EENV REVIEWER.pdf

1. Understanding Ecosystems and the Environment 3. Levels of Ecological Organization Ecosystem: Individual: An ecosystem is a community of organisms The basic unit of ecology, representing a single living...

1. Understanding Ecosystems and the Environment 3. Levels of Ecological Organization Ecosystem: Individual: An ecosystem is a community of organisms The basic unit of ecology, representing a single living and interacting with each other and their organism. physical environment. It includes both biotic Population: (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. A group of individuals of a given species living in Ecosystems are crucial as they provide the a specific geographical area at a given time. necessary support for life through processes Community: like energy flow, nutrient cycling, and habitat All populations in a specific area at any given provision. time, interacting with each other. Environment: Ecosystem: The environment is the aggregate of physical, A place where living organisms interact with chemical, biological, and social components each other and their physical environment. that can affect living beings and human Biome: activities, both in the short and long term. It A set of ecosystems sharing similar encompasses everything around us, from the characteristics with their abiotic factors air we breathe to the natural landscapes we adapted to their environment. interact with. Biosphere: Nature: The entire inhabited part of Earth, including its Nature refers to all living things and natural atmosphere and living components. processes not influenced by humans, such as forests, animals, and rivers. It is derived from 4. Habitats and Biodiversity the Greek word "natura," meaning essential qualities or innate disposition. Nature is Habitat: foundational to life, providing resources, A place where an organism or a community of habitats, and the processes that sustain organisms live, including all living and nonliving ecosystems. factors or conditions of the surrounding environment. A habitat can range from a grove 2. Ecology and its Importance of trees to a pond or even a host organism for parasites. Ecology: Biodiversity: Ecology, a term coined by German zoologist Biodiversity comes from the words "Bio" (life) Ernst Haeckel in 1869, is derived from the and "diversity" (variability). It refers to the Greek word "oikos," meaning "house." It is the variety of all living things, including different broader study of relationships between plants, animals, microorganisms, the genetic organisms and their environment, including information they contain, and the ecosystems humans, animals, plants, and other organisms. they form. Ecology explores these interactions at various levels, from individuals to entire ecosystems. 5. Types of Biodiversity Significance: Understanding ecology is vital in today's world, Genetic Diversity: as it helps us comprehend the impacts of The variety of genes within a species. For human activities on the environment and example, different breeds of dogs belong to the develop strategies for sustainable living. same species but have different characteristics due to genetic diversity. Species Diversity: The variety of species within an ecosystem. A rainforest, for instance, has high species  diversity because it hosts many different ▪ Oceans: The largest ecosystems, species of plants, animals, and insects. covering most of the Earth's Ecosystem Diversity: surface. The variety of ecosystems in a region or the ▪ Coral Reefs: Highly diverse, found in shallow, warm ocean waters. entire planet, such as forests, deserts, oceans, ▪ Estuaries: Unique habitats where and wetlands. freshwater meets saltwater. o Brackish: 6. Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems ▪ Mangroves: Coastal ecosystems with salt-tolerant trees. Terrestrial Ecosystems: ▪ Salt Marshes: Coastal wetlands o Forest: flooded and drained by tides. ▪ Tropical Rainforest: High biodiversity, located near the 7. Ecological Relationships equator with heavy rainfall. ▪ Temperate Forest: Distinct Commensalism: seasons, a mix of deciduous and A relationship where one organism benefits, and the evergreen trees. other is neither helped nor harmed. ▪ Boreal Forest (Taiga): Dominated by Other Relationships: coniferous trees, found in cold Mutualism: Both organisms benefit. climates. Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense o Grassland: of the other. ▪ Savanna: Tropical regions, Predation: One organism preys on another. characterized by grasses with Competition: Organisms vie for the same scattered trees and a warm resources. climate. ▪ Temperate Grassland: Few trees, 8. Earth's Spheres and Cycles dominated by grasses in temperate regions. o Desert: Biosphere: ▪ Hot Desert: Very little rainfall, The biosphere is made up of all the parts of extreme temperatures (e.g., the Earth where life exists. It extends from the Sahara). deepest roots to ocean trenches, lush ▪ Cold Desert: Little precipitation, rainforests, and high mountaintops. found in cold regions (e.g., the Gobi Atmosphere: Desert). Earth's atmosphere is a protective layer of o Tundra: gases that