Environmental Science Chapter on Air Pollution
45 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a major air pollutant?

  • Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Hydrocarbons (HC)
  • Ozone (O3) (correct)
  • The majority of carbon monoxide pollution comes from natural sources.

    False (B)

    What are the major sources of sulfur dioxide pollution?

    Volcanic eruptions, coal-fired power plants, and industrial processes.

    The formation of nitrogen oxide (NO) is favored at ______ temperatures.

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

    Match the following air pollutants with their primary sources:

    <p>Carbon monoxide (CO) = Transportation Nitrogen oxides (NOx) = Combustion processes Sulfur oxides (SOx) = Volcanoes and coal-fired power plants Hydrocarbons (HC) = Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these strategies is NOT used to control automotive emissions?

    <p>Stricter vehicle inspection regulations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The use of low-sulfur fuels is a strategy to control SOx pollution.

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

    What are the four possible approaches to controlling SOx pollution?

    <ol> <li>Removal of SOx gases from fuel gases, 2. Removal of sulfur from fuel burning, 3. Use of low sulfur fuels, 4. Substitution of other fuel energy sources.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    The project site selection should prioritize minimizing land displacement and avoiding diversion of forests or agricultural land.

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

    Which of the following factors should be considered when determining the width of the green belt?

    <p>Nature of the project (A), Proximity to sensitive areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The quality of the soil is crucial when considering the ______ of effluents and solid waste.

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

    What is the primary concern regarding air quality after the project is established?

    <p>The ambient air quality after the project is established can be predicted if baseline information on existing air quality is available.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of environmental impact with their corresponding concerns:

    <p>Land = Displacement and diversion of forest/agricultural land Water = Groundwater depletion and competition for surface water Air = Ambient air quality changes and potential pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data can be utilized to predict air quality changes?

    <p>Baseline air quality data (A), Meteorological data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Minimizing the use of fresh water for the project is a primary concern.

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

    What are the advantages of using recycled water in projects?

    <p>The use of recycled water is preferable in case of cooling tower, green belt, etc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of segregating and treating wastewater before it reaches the primary effluent treatment plant?

    <p>To ensure the water meets prescribed standards. (B), To prevent contamination of the primary effluent treatment plant. (C), To make the wastewater reusable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Projects that discharge effluent into a common effluent treatment plant are required to provide primary treatment within their premises.

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

    What are two key factors to consider when identifying the impacts of a project on flora and fauna?

    <p>The species of flora and fauna endemic to the area and the potential disruption to migratory routes of birds and mammals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The disposal site for solid waste within an existing plant should be lined to prevent ______ of solid wastes into groundwater.

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

    Match the following pollution control measures with their primary objective:

    <p>Muffer = Noise reduction Greenbelt = Pollution control and aesthetics Effluent treatment plant = Water quality improvement Proper lining of solid waste disposal = Preventing groundwater contamination Indigenous species in greenbelt = Ecological and economic benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The design of a greenbelt should only focus on achieving aesthetic appeal.

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

    Explain why transport of hazardous materials through congested urban areas should be avoided.

    <p>Transporting hazardous materials through congested areas poses a significant risk to public safety and the environment in case of an accident.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary modes of transportation for raw materials and finished products in industrial settings?

    <p>Rail, road, and pipeline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for the gas release in the incident described?

    <p>A leak in the pipeline connecting the storage vent and safety valve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The water curtain used in the incident was able to effectively contain the released gas.

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

    What were some of the safety devices that were not functioning properly or not maintained at the time of the incident?

    <p>Scrubber unit, safety valve/rupture disk, refrigeration system, water curtain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The incident highlighted the importance of ______ and proper siting of hazardous facilities.

    <p>risk assessment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following lessons learned from the incident with their corresponding safety measures.

    <p>Maintain minimum or NO inventory of extremely hazardous chemicals = Proper Siting of the plant &amp; the lay out away from human habitation Periodic review, rehearsing &amp; updating On site emergency control Plan, conducting regular drills &amp; developing Public awareness = Maintain minimum or NO inventory of extremely hazardous chemicals Periodic Inspection, maintenance &amp; operation of safety systems and upgrading redundancy Plan = Periodic review, rehearsing &amp; updating On site emergency control Plan, conducting regular drills &amp; developing Public awareness The hazardous Plants should be equipped with a whole series of Indicators, gauges, recorders with a range of inbuilt alarm systems of adequate size &amp; capacity. Providing Interlocks which automatically shutdown critical Parts of Plants before conditions go out of control. = Periodic Inspection, maintenance &amp; operation of safety systems and upgrading redundancy Plan</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hazardous waste is only generated by large industrial facilities and not by individuals.

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

    Give three examples of hazardous waste mentioned in the text.

