Particulate Matter and Lead Air Pollution

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Questions and Answers

What type of contaminants are listed in Ontario Reg. 170/03?

Radioactive contaminants

Both organic and inorganic contaminants (correct)

Only organic contaminants

Only inorganic contaminants

Why are drinking systems close to nuclear facilities required to test for radionuclides?

To measure the level of organic contaminants

To monitor algal toxins

To detect the presence of pathogens

Due to the proximity to potential radiological contaminants (correct)

What is the primary source of viruses like Hepatitis A in water?

Chemical contaminants

Radionuclides

Algal blooms

Sewage contamination (correct)

Why are pathogenic E.coli considered indicator organisms in water monitoring?

As a sign that other pathogens might be present Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Cryptosporidum parvum and Giardia lablia in drinking water?

They are major protozoa of concern for human health Signup and view all the answers

Why is chlorine typically used in water treatment processes?

To inactivate viruses like Hepatitis A Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of coagulation in water treatment plants?

To destabilize suspended particles and form precipitates Signup and view all the answers

Why are Zebra and Quagga mussels a concern in Ontario?

They adhere to water intakes and pipes, causing blockages Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of high BOD due to lots of sewage in water bodies?

Fish moving away due to hypoxic conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which process in water treatment involves the removal of suspended solids by gravity settling?

Sedimentation (Clarification) Signup and view all the answers

In a eutrophic lake, what is the characteristic of the water?

Cloudy water with lots of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Why is physical disinfection like UV not acceptable for secondary disinfection in water treatment?

It does not provide a persistent residual in the water Signup and view all the answers

What can be a source of inorganic suspended solids in water bodies?

Metal sulfides from mining operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of chemical disinfectant used in water treatment?

Ozone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of acid deposition from acid rain on water bodies?

Displeasing odour, color, and taste Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason chlorine gas is often used at larger water treatment facilities?

It provides a persistent residual in the water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the formation of dead zones in bodies of water?

High BOD resulting from sewage contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the enrichment of a body of water leading to eutrophication?

Low dissolved oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary emissions of particulate matter (PM) from secondary emissions?

Primary emissions are directly emitted to the atmosphere, while secondary emissions form particles in the atmosphere from gases. Signup and view all the answers

Why is lead considered a critical air pollutant?

Lead comes from various human sources and persists as a legacy contaminant due to its non-degradable nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in terms of their ability to vaporize?

VOCs are organic compounds that easily vaporize into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What role do trees play in emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere?

Trees emit VOCs such as isoprene and terpenes, contributing to air pollution. Signup and view all the answers

How can hazardous air pollutants such as benzene contribute to air pollution?

Benzene, being colorless and flammable, can be a hazardous air pollutant that impacts air quality negatively. Signup and view all the answers

Why are non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) considered significant in terms of air pollution?

NMVOC, like benzene and toluene, are known carcinogens impacting human health. Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to reduce the volume of waste according to the text?

Using concentrated detergent Signup and view all the answers

How can toxicity be reduced in printing according to the text?

Using soybean and organic inks Signup and view all the answers

What is a common material used in composting as per the text?

Straw and shredded leaves Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for reducing lead and mercury in products?

Avoiding lead ink and using organic inks Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of waste prevention mentioned in the text?

Designing for environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested way to deal with untouched food according to the text?

Delivering it to social services Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Contaminants

Chemical contaminants pose health risks and are regulated by Ontario Reg. 170/03, which lists parameters to be monitored, including both organic and inorganic substances.
Radiological contaminants include naturally occurring elements and products/by-products of nuclear technologies, and drinking systems near nuclear facilities are required to test for radionuclides.
Microbiological contaminants include pathogens such as viruses, protozoa, and bacteria, as well as algal toxins, which are important due to regulations and public health concerns.

Microbiological Contaminants

Viruses are small microorganisms capable of reproduction only within living cells, examples include Hepatitis A, norovirus, and Rotavirus.
Viruses are primarily from sewage contamination and can be inactivated with chlorine, but are not measured directly in drinking water.
Bacteria are microorganisms, usually one cell, and not all bacteria are pathogens; pathogenic bacteria are used as indicator organisms.
Protozoa are single-celled microorganisms that lack a cell wall, with two major concerns in drinking water being Cryptosporidum parvum and Giardia lambia.

Waste Reduction and Management

Source reduction and reuse is waste prevention, including concentrated detergent, light-weight containers, and photocopying both sides of paper.
Reducing toxicity involves using organic molecules instead of hazardous metals, such as soybean and organic inks in printing, and organic molecules in packing and plastics.
Food waste can be reduced through composting, and untouched food can be delivered to social services.

Water Treatment

Conventional surface water treatment plants include:
- Screen & Intake
- Coagulation
- Flocculation
- Clarification
- Filters
- Post Chlorination
- Clearwell
- Distribution System
Coagulation involves rapid dispersion of coagulant in water to destabilize suspended particles and form precipitates.
Flocculation involves gentle agitation of water to promote contact between particles, increasing settling rate or filterability.
Sedimentation (clarification) removes suspended solids by gravity settling.

Disinfection and Inactivation

Inactivation processes depend on raw water characteristics, and must balance the need to inactivate pathogens while minimizing disinfection-by-products.
Chemical disinfectants include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, and ozone.
Physical disinfectants include UV, filtration, and heat.

Chlorination

Chlorine is a greenish yellow gas, 2.5 times heavier than air, and is supplied in cylinders or tank cars.
Chlorine demand is the amount of chlorine used up, and residual is the chlorine left in the water after demand is met.
Combined and free residuals make up the total residual, and the type of residual depends on pH, temperature, and ammonia left in water.

Air Pollutants

Particulate matter (PM) comes from both natural and human sources, including volcanoes, dust, and forest fires.
Lead is a critical air pollutant, doesn't degrade, and is a legacy contaminant from sources like leaded paint, lead in drinking water, and leaded gasoline.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that easily vaporize, and come from sources like gaseous hydrocarbons, solvents, and trees.
Hazardous air pollutants include benzene, which is a suspected carcinogen and contributes to sick building syndrome.

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Description

Learn about the composition, sources, and types of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere, including primary and secondary emissions. Explore the characteristics of lead as a critical air pollutant, its sources, and effects on the environment and human health.