Environmental Problems

Environmental Problems

1. Burning

   • Releases Gases & Particles
     • Power Stations burn Fuel
       • Make Electricity
     • Cars burn Fuel
     • Contains Carbon & Hydrogen
       • During Combustion Carbon & Hydrogen are Oxidised
         • Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour is released into the atmosphere
         • Heat Energy is produced
         • Some fuel contains Sulphuric Impurities
           • Sulphur Dioxide is produced when burnt
         • When there is enough Oxygen for the fuel to burn you get Complete Combustion
           • However there is Incomplete Combustion
             • Caused by the lack of Oxygen
             • Some fuel doesn't burn
             • Under these conditions you get Particulates of Carbon and unburnt fuel released
               • Particulates are Solid Particles
               • Carbon Monoxide is also released
   • Sulphur Dioxide
     • Causes Acid Rain
       • Happens when Sulphur Dioxide mixes with Clouds
       • Oxides of Nitrogen also cause Acid Rain
       • Acid Rain kills trees and damages Limestone Building
       • Acid Rain reportedly harms human health
       • This can be reduced by reducing Sulphur Emissions
         • Most Sulphur can be removed before being burnt
           • This is costly
           • Takes more energy
             • Releases Greenhouse Gases
         • Petrol and Diesel are starting to be replaced by Low-Sulphur Versions
         • Power Stations now have Acid Gas Scrubbers
           • This takes out the harmful gases before being released into the air
         • We could reduce our use of Fossil Fuels

2. Climate Change

   • Increasing Carbon Dioxide burning
     • This causes the Average Temperature of Earth to rise
       • Other Causes
         • Changing Weather Patterns
         • Severe Flooding
           • Melting Polar Ice Caps
   • Release of Particles
     • Causes Global Dimming
       • Scientists measured how much Sunlight was reaching Earth
         • 25% Less in the last 50 years
           • Caused by Soot Particles
             • Reflect Sunlight back into Space
             • Help produce more clouds
   • Alternative Fuels
     • Ethanol
       • Produced from Plant Material (Biofuel)
         • Made by Fermentation of Plants
         • Often mixed with Petrol
       • Pros
         • Carbon Neutral
           • The Carbon Dioxide that was released was taken in by the plant as it grew
         • The only other product is Water
       • Cons
         • Engines need to be converted to allow Ethanol Fuel
         • Isn't widely available
         • Increase demand for Crops
           • Increase in Food prices
     • Biodiesel
       • Produced from Vegetable Oil
         • Can be mixed with ordinary Diesel
       • Pros
         • Carbon Neutral
           • Produces less Sulphur Dioxide and Particulates
         • Engines don't need to be Converted
       • Cons
         • Not enough can be produced to replace Diesel
         • Expensive to make
         • Can cause rising food prices
     • Hydrogen Gas
       • Can be used to power vehicles
       • Hydrogen can be gotten from Electrolysis of Water
       • Can come from a Renewable Source
       • Pros
         • Hydrogen comes from Water which is plentiful
         • Water is the only product
           • Very Clean
       • Cons
         • Hydrogen Gas stations aren't widely available
         • Need expensive, special engines
         • Hard to Store
         • Still need energy from another source to make it