Course Code: 24AF1EEEES209
Energy and Environmental
Engineering
Prepared by
Prof. S. A. Parwate (Civil Dept.) - CSMSS
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
MODULE - 4
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
Definition:
Air pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the atmosphere that
result in adverse effects on human health, animals, plants, and the environment.
Major Components of Atmosphere:
➢ Nitrogen (78%)
➢ Oxygen (21%)
➢ Trace gases (1%)
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Major Components of Atmosphere
Main Elements = 99%
Nitrogen (N2) 78%
Oxygen (02) 21%
Trace Elements = 1% Xenon (Xe)
Argon (Ar) Ozone (O3)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Neon (Ne) Iodine (I)
Helium (He) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Methane (CH4) Ammonia (NH3)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Water Vapour (H20)
Types of Air Pollutants
AIR POLLUTANTS
Based on Origin Based on Source
Primary Pollutants Secondary Pollutants Natural Pollutants Artificial Pollutants
Common Air Pollutants
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Poisonous gas; produced by incomplete combustion.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Causes respiratory problems and acid rain.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ): Leads to smog and ozone formation.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): React to form ground-level ozone.
• Ozone (O₃): A secondary pollutant that damages respiratory systems.
PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY POLLUTANTS
BASED ON ORIGIN:
Primary Pollutants:
➢ Directly emitted from a source.
➢ Examples: CO from vehicle exhaust, SO₂ from coal combustion, PM from construction
sites.
Secondary Pollutants:
➢ Formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between primary pollutants.
➢ Examples: Ozone (O₃) formed from NOₓ and VOCs, acid rain formed from SO₂ and
NOₓ.
PRIMARY VS.
SECONDARY
POLLUTANTS
NATURAL VS. ARTIFICIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
BASED ON SOURCE:
Natural Sources:
✓ Volcanic Eruptions: Emit ash, SO₂, and other gases.
✓ Forest Fires: Release CO, PM, and VOCs.
✓ Dust Storms: Raise large amounts of PM.
✓ Biological Sources: Pollen can also contribute to air pollution.
Artificial (Anthropogenic) Sources:
✓ Industrial Emissions: Factories and power plants emit pollutants like SO₂, NOₓ, and PM.
✓ Transportation: Vehicles release CO, NOₓ, VOCs, and PM.
✓ Agricultural Practices: Fertilizers and pesticides release ammonia (NH₃) and VOCs.
✓ Urban Activities: Residential heating, cooking, and waste burning contribute to various
pollutants.
NATURAL VS. ARTIFICIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
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Top 5 Major Air Pollution Episodes
➢The Great Smog of London, London, United Kingdom (1952)
➢Donora Smog, Donora, Pennsylvania, USA (1948)
➢Meuse Valley Episode, Meuse Valley, Belgium (1930)
➢Los Angeles Smog Episodes, Los Angeles, California, USA (1940s-1970s)
➢Beijing Smog, Beijing, China (2013 & Ongoing)
The Great Smog of London, London, United Kingdom (1952)
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➢ Overview: The most infamous air pollution episode, occurring in December 1952,
lasted for five days. A thick fog mixed with pollutants, primarily from coal burning,
enveloped London.
➢ Causes: Cold weather conditions led to increased coal use for heating, releasing
large amounts of sulfur dioxide, soot, and smoke. A temperature inversion trapped
these pollutants close to the ground.
➢ Impacts: Approximately 4,000 people died during the event, and thousands more
suffered from respiratory issues. Later studies indicated that the death toll could have
been as high as 12,000.
➢ Outcome: This event led to the introduction of the UK’s Clean Air Act of 1956, which
regulated the use of coal and promoted cleaner fuels.
Video Link:
[Link]
Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Bhopal, MP (1984)
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➢ Causes:
1) A gas leak occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant, releasing
methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas.
2) The leak was caused by water entering a MIC storage tank, resulting in a chemical
reaction and the release of a toxic cloud.
➢ Impacts:
1) Immediate death of an estimated 3,000 people, with long-term health effects on
thousands more.
2) Respiratory and neurological disorders, blindness, and other severe health issues.
