found in emissions from incomplete combustion.

The process where a fuel reacts with oxygen in limited supply, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other byproducts.

A condition where the air contains high levels of carbon monoxide, exceeding safe limits.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by excessive growth of algae in water bodies. These blooms are often toxic and can cause harm to human and animal health.

Dinoflagellates are a type of algae responsible for harmful algal blooms in coastal areas. These blooms can release toxins that harm marine life and contaminate seafood.

Cyanotoxins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria, which can cause harmful algal blooms in freshwater sources like lakes and rivers. These toxins can be harmful to humans and animals.

Eutrophication is an excessive enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. It causes excessive plant growth and can lead to harmful algal blooms.

Eutrophication is often caused by human activities such as agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

An aquifer is an underground layer of rock or sediment that contains a significant amount of groundwater.

Aquifers must be permeable, meaning water can flow through them, and porous, meaning they have spaces for water to reside.

Overpumping aquifers can lead to lowered water tables and even depletion of the aquifer. This can have negative consequences for water availability and the environment.

The rate at which a pollutant is emitted from a source, often expressed in units of mass per unit time.

The concentration of a pollutant at the ambient temperature, typically 20°C, after accounting for temperature differences from the emission source.

The volume of gas emitted per unit time from the stack, taking into account the temperature difference between the flue gas and the ambient air.

The process of calculating the dispersion of pollutants emitted from a source based on factors like wind speed, atmospheric stability, and stack height.

The distance downwind from the source at which the concentration of a pollutant is measured.

An isotherm describes the relationship between the amount of a substance adsorbed (qeq) and its concentration in the surrounding solution (ceq) at a constant temperature. It helps understand how pollutants bind to surfaces like soil or activated carbon.

A linear isotherm means that the amount of pollutant adsorbed is directly proportional to its concentration in the solution. This is the simplest type of isotherm.

The Langmuir isotherm describes the adsorption process when the surface has a limited number of adsorption sites. As the concentration increases, the amount of adsorption reaches a maximum limit.

The Freundlich isotherm accounts for adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces with varying binding affinities. This isotherm allows for a wider range of adsorption behaviors.

An isotherm should pass through the origin, meaning when there's no pollutant in the solution (ceq=0), there's no pollutant adsorbed (qeq=0). This is because there's nothing to adsorb.

A former industrial site in Asturias, Spain, that was devoted to fertilizer production, specifically ammonium and sulphate nitrates. It was closed in 1997 and left behind 7 hectares of soil contaminated with pyrite ash, lead, arsenic, copper, and zinc.

A large group of man-made chemical compounds used worldwide in various industries and consumer products since the 1950s. They are commonly used to create stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick products.

The process of cleaning up contaminated areas by removing or neutralizing harmful substances. This involves various strategies to address environmental pollution and restore the site to a safe condition.

A type of soil contamination caused by a specific type of mineral formed by sulfur and iron. This mineral can be problematic due to its potential to release harmful substances.

A chemical compound containing chlorine and carbon. Known for its resistance to breaking down in the environment, it is a persistent pollutant.

A specific aspect of PFAS chemistry that makes them a significant environmental concern. They do not break down easily and can accumulate over time, leading to long-term environmental consequences.