Environmental Science: Air Quality and Pollutants
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of gaseous emissions monitoring?

  • To analyze particulate matter in the atmosphere
  • To measure the concentration of specific gaseous components (correct)
  • To enhance the efficiency of exhaust systems
  • To modify flue gas composition
  • What is the highest possible Air Quality Index (AQI) value according to the EPA?

  • 300
  • 500 (correct)
  • 600
  • 400
  • In-situ systems modify the flue gas composition during measurement.

    False

    Ozone is solely a natural product found in the Earth's atmosphere.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one method used in extractive monitors to analyze gas samples.

    <p>Absorption spectrometers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An optical spectrometer measures the amount of light absorbed by a sample as a function of __________.

    <p>wavelength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of ultraviolet radiation does the ozone layer absorb?

    <p>97% to 99%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fine particles are particles less than _____ microns in size.

    <p>2.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of analyzer with its specific characteristic:

    <p>Non-dispersive infrared analyzers (NDIR) = Can monitor SO2, NO, CO, CO2 and hydrocarbons Thermal conductivity analyzers = Used in some sulfur dioxide continuous monitors Cross-stack monitors = Measure gas concentration across the entire stack diameter In-stack systems = Have a shorter path length of 5 centimeters to a meter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following pollutants with their characteristics:

    <p>Ozone = Highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms Particulate Matter = Fine particles less than 2.5 microns Carbon Monoxide = Colorless and odorless gas Sulfur Dioxide = Gas with a pungent smell that can cause respiratory problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following gases can readily damage the tissues of the respiratory system?

    <p>Ozone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Particulate matter is mostly formed by the condensation of molecules into solids or liquid droplets.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the diameter range for coarse particles?

    <p>2.5 to 10 microns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dioxins are classified as likely human carcinogens.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do opacity monitors primarily measure?

    <p>Transmittance of light through the gas stream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three classes of chemicals referred to as dioxin?

    <p>chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs), chlorinated dibenzofurans (CDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Single-pass opacity systems meet EPA requirements for calibration checks without process shutdown.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The most common internal combustion engine is a four-stroke, spark-ignited, piston engine invented by __________.

    <p>Nicholas Otto</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two basic types of gaseous emission monitors?

    <p>Extractive systems and In-situ systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following emissions can increase the harmful effects of ozone?

    <p>Both sulfur dioxide and particulate matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ system incorporates a light source on one side of the stack and a detector on the opposite side.

    <p>single-pass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Asbestos concentrations are measured in grams per cubic meter.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of opacity monitors with their description:

    <p>Single-pass system = More economical but requires process shutdown for calibration Double-pass system = Houses light source and detector on the same side of the stack</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the chemical structure classification of the fibrous form of asbestos known as chrysotile?

    <p>serpentine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of system is most likely to satisfy EPA design criteria?

    <p>Double-pass system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gaseous emission monitors can only measure one specific gaseous component at a time.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The diesel fuel used in vehicles can contain up to __________ ppm by weight of sulfur.

    <p>500</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of reflectance is used in a double-pass opacity system?

    <p>A reflecting mirror</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following emissions to their characteristics:

    <p>Sulfur Dioxide = Increases harmful effects of ozone Dioxins = Likely carcinogens Asbestos = Measured in nanograms per cubic meter Chrysotile = Fibrous form of asbestos</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One type of in-situ monitor is __________ monitor.

    <p>in-stack</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of opacity monitors?

    <p>To provide information on combustion conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the 'Power' stroke of an engine cycle?

    <p>Combustion gases expand and drive pistons down</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The exhaust valve is open during the compression stroke.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the intake valve in an engine?

    <p>To allow fresh air/fuel mixture to enter the cylinder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ ratio is crucial for achieving complete combustion in an engine.

    <p>air to fuel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of air pollution instrumentation with its description:

    <p>Manual Monitoring = Involves manual collection of air samples Continuous Monitoring = Provides real-time air quality data Extractive Monitors = Analyze collected air samples outside the monitoring site Ambient Monitoring = Measures air quality in the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes extractive monitors from other types of monitoring?

    <p>They collect samples for analysis outside the monitoring site.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The stoichiometric air to fuel ratio is necessary for incomplete combustion.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which stroke does the spark ignite the air/fuel mixture?

    <p>Compression stroke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of ______ involves burning of an air-fuel mixture to produce power.

    <p>combustion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of the engine cycle follows the compression stroke?