➢ Outcome:
1) Highlighted the need for stringent industrial safety regulations.
2) Led to the establishment of the Environment Protection Act (1986) and the creation of
the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
Video Link: [Link]
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GLOBAL EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
➢Global Warming
➢Ozone Depletion
➢Acid Rain
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1) GLOBAL WARMING:
➢Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average
surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission
of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and
nitrous oxide (N₂O).
➢These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a gradual
rise in temperatures. Here's a detailed explanation:
Video Link:
[Link]
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CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING:
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1) Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
➢ Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy
production, transportation, and industry releases large amounts of CO₂ into the
atmosphere.
➢ Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the number of trees that can absorb
CO₂, leading to higher concentrations of this gas in the atmosphere.
➢ Agriculture: Farming practices, especially livestock production, release methane, a
potent greenhouse gas. Fertilizers also contribute to nitrous oxide emissions.
➢ Industrial Processes: Certain industrial activities emit various greenhouse gases,
including fluorinated gases, which are powerful heat-trapping chemicals.
CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING:
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2) Natural Factors (Contributing to variations):
➢ Volcanic Activity: While volcanic eruptions can emit large amounts of CO₂, they also
release particles that reflect sunlight, temporarily cooling the Earth. However, their
overall impact on long-term global warming is minimal compared to human activities.
➢ Solar Variability: Changes in solar radiation can influence Earth's climate, but current
global warming is largely driven by human activities, not solar changes.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING:
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➢ Rising Temperatures: The average global temperature has risen significantly over the
past century, with more intense and frequent heatwaves.
➢ Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: As global temperatures rise, polar ice caps and
glaciers are melting, contributing to rising sea levels. This can lead to the flooding of
coastal areas and islands.
➢ Extreme Weather Events: Global warming is linked to an increase in the frequency
and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy
rainfall, leading to more natural disasters.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING:
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➢ Impact on Ecosystems: Rising temperatures affect ecosystems, leading to shifts in
species distribution, changes in migration patterns, and loss of biodiversity. Some
species are at risk of extinction as their habitats become unsuitable.
➢ Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ levels are also absorbed by the oceans, leading
to ocean acidification. This can harm marine life, particularly organisms like coral
reefs, shellfish, and plankton.
➢ Human Health: Global warming poses significant risks to human health, including
heat-related illnesses, the spread of diseases, and food and water security
challenges.
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2) OZONE DEPLETION
➢ Ozone depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere,
primarily due to human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other
ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
➢ The ozone layer, located about 15 to 35 kilometers above the Earth's surface, plays a
crucial role in protecting life by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV)
radiation.
➢ When the ozone layer is depleted, more UV radiation reaches the Earth, leading to
negative environmental and health effects.
Video Link:
[Link]
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CAUSES OF OZONE DEPLETION:
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1) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):
➢ CFCs are chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol sprays, and foam-
blowing agents.
➢ When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they rise up to the stratosphere, where
ultraviolet radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms.
➢ Chlorine and Bromine: These atoms (from CFCs and similar compounds like halons)
are highly reactive with ozone (O₃) molecules. A single chlorine atom can destroy
thousands of ozone molecules through a chain reaction. Bromine, found in halons
used in fire extinguishers, is even more destructive than chlorine.
CAUSES OF OZONE DEPLETION:
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2) Other Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS):
➢ Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): Although less harmful than CFCs, HCFCs are still
potent ozone depleters.
➢ Halons: Used in fire suppression systems, halons contain bromine, which is highly
effective at depleting ozone.
➢ Carbon Tetrachloride and Methyl Chloroform: These industrial solvents also contribute
to ozone depletion.
EFFECTS OF OZONE DEPLETION
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1) Increased UV Radiation
With less ozone to absorb ultraviolet radiation, more harmful UV-B rays reach the Earth's
surface. This has several consequences:
➢ Human Health: Increased UV exposure can lead to a higher incidence of skin
cancers, cataracts, and other eye damage. It can also suppress the immune system.
➢ Environmental Impact: Increased UV radiation can harm ecosystems, particularly
marine life. It affects phytoplankton, which forms the basis of marine food chains, and
can harm fish and other wildlife.