    <p>Drain cleaners, paints, pesticides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a lesson learned from the incident, as mentioned in the text?

    <p>Investing in advanced technological solutions for hazardous waste management (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A chemical is considered hazardous based on several factors. Which of the following is NOT a factor considered in determining the hazard of a chemical?

    <p>Color of the chemical (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic effects occur after prolonged exposure to a chemical and may persist even after exposure ceases.

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

    What are the two most common routes of entry for chemicals into the human body?

    <p>Inhalation and skin absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ is the organ most affected by a chemical after exposure.

    <p>target organ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to chemical toxicity with their definitions:

    <p>Toxicity = The amount of a substance required to cause harm Dose = The amount of a substance that enters the body Duration = The length of time exposure to a substance occurs Sensitivity = How an individual's body reacts to a substance compared to others Route of exposure = How a substance enters the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Water-soluble materials are easily absorbed by the skin.

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

    Which of the following is NOT a common route of unintentional ingestion of chemicals?

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

    The ______ of the intestines is greatly increased by small projections called villi.

    <p>surface area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of dose in toxicology?

    <p>The amount of a substance administered or absorbed, usually expressed in milligrams of substance per kilogram of the exposed organism (mg/kg).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following routes of exposure with their primary characteristics:

    <p>Skin absorption = Lipid-soluble materials are easily absorbed Ingestion = Moist and efficient absorption in the digestive tract Injection = Less common, but possible through wounds or punctures Absorption into eyes and ears = Moist surfaces, but less common than other routes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of threshold in toxicology?

    <p>The minimum dose that causes a specific effect (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The human body has no defenses against toxic agents.

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

    Explain how the human body can tolerate low doses of toxic substances without experiencing adverse effects.

    <p>The human body has defense mechanisms, particularly in the liver and kidneys, that break down toxic substances into nontoxic forms that can be eliminated. These mechanisms allow the body to handle low doses of toxins without experiencing harmful effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Major air pollutants

    Key substances contributing to air pollution include CO, NOx, HC, SOx, and particulates.

    Carbon monoxide (CO) sources

    CO is mainly produced by vehicle transportation (64%), forest fires (16.9%), and industrial processes (9.6%).

    Carbon monoxide (CO) sink

    The major sink for CO pollution is soil microorganisms, which can remove it quickly.

    Catalytic converters

    Devices in vehicles that reduce pollutants in exhaust gases through chemical reactions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sulphur oxides (SOx)

    SOx refers to gases like SO2 and SO3, produced primarily from volcanic activity and coal combustion.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Control of SOx pollution

    To control SOx, methods include using low sulphur fuels and other energy sources.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

    NOx are gases (NO and NO2) formed during combustion, especially at high temperatures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Control methods for automotive emissions

    Techniques include engine modifications, substitute fuels, and new power sources to minimize pollutants.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Project Site Selection

    Choosing a location to minimize displacement and land use impact.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Green Belt Width

    Determining the width of green belts based on project nature and sensitive areas.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Soil Quality Importance

    Soil quality is vital for disposal of effluents and waste.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Soil Permeability

    The ability of soil to allow water flow, crucial for waste disposal design.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Air Quality Baseline

    Existing air quality data needed to predict post-project air conditions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Meteorological Data Collection

    Gathering weather data to assess air quality variations post-project.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Water Availability Impact

    Project water use influences both groundwater and surface water levels.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Recycled Water Use

    Utilizing recycled water helps minimize fresh water demand in projects.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Highly Toxic

    A chemical that is harmful in tiny amounts.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Factors of Hazard

    Elements determining a chemical's hazard: toxicity, route of exposure, dose, duration, reaction, and sensitivity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Route of Exposure

    The way in which a substance enters the body: inhalation, ingestion, or absorption.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Acute Effects

    Toxic effects occurring after short-term exposure (hours to days).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chronic Effects

    Toxic effects that persist after prolonged exposure (months to decades).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Target Organ

    The primary organ most affected by toxic exposure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Skin Absorption

    Second most important exposure route; chemicals pass through the skin into the bloodstream.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tolerance

    Reduced response to a chemical after repeated exposure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Effluent treatment standards

    Regulations ensuring discharged water meets safety and environmental criteria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Primary treatment

    Initial processing of wastewater to remove solids before further treatment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Flora and fauna impact

    Assessment of how projects affect local plant and animal life.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hazardous solid waste

    Solid waste that poses a risk to health or the environment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Noise control measures

    Techniques used to minimize sound pollution in an area.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Greenbelt design

    Creation of vegetative areas to reduce pollution and enhance aesthetics.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Transport of raw materials

    Movement of essential supplies to a production facility or site.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Solid waste disposal