supports life by allowing liquid water ▪ Arctic Tundra: Cold temperatures, to exist, absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, permafrost, and limited vegetation and reducing temperature extremes. in polar regions. Hydrosphere: ▪ Alpine Tundra: High altitudes on mountains, similar to the Arctic The hydrosphere includes all water on the tundra but with more temperature surface, underground, and in the air. It can exist variation. in liquid, vapor, or ice forms. Aquatic Ecosystems: Geosphere: o Freshwater: The geosphere refers to all the rocks on Earth, ▪ Lakes and Ponds: Standing bodies including the planet's mantle and crust. of freshwater. ▪ Rivers and Streams: Flowing freshwater ecosystems. ▪ Wetlands: Saturated areas supporting aquatic plants. o Marine: 9. Biogeochemical Cycles Gaseous Cycles: o Nitrogen Cycle: Vital for life, converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants. o Carbon Cycle: Involves the movement of carbon through the environment, crucial for energy flow. o Hydrologic Cycle: The water cycle, involving evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. o Oxygen Cycle: Cycles oxygen through the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Sedimentary Cycles: o Phosphorus Cycle: Essential for life, phosphorus cycles through rocks, soil, and organisms. o Sulfur Cycle: Involves the movement of sulfur through the environment, impacting ecosystems. 10. Human Impact and Ecological Issues Eutrophication: Excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to high nutrient levels, often caused by agricultural runoff. This can lead to oxygen depletion in water, harming aquatic life. Significance in Today's World: Understanding these concepts is crucial as human activities increasingly impact ecosystems and biodiversity. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources all threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems. By studying ecology and environmental science, we can develop sustainable practices to protect our planet and ensure a healthy environment for future generations. RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS IN THE PHILIPPINES food chain, and property values. Pollutants may be solid, liquid, or gas, and can originate from natural or 1. Philippine Environmental Policy anthropogenic sources, or both. Presidential Decree No. 1151 (06 June 1977) Composition of Earth's Atmosphere This decree establishes a national environmental protection program that mandates environmental Nitrogen (78.09%) impact assessments for various projects. This Oxygen (20.95%) ensures that development is sustainable and does Argon (0.93%) not compromise the environment for future Trace Gases (0.03%): This includes greenhouse generations. gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, 2. Philippine Environmental Impact Statement and ozone. System Sources of Air Pollution Presidential Decree No. 1586 (11 June 1978) This system classifies development projects as 1. Natural Sources: Pollen grains, volcanic eruptions, either environmentally critical or non-critical. For forest fires, dust storms, spores, bacteria, and projects that may have significant environmental other microorganisms. impacts, an Environmental Compliance Certificate 2. Stationary Sources: Fixed emitters such as fossil (ECC) is required to proceed. fuel-burning power plants, petroleum refineries, 3. Climate Change Act of 2009 and petrochemical plants. Republic Act No. 9729 3. Man-made Sources: Industrial units, thermal This act integrates climate change adaptation and power plants, automobile exhausts, fossil fuel mitigation into government policies. It establishes burning, mining, nuclear explosions. the Climate Change Commission, which 4. Mobile Sources: Non-stationary sources like coordinates efforts related to climate change. automobiles, buses, trucks, ships, trains, and 4. Writ of Kalikasan aircraft. Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC, 29 April 2010) CLASSIFICATION OF POLLUTANTS The Writ of Kalikasan is a legal remedy that allows individuals or groups to seek protection for their 1. Primary Pollutants: Emitted directly from right to a healthy environment when it is violated or identifiable sources (e.g., Particulate Matter (PM), threatened. Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, Carbon Monoxide, and Lead). POLLUTION 2. Secondary Pollutants: Formed when primary air pollutants react with one another or with other Definition: Pollution is any change in the background chemicals (e.g., ozone, formaldehyde, smog, acid concentration or the introduction of any substance into the mist, sulfuric acid). environment that adversely affects the usefulness of a resource. POLLUTANT SOURCES AND EFFECTS Miscellaneous Sources: John F. Kennedy Quote: "Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. Fuel Combustion: Fossil fuels, land use, and We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal." industrial processes contribute to air pollution. For example, fossil fuel combustion, particularly from AIR POLLUTION: THE SILENT KILLER vehicles and industrial processes, emits large quantities of pollutants. Air