Environmental Chemistry Quiz: Isotherms and PAHs
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Questions and Answers

What is a requirement for an isotherm to be considered acceptable?

  • It must pass through the point (0, 0). (correct)
  • It needs to show a power-law relationship.
  • It must only include positive mass values.
  • It should have a linear pattern throughout.
  • Which is an example of a volatile contaminant found in the gas phase?

  • Heavy metals
  • Groundwater nitrate
  • Hydrocarbon oil
  • Methane (correct)
  • In the Freundlich isotherm, what trend is observed with increasing concentration?

  • Linear increase in adsorption.
  • Asymptotic approach to a saturation point. (correct)
  • Decrease in adsorption efficiency.
  • Power-law relationship indicating stable adsorption.
  • What characterizes low-miscibility compounds in the context of contamination?

    <p>They do not mix readily with the solvent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are completely immiscible compounds considered rare in contamination scenarios?

    <p>They do not interact with water at all. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of combustion is responsible for the formation of carbon monoxide?

    <p>Incomplete combustion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the toxic concentration of carbon monoxide typically recognized as dangerous?

    <p>35 ppm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)?

    <p>Tyre factories (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compound forms when carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin?

    <p>Carboxyhaemoglobin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant contributor to PAH emissions?

    <p>Wood burning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which PAH is specifically mentioned in relation to asphalt?

    <p>Benzo(a)pyrene (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many priority PAHs have been identified by the US EPA?

    <p>16 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is associated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)?

    <p>At least two benzene rings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of algae is primarily associated with harmful algal blooms in coastal areas?

    <p>Dinoflagellates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major contributor to the eutrophication problem in the Venice Lagoon during the 1980s?

    <p>Massive intake of phosphorous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following materials is NOT typically associated with aquifers?

    <p>Igneous rock (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must occur for a water well to remain productive?

    <p>Water must be pumped at a rate slower than replenishment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of over-pumping a well in terms of water table levels?

    <p>The water table diminishes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of water movement occurs toward a well?

    <p>Down-slope flow of groundwater. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the water table when water is pumped from a well?

    <p>It forms a cone of depression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key characteristic of an aquifer?

    <p>High porosity and permeability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the calculated source strength (Q) for the given parameters?

    <p>6.25 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the equivalent concentration at ambient temperature (20°C) in mg/m³?

    <p>279.53 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    With a stack temperature of 350°C, what is the flow rate at that temperature (V̇T) in Nm³/s?

    <p>1.71 · 10^5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary industry associated with the Nitrastur site in Asturias, Spain?

    <p>Fertilizer production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the NOx concentration of the flue gases produced by the sinter plant?

    <p>300 mg/Nm³ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) banned in the USA?

    <p>1979 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following compounds is known for its persistence in the environment and is referred to as 'forever chemicals'?

    <p>PFAS (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the stack height in dispersion calculations?

    <p>It affects the dilution of pollutants in the atmosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main origins of particulate matter?

    <p>Natural and anthropogenic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following uses is NOT historically associated with PCBs?

    <p>Stain-resistant coatings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contaminants were found at the Nitrastur site in Asturias?

    <p>Copper and zinc (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a natural source of primary particulate matter?

    <p>Soot from the combustion of coal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the size range of particulate matter that can reach the bronchi?

    <p>5 – 10 um (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the chemical formula for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

    <p>C12H10−xClx (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a secondary source of particulate matter?

    <p>VOCs from vegetation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the international ban on PCBs come into effect?

    <p>2001 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of products are PFAS commonly used in?

    <p>Waterproof clothing and food packaging (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of vehicles contribute to particulate matter through tailpipe emissions?

    <p>Trucks and buses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anthropogenic activity is primarily associated with VOC and NOx emissions?

    <p>Wood heating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which particulate matter can be immediately classified as primary from natural sources?

    <p>Dust from erosion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a result of anthropogenic particulate matter sources?

    <p>Soot from diesel combustion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of particulate matter is most likely to be produced from volcanic eruptions?

    <p>Ash (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the non-gaseous substances in the air that contribute to air pollution?

    <p>Particulate matter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is particulate matter?

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

    What are the sources of particulate matter?

    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.

    How does the size of particulate matter affect health?

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

    What is primary particulate matter?

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

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    What is secondary particulate matter?

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

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    What are Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)?

    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.

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    How does air excess ratio affect CO and NOx emissions in wood chip boilers?

    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.

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    What is air excess ratio?

    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.

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    What are the pollutants released from combustion processes?

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

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    What are the sources of pollutants from vehicles?

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

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    Carbon Monoxide (CO)

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

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    Complete Combustion

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

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    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.

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    Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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

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    Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

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

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    Benzo(a)pyrene

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

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    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.

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    Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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

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    What are HABs?

    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.

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    What are Dinoflagellates?

    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.

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    What are Cyanotoxins?

    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.

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    What is Eutrophication?

    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.

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    What causes Eutrophication?

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

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    What is an aquifer?

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

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    What characteristics make a good aquifer?

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

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    What are the risks of overpumping aquifers?

    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.

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    Source Strength

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

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    Equivalent Concentration

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

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    Flow Rate at Stack Temperature

    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.

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    Dispersion Modeling

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

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    Downwind Distance

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

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    What is an isotherm?

    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.

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    What is a linear isotherm?

    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.

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    What is the Langmuir 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.

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    What is the Freundlich isotherm?

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

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    Why must an isotherm pass through the origin?

    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.

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    What is Nitrastur?

    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.

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    What are PFAS?

    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.

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    What is remediation?

    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.

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    What is pyrite ash contamination?

    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.

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    What are the characteristics of PCBs?

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

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    What makes PFAS "forever chemicals"?

    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.

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