    <p>Power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Course Information

    • Course Title: Environmental Science and Engineering
    • Course Code: EAAC0423
    • Department: Mechanical Engineering
    • University: Bataan Peninsula State University
    • Instructor: Engr. Andrea Shane M. Torres
    • Course Level: BSME (3A, 3B, 3C)

    Air

    • Primarily a gas, but not just any gas
    • Essential for life on Earth
    • Can be beneficial and harmful
    • Contains water vapor
    • Properties change with altitude
    • Protects Earth from some harmful radiation
    • Air quality is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI)

    Air Pollutants

    • Pollutants stem from daily activities
    • Including transportation, energy generation, and waste management
    • Chemical, manufacturing, and agricultural activities can produce air pollution
    • Pollutants are often localized or may be dispersed over larger distances by prevailing winds
    • Classified by emission characteristics: point, area, and mobile sources.

    Air Quality Index (AQI)

    • Created by the EPA
    • Reports daily levels of pollutants
    • Uses a scale from 0 to 500, which correlates to different health concerns
    • Each level of AQI has a color associated with it.

    Ozone

    • Highly reactive gas with three oxygen atoms
    • Exists in both the stratosphere (upper atmosphere) and the troposphere (lower atmosphere).
    • Important for filtering harmful UV radiation in the stratosphere
    • Can harm the respiratory system at ground level

    Particulate Matter

    • Tiny particles
    • Microscopic to coarse sizes
    • Formed through condensation or mechanical breakdown
    • Can penetrate the respiratory system when inhaled Can exacerbate the effects of other pollutants, like sulfur dioxide.

    Sulfur Dioxide

    • Often found alongside particulate matter
    • Diesel fuel can contain high levels of sulfur
    • Combined effects can increase harmful health risks

    Dioxins

    • Group of compounds with similar adverse health effects
    • Found in certain industrial processes and combustion
    • Classified as potential carcinogens

    Asbestos

    • Generic term for fibrous silicate minerals
    • Some forms can cause respiratory issues
    • Background concentrations are generally low (0-10ng/m³)

    Motor Vehicle Emissions

    • Internal combustion engines are four-stroke engines
    • Invented around 1880 by Nicholas Otto
    • Exhaust emissions are harmful to the environment

    Sample Air to Fuel Ratio

    • Chemical reactions for complete combustion
    • Formulas for combustion in oxygen and air environments are provided

    Stoichiometric Air to Fuel Ratio

    • Calculated air-to-fuel ratio required for complete combustion of gasoline
    • Numerical example with calculations included

    Air Pollution Instrumentation

    • Utilized for assessing source and ambient air quality.
    • Includes manual and continuous monitoring methods

    Manual Monitoring - Source Instrumentation

    • Methods like Method 5
    • Used to determine compliance with air pollution regulations
    • Basic equipment involved: impingers, dry gas meters, pumps

    Continuous Monitoring - Source Instrumentation

    • Two basic types: opacity monitors and gaseous emission monitors
    • Opacity monitors measure light transmittance
    • Gaseous emission monitors measure gaseous component concentrations
    • Multiple subcategories for both types of monitors

    Extractive Monitors

    • Withdrawal of gas samples from the main exhaust stream
    • Three general categories: absorption spectrometers, luminescence analyzers, electroanalytical monitors
    • Specific types of analyzers are mentioned (e.g., NDIR, NDUV)

    Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

    • Relates to air quality within and around buildings
    • Influenced by infiltration, natural ventilation, and forced ventilation
    • Infiltration is from natural pressure differences, temperature, and wind.
    • Ventilation is intentional and through doors, windows and mechanical systems

    Infiltration

    • Pressure differences between indoors and outdoors
    • Temperature differences can cause it
    • Stack effect occurs due to temperature differences
    • Rates are expressed per hour (e.g., ACH)
    • Continuous plastic sheet barriers for minimizing infiltration

    Heat-recovery ventilator (HRV)

    • Mechanical system transferring heat from outgoing to incoming air
    • Reduces indoor pollution
    • Efficient heat exchange

    Indoor Air Quality Model

    • Simplistic model describing sources, volume, decay, and exfiltration of pollutants

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the properties of air, the various air pollutants, and the significance of the Air Quality Index (AQI). This quiz is designed for students enrolled in the Environmental Science and Engineering course. Explore how human activities impact air quality and understand the classifications of air pollutants.

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