pollution is one of the world's leading risk factors for Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless Gas: Pollutants death. It is associated with many of the leading causes of like CO2 have no immediate sensory impact but mortality, including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory contribute significantly to long-term climate infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive effects. pulmonary disease (COPD). Specific Pollutants and Their Effects: Air Pollution Defined 1. LIST OF IMPORTANT AIR TOXICS Air pollution refers to any alteration of the physical, a. Carbon Monoxide chemical, and biological properties of the atmospheric air, Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas or the discharge of any liquid, gaseous, or solid substances No effect at normal concentration that could make the air harmful or detrimental to public (0.1ppm) health, safety, or welfare. This is outlined in the Clean Air Act of 1999. Effects: Headache, nausea, fatigue AIR POLLUTANTS Extreme: Convulsions, Unconsciousness, Cardio- respiratory Failure, Death Pollutants can dwell temporarily or permanently in the air, altering the environment by affecting health, comfort, or the b. Carbon Dioxide Colorless, odorless gas  Primary source: fossil fuel combustion People with existing heart and lung disease, And although they still account for only as well as elderly and children, are 0.04% of the atmosphere, that still adds particularly at risk up to billions upon billions of tons of heat- g. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) trapping gas. For example, in 2019 alone, humans dumped 36.44 billion tonnes of Volatile organic compounds are CO2 into the atmosphere, where it will compounds that have a high vapor linger for hundreds of years. So there are pressure and low water solubility plenty of CO2 molecules to provide a Volatile organic compounds heat-trapping blanket across the entire (VOCs) are emitted as gases from atmosphere. certain solids or liquids c. OXIDES OF NITROGEN VOCs include a variety of NOx group contains NO, NO2 , N2O chemicals, some of which may Fuel combustion in automobiles and have short- and long-term adverse industries health effects Lightning Concentrations of many VOCs are Forest fires consistently higher indoors (up to Natural ionizing radiations ten times higher) than outdoors. Effects: Reduce blood carrying capacity, VOCs are emitted by a wide array Causes lung problems of products numbering in the d. OXIDES OF SULFUR thousands Generally called SOx, include SO2, SO3 h. Benzene 67% of SOx pollution due to volcanic activities and other natural resources Sources: burning coal and oil, vehicle exhaust, industrial Industrial activities solvents, tobacco smoke Effects: Respiratory problems, Marbles, Acute effects: include dizziness, clothes, paper, leather also affected, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and Plants also heavily affected irritation of skin and mucous e. Hydrocarbons membranes Include particulate methane, ethylene, Chronic effects: include blood acetylene, terpenes, etc. disorders including aplastic Sources include coal fields, natural fires anemia, adverse effects on fetal Incomplete combustion development, and leukemia Forest fires Agricultural burning i. Beryllium Compounds Carcinogenic Effect, Form ozone, and PAN which are harmful, Damage plants, Sources: burning coal and oil, rubber materials, fabrics and paints. tobacco smoke, natural f. Particulate Matter (PM) occurrence in soil Particles of different substances Acute effects: include suspended in the air in the form of solid inflammation and swelling of the particles, and liquid droplets lungs Include: aerosols, dust, smoke, fumes, Chronic effects: include chronic mist, fog, fly ash etc. beryllium disease (development of Come from a variety of sources: noncancerous lesions in the lungs) ✓ Diesel trucks and buses ✓ Construction equipment j. Coke Oven Immissions ✓ Power Plants ✓ Woodstoves Sources: coke ovens ✓ Wildfires Effects: include conjunctivitis, dermatitis, lesions of respiratory Chemical reactions in the atmosphere and digestive systems, and various can transform gases into fine particles. cancers Effects: Premature death k. Formaldehyde Aggravated asthma SOURCES: building materials and home Acute respiratory symptoms furnishings, power plants, incineration of waste, automobile exhaust, tobacco Chronic Bronchitis smoke Decreased lung function (shortness of breath) EFFECTS: acute effects include irritation of eyes and respiratory tract and  inflammation of mouth, esophagus, and 1. On Plants: Decreases agricultural yield, stomach if ingested; chronic effects suppresses growth of vegetables, causes leaf include lesions in respiratory tract, injury, and damages young plants. menstrual disorders, and lung and 2. On Materials: Causes corrosion of metals, nasopharyngeal cancer deterioration of building materials, damages l. Nickel Compounds protective coatings and paints, and affects artwork SOURCES: nickel processing, fossil-fuel due to suspended particulate matter (SPM). burning, sewage sludge incineration EFFECTS: acute effects include lung and