APES Chapter 7 Study guide

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Match the air pollutant with its description/characteristics.

____Lead________ Heavy metal released into air as suspended particulate.

_____NOx_______ Includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a reddish-brown gas, and nitrogen dioxide (N2O), which is a greenhouse gas

______VOCs______ Organic molecules that evaporate easily, indoor air pollutant.

_____Acid Precipitation_______ Low pH rain, snow, and dry deposition of secondary pollutants formed near coal burning powerplants and industries.

_____CO_______ Poisonous, colorless, odorless gas

_____PM_______ Very small particles of soot, dust or other matter, classified based on size (PM10 = 10 micrometers diameter, PM2.5 = 2.5 micrometers diameter

_______O3_____ Colorless, reactive gas that is helpful in the stratosphere but harmful in the troposphere.

____SO2________ Colorless gas with a pungent odor

Match the air pollutant with its sources/causes.

______Lead___ Smelting/metal processing, waste incinerators, used to be a component of gasoline and paint.

____NOx________ Vehicle exhaust, burning of fossil fuels, agricultural activities.

______VOCs______ Cigarettes, solvents, perfumes, paints, cleaners, glues, pesticides

______CO______ Gas stoves, vehicles burning gasoline, boilers – produced when fuel does not burn fully.

_____PM_______ Power plants/industry, volcanoes, windblown dust, wood stoves, mining

_____O3_______ Secondary pollutant formed when NO2 and VOCs react in the presence of sunlight.

________SOx____ Coal-burning power plants

_______Acid Precipitation_____ Secondary pollutant formed when SOx and NOx react with water and oxygen in the atmosphere.

Match the air pollutant with its effects.

_____SOx______ Eye irritation, lung damage, reacts in atmosphere with water to form sulfuric acid, causing acid deposition, which damages forests and buildings.

_______CO_____ Prevents blood from supplying oxygen to body, causing headaches, heart damage and death.

_____ Acid Precipitation________ Leaches heavy metals, alters nutrient cycling, reduces pH in waterways.

_____O3______ Major component of smog; causes lung damage and eye irritation; damages plant tissues and suppresses plant growth.

____PM________ Reduces visibility (creating haze); discolors buildings; causes asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular problems; can alter nutrient levels in water and soils.

______NOx_____ Major component of smog; can react with VOCs to form tropospheric ozone; causes lung damage; breaks down stratospheric ozone, causing hole in ozone layer.

_______Lead_____ Causes damage to central nervous system, brain and kidneys; biomagnifies and damages ecosystems.

______VOCs___ Reacts with nitrogen oxides to form photochemical smog; causes headaches and nausea as an indoor air pollutant.

Solutions

List the six pollutants that are monitored under the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990.

Sulfur Dioxide (SOx), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particle Matter (PM), Ozone - tropospheric ( 03), Lead (Pb)

Which pollutant was limited in the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 with a cap-and-trade system? Why? Did it work?

Sulfur Dioxide and this was done too limit is amount in the atmosphere. In a cap-and-trade system, the government sets an emissions cap and issues a quantity of emission allowances consistent with that cap.

Particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides are all produced by factories. How can factories prevent these pollutants from entering the air?

They can do this through wet scrubbers and electrostatic precipitator.

Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and VOCs are produced by vehicles. Most vehicles now have what important part that reduces emissions from these pollutants?

They have catalytic converters to reduce emissions.

VOCAB

Define all the following terms. Relate to this class whenever possible.

Topic 7.1 Introduction to Air Pollution

Coal - Releases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, lead), and

PM (often carries the toxic metals). Releases more than other FF.

Combustion- fossil fuel combustion is the process of a fuel type reacting with heat and oxygen which leads to chemicals, light and energy being released.

Air pollution - Presence of chemicals in the troposphere, concentrations high enough to cause harm and alter climate.

