Ray Siemon Z.

Matalog March 7, 2024

CPET 3202 21-30405

Environmental Technology Activity #2

1. Explain the types and sources of gaseous air pollutants.

Criteria Air Pollutant:

Ozone (O3): Formed through the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Sources
include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and power plants.

Particulate Matter (PM): Particles in the air that are very minute,
the most significant being PM2.5 (particles that are 2.5 micrometers
in diameter or less) and PM10 (particles that are 10 micrometers in
diameter or less). Vehicle exhaust, manufacturing processes, and
combustion processes are some of the sources.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Produced, mostly from automobiles and
industrial buildings, during combustion processes.
Greenhouse gases:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Primarily released by industrial activities,

deforestation, and the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and
natural gas).
Methane (CH4): Released by cattle and other agricultural activities,
as well as during the extraction and transportation of coal, oil, and
natural gas.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Released by burning solid waste and fossil fuels,
as well as by industrial and agricultural processes.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

Vehicle exhaust: Gasoline and diesel emissions.

Industrial processes: Paints, solvents, and chemical manufacturing.

Biogenic sources: Release of organic compounds from plants

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):

Released into the air through the burning of fossil fuels containing
sulfur, such as coal and oil. Major sources include power plants and
industrial facilities.
Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs):

Benzene: Released from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and

tobacco smoke.

Formaldehyde: Emitted from combustion processes, industrial

facilities, and wood products.
 2. What are the hazardous air pollutants and give each sources of it.

1. Benzene:
The burning of fossil fuels (such as car exhaust), industrial
operations (particularly those in the petrochemical sector), tobacco
smoke, and certain natural sources are the sources.

2. Formaldehyde:
Sources include industrial operations (such as those that
manufacture chemicals or wood products), combustion processes, tobacco
smoke, and some construction materials.

3. Acetaldehyde:
Sources include wood burning, industrial activities
(particularly in the manufacturing of chemicals and polymers), vehicle
exhaust, and certain natural sources.

4.Mercury:
Include rash incineration, industrial activities (particularly
in metal smelting), coal-fired power stations (which are the main
source), and certain natural sources.

5. Vinyl Chloride:
Sources are the Industrial processes (particularly in the
chemical manufacturing business), the production of PVC (polyvinyl
chloride) and other plastics.

6. Chromium compounds:
Sources include industrial operations (such as metal plating and
stainless-steel manufacture), the burning of fossil fuels, and some
natural sources.

7. Lead (Pb)
Sources include lead-acid battery manufacture, lead smelting,
the combustion of lead gasoline (which has been phased out in many
countries), and some industrial activities.

8. Methylene chloride:
Sources include paint stripping and removers, metal cleaning and
degreasing, and some industrial procedures.

9. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Sources include the production of electrical equipment
(historically used in transformers and capacitors), incorrect disposal
of PCB-containing products, and certain industrial operations.

10. Dioxins and furans:

Sources include waste incineration, industrial operations
(particularly those that use chlorine or combustion), and some natural
sources.
3. Summarize in table the effect of air pollution in human health,
vegetation, animals, materials and visibility.
Aspect Effects of Air Pollution

Human Health - Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, bronchitis

- Cardiovascular problems

- Increased risk of lung cancer

- Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat

- Adverse effects on the nervous system

- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions

Vegetation - Damage to leaves and plant tissues

- Inhibition of photosynthesis

- Changes in plant growth patterns

- Reduced crop yields and quality

- Soil and water contamination due to deposition of

pollutants

Animals - Respiratory and cardiovascular issues in wildlife

- Disruption of reproductive patterns

- Impaired immune system

- Changes in behavior and migration patterns

- Accumulation of pollutants in tissues, affecting

food chain dynamics

Materials - Corrosion of metals and structures

- Deterioration of building materials

- Fading and discoloration of textiles and artwork

- Damage to monuments and historical structures

- Reduced lifespan of materials and structures

Visibility - Formation of haze and smog

- Impaired visibility, especially in urban areas

- Aviation hazards due to reduced visibility

- Increased risk of accidents and collisions

- Aesthetic degradation, impacting scenic views

4. Establish strategic plan on how we can mitigate prevent the cause and
effects of air pollution in human health, vegetation, animals, materials and
visibility.

- Enforce and update emission rules for industry, automobiles, and

power plants.

- Implement and enforce stronger regulations regarding open burning

and garbage disposal.

