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THEME: GREEN ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

TEAM ROVINA FILTER

PRESENTED BY:

 Pacific Ruth

 Nayema Brian

 Muriithi Vincent

 Oyoo Lawrence
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Definition of terms

Green economy

A resource-efficient, socially inclusive, and low-carbon energy where the economy aims to

improve society's well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risk and ecological

scarcities (UNEP, 2011).

The development of a green economy aims at the following:

1. Reducing carbon emissions.

Carbon emission refers to releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the

atmosphere due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial

processes. These emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, which can have

serious consequences such as rising sea levels, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and

biodiversity loss.

2. A green economy will reduce environmental pollution

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Environmental pollution refers to the presence of harmful environmental pollutants that can

negatively impact human health and the environment. Examples of contaminants include

chemicals, hazardous waste, and plastic waste. Environmental pollution can cause health

problems, harm wildlife and ecosystems, and reduce the quality of life.

3. Enhance waste management

Waste management refers to the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste materials in a

way that minimizes harm to the environment. Effective waste management practices include

reducing waste generated, reusing materials, recycling, and properly disposing of hazardous

waste. Good waste management can help prevent environmental pollution, reduce greenhouse

gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and protect public health.

Sustainable development

Developments that meet the needs of the present without necessarily compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their own needs. They aim to end poverty and inequality, protect the

planet, and ensure everyone enjoys health, justice, and prosperity.

Aims of sustainable development

1. Promote the kind of development that minimizes environmental problems

2. Meeting the needs of the present generation without inhibiting the occurrence of the same

for the future generations

Background information
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Motor vehicles emit carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct of the combustion of fossil fuels, such

as gasoline or diesel, in their engines. When the fuel burns, it releases energy that propels the

vehicle, but it also produces CO2 and other greenhouse gases, which are released into the

atmosphere through the vehicle's exhaust system. As the concentration of CO2 and other

greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, they trap more heat, which contributes to global

warming and climate change. The amount of CO2 emitted by a vehicle depends on several

factors, including the type of fuel it uses, its fuel efficiency, and how it is driven.

The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases by vehicles contributes to

climate change, which has a wide range of potential adverse effects. Some of the impacts of

increased CO2 emissions from cars include:

 Global warming: CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and

contributes to global warming.

 Climate change: Rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns caused by global

warming can lead to more frequent and severe natural disasters, including droughts,

floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.

 Health impacts: Air pollution from vehicle emissions can cause respiratory problems,

heart disease, and other health issues.

 Environmental damage: Climate change and other environmental impacts of vehicle

emissions can damage ecosystems, harm wildlife, and threaten the sustainability of

natural resources.
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To mitigate the adverse effects of vehicle emissions, there are efforts to reduce the amount of

CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles, such as through the development of

alternative fuels, increased use of public transportation, and the adoption of more fuel-efficient

and low-emission vehicles.

Introduction

In Kenya, air pollution from vehicle exhaust is a major environmental concern.

According to the World Health Organization, the country has some of the highest levels of

outdoor air pollution in the African region. In 2019, an estimated 1.3 million deaths were

attributable to ambient air pollution, making it the third leading risk factor for premature death in

Kenya. In Nairobi, air pollution is estimated to cause 6,500 premature deaths annually.

A 2018 study found that vehicles were the main source of air pollution in Nairobi,

contributing to more than 50% of the total air pollution. Other sources included industry, burning

of solid fuels and dust. The study also found that those most affected by air pollution from

vehicles were poorer people living in the slums, with a higher prevalence of respiratory diseases.
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Children in these areas were also more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses due to air

pollution.