Air pollutants - Air pollutants can be secondary or primary pollutants, including, NOx, CO, CO2*, VOCs, SO2, PM, hydrocarbons (primary) and tropospheric O3 (Ozone), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) & sulfate (SO42-), Nitric acid (HNO3) & nitrate (NO3-).

Carbon dioxide - a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration. It is naturally present in air (about 0.03 percent) and is absorbed by plants in photosynthesis. (CO2 is NOT one of 6 criteria pollutants in Clean Air Act (although 07’ SC ruling found EPA could regulate greenhouse gases and it began doing so in 09’) as it doesn't DIRECTLY lower human health.)

SOx - a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulfur, such as coal and oil. It is a primary pollutant that can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and acid rain.

Toxic metals (and examples) - These metals come from mining, smelting, industrial production etc. Lead, mercury, arsenic cadmium, tin chromium, zinc and copper are all examples of these toxic metals.

Particulates/Particulate Matter- created from FF and biomass combustion. Very small particles of soot, dust or other matter, classified based on size (PM10 = 10 micrometers diameter, PM2.5 = 2.5 micrometers diameter

NOx - Includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a reddish-brown gas, and nitrogen dioxide (N2O), which is a greenhouse gas

Tropospheric/ground level ozone (how it’s formed)- Tropospheric, or ground level ozone, is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Photochemical smog- NO2 is broken down by sunlight into NO + O. Free oxygen 2 forms with the O to form O3. Meanwhile, VOCs bind with NO and create photochemical oxidants.

Nitric acid - Formed when NO2 reacts with water vapor in the air. It is a component of acid deposition that returns to the earth and can damage trees, soils, and aquatic life in lakes.

Acid rain- NOx and SO2 react with O2 and H2O in the atmosphere, forming

nitric and sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid and nitric acid dissociate in the presence of water into sulfate and nitrate ions, and hydrogen ions (H+). Acidic rainwater (higher H+ conc.) decreases soil and water pH; can limit tree growth in forests.

Carbon monoxide - Poisonous, colorless, odorless gas that displaces oxygen in the blood flow.

Hydrocarbons - a compound of hydrogen and carbon, such as any of those which are the chief components of petroleum and natural gas.

Clean Air Act - Clean Air Act (1970) identified 6 criteria air pollutants that the EPA is required to set acceptable limits for, monitor, and enforce: SOx, NOx, PM, Lead, O3, and CO

EPA – The US Enviromental Protection Angency.

Lead and lead additives in gasoline – was added to gasoline to improve th epreformace of the engine. But it was found to be a nertoxian and it damge to cataylic converted do it was phased out in 1974.

Primary vs. Secondary pollutants – Primary pollutants are directly created from some sort of combustion, burning, etc. Secondary pollutants are mixed of primary pollutants and another object like, water, sunlight, etc)

Acid deposition- any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.

Ambient - atmospheric air in its natural state, not contaminated by air-borne pollutants. Ambient air is typically 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.

Indicator species - can be surveyed and used to determine conditions of an ecosystem (soil, water, etc.)

Topic 7.2 – Photochemical Smog

Electromagnetic spectrum- The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation. electromagnetic radiation is a type of wave that transfers energy. These waves range from low-energy, long-wavelength radio waves to high-energy, short-wavelength gamma rays. In between are microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet light, and X-rays.

Ozone- a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule. It is a Photochemical oxidation of NO2.

Formaldehyde- Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant. It is a gas that can irritate a person's eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, or trigger an asthma attack, even at low concentrations. It is a common adhesive in particle

board and carpet glues.

Sublimate - movement of water between solid and gaseous states without ever becoming liquid

Respiratory- The main organ of the respiratory system is the lungs. Other respiratory organs include the nose, the trachea and the breathing muscles (the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles).

