POLLUTION CONTROL ASSIGNMENT

AIR POLLUTION OLD IS GOLD ANSWERS

Name :074bme642 (subash Aryal )

Name : 074bme643 (sudharshan gyawali )

Q ) Explain the air pollution control methods and the criteria of selection of industrial dust
control equipment with examples.
Ans. Air pollution is one of the major pollutions faced by humanity at the current time. Exposure
to severe air pollution can cause shortening of breath, nausea, dizzying, headache etc. in short term
and lung cancer, bronchitis, lung fibrosis etc. in the long term. So being able to control air pollution
whilst maintaining niceties of the modern fast paced world, crucial steps should be considered to
control air pollution. One of the major sources of air pollution is the various combustion process
many industries use i.e., controlling the air pollutants coming from the industries will significantly
help us to reduce air pollution in our environment. It becomes crucial to understand the various
types of the pollutants coming from myriad of industries and it is crucial to select the requisite
equipment as per the dust produced.
Dust sizes ranges from 1 to 100μm in diameter and the dust particles of larger size settle down due
to the gravity. Some of the initial dust controlling equipment rely on this principle.
Filtration: It is one of the most well-known and effective method of purifying air. It is fast, reliable,
cheap and does not require any huge moving machinery to purify air. It works on the principle of
differential air pressure and is a passive method of purifying air. Filters/masks with fabric holes
smaller than the size of dust particle is used to cover the source of air pollutants and they effectively
trap the dust particles while allowing air to pass through them. Properties of this type of air cleaning
method are as follow:
This work best when the source of pollutants is well defined such as exhaust, chimneys, etc. where
the dust particles can be trapped before they reach the atmosphere.
The dust particles themselves cog the holes of the filters which in turns decreases the efficiency of
the filters over time. So regular cleaning and replacing of the filters is necessary.
The filters cannot distinguish between various particulates. It works purely in dimensions.
However, the filters may be soaked in certain chemicals that can even captures certain gases but
may decrease the efficiency.
Being cheap and fast it is normally the foremost step done in purifying the air.
Source Correction Methods:
Raw Materials Change: Most of the pollutants arise from the impurities present in the raw
materials. So, the emission of pollutants can be drastically reduced by using proper raw materials.
E.g., use of low sulphur fuel in place of the high sulphur fuel.
Processes Change (Processes Modification): New and modified techniques can be applied which
help in minimizing in the emissions of the pollutants. E.g., in chemical and petroleum refining
industries, volatile substances are recovered by condensation and non-volatile ones are recycled
for additional reactions.
Equipment modifications and/or replacement: Suitable modification or replacement of process
equipment help reduce the pollution. E.g., unburnt CO and hydrocarbons can be burnt by injecting
air into hot exhaust manifold.
Pollutant Control Equipment:
For particulate contaminants:
Gravity separators: This is a passive method of purifying dusty air.
It is used for particulate size >50μm. It is used to remove large abrasive pollutants by settling them
at the bottom with the help of gravity. Usually used as pre-cleaners before passing the gas through
highly efficient purification system.
Types: a. Expansion Chamber type.
b. Multiple Tray Chamber type (Howard Settling Chamber)
Cyclone Separators: It works on the principle of vortex formation in where particles with different
densities pushed inward into the cone of the vortex and are collected at the bottom of the vortex.
It can be even used to separate between coarser and finer particulates.
Types: a. Single Cyclone Separators.
b. Multiple Cyclone Separators.
Fabric Filters: It works on the principle of filtration.
Electrostatic Precipitator: A number of high-voltage, direct current discharge electrodes are placed
between grounded (positively charged) collecting electrodes. The negative ions migrate towards
the grounded surface and pass on their negative charge to the dust particles also. Then these
negatively charged particles are electrostatically drawn towards the positively charged collector
surface, where they are finally deposited. The collecting surface is vibrated periodically to remove
the collected dust particles.
Wet scrubber: They also precipitate the particulates but they do so by weighing down the dust
particles with water. This is the similar phenomenon seen in construction sites where the roads
around it are periodically dampened with water so as to prevent the dust from flying around.
Types: a. Spray Tower: Similar to gravity separator but with spraying water to make
it even more efficient.
b. Venturi Scrubber: Efficiently modified spray tower separating dust particles ranging
from 0.5 to 5μm.
c. Cyclone Scrubber: Gravity separator + Cyclone Separator.
For gaseous contaminants:
Wet absorption methods
Dry absorption methods
Incineration: The combustible waste gases are reduced down to lesser and lighter pollutants.
Types: a. Direct Flame Incineration.
b. Thermal Incineration.
c. Catalytic Incineration.
Adsorption of gases.
Q ) How meterological aspects influence the behaviour of air pollution? Discuss the way of
reducing the environment concentration of PM 2.5.
Ans. Air movements influence the fate of air pollutants. If the air is calm and pollutants cannot
disperse, then the concentration of these pollutants will build up. On the other hand, when strong,
turbulent winds blow, pollutants disperse quickly, resulting in lower pollutant concentrations.
Meteorological data helps:
identify the source of pollutants
predict air pollution events such as inversions and high-pollutant concentration days
simulate and predict air quality using computer models.
The various factors that affect the behaviour of air pollution are:
Wind speed and direction: When high pollutant concentrations occur at a monitoring station, wind
data records can determine the general direction and area of the emissions. Identifying the sources
means planning to reduce the impacts on air quality can take place. An instrument called an
anemometer measures wind speed. At our monitoring stations, the type of anemometer we use is
a sonic anemometer.
Temperature: Measuring temperature supports air quality assessment, air quality modelling and
forecasting activities. Temperature and sunlight (solar radiation) play an important role in the
chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere to form photochemical smog from other pollutants.
Favourable conditions can lead to increased concentrations of smog.
Humidity: Like temperature and solar radiation, water vapour plays an important role in many
thermal and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. As water molecules are small and highly
polar, they can bind strongly to many substances. If attached to particles suspended in the air, they
can significantly increase the amount of light scattered by the particles (measuring visibility). If
the water molecules attach to corrosive gases, such as sulphur dioxide, the gas will dissolve in the
water and form an acid solution that can damage health and property. Water vapour content of air
is reported as a percentage of the saturation vapour pressure of water at a given temperature. This
is the relative humidity. The amount of water vapour in the atmosphere is highly variable—it
depends on geographic location, how close water bodies are, wind direction and air temperature.
Relative humidity is generally higher during summer when temperature and rainfall are also at
their highest.
Rainfall: Rain has a 'scavenging' effect when it washes particulate matter out of the atmosphere
and dissolves gaseous pollutants. Removing particles improves visibility. Where there is frequent
high rainfall, air quality is generally better. If the rain dissolves gaseous pollutants, such as sulphur
dioxide, it can form acid rain resulting in potential damage to materials or vegetation.
Solar radiation: It is important to monitor solar radiation for use in modelling photochemical smog
events, as the intensity of sunlight has an important influence on the rate of the chemical reactions
that produce the smog. The cloudiness of the sky, time of day and geographic location all affect
