Environmental Aspect

Process 1: Oxidation of Ethanol

The raw materials of this process are not considered toxic to the environment. However, inert
gases, such as Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, and Methane, will be discharged from the top of the
scrubbing tower. The aforementioned gases are considered as greenhouse gases which contribute in the
global warming. As for the bottom products of the ethanol recovery column, Butanol and Ethyl acetate, they
will be sent to the waste treatment before releasing in the environment.

Process 2: Liquid phase reaction of Acetylene

One of the raw materials, specifically Mercury (II) Sulfate, of this process is considered highly toxic
to the environment. Such compound poses long term hazards in the aquatic environment because it can
easily contaminate the water which is a food source for both marine and aquatic birds. As for the flue
gases, they will go directly to purification units before releasing in the environment.

Process 3: Oxidation of Ethylene

The raw materials of this process do not pose any harm to the environment. On the other hand, it
has numerous by-products that are considered toxic to the environment. First is Carbon dioxide because it
is considered as a greenhouse gas which contributes in the global warming. Second is Chloromethane
because it can be involved in the formation of ground level ozone which can cause damage to crops and
materials. Third is Chloroethane because it poses a slight acute toxicity, like shorter lifespans, to aquatic
life.

Summary:

Liquid phase reaction of

Oxidation of Ethanol Oxidation of Ethylene
Acetylene
Number of toxic raw (0) (1) Mercury (II) Sulphate (0)
materials
Number of toxic by (3) Carbon monoxide (3) Carbon dioxide
products Carbon dioxide Chloromethane
Methane Chloroethane
Total 3 1 3