Industrial smog - a type of smog that is formed by the emission of pollutants from industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels. It is characterized by a thick, yellowish haze, and it is most commonly found in areas with heavy industrial activity, such as power plants and factories

Topic 7.3 – Thermal Inversion

Thermal inversion-During a thermal inversion, a cooler air mass becomes trapped near earth’s surface (Inverting normal gradient): due to a warm front moving in over it or due to hot urban surfaces cooling overnight while IR radiation absorbed during the day is still being released

Altitude - a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction.

Topic 7.4 – Atmospheric carbon dioxide and particulates

Carbon dioxide - heat-trapping gas, also known as a greenhouse gas, that comes from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas), from wildfires, and natural processes like volcanic eruptions.

Decomposition - Can be both anaerobic (CH4) and aerobic (releases CO2).

Volcanic eruptions (released pollutants) - released SO2, PM, CO, NOx

Topic 7.5 – Indoor Air Pollutants

Carbon monoxide - CO is an asphyxiant: causes suffocation due to CO binding to hemoglobin in blood, displacing O

Asphyxiant - An asphyxiant gas, also known as a simple asphyxiant, is a nontoxic or minimally toxic gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen concentration in breathing air. Breathing of oxygen-depleted air can lead to death by asphyxiation.

Asbestos - Asbestos is a long, silicate particle previously used in insulation (since been linked to lung cancer & asbestosis)

Dust - Dust settles in homes naturally, is disturbed by movement, entering air and then respiratory tract

Tobacco smoking/Cadmium- Tabacoo smoking Cadmium is not an element that is used by the body, and it is toxic. It mainly affects kidneys andbones. It is also a carcinogen by inhalation. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Radon - a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. You can't see or smell radon.

Mold - Mold develops in areas that are dark and damp and aren’t well ventilated (under sinks/showers, behind panels in walls and ceiling)

Insulation - styrene used in polystyrene insulation is identified by EPA as a possible carcinogen, mutagen, chronic toxin, and environmental toxin. Asbestos is a long, silicate particle previously used in insulation (since been linked to lung cancer & asbestosis)

VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds

Lead - Found in paint in old homes (EPA banned lead paint in 78’). Paint chips off walls/windows and is eaten by small children (due to curiosity & sweet taste) or inhaled as dust

Uranium - Uranium is the fuel most widely used by nuclear plants for nuclear fission. Uranium is considered a nonrenewable energy source, even though it is a common metal found in rocks worldwide.

Radioactive - Radioactive gas released by decay of uranium naturally

found in rocks underground (granite especially)

Infiltrate - to enter or become established in gradually or unobtrusively usually for subversive purposes

Lung cancer - he particles, which are typically found in vehicle exhaust and smoke from fossil fuels, are associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk, accounting for over 250,000 lung cancer deaths globally per year

Carcinogenesis - the initiation of cancer formation

Mitigation - the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

Chronic vs. Acute - Acute conditions are severe and sudden in onset. This could describe anything from a broken bone to an asthma attack. A chronic condition, by contrast, is a long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma.

Topic 7.6 – Reduction of Air Pollutants

Vapor recovery nozzle - Capture hydrocarbon VOCs released from gasoline fumes during refueling. Separate tube inside nozzle captures vapors & returns them to underground storage tank beneath the gas station. Reduces VOCs, which contribute to smog & irritate resp. Tracts. Also reduces benzene (carcinogen) released from gasoline vapors

Catalytic converter - Required on all vehicles after 1975. Contains metals (platinum & palladium) that bind to NOx and CO. CC converts NOx, CO, and other hydrocarbons into CO2, N2, O2, and H2O

Wet and dry scrubbers (definition and how they work)- May involve chemical agents that absorb or neutralize NOx, SOx, VOCs, but also include mist nozzles that trap PM in water droplets as well. Mist droplets with pollutants and PM trapped in them fall to bottom of scrubber or get trapped @ top by mist eliminator. Sludge collection system traps polluted water for disposal

Electrostatic precipitators (definition and how it works) -Power plant/factory emissions passed through device with a neg. charged electrode, giving particles a neg. Charge Neg. charged particles stick to pos. Charged collection plates, trapping them

Topic 7.7 – Acid Rain

Acid rain/Acid Deposition – is due to nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from Anthropogenic and natural sources from the atmosphere

pH scale – higher the number is the more basic a matter is the lower the number is the more acid it is.