- Invest in renewable energy infrastructure (solar, wind, and hydro).

- Offer incentives to businesses and individuals who implement

renewable energy methods.

- Encourage research and development of energy efficiency

technologies.

- Educate populations on the health effects of air pollution and

preventive actions.

- Educate people about sustainable lifestyle choices.

- Adopt green building standards and sustainable urban planning.

- Encourage tree planting projects in cities and suburbs.

- Invest in air-quality monitoring infrastructure.

- Participate in international accords and conventions governing

cross-border pollution.

- Share best practices and technology with other countries.

- Create technological exchange initiatives to enhance knowledge

transfer.

- Establish air quality alarm systems for sensitive groups.

- Encourage ongoing research to address emerging air pollution

challenges.

5. An empty 6-inch-diameter dustfall jar weighs 1560 g. After sitting outside

for the prescribed amount of time, the jar weighs 1570 g.
Report the dustfall.

Given:

Initial weight (Weight before): 1560g

Final weight (Weight after): 1570g

Dustfall = 1570g – 1560g

Dustfall = 10g
6. How does the operation of cyclone looks like?

A cyclone is a centrifugal separator that pushes particles to the outer edges

due to centrifugal force. The incoming air is immediately compelled to adopt
a fast-revolving spiral movement, known as the "double vortex." This double
spiral movement is made up of two streams: an outer one that flows downward
in a spiral and an inner one that flows upward in a spiral. At the
intersection of both streams, air flows from one to the other. Particles in
the air are driven to the separator's outer borders and exit through a
collection mechanism mounted at the separator's bottom.

7. How can you differentiate adsorption and absorption?

Adsorption and absorption are separate processes in which molecules interact

with materials. Adsorption happens on the surface of a substance, when
molecules adhere to the outer layer via weak interactions such as van der
Waals forces or hydrogen bonding. This process is often reversible, and the
molecules can be freed by altering the circumstances.

While, absorption is the penetration and dispersion of molecules within the

bulk of a material, with stronger chemical or physical connections formed
between the absorbed molecules and the absorbing substance. Absorption can
be reversible or irreversible, with an exothermic or endothermic energy
change.
8. Compare the term controls and abatement of source correction.

Controls and abatement are terms used to manage environmental pollution. With
controls referring to a larger range of techniques such as legislation,
standards, and technology adoption targeted at restricting or reducing
emissions from pollution sources. Abatement, on the other hand, refers to
activities conducted at the source to decrease or remove pollution. While
"controls" refers to a complete strategy to pollution management, "abatement"
focuses on direct interventions and procedures, generally requiring the
deployment of pollution control devices or process adjustments to reduce
environmental effect. Both concepts are important in the context of
environmental protection and pollution prevention, with "controls" covering
a broader range of tactics and "abatement" focusing on source-specific
activities.

9. Taken into account cost, ease of operation, and ultimate disposal of

residuals, what type of pollution control device or equipment do you
suggest for the following emissions and why?

a. Dust particles with diameters between 5 and 10 microns.

b. Gas containing 20% SO2 and 80% N2

c. Gas containing 90% Hydrocarbons and 10% O2

d. Gas containing 80% N2 and 20% O2.

e. Gas containing 80% Hydrocarbons, 15% O2 and 5% CO.

a. Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) - are effective at catching tiny

particles within a specific diameter range. They have lower operating
costs than other technologies, are efficient at particle removal, and
the collected dust can occasionally be reused for industrial purposes.
b. Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) or wet scrubbers - are good at removing
sulfur dioxide (SO2). These methods are widely employed in industries
that produce sulfur-rich emissions. Wet scrubbers are noted for their
convenience of use, but the collected liquid waste may require adequate
treatment.
c. Catalytic oxidizers - are effective in reducing hydrocarbon emissions.
They operate at lower temperatures than thermal oxidizers, which
reduces operating expenses. They also improve efficient hydrocarbon
combustion, which reduces unburned pollution emissions.
d. Membrane separation – it selectively removes oxygen from gas streams.
It is a low-cost, energy-efficient technology for separating nitrogen
and oxygen. The separated oxygen and nitrogen can subsequently be
released or utilized in a variety of applications.
e. Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) - RTOs are good at removing
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO emissions. They provide great
destruction efficiency and energy recovery, making them cost-effective
in the long run. However, the residuals formed during the combustion
process should be properly disposed of.