sunlight intensity. An instrument called a pyranometer measures solar radiation from the output of
a type of silicon cell sensor.
PM 2.5 are especially dangerous as they are respirable air pollutants and will have direct negative
effect on the person if inhaled.PM 2.5 normally arise in the form of soot and gaseous compounds
coming after the combustion process. Some of the ways to reduce them are:
Replacing diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles
Eliminating uncontrolled diesel emissions.
Preventing crop burning.
The solutions exist – and with technical support, strategic funding, and public and private
initiatives, we can successfully improve public health and reduce air pollution due to PM 2.5.
Discuss the air quality standard of Nepal. How various particulate and gaseous air pollution can
be controlled?
Ans. The air quality standard of Nepal is measured on the basis of the following table provided by
the government.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Nepal
S. No. Parameters Units Averaging Time Concentration in Ambient air, maximum
Testing Method
1. TSP (Total Suspended Particulates) μg/m3 Annual -
24 hours* 230 High Volume Sampling
2. PM10 μg/m3 Annual -
24 hours* 120 Low Volume Sampling
3. Sulphur Dioxide μg/m3 Annual 50 Diffusive sampling based on weekly
averages
24 hours** 70 To be determined before 2005*
4. Nitrogen Dioxide μg/m3 Annual 40 Diffusive sampling based on weekly
averages
24 hours** 80 To be determined before 2005*
5. Carbon Monoxide μg/m3 8 hours** 10,000 To be determined before 2005*
15 minutes 10,00,000 Indicative samplers
6. Lead μg/m3 Annual 0.5 Atomic absorption spectrometry, analysis of PM10 samples
24 hours* -
7. Benzene μg/m3 Annual 20***** Diffusive sampling based on weekly
averages
24 hours* -
The table above provides base model for much the pollutants should remain in the atmospheric
air. But in recent years due to increase in population and explosion in the quantity of the
automobiles, the quality of air in Nepal especially in urban areas has been steadily decreasing.
Smog is a common appearance nowadays and wearing a mask when going outside is a common
norm in every major city.
The second part of the question has been already answered in 1.
Q ) Discuss the effect of particulate and gaseous air pollutants on human health. Explain any
one dust control equipment used in industries.
Ans. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes. It
increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. Both short- and long-
term exposure to air pollutants have been associated with health impacts. More severe impacts
affect people who are already ill. Children, the elderly and poor people are more susceptible. The
most health-harmful pollutants – closely associated with excessive premature mortality – are fine
PM2.5 particles that penetrate deep into lung passageways.
High air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems including:
Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness
Added stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply the body with oxygen
Damaged cells in the respiratory system
Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects such as:
Accelerated aging of the lungs
Loss of lung capacity and decreased lung function
Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer
Shortened life span
Health effects from specific pollutants:
Particulate and smokes:
Particulate Matter is a complex mixture that may contain soot, smoke, metals, nitrates, sulphates,
dust, water and tire rubber. It can be directly emitted, as in smoke from a fire, or it can form in the
atmosphere from reactions of gases such as nitrogen oxides. The size of particles is directly linked
to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles (known as PM2.5 or fine particulate
matter) pose the greatest problems because they bypass the body’s natural defences and can get
deep into your lungs and potentially your bloodstream. Exposure to such particles can affect both
your lungs and your heart.
Long-term exposure to particulate pollution can result in significant health problems including:
Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing
Decreased lung function
Aggravated asthma
Development of chronic respiratory disease in children
Development of chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive lung disease
Irregular heartbeat
Nonfatal heart attacks
Premature death in people with heart or lung disease, including death from lung cancer
Gaseous air pollutants:
Ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen
(NOx) react with the sun's ultraviolet rays. The primary source of VOCs and NOx is mobile
sources, including cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment and agricultural equipment.
Ground-level ozone reaches its highest level during the afternoon and early evening hours. High
levels occur most often during the summer months. It is a strong irritant that can cause constriction
of the airways, forcing the respiratory system to work harder in order to provide oxygen.
It can also cause other health problems including:
Aggravated respiratory disease such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma
Lung damage, even after symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat disappear
Wheezing, chest pain, dry throat, headache or nausea
Reduced resistance to infections
Increased fatigue
Weakened athletic performance
The second part of the question has been already answered in 1.
a) What are the main environmental effects of air pollution?
Ans. Air pollution can have serious costs, penalties and consequences for the health of human
beings and also ruthlessly distresses the natural bio-network and ecosystems. The main
consequences of air pollution are global warming, acid rain, smog, ozone depletion etc.
Environmental degradation has increased over the last several decades.
Environmental impacts
Global warming: According to estimates, at the current rate of increase, the average global
temperature up by 3°C to 8°C in the next 100 years. This will affect the climate of different regions,
distribution of plants and animals, disturbance in agriculture and food production, melting of snow
caps and resultant increase in sea levels. This will submerge parts of coastal cities of Calcutta,
New York, London and other major cities.
Formation of photochemical smog: When pollutants like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides
combine in the presence of sunlight, smog is formed. This is a mixture of gases and since it is
formed by photochemical reactions, it is called the photochemical smog. The word ‘smog’ is
derived from the two words-smoke and fog. It forms a yellowish-brown haze especially during
winter and hampers visibility. It also causes many respiratory disorders and allergies as it contains
polluting gases.
Formation of acid rain: Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water in the atmosphere
producing sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids come down along with the rain. This
phenomenon is called acid rain. The pH of acid rain varies from 3-6. The composition of acid rain
is sulphuric acid, nitric acid and weak carbonic acid. Its adverse effects on the environment
include: causes respiratory and skin disorders, affects productivity of plants by damaging the
leaves, enters the soil and affects the soil, pH and causes leaching, enters the ground and river
waters which causes harm to the aquatic life, causes damage to marble and thus damages buildings
and monuments (like Taj Mahal).
Aerosol formation: Aerosol is formed by the dispersion of solid or liquid matter in the atmosphere.
If the aerosols form a thick layer in the troposphere, they affect the weather conditions by blocking
the solar radiation. Aerosols are also deposited on the leaves and affect the photosynthesis.
Aerosols disperse the organic metallic pollutants far and wide.
Depletion of Ozone: The stratosphere of the atmosphere has ozone (O3). Ozone is known to absorb
the Ultraviolet (UV) rays present in the sun’s radiation and protects us from the harmful effects of
the UV rays. However, hydrocarbons such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) destroy the ozone
molecules which deplete the ozone layer. Ozone holes have been detected in the atmosphere which
permits the UV rays to reach the earth’s surface. The harmful effects of the UV rays are visible in
the countries such as Australia and New Zealand where the rate of skin cancer is higher than the
other regions of the world.

