Introduction to the different aspects of air pollution

Introduction to the different aspects of air pollution

The different aspects of air pollution are sources, types, effects, causes and its remedies. Air pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological molecules or other harmful materials into Earth's atmosphere which causing diseases death to humans and damage to other living organisms such as animals and food crops or the natural environment. Air pollution may come from human or natural sources. It is also a physical, biological and bio-chemical process to the air in the atmosphere.

Causes of Air pollution

• Exhaust from factories and industries:Production industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds and chemicals into the air and depleting the quality of air. Production industries can be found at every corner of the earth and there is no such area that has not been polluted by it. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution.
• Agricultural activities: Ammonia is a common by-product of the agriculture-related activities and it is one of the most toxic gasses in the atmosphere. Use of these insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers in the agricultural field has grown up to quite a lot. They radiate harmful chemicals into the air and can cause the water pollution also.
• A burning of Fossil Fuels:Sulfur dioxide which is emitted from the combustion fossil fuels products like coal, petroleum, and other factory combustibles is one of the major cause of air pollution.
• Mining operations: Mining is a process where ore and minerals below the earth surface are extracted using large equipment. During this operation dust and chemicals are released into the air cause air pollution. This is one of the reasons which is responsible for destroying the health conditions of workers and nearby residents.
• Indoor air pollution: Household cleaning products and painting supplies emit toxic chemicals into the air cause air pollution.

Effects of Air pollution

• Skin, Respiratory and Heart problems
• Acid Rain
• Eutrophication
• Effect on Wildlife
• Depletion of Ozone layer
• Global warming

Classification of air pollution

a. Depending upon the process of formation

1. Primary pollutant:The pollutants that are the direct result of the process called primary pollutants. A simple example of a primary air pollutant is sulfur dioxide emitted from factories.

• Oxides of S, N, & C
  • Organic compounds like fuel vapors & solvent like HCs
  • Particulate matters like smoke, fumes, and dust
  • Metal oxides of Pb, Cd, Cu & Fe
  • Odors
  • Toxic substances
• Sox, NOx,
• CO, HC

2. Secondary pollutant:

Secondary pollutants are those ones that are caused by the inter mingling and reactions of primary pollutants. Smog created by the interactions of several primary air pollutants is known to be as the secondary pollutant. The atmosphere (SO3, NO2, O3, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN),

b. Based on the types of pollutants:

• Gaseous pollutants: Sox, NOx, CO, HCs, etc.
• Particulates: smokes, dust, fumes, aerosols etc.

c. Based on the nature of source

• Point source or single source: steel mills, power plants, oil refineries, paper & pulp mills
• Spread sources or multiple or area sources: an entire residential area
• Line source: highways carrying moving vehicles

d. Based on the source types

• Combustion
• Industrial
• Power plants

Remedies for the Air Pollution

1. Use the public mode of transportation: Encourage to all the people to use more and more public modes of transportation to reduce air pollution. Also, try to make use of carpooling. If you and your colleagues come from the same locality have the same moment you can find out this option to save energy and money.
2. Conserve energy: Switch off fans and lights when you are going out. A lot of fossil fuels burnt to produce electricity. You can save the environment from degradation by the reducing a number of fossil fuels to be burned.
3. Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Do not throw away items that are of no use to you. In-fact reuses them for some other purpose. For e.g. you can use old jars to store cereals
4. Emphasis on clean energy resource: Clean energy technologies like solar, the wind and geothermal are on high on present days. Governments of different countries have been providing grants to all consumers who are interested in installing solar panels for their houses. This will go a long way to curing air pollution.
   1. Use energy efficient devices: CFL lights consume much less electricity as against another lightening device. They have the longer life and consume less electricity, lower electricity bills and also help you to reduce pollution by consuming less energy.

References:
1. Mackenzie L. Davis & David A. Cornwell, “Introduction to Environmental Engineering”, McGraw Hill.
2. Gilbert M. Masters, Standford University, “Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science”, Printice Hall.
3. Stephan Konz, Kansas State University, “Work design”, Grid Publishing Inc., Colombus, Ohio
4. C. S. Rao, “Environmental Pollution Control Engineering”, New age International (P) Limited, Publishers, India.