Health Effects of AIR POLLUTION can be: kidney damage (anecdotal reports) and gastrointestinal disorders; chronic effects Acute or Short-Term Symptoms: include dermatitis and asthma m. Radionucleides (radon, radium, uranium) Acute or short-term symptoms are often much more severe SOURCES: ambient air (radon, uranium), in individuals predisposed to adverse respiratory events. drinking water (uranium), uranium mines Common short-term effects include irritated mucous and processing facilities, phosphate membranes, inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and fertilizers possible airway restriction. These effects can be EFFECTS: chronic effects include lung, particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing bone, and nasal cancer respiratory conditions, as the inflammation and irritation n. Selenium Compounds can exacerbate their symptoms. SOURCES: drinking water and Chronic or Long-Term Effects of Exposure: ambient air, some plastics and paints, pharmaceutical production Chronic or long-term effects of exposure to air pollutants EFFECTS: acute effects include may include chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, irritation of the respiratory and sustained airway restriction, or pulmonary emphysema. For gastrointestinal tracts; chronic example, pulmonary emphysema, which results in effects include loss of hair and shortness of breath due to the destruction of the alveoli tooth decay and discoloration membranes in the lungs, has been linked to exposure to airborne asbestos dust. This condition is characterized by a o. Vinyl Chloride gradual decrease in lung function, making breathing increasingly difficult over time. SOURCES: manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is Air Pollution Control used in pipes, furniture, and automobiles Preventive Measures: EFFECTS: acute effects include central nervous system issues 1. Selection of Suitable Fuel: including dizziness, drowsiness, o Application: Commonly applied in power headaches, loss of consciousness, generation industries, particularly coal and inhibition of blood clotting; power plants. chronic effects include, rarely, vinyl o How it Works: Selecting low-sulfur fuels chloride disease, in which changes reduces sulfur dioxide emissions, which occur in the bones and skin of the are a significant contributor to air pollution. fingers and sensitivity to cold is For example, using natural gas (CNG) increased, and liver cancer instead of coal can significantly lower emissions of harmful pollutants. 2. Modification in Industrial Processes: o Application: Applicable in various FACTORS AFFECTING HUMAN HEALTH industries, including manufacturing and chemical processing. o How it Works: Modifying processes to The impact of air pollutants on human health depends on: reduce pollutant formation at the source. For instance, using cleaner production Nature of the pollutants techniques or upgrading to more efficient Concentration of the pollutants machinery can minimize the release of Duration of exposure pollutants. State of health receptor 3. Selection of Suitable Site and Zoning for Age group of receptor Industrial Units: o Application: Urban planning and industrial IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON PLANTS AND development. MATERIALS o How it Works: Placing industrial facilities in areas that minimize exposure to the  population and sensitive environments can Temperature and/or humidity imbalances reduce the impact of emissions. Too much glare 4. Control Measures Using Equipment: Inadequate fresh air leading to carbon dioxide o Collecting Pollutants: (CO2) buildup ▪ Application: Found in industries Normal outdoor CO2 levels are around 350 ppm; such as cement production, metal indoor levels can reach 600-800 ppm, and levels processing, and power generation. above 1000 ppm can cause tiredness and ▪ How it Works: Equipment like sleepiness. electrostatic precipitators and The Cal/OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for CO2 baghouses collect particulate is 5000 ppm. matter from emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. Measurements Needed to Monitor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) o Destroying Pollutants: ▪ Application: Used in chemical According to the IAQ Handbook (2011), the following manufacturing and waste measurements are necessary to monitor indoor air quality: incineration. ▪ How it Works: Pollutants are Room temperature destroyed by thermal or catalytic Relative humidity (RH) combustion, converting harmful Air movement and flow (velocity, volume, and substances into less toxic forms. ventilation) o Changing Pollutants to Less Toxic Forms: CO and CO2 levels ▪ Application: Chemical processing Ultrafine particles (UFPs) industries. Bioaerosols ▪ How it Works: Chemical reactions Chemicals in aerosol form (condensates) are used to convert hazardous Light, noise, vibrations, and ergonomics pollutants into less harmful substances before they are Indoor Air Quality Control emitted. Strategies: Indoor Air Pollution 1. Source Control: Definition: Indoor air pollution describes the situation o Application: Common in residential, when gases or particulate pollutants build up in indoor commercial, and industrial buildings. atmospheres to the point where they affect human health o How it Works: Source control eliminates or comfort. individual sources of pollutants or reduces their emissions. This approach is usually American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air the most effective strategy for reducing Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62: This pollutants and is more cost-efficient than standard recommends 15 to 20 Cubic Feet per Minute increasing ventilation, as it avoids the (CFM) of outdoor air per person to maintain good indoor air higher energy costs associated with more quality. ventilation. 