In 2021, the number of motor vehicles registered was reported at 2,095,088 units,

considering that three-quarter of all these vehicles are in use daily, this result into increasing

concern about air pollution. Typically, vehicles emission contributes 20-30% of particulate

matter per minute with 146.5g/km for passenger cars and light SUVs and 212.5g/km for heavy

SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

With the advancement in technology and contemporary inventions such as electric

vehicle, there has been a decrease in the air pollution. however, the vehicles are extortionate have

adverse effect on the environment due to production of greenhouse gases from electricity used to

charge them. According to the US Energy Information Administration, electricity generation

accounted for 25% of total US greenhouse gas emissions in [Link] means that electric vehicle

use contributes to an increase in emissions that can worsen air quality and contribute to global
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warming.

Additionally, electric vehicles rely on materials that are often difficult to extract, such as

lithium, cobalt, and nickel, and the production of these materials can also create emissions and

pollution. A study conducted by the European Environment Agency found that the extraction of

the materials used in electric vehicle batteries is responsible for up to one-third of their total

emissions.

That is why we are introducing a more efficient solution- a machine known as ROVINA filter.

ROVINA machine filters out the carbon dioxide and prevents it from entering the atmosphere

thus preventing the harmful gas from filling the atmosphere and causing pollution.

THE ROVINA FILTER

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IMPLEMENTABLE SOLUTION

The ROVINA filter is a portable and easily interchangeable unit attached to a vehicle’s

exhaust system that filters out CO2 preventing its emission into the atmosphere. The unit is

composed of a single barrel filled with highly reactive sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The unit is

attached to the exhaust pipes of vehicles and as the gases are emitted, carbon (IV) Oxide is

trapped. Carbon (IV) Oxide reacts with the acid forming sodium bicarbonate which will then be

extracted as the end product.

Unlike other filters in use today, the ROVINA filter converts the carbon into a highly

reusable and marketable product – sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate has many industrial

and chemical uses; for instance, it is used is used to make baking soda (baking powder) for

domestic use (Haut et al., 2004). It is also used as antacid to relieve heartburn, stomachache and
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other acid related issues. Its ease of ionization allows it to be used as a water softener –

especially in water hardened by calcium and magnesium (Haut et al., 2004). It is also used in the

industrial manufacture of soap and detergents.

Mechanism of Operation

The ROVINA filter is a portable and easily interchangeable unit attached to a vehicle’s

exhaust system that filters out CO2 preventing its emission into the atmosphere. The filter will be

attached to the exhaust system between the muffler and the exhaust tip.

It has already been identified carbon compounds released into the atmosphere have

serious effects on the environment. It has also been established that carbon compounds are some

of the most significant sources of energy in the world. Fossil fuels (carbon compounds) are the

widely used in nearly all vehicles and other machines that require massive amounts of energy to

run (Shim et al., 2016). However, fossil fuels burn in presence of oxygen to produce carbon (IV)

oxide and water. The negative impact of carbon (IV) oxide on the environment has already been

discussed. When fossil fuel burns, there are three primary gases that are produced; methane,

carbon (IV) oxide, and nitrous oxide.

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The NOVIRA filter is a barrel filled with sodium hydroxide which is very basic. Nitrous

oxide is a very inactive neutral oxide and does not react with sodium hydroxide. On the other

hand, Methane does not react with sodium hydroxide due to the high bond energy of C- - H

bonds and also non-polar nature of methane (Shim et al., 2016). It is only CO2 that reacts with

sodium hydroxide to form sodium carbonate and water. Further carbon (IV) oxide reacts with

sodium carbonate in presence of water to form sodium bicarbonate. The reactions are explained

below.

Source: Shim et al. (2016)

First, carbon (IV) oxide reacts with water to form weak carbonic acid (H2CO3) which

then breaks down into a hydrogen cation (H+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3-). The bicarbonate

anion further breaks down to form a carbonate anion (CO32-) and another hydrogen cation (H+).

The carbonate anion then reacts with sodium from sodium hydroxide to form sodium carbonate.

The reaction continues in the presence of more carbon (IV) oxide to produce sodium

bicarbonate.

