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Sources
Sulphur dioxide is produced mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels that
contain sulphur, such as coal and oil (eg, coal being burnt in a home fireplace
for heating and diesel-powered vehicles). Sulphur dioxide is also produced
from some industrial processes (eg fertiliser manufacturing, aluminium
smelting and steel making).
Natural sources of sulphur dioxide include geothermal activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Effects on health
Sulphur dioxide can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis, and can irritate
your nose, throat and lungs. It may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm and asthma
attacks. The effects are worse when you are exercising. Sulphur dioxide has been
linked to cardiovascular disease.
Groups most affected are:
Children
Asthmatics
Adults with lung disease
Effects on ecosystems
Sulphur dioxide can cause acid rain which seriously affects ecosystems. Sulphur
dioxide deposition can affect vegetation around industrial discharges and in cities.
Lichens are good bio-indicators of pollution as they do not like to grow where there is
sulphur dioxide in the air.
Effects on visibility
Sulphur dioxide can form secondary particles (sulphates) that cause haze and
reduce visibility.
Wet scrubbing involves the removal of sulfur dioxide from flue gases before it escapes from the
power station chimney. Two methods are employed:
spraying the flue gases with seawater droplets (naturally alkaline) which react with
the sulfur dioxide
using powdered lime (calcium oxide) mixed with water to form an alkaline slurry.
When mixed with air and sprayed with the slurry the sulfur dioxide in the flue gases reacts
and forms solid calcium sulphate. This solid is removed allowing cleaned gases to escape.
Coal-powered stations give off solid particulates. These can also be removed from the flue gases.
Waste gases pass through an electrostatic precipitator allowing particulates to be collected and
removed.