    Methods used to manage and discard waste materials safely.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Solubility in Chemicals

    Chemicals can be either water-soluble or lipid-soluble, affecting their absorption through the skin.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ingestion Routes

    Ingestion is the third most common route of exposure, usually unintentional through habits or environment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Intestinal Villi

    The surface area of intestines is increased by villi, which help absorb nutrients into the bloodstream efficiently.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Injection Hazards

    Injection is less common; hazards include outdoor work or contact with contaminated surfaces.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dose Definition

    Dose refers to the amount of a substance administered, typically expressed in mg/kg of body weight.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dose Threshold

    The lowest exposure level of a toxic substance that results in a measurable effect, known as the threshold.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Body's Defense Mechanism

    The human body can detoxify substances via organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, to eliminate toxins.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Scrubber Unit Crash Incident

    An event where unsound gas was released into the atmosphere due to maintenance issues with the scrubber unit.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hazardous Waste

    Waste with properties harmful to human health and the environment, like chemicals and medical waste.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Maintenance Failures

    Failures that occurred when safety equipment, like pipelines and valves, were not properly maintained or reinstalled.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Emergency Management Drills

    Practices conducted to prepare for emergencies; absent in the incident described.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Water Curtain Limitation

    The water curtain couldn't reach the scrubber vent height during the incident, failing to contain the gas release.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Safety Device Maintenance

    Periodic checks and upkeep of safety devices to ensure they work correctly; lacking in the incident.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chemical Inventory Management

    Keeping minimal or no stock of extremely hazardous materials like MIC to prevent accidents.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Public Awareness Programs

    Initiatives aimed at educating the public on safety and emergency responses; deemed inadequate in this case.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Wastewater Treatment

    • Wastewater is water used in a process that is then discharged for disposal.
    • Wastewater can come from domestic sewage or industrial sources (effluent).
    • Wastewater is treated to avoid harming the environment and to preserve water resources.
    • Treated wastewater can be reused and this decreases the water footprint of a product, increasing product value.
    • Water costs are increasing, making treated wastewater reuse important for profitability.
    • Water availability is a major issue in many cities, with irregular supplies.
    • Water quality control is absent in many tanker water supplies, making water unsafe
    • Poor water quality leads to mass migration and water scarcity

    Water Quality

    • Drinking water standards are different from wastewater quality levels.
    • Sewage wastewater parameters can vary regionally based on pollution control board policy.
    • For domestic wastewater, common parameters like pH, TSS, BOD, COD and O&G are stipulated, with example values varying depending on regional norms.
    • Important parameters for industrial wastewater are process-specific.

    Wastewater Treatment Processes

    • Wastewater treatment planning depends on contaminant type.
    • Inorganics are treated based on their nature and reactivity.
    • Organic contaminants are typically removed through biological methods, sometimes combined with other processes.
    • Common wastewater treatment stages include primary (screening, grit removal, pH correction, oil removal, settling), secondary (activated sludge process), and tertiary (filtration, chlorination).

    Wastewater Treatment Processes - Primary

    • Screening: Removal of coarse solid material
    • Grit Removal: Removal of sand/silt
    • pH Correction: Adjustment to make pH suitable
    • Oil Removal: Removal of oil
    • Primary Settling: Removal of Suspended Solids

    Wastewater Treatment Processes - Secondary

    • Activated Sludge Process: Most common biological method for organic removal in wastewater
    • Aerobic Digestion + Anaerobic Digestion: (Additional secondary processes if required)

    Wastewater Treatment - Components of ASP

    • Bioreactor: For organic degradation
    • Surface Aerators: To provide oxygen
    • Settler-Clarifier: For separating solids from liquid
    • Sludge Recirculation: To maintain consistent microbial concentration in the bioreactor
    • Excess sludge wastage: To dewater sludge, typically via SDB/Centrifugal3

    Wastewater Treatment - Components of MBBR

    • Media: (Plastic media to support high microbial biomass)
    • Bioreactor: For supporting bio-reaction
    • Air Diffusers/Blowers: Providing oxygen for bacteria
    • Settler: Removing solids from the wastewater flow
    • Sludge Recirculation: To maintain consistency in the process.