2. Ventilation: Sick Building Syndrome (Tight Building Syndrome) o Application: Applied in HVAC systems for buildings. Definition: Sick Building Syndrome is used to describe o How it Works: Ventilation increases the situations in which building occupants experience acute amount of outdoor air coming indoors, health and/or comfort effects that appear to be linked to helping to control indoor temperatures and the time spent in a particular building. No specific illness remove or dilute airborne pollutants. can be identified, but complaints may be localized in a Ventilation can be improved through: particular room or widespread throughout the building. ▪ Natural Ventilation: Using windows and doors. Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: ▪ Mechanical Ventilation: Through HVAC systems. Contaminated outdoor air ▪ Infiltration: Outdoor air flows into Emissions from nearby sources the house through openings, joints, Moisture or standing water promoting excessive cracks, and around windows and microbial growth doors. Equipment and human activities 3. Air Cleaners: Housekeeping and maintenance activities o Application: Used in homes, offices, and Building components and furnishings industrial settings. Unsanitary conditions and water damage o How it Works: Air-cleaning devices, such Chemicals released by building components as air filters, remove pollutants from indoor air. Some are installed in the ductwork of a Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality: home’s central heating, ventilating, and air-  conditioning (HVAC) system to clean the air in the entire house. Standards and Guidelines Environmental standards and guidelines are crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring that air pollution control measures are effective and in compliance with regulations. Estimating Emissions of Air Pollutants Purpose: The emission rate of air pollutants must be determined for formulating emission control strategies, developing applicable permit and control programs, and identifying the possible effects of sources and mitigation strategies. Techniques: 1. Direct Measurement: o Application: Used in industries where emissions are continuously monitored, such as chemical manufacturing and power generation. o How it Works: Taken from actual or similar sources, direct measurement involves using instruments to measure emissions directly from a source. However, this approach may be expensive and may require continuous emission monitoring for some processes. 2. Mass Balance Approach: o Application: Applied in situations where direct measurement is not feasible. o How it Works: This method involves calculating emissions based on inventory data or process data. However, it may be limited by a lack of available data from similar processes or changes in inventory. Emission Factors: A comprehensive set of emission factors is used to relate the quantity of pollutants released to the atmosphere based on an activity associated with the release of that pollutant. These factors are used to estimate pollutant emissions when direct measurement or mass balance approaches are not practical. Sample Problem Problem: Coffee Mountain Roasting Company roasted 26 million pounds of coffee beans in 2020. Determine the following emission if all 26 million pounds were continuously roasted. Estimate the emissions without and with a thermal oxidizer with 80% efficiency. Emission Factor (EF): The emission factor for filterable particulate matter (PM) is 0.66 pounds of PM per ton of coffee roasted. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR Application: Common in industries like cement manufacturing, metal processing, and chemical production STATIONARY SOURCES for fine particle removal. Air pollution from stationary sources—such as power Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) plants, chemical industries, and incineration systems— presents significant environmental challenges. Effective How It Works: ESPs use an electric field to charge particles, control techniques are crucial to minimize the release of which then migrate towards oppositely charged plates harmful particulates, gases, and hazardous compounds into where they are collected. The collected dust is periodically the atmosphere. This discussion covers various methods removed from the plates. used to control these pollutants, along with their Application: Highly efficient (up to 99% for particles 0.05- applications and working principles. 