Acid- any substance that falls below 7 on the pH scale

Anthropogenic – something that originated from human activity.

Acidification - a natural process by which the content of the soil becomes more acidic. This happens through the loss of basic/alkalic elements like calcium, magnesium, and potassium and/or the introduction of acidic elements like hydrogen and aluminum.

Neutralize - A neutralization reaction is when an acid and a base react to form water and a salt and involves the combination of H+ ions and OH- ions to generate water. The neutralization of a strong acid and strong base has a pH equal to 7.

Remediation - the process of improving or correcting a situation: the remediation of reading problems. environmental remediation.

Heavy metal leaching - Tailings and waste rock , for example, contain toxic substances like heavy metals that can leach into soil or water. Storing waste from mining causes land to degrade and the natural landscape to decline in health and quality.

Mitigation - attempts to solve or minimize a problem

Topic 7.8 – Noise Pollution

Noise Pollution

Any noise at great enough volume to cause physiological stress

(difficulty communicating, headaches, confusion) or hearing loss

List 4 natural sources of pollutants and what pollutants are produced.

-Lightnigh Strikes: Convert N2 in atm. to NOx

-Plants : Plants emit VOCs

Ex: terpenes & ethylene from pine, fir, spruce trees. This forms natural photochemical smog in Smoky Mountains

-Volcanoes: releaseSOx, PM,NOx and CO

Forest Fires: CO, PM, NOx, Combustion of biomass also releases CO2 & H2O vapor (greenhouse gasses)

Describe the formation of photochemical smog.

1) Sunlight breaks NO2 into NO + O, O bonds with O2 to form O3

2) VOCs bond with NO to form photochemical oxidants VOCs

3)Without NO to react with, O3 builds up instead of returning to O2 & NO2 overnight

4)O3 combines with photochemical oxidants (NO + VOCS) to form photochemical smog O2

List 4 natural sources of CO2 and PM.

Volcanoes, Forest Fires, decomposition, and respirator systems.

What is the difference between PM10 and PM2.5? What are the health consequences of each?

PM 10

Particles or droplets like dust, pollen, ash,

or mold

● Too small to be filtered out by nose hairs

and trachea cilia; can irritate respiratory

tract & cause inflammation

PM2

● Particles from combustion (especially

vehicles) smaller dust particles

● More likely to travel deep into the lungs

due to smaller size

● Associated with chronic bronchitis and

increased risk of lung cancer

Developing nations use more ______biomass___ _________ such as wood manure and charcoal. What are the negative consequences of using these fuels?

Realse a lot of PM and possible CO which is lethal if combustion isn’t complete.

Name 4 major indoor chemical air pollutant sources in developed nations.

It is CO, PM, NOx, VOCs

Radon gas is released through the radioactive decay of ___ uranium and radium ______.

What are pollution credits?

It's how much a business can pollute. If they pollute significantly less, then they can “sell their pollution” to other companies.

What are CAFÉ vehicle standards?

CAFE standards create a standard for the minimum amount of mile a car get receive from one gallon.

How does limestone minimize the release of SO2 from coal burning power plants?

The lime or limestone reacts with the SO2 in the flue gas to create insoluble calcium sulfite (CaSO3) as in the equations below. IT just makes SO2 pH more basic.

What are the two primary pollutants that cause acid rain?

The two are SOx and NOx.

What is an indicator species?

It is a species that can be surveyed and used to determine the conditions of an ecosystem (soil, water, etc.)

List sources of noise pollution in urban areas.

Some include, construction sites, lawnmowers, Industrial activty, and more.

List three effects of noise pollution on animals.

It can cause physical stress, it can also limit their awareness by making them not be able to hear a predator, and finally it can mess up migration.