Air Pollution

A Presentation by D.Mishra

Air Pollution

Air Pollution, Sources, Standards

Air Pollution
Air pollution is presence of Atmosphere in one or more contaminants or combinations there off in such a quantity for such a duration which may or may tend to effect human, animal, vegetative or material kingdom or unnecessarily interfere with comfortable enjoyment of life.

Air Pollution Control Criteria Pollutants

Fuel
Water Air Power Generation Process Solid Inputs Water Air

Emissions

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Sulfur Dioxide
Most dangerous of all gaseous pollutants Sources
Natural
Volcanic action, decomposition of organic matter, sea salt

Anthropogenic
Combustion of coal and petroleum products Petroleum refining Nonferrous smelting

Chemistry of SO2
Highly water soluble SO2 in atmosphere:

SO2 H2SO3 H2SO4 Last step facilitated by metal salts NH3 reacts with both products to form ammonium sulfate or bisulfate Precipitation/ deposition on plant surfaces/soil Oxidation to sulfate

Removal from atmosphere

Chemistry of SO2

Nitrogen Dioxide
Five forms of nitrogen oxide in atmosphere
NO2 most toxic and ubiquitous

Chemistry
Photolytic cycle
Results in formation of ozone Photochemical smog

NO2 HNO3
Acid rain

Photolytic Cycle of NO2

Particulate Matter
Solid and liquid aerosols suspended in the atmosphere Particulate matter is one of the six Criteria Air Pollutants PM10 (diameter < 10 mm)
Greatest impact on health

Classification of Particulates
Primary
Larger (1-20 mm) Emitted directly into the atmosphere Most important
Condensation nuclei

Secondary
Smaller Formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere

Formation of Particulates
Natural sources
Volcanoes, forest fires, ocean sprays

Anthropogenic
Mining, sand blasting, metal working

Physical
Dispersion
Disintegration of larger particles

Chemical
Burning of metals Combustion of fossil fuels

Particulate Toxicity
Particles are toxic
Toxic metals and nonmetal elements

Particle adsorb toxic chemicals and enhance effect

Penetration into lungs

Serve as condensation nuclei for water/vapors Overtax mucociliary apparatus

Decrease clearance of toxic chemicals

Air Pollution Control PARTICULATE EMISSION STANDARDS

350 300
Emission Standard (mg/Nm 3)

Minimum Maximum

250 200 150 100 50 0

France

Canda

Italy

Germany

UK

Japan

India

World Bank

Sweden

Air Pollution Control SULPHUR DIOXIDE EMISSION STANDARDS

SO2 Emission Standards (mg/Nm 3)
2500

Minimum Maximum
2000

1500

1000

500

Canda

Germany

UK

USA

Japan

India

World Bank

Australia

Sweden

Air Pollution Control NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION STANDARDS

Coal Based Power Stations
1000 900
NOx Emission Standard (mg/Nm 3)

Minimum Maximum

800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

Canda

Italy

Germany

UK

USA

Japan

India

World Bank Sweden

Air Pollution Control NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION STANDARDS

Gas Based Power Stations
10000
NOx Emission Standards (mg/Nm3)

1000

100

10

1 Australia United Kingdom Singpore USA

INDIA India

World Bank