➢ Agricultural Impact: Certain crops, like rice, soybeans, and wheat, are sensitive to UV
radiation. Increased exposure can reduce crop yields and affect food security.
3) ACID RAIN
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➢ Acid rain refers to precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) that has a higher acidity
level than normal, due to the presence of certain pollutants in the atmosphere.
➢ It occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the air,
primarily from human activities like burning fossil fuels.
➢ These gases react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere
to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which then fall to the ground as acid rain.
Video Link:
[Link]
ACID RAIN – VIDEO EXPLANATION
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CAUSES OF ACID RAIN
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1) Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂):
➢ The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, particularly in power
plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles, releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
➢ Volcanic eruptions and natural processes like decaying vegetation can also emit
SO₂, though human activities contribute the majority of emissions.
2) Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ):
➢ Nitrogen oxides are produced primarily from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and
power plants.
➢ Natural sources, such as lightning strikes and microbial activities in soils, contribute
smaller amounts.
FORMATION OF ACID RAIN:
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➢ When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, they rise
and mix with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals.
➢ Through a series of chemical reactions, they form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid
(HNO₃).
➢ These acids dissolve in the water droplets of clouds, and when precipitation occurs,
they fall to the Earth's surface in the form of acid rain.
➢ It can also fall as snow, fog, or dry particles.
EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN
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1) Environmental Impact:
➢ Aquatic Ecosystems: Acid rain can significantly lower the pH of lakes, rivers, and
streams, making the water more acidic. This can be harmful to aquatic organisms like
fish, amphibians, and plankton, disrupting food chains and reducing biodiversity.
➢ Soil and Forests: Acid rain leaches essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium
from the soil, weakening plants and trees. It also releases toxic metals, such as
aluminum, into the soil, which can harm plant roots and impede their ability to absorb
water and nutrients.
➢ Damage to Vegetation: Acid rain damages the leaves and needles of trees and
plants, reducing their ability to photosynthesize and making them more susceptible to
disease, extreme weather, and other environmental stresses.
2) Damage to Buildings and Infrastructure:
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➢ Acid rain can erode and degrade building materials, especially those made of
limestone, marble, or concrete.
➢ The sulfuric acid in the rain reacts with calcium compounds in these materials,
causing them to break down over time.
➢ Metal structures, including bridges and vehicles, can also corrode more quickly due
to acid rain exposure.
3) Human Health:
➢ Acid rain itself is not harmful to humans directly, as it is usually too diluted by the time it
reaches the ground.
➢ However, the pollutants that cause acid rain (SO₂ and NOₓ) contribute to the
formation of fine particulate matter in the air, which can cause respiratory problems,
asthma, and other health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like children and
the elderly.
TYPES OF ACID DEPOSITION
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1) Wet Deposition:
➢ Refers to acid rain, snow, fog, or any other form of acidic moisture that falls to the
ground.
➢ This is the most recognizable form of acid rain.
2) Dry Deposition:
➢ Acidic particles and gases can also settle on surfaces (buildings, cars, vegetation)
when there is no precipitation.
➢ Over time, these deposits can accumulate and later be washed away by rain,
contributing to the overall acidification of the environment.
Control of Air Pollution
1. Air Quality Management
Concentration of Air Pollutants:
➢ Micrograms per Cubic Meter (µg/m³):
Commonly used for measuring the concentration of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5)
and gaseous pollutants like SO₂ and NO₂ in the air. For example, PM2.5 concentrations
are often reported in µg/m³.
➢ Milligrams per Cubic Meter (mg/m³):
Used for pollutants with higher concentrations or where higher precision isn't necessary.
CO is sometimes measured in mg/m³.
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Control of Air Pollution
2. Control Measures for Industrial Pollution:
• Use of scrubbers, filters, and catalytic converters.
• Switching to cleaner fuels.
• Adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
3. Control of Vehicular Pollution:
• Promoting electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Use of cleaner fuels (e.g., CNG, LPG).
• Implementation of emission standards (e.g., BS-VI norms in India).
4. Role of Renewable Energy and Public Awareness:
• Adoption of solar and wind energy.
• Importance of public participation and green practices.