Air Pollution Control Chapter Classification Sources Effects Management

CHAPTER – FIVE
Air Pollution Control
5.1. Classification of Air Pollutant
5.2. Sources of Air Pollutant
5.3. Effects of Air Pollution
5.4. Air Pollution Management

Introduction
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 The definition of air pollution should incorporate some

key-words – Presence, Characteristics, Concentration,
Duration, and Effects of the pollutant, otherwise, it will
be incomplete.
 An incident is called air pollution if there are pollutants in ambient
air to cause or to be involved in causing deleterious effects on human
or the environment. Air pollution can generally be defined as:
 The presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more pollutants

in sufficient concentrations, of such characteristics and of such
duration, as to be or to threaten to be injurious to human being,
plant, or animal life, or to property, or which interferes with the
comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

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 The air pollution incident involves a sequence of events:

 The generation of pollutants at and their release from the source –
Their transport & transformation in & removal from atmosphere –
Their effect on humans, animals, materials, and the ecosystem.
 Meteorological and topographical factors contribute to the creation &
continuation of air pollution – Temperature inversions prevent the
upward diffusion – Low wind speed allows the emissions to remain
near the source.
 Because it is either economically infeasible or technically

impossible to design processes for an absolutely zero air
pollutant emissions, control the emissions to a level such
that effects are either nonexistent or minimized.
5.1. Classification of Air Pollutant
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 Based on Chemical Composition – Determines the

toxicity, reactivity, stability, volatility, etc. of a pollutant
– Organic and Inorganic pollutants – both of which may
originate from a number of sources and exist in a variety
of forms.
 Organic Air Pollutants are those contaminants of an air pollution
concern that comprises organic compounds existing in the ambient
atmosphere as gas or particle – Hydrocarbons and Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs).
 Inorganic Air Pollutants are those contaminants of air pollution

concern that comprises inorganic substances existing in the ambient
atmosphere as gas or particle – Heavy metals, COX, SOX, NOX, O3 ….

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 Based on Physical State: This affects the atmospheric

transportation, dispersion, and deposition of pollutants
as well as their prevention and control techniques.
 Gaseous Air Pollutants are formless fluids that behave more like
air and do not settle out – CO, NO, NO2, NH3, SO2, SO3, H2S, VOCs,
Aldehydes, Hydrocarbons, etc. – The major gaseous air pollutants
of air pollution concern includes: CO, O3, NO2, and SO2.
 Particulate Air Pollutants are finely divided & dispersed matters

of solid or liquid state that will settle out under a proper condition –
Dust, fume, fly-ash, smoke, mist, spray, and vapor – Mineral dusts
(coal, asbestos, cement), metal dusts and fumes (zinc, copper, iron,
lead), acid mists, pesticide mists, carbon black (soot), etc.

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 Based on Origin: Air pollutants can be categorized into

Primary and Secondary pollutants – Such classification is
not related to their impacts, rather to their formation (or
the manner in which they reach the atmosphere).
 Primary Air Pollutants are those pollutant which emitted directly
into the atmosphere from their respective sources (chimneys, stacks,
vehicle exhausts) and exist within the atmosphere in the same form
as they were in source emissions – CO, NO, SO2, & Hydrocarbons.
 Secondary Air Pollutants are those pollutant that formed within

the atmosphere as a result of the thermal or photochemical reactions
of primary pollutants or natural atmospheric constituents – CO2, O3,
Acidic mists, Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), & Formaldehyde (HCHO).

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 By thermal action SO2 oxidize to SO3 which, dissolved in water, gives

the sulfuric acid mist – Photochemical reactions of NOX and reactive
hydrocarbons can produce Ozone, HCHO, and PAN – CO can rapidly
oxidized into CO2 within the atmosphere.
 You must distinguish the secondary air pollutants from their effects:
CO2 is secondary air pollutant, while global warming is its effect;
Acidic mist is a secondary air pollutant, while acid rain is its effect;
O3, HCHO, and PAN are secondary pollutants, while photochemical
smog is their effect.
 The most effective means of controlling the secondary air

pollutants is to achieve source control of the primary air
pollutant, because the primary air pollutants react within
the atmosphere to form the secondary air pollutants.

Criteria Pollutants
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 Criteria or Conventional Pollutants are the principal air

pollutants for which ambient air quality standard (AAQS)
have been established globally to protect human health
and wellbeing from the adverse effects of air pollution.
 Known as health-based standards, though they are not very toxic.
Omnipresent in Atmosphere – Emitted in large quantity from many
diverse and widespread sources – Pose greatest threat to humans.
 Sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO),

Particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5), Ozone (O3), and Lead (Pb).
 CO, SO2 & Pb – Primary pollutant; NO2 & O3 – Secondary pollutant;

Particulate matters can be either primary or secondary pollutant.

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 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Colorless gas moderately soluble

in water – Has a pungent odor, similar to burning match.
 Fossil fuel combustion, Petroleum refining, Sulfuric acid production,
and Nonferrous smelting (Except Iron & Aluminum, metal ores are
sulfur compounds). Emission reduction can be achieved by using low
sulfur content fuels or chemical sulfur removal systems.
 Oxidized in atmosphere into a highly damaging secondary pollutant

Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) or its acid anhydride, Sulfur Trioxide (SO3).
 The two principal sink mechanisms are: Dry Deposition – Direct

deposition from the gaseous phase onto the wet or the dry surfaces;
Wet Deposition – Oxidation to SO3 that mix with H2O into H2SO4
mist which removed through precipitation – Acid Rain.

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 Nitrogen Oxides (NOX ): Usually originate from power

stations and from vehicle emissions – and contribute less
than SO2 to the problem of acid rain.
 Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is Colorless, Slightly Sweet, Unreactive, and
Nontoxic gas – Laughing gas – Greenhouse Gas – Global Warming.
 Produced by nitrification and denitrification processes in terrestrial
and aquatic environments.
 Longer atmospheric residence time (20–100yr) – by photochemical
reaction produces NO and contributes to the Ozone Layer Depletion.
 Nitric oxide (NO) is a Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless, Insoluble and

relatively Nontoxic gas.

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 Primary pollutant, which has no known health effects at atmospheric

concentrations – But easily oxidize into NO2 (Secondary pollutant).
 NO & NO2 are known as NOX – Highly reactive gases that have very
short atmospheric residence time. Almost all the NOX emissions are
in the form of NO, which readily oxidized into NO2.
 NOX are produced from Combustion (vehicle, power plant, biomass

burning), Other high temperature operations (i.e. metallurgy), Nitric
acid plant – Forest fire, Volcanic eruption, Lightning, NH3 oxidation,
as well as biological nitrification and de-nitrification processes.
 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2 ): Secondary pollutant – Colored (reddish

brown), Highly Reactive gas that has Pungent, Irritating Odor and,
due to its high Oxidation Rate, is relatively Toxic and Corrosive.

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 Carbon Monoxide (CO): Colorless, odorless, tasteless,

slightly water soluble, slightly denser than air, & rapidly
oxidized into CO2 – Secondary pollutant.
 Relatively short atmospheric residence – Mainly from combustion of
fuel in internal combustion engine of vehicles (incomplete comb.).
 Affects human and animal health – Plants are relatively insensitive
and other deleterious effects are not notable.
 The principal mechanism of toxicity is its bonding with hemoglobin:
𝐂𝐎 + 𝐇𝐛 Hemoglobin → 𝐇𝐛𝐂𝐎 Carboxyhemoglobin – reduce the oxygen-
carrying capacity of the blood, and the available O2 for body tissues.
Hemoglobin has greater affinity for CO (over 200times) than for O2
– also CO binds more tightly with hemoglobin than does oxygen.

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 Ozone (O3): Colorless gas (faintly purple at high mixing

ratios), has harsh odor, and occurs naturally in the lower
stratosphere as Ozone Layer – protecting UV radiation.
 NOX, VOCs, and sunlight produce a Secondary pollutants known as
photochemical oxidants, such as O3, – photochemical smog
constituents.
 Not related directly to any source, rather associated with the sources
of its precursors – automobile exhaust are particularly important.
 VOCs are emitted from a variety of sources, including motor vehicles,
chemical plants, refineries, industries, consumer and commercial
products and other industrial sources – NOX are emitted from motor
vehicles, power plants, and other combustion sources.

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 Particulate Matters (Aerosols): are any tiny particles

(liquid or solid) dispersed in the atmosphere.
 Solid & liquid matters that can be individual elements or compounds
of organic or inorganic natures, suspended due to a Stack or Fugitive
emissions, may or may not be emitted along with gaseous pollutants.
 Ranges from 0.01 to 1000μm in diameter – But those 0.01 to 100μm

are of air pollution concern – and They can be primary or secondary
based on their origin and processes by which they are formed.
 Primary particles, i.e., dusts, smoke, and soot, are emitted directly
into the atmosphere from a variety of natural (i.e., volcanoes & forest
fires) & anthropogenic (i.e., vehicles, fuel combustion power plants,
industrial processes, agricultural activities, etc.) sources.

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 Secondary particles are produced as a result of atmospheric chemical

processes which involves gases, aerosol particles, and water vapors –
Such particles include sulfates, nitrates and oxyhydrocarbons
produced by direct, catalytic and photochemical oxidation of sulfur,
nitrogen, and volatile non-methane hydrocarbons.
 𝐏𝐌𝟏𝟎 known as Inhalable particles that have ≤10μm size & arise
mainly from mechanical process – Attack the upper respiratory
system – have Short atmospheric residence times, and if there is no
strong wind, they will be found relatively close to their sources.
 𝐏𝐌𝟐.𝟓 known as Fine particles – that have ≤ 2.5μm size and arise
mainly from combustion process – Attack the lower respiratory
system – have Long atmospheric residence times, and the ability to
transport over long distances.

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 The principal human health and environmental concerns

associated with the particulate matters are include:
 Human health effects – Respiratory & Cardiovascular diseases,
Cancer, Lung function reduction, and Chronic Bronchitis.
 Visibility reduction – Smog and Haze formation due to the light-

scattering ability of particles.
 Global warming – By absorbing the incoming solar radiation &

outgoing thermal radiation, and re-radiating back into the earth;
 Nuisance effects – Soiling of deposited particles – Corrosion, Dirt

accumulation, Deterioration of materials, Destruction of plants, etc.
 Catalysis – Catalytic surfaces for reaction of adsorbed chemicals.

Classification of particulate matters based on their Modes of Formation
Dust Small solid particles (1–1000μm) created by the breakup of larger masses via
crushing, grinding or blasting, or can produced directly from the processing
or handling of materials such as coal, cement or grains.
Smoke Fine solid particles (0.5–1μm) resulting from the incomplete combustion of
organics, i.e., coal, wood or tobacco consist of carbonaceous materials. Smoke
and Soot are terms used to describe particles composed of carbon that result
from incomplete combustion of carbon containing matters.
Fly Ash Finely divided noncombustible (1-1000μm) solid particles contained in flue
gases resulting from the combustion of coal, and is released when the organic
portion of coal is burned.
Fume Fine-solid particles (usually Metallic Oxides – 0.03 to 0.3μm) formed by the
condensation of vapors of solid materials – i.e., Zinc & Lead oxides resulting
from the oxidation and condensation of volatilized metal.
Spray Liquid particles (10 to 1000μm) formed by atomization of parent liquids, i.e.,
pesticides.
Mist Liquid particles (<10μm) formed by condensation of vapors, dispersion of a

liquid (in foaming & splashing) or enactment of chemical reaction. Mists are
concentrated into Fog – and Smog 17 is the term derived from Smoke & Fog.
5.2. Sources of Air Pollutant
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 The potential sources of air pollutant can be classified:
 According to the type of source, as Natural or Anthropogenic sources.
 According to the physical nature of the source, as Stationary, Mobile,

or Fugitive sources.
 According to the number and spatial distribution of source, as Point

(Single), Area (Multiple), or Line sources.
 Natural Sources: are those associated with the natural

processes that can discharge considerable amount of air
pollutants in a relatively short period of time – They are
Least affected by the air pollution control actions.
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 Occasional phenomena – Volcanos (ash & gases, i.e., SO2, HF, H2S),
Forest fires (gases & dusts), Vegetation (esters & terpenes), Lightning
(ozone and NO2), Plant Decay, etc.
 The atmosphere is capable to assimilate most pollutants from natural

sources – Air pollution control strategies are devised to control the
pollutant emissions from manmade sources, so as to maintain the
natural atmospheres’ pollution dilution capability.
 Anthropogenic Sources – are those associated with

several human activities over which pollution prevention
and control actions have major effect.
 Emission from such sources exceed the dilution capability of nature.

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 Stationary Sources – are those that remain at specific

location while emitting – associated with fixed structures
emission qualities & quantities remain steady over time
– Example: emission from industrial Smoke Stacks.
 Fugitive Sources – are elusive & uncontrolled sources

that are difficult to identify, include: leaking valves, pipes
and pumps and storage piles that release pollutants into
the atmosphere (i.e., windblown dusts from stockpiles).
 Pollutants which find their way into the air without being vented –
uncontrolled releases from industrial processes, street dust, and dust
from construction and farm cultivation.

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 Mobiles Sources – are associated with transportation

and internal combustion engines of vehicles with the air
pollutants being emitted along the path taken.
 Point or Single Sources – are those sources that have

fixed location and one exit point – a stationary industrial
smoke and flare stacks, and are typically larger emitters.
 Area or Multiple Sources: are those sources that have

relatively large dimension of stationary or mobile nature.
 Line Sources – include heavily travelled highways and

the leading edges of uncontrolled forest fires.
5.3. Effects of Air Pollution
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 The effects of air pollution range from a single type of air

pollutant to a multifaceted problem resulting from multi-
ple pollutants complexed by atmospheric interactions.
 Effects of air pollution can be categorized in many ways:
 Consider the types of effect and then identify the potential pollutants
causing such effect – Another approach is to select the air pollutant,
such as SO2, and list all the potential effects caused by SO2.
 Based on the level or scale of the effect – as Micro effects (exhibited

on a small geographical scale ranging from individuals to local level
or at the vicinity of the source) and Macro effects (from regional to
global level – Acid Rain, Ozone Layer Depletion, Global Warming).

Human Health Effects
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 Human exposure to air pollution manifested as an Acute

(Short-term) or Chronic (Long-term) health effects.
 Acute health effects result in Immediate, but Temporary damage;
Reversible when exposure ends – Eyes, Nose and Throat Irritations,
Headaches, and Nausea (sea sickness).
 Chronic health effects result in Lasting, Irreversible effects, occur

only after extended periods of exposure – Decreased Lung Capacity,
Heart Disease, Cancer, and even Death.
 Such effects are often manifested in specific target organs (receptors)

and can be direct, if pollutants come into intimate contact with the
organ affected, such as Eye and Respiratory system irritations, OR
can be indirect, if pollutants enter the bloodstream from lungs.

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 The indirect effects are distant from the immediate organ of contact
– The target organ have no immediate contact with the air pollutant.
 The health effects vary from person to person – the Elderly, Infants,
Pregnant women, those who suffer Lung/Heart disease, & those who
engage in vigorous outdoor physical activities (breathing volume).
 The health effects ranges from personal discomforts (Eye

Irritation and Irritation to individuals with respiratory
difficulties) to an actual health hazards.
 Eye irritation is one of the more prevalent manifestations of effects
of air pollution on the human body – It is most often associated with
exposure to aldehydes and photochemical oxidants.

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 Eye irritation increases with increasing oxidant concentration. Levels

of oxidants indicates the eye irritation potential of photochemical
pollutants, i.e., Peroxyacyl Nitrate (PAN), Acrolein, Formaldehyde
(HCHO), and other photochemically–produced compounds.
 Eye irritation is not categorized as a significant health effect, because

no other effect, and it resolves quickly after the exposure ceases.
 Some air pollutants, such as CO and lead, could be absorbed into the
bloodstream, and might have both direct and indirect effects on the
Cardiovascular system.
 Generally, air pollution is considered as causal or aggravating

agent for the respiratory system diseases: Bronchitis, Lung
Cancer, Asthma, and Respiratory System Infections.
Aesthetic Quality Deterioration
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 The aesthetic effect includes: loss of Atmospheric Clarity

as well as the Presence of Objectionable Odors.
 Atmospheric clarity loss can be caused by Particulates and Smog as
well as by visibility reductions due to Nitrate and Sulfate particles.
 Objectionable odors include a range of pollutants – most associated
with the gaseous form, including: Aldehydes, Fatty acids, Ammonia,
Phenol, Amines, Sulfur gases (i.e., H2S, CS2, and mercaptans), etc.
 Visibility (is the greatest distance in any direction at

which a person can see) impairment occurs owing to the
scattering and absorption of light by air pollutant (i.e.,
particles and gases).
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 The scattering and absorption of light caused by air pollutions limit

the distance that we can see, and also degrade the color, clarity, and
contrast of scenes.
 Both the primary emissions and secondary formation of

particles contribute to visibility impairment.
 Primary particles, i.e., Dust from roads or Elemental Carbon (Soot)
from wood combustion, are emitted directly into the atmosphere. In
Ethiopia, visibility impairment is mainly attributable to a primary
particle emissions from wood smoke sources.
 Secondary particles are formed within the atmosphere from primary

gaseous emissions – Sulfates formed from SO2 emissions & Nitrates
formed from NOX emissions.

Materials Deterioration
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 It includes: the corrosion of metals, weathering of stone,

darkening of lead-based white paint, accelerated cracking
of rubber, and deterioration of various manmade fabrics.
 Soiling: Most familiar effect of air pollution on material

– soiling of building, clothing, and other articles.
 Dirtiness of articles due to smoke deposition on surfaces over time as
surfaces become discolored – Necessitating more frequent cleaning.
 Soiling is typically due to particles being deposited (Dust-fall) – PMs

can damage materials by – Soiling Clothes and Textiles, Corroding
metals, Eroding building surfaces, and Discoloring and Destroying
painted surfaces.

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 Weathering – Building materials (marble, limestone &

carbonate cement) can be chemically eroded by SO2 and
Acidic Aerosols.
 Weathering of stone is attributed to the effects of acidic mists (H2SO4
and HNO3) – Acidification not only soils buildings, automobiles, and
clothing, but also deteriorates/damages the metal & stone structures
in buildings and monuments.
 Reaction of SO2 with carbonate building stone result in water soluble

hydrated calcium salts (CaSO3 ∙ 2H2 O and CaSO4 ∙ 2H2 O).
 Deterioration rates are affected by Pollutant concentration, Moisture

content and Permeability of stone, and Deposition rates. It is further
accelerated by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and fungi.

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 Metal Corrosion – Acidic precipitation and pollutants

like sulfur dioxide can accelerate the corrosion of metals.
 SO2 accelerates metal corrosion – necessitating frequent repainting.
The corrosive effect increase with increased conc. & deposition rates
- Reduces with elevated atmospheric oxidant levels.
 The reaction of SOX with copper results in CuSO4 – Copper may also
be Discolored by exposures to H2S – that Blackens it.
 Nonferrous metals used to form electrical connections in electronics
– Corrosion of these connections can result in serious problems.
 Equipment malfunction also result from contamination of electrical
contacts by Particulate matters, which may physically prevent closing
or may result in chemical corrosion of contact metals.

Ozone Layer Depletion
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 The solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface is sharply

cut out at wavelengths below about 290 nm, although the
radiation entering the top of the atmosphere includes a
considerable amounts of radiation at shorter wavelength.
 Since small quantities of ozone (the ozone layer, 15 – 40km above
ground) effectively filter out the missing radiation and use it to warm
the stratosphere – where above 90% of the total ozone is found.
 Many manmade substances are associated with ozone layer depletion

includes: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4),
Methyl chloroform (𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝐶𝑙3 ), Methyl chloride (𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑙), Halons (i.e.,
𝐶𝐵𝑟𝐶𝑙𝐹2 & 𝐶𝐵𝑟𝐹3 ), and Methyl bromide (𝐶𝐻3 𝐵𝑟) as well as Nitrogen
oxides (NOX).

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 The ozone layer represents an atmospheric environment

in which ozone is continually produced and destroyed –
Initiated by high-intensity, short wavelength solar UV
radiation.
 Effects of Ozone Depletion – If the full amount of UV

radiation falling on the stratosphere reached the earth’s
surface, any life cannot survive.
 In general, Genetic structure change, Immune system alters,
Crop damages, disrupts the marine food web, increase the
skin cancer incidence, and enhances greenhouse effect by
affecting the CO2 absorbing capacity of plankton in oceans.

Global Warming
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 Solar radiation enters the earth’s atmosphere where it is

then transformed into heat radiation – some is absorbed,
reflected, or reradiated within the earth’s atmosphere.
 The atmosphere allows solar radiation to pass through without major
absorption of energy – Some of the radiation that reaches the earth’s
surface is absorbed, heating the land & water – IR radiation emitted
from the earth’s surface is absorbed by greenhouse gases and redirect
back to the surface – the process is known as Greenhouse Effect.
 Although the atmosphere is relatively transparent to visible light, it is

considerably less so for infrared energy – It allows the short-wave
visible light to pass through, whereas retarding the flow of longer-
wave infrared energy back into space – the greenhouse effect.

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 The greenhouse effect occurs when the earth’s atmosphere is warmed

because of the re-radiation & confinement of the long-wave infrared
(IR) heat radiation.
 The greenhouse effect increased by the continued greenhouse gases

releases into the atmosphere causing the earth’s temperature to rise
– this phenomena is known as Global Warming.
 The greenhouse effect is primarily due to the sorption & re-radiation
of thermal energy by H2O vapor and CO2 – other greenhouse gases:
CH4, N2O, Tropospheric O3, Chlorofluorocarbons, Per-Fluorocarbons
(PFCs), Hydro-Fluorocarbons (HFCs), and Sulfur Hexafluoride.
 CO2 absorb the IR radiation energy & have 50 to 100yr atmospheric

life-time – CH4, N2O, & CFCs absorb the IR radiation energy 21, 206,
and 12,000–16,000 times more effectively, respectively, than CO2.

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 Global warming can have a wide-ranging adverse impact

on water resources, coastal areas, human settlements,
agriculture activities, and biological communities.
 Affect the water cycle & water availability – change in rainfall event.
 Reduction of crop yields as a result of increased drought conditions.
 Human settlement, esp. in low-lying coastal area, adversely affected.
 Coastal areas – affected due to sea level rise as well as the increase in
storm frequency and severity – extinction of low-lying land areas.
 Slight change in average atmospheric temperature result in changes

in the presence of a particular species in a given environment, their
abundance, and their distribution.

Acid Rain
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 Acid rainfall is any rainfall with a pH less than 5.7 – is a

precipitation whose pH is lower than the expected value
in absence of pollution.
 Unpolluted rain is not pure water – it contains small but significant
amount of dust, dissolved solids & gases – Presence of dissolved CO2
maintains the pH of clean rainwater at about 5.7 – Because of CO2 in
atmosphere reacts with the rain water as:
𝐂𝐎𝟐 + 𝐇𝟐 𝐎 ↔ 𝐇𝟐 𝐂𝐎𝟑 ↔ 𝐇 + + 𝐇𝐂𝐎−

𝟑
 This small acidity is sufficient to dissolve and make them available to

plant and animal lives – Yet Not Acidic Enough to inflict any
damage – Volcanic eruptions, forest fires and other similar natural
phenomena contribute to the natural sources of acidity in the rain.

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 Effects of Acid Rain are serious and far reaching due both
to the low pH itself & to the leaching of toxic metals (i.e.,
Aluminum, mercury) from sediment at lower pH values.
 Changes in soil pH increases solubility of nutrients other elements –
results in the Eutrophication and Toxicity.
 Reduce aquatic biodiversity and damage crops and forests – Low pH

may affect fish directly by interfering with their reproductive cycles
or by dissolving toxic metals, such as Al, from the sediment.
 Weathering and Erosion of metals and stone buildings. SO2 and NOX
can create Sulfates and Nitrates that contribute to visibility reduction
and human health impacts – effects on Breathing and Respiratory
system, Damage to lung tissue, and Early death.

5.4. Air Pollution Management
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 Air pollution management is a strategy or method which

aims at the elimination, or reduction to acceptable levels,
of airborne gaseous pollutants and suspended particulate
matters whose atmospheric presence could cause adverse
effects on human health or welfare, deleterious effects on
animal or plant life, damage to the materials of economic
value to society and damage to the environment.
 Air pollution management can be realized by eliminating

the generation of pollutant – the so called Prevention
strategies, or by limiting their emissions – the so called
Control strategies.
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 These two strategies mainly differ in the manner that:

 The former tackle the air pollution problem before the generation of
pollutants using all Pro-active measures that employed within the
production process to eliminate or reduce the creation of pollutants
at the source – known as Pollution Prevention Strategies.
 The later address the problem after the generation of pollutant using
all Re-active measures that applied in a especially designed facility
to limit the quantities & toxicities of emissions of already generated
pollutants – known as Pollution Control Strategies.
 The key difference between pollution control & pollution prevention
is timing – Pollution control using end-of-pipe measures is an after-
the-event, “React and Treat” approach – Pollution Prevention is a
forward-looking, “Anticipate and Prevent” philosophy.
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 Air pollution management strategies that applied within

production process to eliminate or reduce the generation
of pollutants at a source, and help to reduce the amount
of inputs utilized are known as Pollution prevention,
Cleaner production, Process Internal measures.
 Air pollution management strategies that applied outside

the production process, in especially designed facilities,
to reduce the extent and toxicity of emissions of already
generated pollutant, and have no role on the reduction of
the amount of inputs used – Pollution control, Waste
management, or Process External measures.
Pollution Prevention Air Pollution Management Strategies
Good Operating Practice

Cleaner Production, or
Clean Technologies Raw Material Substitution

Internal Measures
Source Reduction
Process Technology Change
Product Change
Internal or Onsite Recycling – within a

Closed-Loop Recycling process
External or
End-of-Pipe Technologies
Open-Loop Recycling Absorption

Waste Treatment, or
Pollution Control
Adsorption
External Measures
Condensation
Combustion or Incineration
Exhaust Gas Emission Fabric Filters
Stream Treatment Settling Chambers
Cyclone Separators
Wet and Dry Scrubbers
Safe Disposal Electrostatic Precipitators
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Pollution Prevention Measures
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 Good Operating Practice – Operating the processes to prevent or

reduce emission – Proper handling (power, wind, time/temperature),
Moistening of powder, Covering dust/vapor creating activities, etc.
 Raw Material Change – Selecting inputs free of pollutants or their

precursors. Inputs with low conc. of polluting or pollution generating
components – Solvent substitution (Small amounts, Less volatile, Less
hazardous); Fuel substitution (hydropower, solar); Fuel purification.
 Process Technology Changes – Replacing the process with one that

does not create pollutant – Mechanical cleaning; Encapsulate open
vessels; Cooling techniques; Use modern fluid mechanics (airflow can
be guided without requiring large amounts of air); Encapsulate the
whole process (work in inert environment).

Pollution Control Measures
43
 Industry can control air pollution with equip that remove

air pollutants at the end of the production process – the
degree of removal is described as collection efficiency.
 Gaseous pollutants are removed from the effluent stream by trapping
them from the emission streams, or by changing them chemically –
such as oxidation and chemical absorption.
 The most common gaseous air pollutant controlling unit operations

are: Absorption, Adsorption, Combustion or Incineration or flaring,
and Condensation.
 The most common particulate pollutant controlling unit operations

include: Dynamic separation (settling chamber and cyclones), Wet
scrubbing, Fabric filtering, and Electrostatic precipitation.

Particulate Matters Controlling Equipment
Equipment Application
Settling Removal of coarse particles, larger than

Chambers about 100-150 µm
Cyclones Removal of average dusts in the range 10-

100 µm
Wet Scrubbers Removal of fine dusts down to about 5 µm

Fabric Filters Removal of fine dusts and fumes down to
about 1 µm or less
Electrostatic Removal of fine dusts and fumes down to

Precipitators about 1 µm or less
44
Thank You

Air Pollution Control Chapter Classification Sources Effects Management

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CHAPTER – FIVE

Air Pollution Control

5.1. Classification of Air Pollutant

5.2. Sources of Air Pollutant

5.3. Effects of Air Pollution

5.4. Air Pollution Management

 The definition of air pollution should incorporate some

 The presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more pollutants

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 The air pollution incident involves a sequence of events:

 Because it is either economically infeasible or technically

 Based on Chemical Composition – Determines the

 Inorganic Air Pollutants are those contaminants of air pollution

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Based on Physical State: This affects the atmospheric

 Particulate Air Pollutants are finely divided & dispersed matters

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Based on Origin: Air pollutants can be categorized into

 Secondary Air Pollutants are those pollutant that formed within

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 By thermal action SO2 oxidize to SO3 which, dissolved in water, gives

 The most effective means of controlling the secondary air

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Criteria or Conventional Pollutants are the principal air

 Sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO),

 CO, SO2 & Pb – Primary pollutant; NO2 & O3 – Secondary pollutant;

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Colorless gas moderately soluble

 Oxidized in atmosphere into a highly damaging secondary pollutant

 The two principal sink mechanisms are: Dry Deposition – Direct

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Nitrogen Oxides (NOX ): Usually originate from power

 Nitric oxide (NO) is a Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless, Insoluble and

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Primary pollutant, which has no known health effects at atmospheric

 NOX are produced from Combustion (vehicle, power plant, biomass

 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2 ): Secondary pollutant – Colored (reddish

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Carbon Monoxide (CO): Colorless, odorless, tasteless,

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Ozone (O3): Colorless gas (faintly purple at high mixing

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Particulate Matters (Aerosols): are any tiny particles

 Ranges from 0.01 to 1000μm in diameter – But those 0.01 to 100μm

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 Secondary particles are produced as a result of atmospheric chemical

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

 The principal human health and environmental concerns

 Visibility reduction – Smog and Haze formation due to the light-

 Global warming – By absorbing the incoming solar radiation &

 Nuisance effects – Soiling of deposited particles – Corrosion, Dirt

 Catalysis – Catalytic surfaces for reaction of adsorbed chemicals.

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)

Mist Liquid particles (<10μm) formed by condensation of vapors, dispersion of a

 The potential sources of air pollutant can be classified:

 According to the type of source, as Natural or Anthropogenic sources.

 According to the physical nature of the source, as Stationary, Mobile,

 According to the number and spatial distribution of source, as Point

 Natural Sources: are those associated with the natural

 The atmosphere is capable to assimilate most pollutants from natural

 Anthropogenic Sources – are those associated with

Basic Environmental Engineering (ChEng-3142)