b) Describe air pollution sampling and measurement systems for total suspended particulate,
PM10 and PM2.5.
Ans. Total suspended particulate (TSP) refers to the totality of small solid matter released,
documented and/or otherwise observed in the atmosphere. Total suspended particulates are
considered to be a primary contributor to air pollution, smog formation and environmental
contamination. Particulate pollution and TSP consist of two main particle sizes: PM10 and PM2.5.
PM10 particles have diameters that are generally 10 micrometres and smaller, while PM2.5
particles are fine particles with diameters 2.5 micrometres and smaller.
Measurement of quality of air first starts with determining a study area after which measurements
are carried out to calculate concentrations of the particulates.
Extract a sample of gas at a predetermined constant flow rate through an in-stack sizing device.
The particle-sizing device separates particles with nominal aerodynamic diameters of 10
micrometers and 2.5 micrometers. To minimize variations in the isokinetic sampling conditions,
establish well-defined limits. After a sample is obtained, remove uncombined water from the
particulate, then use gravimetric analysis to determine the particulate mass for each size fraction.
The original method has been changed by adding a PM2.5 cyclone downstream of the PM10
cyclone. Both cyclones were developed and evaluated as part of a conventional five-stage cascade
cyclone train. The addition of a PM2.5 cyclone between the PM10 cyclone and the stack
temperature filter in the sampling train supplements the measurement of PM10 with the
measurement of PM2.5. Without the addition of the PM2.5 cyclone, the filterable particulate
portion of the sampling train may be used to measure total and PM10 emissions. Likewise, with
the exclusion of the PM10 cyclone, the filterable particulate portion of the sampling train may be
used to measure total and PM2.5 emissions.
In order to get accurate results, the above experiment is carried over a longer period of time and
the averaging sample gives the quality of air of that study area.

Q} List Major indoor air pollutants and discuss ways of controlling them .
Ans :
Major indoor air pollutants.:
• Fuel-burning combustion appliances
• Tobacco products
• Building materials and furnishings as diverse as:
• Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation
• Newly installed flooring, upholstery or carpet
• Cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products
• Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies
• Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices
• Excess moisture
• Outdoor sources such as:
• Radon
• Pesticides
• Outdoor air pollution

Ways of Controlling them :

• Avoid smoking indoors (but quitting smoking is the best answer for overall health).
• Use craft supplies in well-ventilated areas.
• Make sure your gas stove is well-ventilated.
• Minimize clutter.
• Remove carpeting if possible.
• Use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner to reduce moisture

Q } How does household smoke pollution affects to the residents ?

Ans :
Household air pollution is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years in Southeast Asia and
the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years globally. There are at least sixty sources of
household air pollution, and these vary from country to country. Indoor tobacco smoking,
construction material used in building houses, fuel used for cooking, heating and lighting, use of
incense and various forms of mosquito repellents, use of pesticides and chemicals used for cleaning
at home, and use of artificial fragrances are some of the various sources that contribute to
household air pollution.
Household air pollution affects all stages of life with multi-systemic health effects, and its effects
are evident right from pre-conception to old age. In utero exposure to household air pollutants has
been shown to have health effects which resonate over the entire lifetime. Exposures to indoor air
pollutants in early childhood also tend to have repercussions throughout life. The respiratory
system bears the maximum brunt, but effects on the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and
nervous system are largely underplayed. Household air pollutants have also been implicated in the
development of various types of cancers.
Identifying household air pollutants and their health implications helps us prepare for various
health-related issues. However, the real challenge is adopting changes to reduce the health effects
of household air pollution and designing innovative interventions to minimize the risk of further
exposure.
This review is an attempt to understand the various sources of household air pollution, the effects
on health, and strategies to deal with this emergent risk factor of global mortality and morbidity.