    Wastewater Treatment - SBR Process

    • Bio-Reactor: For treating the wastewater
    • Grit Chamber: Removing large solids
    • Air Blower: Provides oxygen
    • Chlorination: Kills any remaining microorganisms
    • Filter Feed Tank: Treating the wastewater further and ensuring no biomass is passed out via disinfection

    Wastewater Treatment - MBR Process

    • Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): Combines biological and membrane processes
    • In-situ configuration: UF membrane is inside the bioreactor
    • Ex-situ configuration: UF membrane is outside of the bioreactor
    • Anoxious chamber: Smaller with 20% of volume provided (for biomass suspension)
    • Aerobic chamber: For degrading organics

    Wastewater Treatment - Disposal

    • Land Disposal: Treated waste is used as fertilizer
    • Deep Well Injection: Introducing treated waste into deep wells
    • Encapsulation: Immobilizing hazardous substances, such as placing them in suitable containers.
    • Ocean Dumping: Disposal into the ocean. This method is not recommended due to the large scale of potential pollution risk

    3R's of Waste Management

    • Source Reduction: Reducing raw materials use and minimizing packaging.
    • Reuse: Returning previously used items to reuse in other processes / products.
    • Recycling: Processing waste materials to create new products.

    Wastewater Treatment - Advantages & Disadvantages

    • Advantages: Reducing water use, product cost, environmental protection and profitability
    • Disadvantages: Costs, water availability issues and possible operational problems.

    Wastewater Treatment - Other aspects

    • Contaminants can be organic or inorganic
    • Legal requirements for wastewater treatment ensure its safety.
    • Different regions have different standards for regulating wastewater

    Other

    • Methods for controlling automotive emissions: Modify internal combustion engines, develop exhaust system reactors, use substitute fuels, develop cleaner power sources, use catalytic converters.

    • Sources of Air pollution: Natural sources: volcanoes, seed germination. Human activities: transportation (vehicles), forest fires, agriculture, industries.

    • Control of SOx (sulfur oxides) pollution: Removal of SOx gases, removal of sulphur from fuels, use of low-sulfur fuels, use of other fuel energy sources (hydroelectric or nuclear).

    • Control of NOx (nitrogen oxides) pollution: Using catalytic converters, adjusting fuel combustion, introducing chemical sorbents.

    • Particulate matter pollution: Includes dust, soil, smoke and liquid droplets; temperature and chemical composition are important to select proper control devices.

    • Settling chambers (for particulate matter removal): Simplest device; relies on gravity; used with other, more efficient devices.

    • Cyclone collectors (for particulate matter removal): Use centrifugal force to eliminate particulates

    • Electrostatic precipitators (ESP): Use high voltage to charge particles to collect them

    • Scrubbers: Involve entraining particulate matter into droplets of liquid

    • Bag Houses Filters: Efficient for very small particles, used in filter fabrics, with cleaning methods

    • Absorption (for gaseous pollutants): Used to concentrate pollutants in a liquid medium (e.g., water, caustic acid); used for recovering products/purifying gasses.

    • Adsorption (for gaseous pollutants): Concentrates pollutants on a solid; materials include Bauxite, Silica gel, and molecular sieves.

    • Combustion (for gaseous pollutants): Decomposes VOCs to CO2 and H2O via direct, indirect, or catalytic methods.

    • Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster: April 26th, 1986 in Ukraine; major human error: reactor 4 explosion during safety test

    • Pasadena TX polyethylene plant disaster: October 23, 1989: maintenance error, improper valve handling, extreme flammable gas release leading to several explosions, extensive property and business damage.

    • Seveso Disaster: July 10, 1976 in Italy; chemical reactor explosion leading to the release of toxic chemicals, resulting in health issues, miscarriages, birth defects in children and extensive property damage in an approximate 18 sq km area.

    • Industrial Hygiene:*

    • Is concerned with the effect of all work types on health and worker ability/efficiency.

    • Deals with anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace conditions that may cause injury or illness.

    • Includes occupational health and safety factors leading to cancers and other health issues.

    • Includes factors such as noise levels > 90 decibels, physical factors, and psychological factors at the workplace

    • Occupational Diseases: Any illness associated with a particular occupation or industry, originating from biological, chemical and physical factors.

    Definitions

    • Safety - Freedom from unacceptable risk of harm
    • Risk - Probable rate of occurrence of a hazard causing harm, and the degree of severity of harm
    • Hazard - A potential source of harm.
    • Harm - Physical injury or damage to health or property.
    • Intended Use - Use of a product or a process in accordance with the specification and instructions provided by the supplier

    Regulations/Laws

    • Many Acts (e.g. Factories Act, 1948.) govern safety and environmental control in manufacturing and other operations

    Additional Notes

    • The provided slides likely refer to a presentation. Specific details and context of the slides may not have been fully captured in the OCR.
    • Some of the technical terms and process descriptions require more detailed study/research for fully understanding the content.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Wastewater Treatment PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on air pollutants and their sources with this quiz on environmental science. Explore various strategies for controlling emissions and the impacts of pollution on the environment. Ideal for students studying environmental science or related fields.

    More Like This

    Control de emisión de partículas
    5 questions
    Air Pollution Control Equipment Quiz
    48 questions
    Air Pollution Control Techniques
    48 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser