3E1 2015 Group 9

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Sulfur dioxide is from the family of gases called sulfur oxides (SOx). These gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur is burned, and during metal melting and other industrial processes. SO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion at power plants (73%) and other industrial facilities (20%) are the largest sources. SO₂emissions from industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore, and the burning of high sulfur containing fuels by locomotives, large ships, and non-road equipment are the smaller sources. SO₂ is the component of greatest concern of air pollutants and is used as the indicator for the larger group of gaseous sulfur oxides (SOx).

Source: It comes from combustion of fossil fuels in power plants and also from some industrial processes and industrial facilities and burning of high sulfur containing fuels of vehicles and also volcanic eruption.

Effects: *Sulfur dioxide is linked with a number of adverser effects on respiratory system;

*sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide contributes to acid rain: affects growth of vegetation and corrodes

buildings;and forming smog and reduces visibility. Sulfur dioxide in atmosphere also reflects light, causing

cooling.

Reducing the Sulphur content of the fuel before combustion:

Fuel	Average Sulfur Content
UK Coals	1.6%
Imported Coals	0.8-1.0%
Oil	2.9%
Gas	Trace

Methane is a colourless, odourless, and extremely flammable gas that can be explosive when mixed with air. It is also called methyl hydride. Methane is emitted from several natural and human-related sources. Methane is the primary component of natural gas. Human-related sources of methane include emissions from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, gasoline, natural gas, and oil. Methane is released from coal deposits during underground and surface mining. Other sources of methane include decomposition of waste in open dumps and landfills. Methane can be emitted from the digestive processes of domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep, and from agricultural feeding operations.

Sources: natural decomposition of organisms in airless condition. In some countries, methane

comes from rotting rubbish in landfill areas. Globally, over 60% of total CH₄emissions come from human activities. Also released during the mining and distribution of fossil fuels from

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs )

Effects: methane is a green house gas which traps even more heat than carbon dioxide and

contribute to global warming. In local scale, build up of methane poses an explosion

hazard which can result in evacuation of areas over old landfills or mines.

Emissions of sources	How Emissions can be reduced
Industry	Upgrading the equipment used to produce, store and transport oil and gas can be reduced. Methane from coal mines can also be captured and used for energy.
Agriculture	Altering manure management strategies at livestock operations or animal feeding practices
Wastes from Homes &Businesses	Control the emissions of landfill as it is the largest source of methane

Nitrogen dioxide belongs to a family of highly reactive gases called nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, and come from motor vehicle exhaust and stationary sources such as electric utilities and industrial boilers. A suffocating, brownish gas, nitrogen dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts in the air to form corrosive nitric acid, as well as toxic organic nitrates. It also plays a major role in the atmospheric reactions that produce ground-level ozone (or smog).

Sources: Mainly formed because of vehicles, especially cars and industries.

Effects: Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections

such as influenza.

Emissions Source	Examples of how Emissions can be reduced
Agriculture	Reducing Nitrogen-based fertilizers applications and applying fertilizers more efficiently
Transport	Reduce mobile fuel consumption in motor vehicles. Introduction of pollution control technologies, such as catalytic converters to reduce exhaust pollutants from passenger cars.
Industry	To reduce, technology can be upgraded and fuel switching. Production of adipic acid results in nitrogen dioxide emissions which can be reduced by technological upgrades

PSI	Air Pollution Level	Health Implications
0 - 50	Good	Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk
51 -100	Moderate	Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
151-200	Unhealthy	Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects
201-300	Very Unhealthy	Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
300+	Hazardous	Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects

API	Air Pollution Level	Health Implications
0 - 50	Excellent	No health implications
51 -100	Good	No health implications
101-150	Slightly Polluted	Slight irritations may occur, individuals with breathing or heart problems should reduce outdoor exercise.
151-200	Lightly Polluted	Slight irritations may occur, individuals with breathing or heart problems should reduce outdoor exercise.
201-250	Moderately Polluted	Healthy people will be noticeably affected. People with breathing or heart problems will experience reduced endurance in activities. These individuals and elders should remain indoors and restrict activities.
251-300	Heavily Polluted	Healthy people will be noticeably affected. People with breathing or heart problems will experience reduced endurance in activities. These individuals and elders should remain indoors and restrict activities.
300+	Severely Polluted	Healthy people will experience reduced endurance in activities. There may be strong irritations and symptoms and may trigger other illnesses. Elders and the sick should remain indoors and avoid exercise. Healthy individuals should avoid out door activities.