200 μm), ESPs are used in large-scale industrial CONTROL OF PRIMARY PARTICULATES applications, including power plants and steel mills. Gravity Settlers CONTROL OF GASES AND ODOROUS COMPOUNDS How It Works: Gravity settlers are large chambers where gas Absorption Devices flows slowly, allowing larger particles to settle at the bottom How It Works: Gaseous pollutants are absorbed into a liquid. due to gravity. They are effective for particles larger than 40- This is particularly effective for water-soluble gases. The gas 50 μm but do not remove finer respirable dust. is bubbled through the liquid, which captures the pollutants. Application: Primarily used as a pre-cleaning step in Application: Common in industries like chemical industries like power generation and incineration systems manufacturing, where gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and before more sophisticated techniques are applied. ammonia (NH₃) need to be controlled. Cyclones Adsorption Devices How It Works: Cyclones use centrifugal force to separate How It Works: Pollutants are adsorbed onto a solid surface particles from the gas stream. The gas enters the cyclone at (adsorbent) like activated carbon. The process is physical high speed, causing the particles to spiral outwards and and reversible, meaning the adsorbent can be regenerated settle due to their inertia. and reused. Application: Common in industries like cement production Application: Effective in industries where volatile organic and sawmills for removing larger particulates (>10 μm). compounds (VOCs) are prevalent, such as paint Cyclones are valued for their simplicity and low manufacturing and chemical processing. maintenance but are less effective for fine particles. Condensers Scrubbers (Wet Collectors) How It Works: Gas streams are cooled to condense vapors How It Works: Scrubbers utilize a liquid (often water) to into liquids, which can then be separated from the gas capture particles and soluble gases from the gas stream. The stream. gas enters at the bottom of a column while the liquid is sprayed from the top, forming droplets that capture Application: Used in petrochemical industries to recover pollutants. valuable solvents and reduce emissions. Types: Oxidation Processes Spray Scrubber: Simple and less prone to clogging, suitable Thermal Oxidation: Involves burning pollutants at high for low-pressure drops. temperatures (850-1000°C) to convert them into non- polluting substances like CO₂ and H₂O. Packed Scrubber: Contains packing material to enhance gas-liquid contact, leading to higher efficiency but higher Application: Used in waste treatment facilities and chemical cost and pressure drop. plants for the destruction of organic pollutants. Application: Widely used in chemical industries and power Catalytic Oxidation: Uses a catalyst to lower the plants for removing particulates and acidic gases like sulfur temperature required for oxidation (250-400°C), making it dioxide (SO₂). more energy-efficient. Bag Filters Application: Common in automobile exhaust systems (catalytic converters) and industrial flue gas treatment. How It Works: Bag filters trap particles on a porous material (fabric) as the gas passes through. Over time, a filter cake Biological Control Systems forms, which can enhance efficiency but must be removed periodically to avoid pressure drop. Biofilters: Microorganisms fixed to a porous medium degrade pollutants as the gas passes through. Bioscrubbers: Similar to biofilters but with microorganisms suspended in a scrubbing liquid. Application: Ideal for treating odorous compounds in wastewater treatment plants and composting facilities. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS Specific Technologies: For controlling hazardous air pollutants like heavy metals and toxic organic compounds, specialized techniques like incineration, sorbent injection, and advanced oxidation processes are used. Application: These methods are crucial in industries such as chemical manufacturing, waste incineration, and power generation, where hazardous emissions are a concern. Inorganic Acid Manufacturers Application: Used in industries producing sulfuric acid, nitric acid, etc. Control Techniques: Scrubbers, absorbers, and catalytic converters are commonly used to neutralize or capture HAPs. Base Manufacturers Application: Common in industries producing chemicals like ammonia and caustic soda. Control Techniques: Similar to acid manufacture, involving scrubbing and adsorption. Flue Gas Cleaning Desulfurization How It Works: Removes sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gas using wet scrubbers, dry scrubbers, or regenerable processes. Application: Essential in coal-fired power plants and metal smelting operations to control acid rain-causing emissions. NOx Removal How It Works: Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Reduces NOx to nitrogen using ammonia and a catalyst at low temperatures (300-400°C). Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR): Similar process but without a catalyst, requiring higher temperatures (850- 1000°C). Application: Used in power plants, industrial boilers, and waste incinerators to control nitrogen oxide emissions. PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999 Non-Attainment Areas: Areas that do not meet air quality guidelines must implement programs and The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 is a comprehensive measures to protect public health, including potential environmental law that establishes the framework for air quality relocation of residents. management in the Philippines. This legislation is essential for maintaining and improving air quality, protecting public health, and 3. Air Quality Management Fund ensuring sustainable development. Below is a streamlined overview of its key components and associated regulations. Purpose and Administration 1. Air Quality Management System Fund Utilization: Administered by the DENR, this fund Air Quality Monitoring and Information Network supports air pollution containment, removal, ecosystem restoration, research, enforcement, and monitoring National Air Quality Status Report: The Department of activities. Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is responsible for preparing an annual report that serves as Sources of Funds the basis for formulating the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework. This report includes: Revenue Streams: The fund is sourced from fines, o Extent of pollution by type and source. license fees, emission fees, and donations. o Analysis of current air pollution trends and projections. 4. Air Pollution Control Programs o Identification of critical areas needing closer monitoring or regulation. Stationary Sources o Recommendations for necessary legislative or executive actions. Emission Standards: Emission standards for stationary Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework sources are reviewed and revised every two years to improve air quality. Goals and Strategies: This framework prescribes Ban on Incineration emission reduction goals using permissible standards, control strategies, and economic incentives. It serves as the official blueprint for all government agencies to Prohibited Practices: Incineration of municipal, comply with ambient air quality standards. biomedical, and hazardous waste is banned, except for traditional small-scale methods. The DENR promotes Air Quality Control Action Plan non-burn technologies for waste treatment and disposal. Motor Vehicle Pollution Implementation: The plan includes enforceable emission limitations, control measures, and compliance schedules. It also outlines the establishment of systems Emission Standards and Inspection: Emission to monitor ambient air quality and regulate pollution standards for motor vehicles are reviewed and revised sources. every two years. A national motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program ensures vehicles meet these Airsheds standards. Pollution from Smoking Definition: Airsheds are areas with common weather conditions and sources of pollution that affect the diffusion of air pollutants. Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is prohibited inside Management: The DENR, through the Environment public buildings, enclosed public spaces, and public Management Bureau (EMB), designates and manages vehicles. airsheds based on climate, meteorology, and topography. These areas are overseen by multi-sectoral governing Fuels, Additives, and Pollutants boards. Fuel Specifications: The DENR sets specifications for fuels and additives to improve efficiency and reduce 2. Ambient Air Quality Standards emissions. The sale and use of leaded gasoline are prohibited. Guideline Values and Standards Criteria Pollutants: National Ambient Air Quality 5. International Protocols and Agreements Guidelines set the acceptable levels for common pollutants to protect public health. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Source-Specific Pollutants: Standards for emissions from industrial sources are established to ensure Global Agreement: The Philippines is a signatory to this compliance and prevent air quality deterioration. agreement, which regulates the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Management of Non-Attainment Areas Nearly 98% of ODS have been phased out globally since 1990. Kyoto Protocol and Doha Amendment Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction: The Kyoto Protocol commits industrialized countries to reduce GHG emissions. The Doha Amendment extends these commitments and includes new GHG to be reported. Paris Agreement Combatting Climate Change: The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, with efforts to keep it to 1.5°C. It calls for a balance between GHG emissions and removals by the second half of the century. 6. Emerging Pollutants Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Stockholm Convention: The Philippines adheres to this global treaty, which targets the elimination and reduction of POPs—chemicals that are toxic, persist in the environment, and accumulate in living organisms. Greenhouse Gases National Plan: The DENR prepares and implements a plan aligned with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to reduce GHG emissions.