CO2(g) + H2O(l) → HCO3- (aq)+ H+(aq)

HCO3- (aq) → CO32-(aq) + H+(aq)

NaOH(aq) → Na+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Na+(aq) + CO2-3(aq) → Na2CO3(s)

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Na2CO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) → 2NaHCO3(s)

Source: Shim et al. (2016)

Below is a summarized system of equations:

CO2(g) + H2O(l) → H2CO3(aq)

H2CO3(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na2CO3(s) + H2O(l)

Na2CO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) → 2NaHCO3(aq)

Nevertheless, the presence of water in the barrel allows it to react with nitrous oxide

which then forms nitrous acid. Nitrous acid is a weak acid which if released into the atmosphere

will cause acid rain. Nevertheless, nitrous acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to form a salt

(Sodium nitrate) and water. The process is shown in the below system of equations.

N2O (g) + H2O (l) → HNO2 (aq)

HNO2 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaNO3 (s) + H2O (l)

The sodium nitrate produced is a neutral salt and has no negative impact on the

environment.

The above process used in the NOVIRA filter is similar to the Solvay process used in the

manufacture of sodium bicarbonate. This process is simplified in the diagram below.

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Source: Steinhauser, (2008)

The Solvay process is one of the methods used in the manufacture of sodium bicarbonate.

However, the process is complicated and requires a load of machinery. As a result, it cannot be

used for small scale manufacture of sodium bicarbonate as is the case with the NOVIRA filter.

Furthermore, the Solvay process has a lot of byproducts that may sometimes affect the

environment. The ROVINA filter has only two end products – sodium bicarbonate and sodium

nitrate. The salt has no effect whatsoever on the environment.

Why the NOVIRA filter

Besides its obvious ability to greatly combat the emission of carbon (IV) oxide into the

atmosphere, this filter converts carbon (IV) oxide into a useful product – sodium bicarbonate.

This product has many industrial applications and cannot go to waste. Furthermore, the other end

product – sodium nitrate – is a salt and it also has its uses, for instance, it may be used in the
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manufacture of sulfuric acid and also in the manufacture of nitric acid. The NOVIRA filter uses

all of its end products and does not release any harmful products into the environment.

Affordability

Since the NOVIRA filter tackles one of the most significant problems facing the

environment, the Kenyan government will be asked to help subsidize its production cost and

make it affordable to the vehicle users. Furthermore, the industries that require sodium

bicarbonate in its processes may work in conjunction with the pioneers to lower the production

costs. Finally, UNEP may be interested in marketing the product and making it more affordable

to the users.

PESTEL ANALYSIS

Political Factors: The current political environment greatly favors the ROVINA filter.

International governments are increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change. The

27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) held in November 2022 in Egypt

brought together over 120 world leaders to discuss how to mitigate climate change. At the

conference, world leaders made a commitment to combat rising emissions and global warming

(Harris, 2023). The conference also pressed leaders to move to energy sources with a lower

carbon footprint. Closer the home, the current political regime is also committed to

environmental conservation and mitigating the effects of climate change. The government plans

to increase Kenya’s forest cover to at least 30% by 2032 (Republic of Kenya, 2022). The

government through Kenya Power and Lighting Company is also committed to supporting the

private sector in the adoption of electric vehicles. The power company is committed to providing

10,000 charging stations within Nairobi City (Redaction Africanews, 2023).

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Economic Factors: Agriculture remains as the biggest contributor to GDP in the

country. Changes in weather patterns have severely affected this sector resulting in economic

losses worth billions. In response to the biting food shortage the government has also spent

billions in delivering food to affected Kenyans (IFRC, 2022). Climate change therefore carries

with it economic cost implications. Tackling pollutions through the ROVINA filter will help

save the country billions of shillings spend in addressing the effects of climate change.

Social Factors: From a social standpoint, citizens are concern about climate change and

are willing to play their part in addressing the issue. A survey conducted in 2022 found that 73%

of citizens are concerned about climate change and its effects on the quality of the life of their

children (UNICEF, 2022). 62% of respondents were specifically concerned about air pollution

and its effect on the lives of their children (UNICEF, 2022). Younger people are also actively

involved in protecting the environment. The survey showed that the most active among younger

population are between 15 and 18years (UNICEF, 2022). Based on this survey, it is evident that

people are concerned for their environment and willing to adopt environmentally friendly

solutions such as The ROVINA Filter.

Technological Factors: Part of the commitments made by world leaders at the COP27 is

the reduction of carbon footprints. Solutions such as electric vehicles are in currently in

development but are still a long way from fruition. The ROVINA Filter addresses the carbon

emissions within the short-term as countries work towards achieving 100% adoption of electric

vehicles.

Environmental Factors: Recent shifts in weather patterns has had a devastating effect

on the Kenyan Economy. This year, the country experienced the worst drought it has seen in

over 30 years (IFRC, 2022). Changes in weather patterns have increased the length of our dry
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seasons while shifting our rainfall patterns resulting in losses worth millions of shillings and food

insecurity. The changes in weather patterns highlight the importance of tackling carbon

emissions and work in favor of our project.

Legal Factors: The ROVINA filter can be adapted for industrial functions to filter

carbon dioxide from fumes released into the atmosphere. The government has passed regulations

to control pollution from industries. Additionally, international conventions on climate change

action are increasingly pressuring car manufacturers to improve the efficiency of their

combustion engines. This legal environment provides a thriving environment for the ROVINA

filter.

SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS:

 There are over 2,095,088 vehicles in Kenya which will provide a ready market for the

ROVINA filter.

 The ROVINA filter has a reusable end-product, sodium bicarbonate which has multiple

alternative uses.

WEAKNESSES:

 The Implementation of the ROVINA filter requires high startup costs.

 The filter does not remove all harmful gases

OPPORTUNITIES:

 There is increased pressure for environmental consciousness and specifically the

reduction of carbon emissions.

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 The ROVINA filter can be adapted for industrial uses.

THREATS:

 The current application of the Solvay Process in industries may limit the entry of The

ROVINA filter in industries.

 Electric Vehicles may eventually edge the ROVINA filter out of the market.

Conclusion

The ROVINA filter is a portable filtration unit that can be attached to vehicle exhaust

system to filter carbon dioxide from vehicle exhaust fumes. The unit is composed of a sodium

hydroxide solution. The exhaust fumes from the car passes through the acid which reacts with

carbon dioxide to form a sodium carbonate precipitate. Through this reaction, the filter will

significantly reduce carbon emissions from gasoline engines.

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References

Haut, B., Halloin, V., Cartage, T., & Cockx, A. (2004). Production of sodium bicarbonate in

industrial bubble columns. Chemical engineering science, 59(22-23), 5687-5694.

Hayashi, Y., Kato, H., & Teodoro, R. V. R. (2001). A model system for the assessment of the

effects of car and fuel green taxes on CO2 emission. Transportation Research Part D:

Transport and Environment, 6(2), 123-139.

IFRC. (2022). Kenya hunger crisis: Voices from the drought. Retrieved From:

[Link] drought#:~:text=Kenya%20is

%20one%20of%20many,isn't%20the%20only%20problem.

Redaction Africanews. (Feb 2023). Kenya: increase in charging points encourages electric

vehicle use. Retrieved From: [Link]

charging-points-encourages-electric-vehicle-use/

Republic of Kenya. (2022, December 21). Greening The Country Will Help Us Fight Climate

Change. Retrieved From: [Link]

fight climate-change/

Shim, J. G., Lee, D. W., Lee, J. H., & Kwak, N. S. (2016). Experimental study on capture of

carbon dioxide and production of sodium bicarbonate from sodium

hydroxide. Environmental engineering research, 21(3), 297-303.

Steinhauser, G. (2008). Cleaner production in the Solvay process: general strategies and recent

developments. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(7), 833-841.

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UNICEF. (2022, March 2nd). New survey shows society is concerned about climate change and

its impact on children. Retrieved From: [Link]

releases/new-survey-shows-society-concerned-about-climate-change-and-its-impact

children