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COURSE MATERIAL

AIR POLLUTION AND CONTROL

SUBJECT (19A01704a)

UNIT 1

COURSE B.TECH

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

DEPARTMENT ENGINEERING

SEMESTER 4-1

PREPARED BY
(Faculty Name/s) Dr.J.A.BASKAR
Associate Professor

Version V-1

PREPARED / REVISED DATE 24-09-2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS – UNIT 2

S. NO CONTENTS PAGE NO.
1 COURSE OBJECTIVES 1
2 PREREQUISITES 1
3 SYLLABUS 1
4 COURSE OUTCOMES 1
5 CO - PO/PSO MAPPING 2
6 LESSON PLAN 2
7 ACTIVITY BASED LEARNING 2
8 LECTURE NOTES 2

1.1 INTRODUCTION: SOURCES 2

1.2 EFFECTS ON – ECO SYSTEMS 5

1.3 CHARACTERIZATION OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS 6

1.4 AIR POLLUTION EPISODES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE 8
1.5 INDOOR AIR POLLUTION– SOURCES 10
1.6 INDOOR AIR POLLUTION– EFFECTS 13
9 PRACTICE QUIZ 15
10 ASSIGNMENTS 16
11 PART A QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (2 MARKS QUESTIONS) 17
12 PART B QUESTIONS 18
13 SUPPORTIVE ONLINE CERTIFICATION COURSES 18
14 REAL TIME APPLICATIONS 19
15 CONTENTS BEYOND THE SYLLABUS 19
16 PRESCRIBED TEXT BOOKS & REFERENCE BOOKS 19
17 MINI PROJECT SUGGESTION 20

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1. Course Objectives
The objectives of this course is to
1.
Identify the sources of air pollution
2.
know the composition and structure of atmosphere
3.
know the pollutants dispersion models
4.
understand the working of air pollution control equipments
identify the sources of noise pollution and their controlling methods
2. Prerequisites
Students should have knowledge on
1. character of atmospheric pollutants and their effects
2. effects of atmospheric pollutants

3. Syllabus
UNIT I
Introduction: sources, effects on – ecosystems, characterization of atmospheric
pollutants, air pollution episodes of environmental importance. Indoor Air Pollution–
sources, effects

4. Course outcomes
1 Identify the sources of air pollution

2 Understand the composition and structure and structure of atmosphere

3 Know about the general characteristics of stack emissions and their behavior

4 Know about the general characteristics of stake emission and their behavior

5 Know about the noise sources, mapping, prediction equations etc.,

5. Co-PO / PSO Mapping

Machine
PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 P10 PO11 PO12 PSO1 PSO2
Tools
CO1 3 3 2 2

CO2 3 3 2 2

CO3 3 3 2 2

CO4 3 3 2 2

CO5 3 3 2 2

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6. Lesson Plan

Lecture No. Weeks Topics to be covered References

1 Introduction: sources,. Indoor Air Pollution– sources, effects. T1, R1

2 air pollution T1, R1

1
3 T1, R1

4 T1, R1

5 episodes of environmental importance T1, R1

6 effects on – ecosystems T1, R1

2
7 T1, R1

8 T1, R1

9 characterization of atmospheric pollutants T1, R1

10 Effects of atmospheric pollutants T1, R1

3
11 T1, R1

12 T1, R1

7. Activity Based Learning

8. Lecture Notes
1.1Introduction :

Structure and composition of atmosphere

Atmosphere, composition and structure. Earth's atmosphere is composed of

about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 0.93% argon. The remainder, less than 0.1%,
contains such trace gases as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone.

Definition of Air pollutants: Substances introduces into the air, natural or

manmade, in concentrations detrimental to human, plant or animal life, or to
property.
Major Classification of Air Pollutants:
1] Primary – Secondary 2] Natural – Manmade 3] Criteria Air Pollutants
4] Physical - chemical - biological
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Primary pollutants and secondary pollutants: Primary pollutants are substances

that are directly emitted into the atmosphere from sources. Primary pollutants are those
that are emitted directly from identifiable sources. Secondary air pollutants are those
that are produced in the air by the interaction of two or more primary air pollutant.
Primary Air pollutants:-
(i) Fine (less than 100μ) and coarse (more than 100μ) suspended particulate matter
(ii)Oxides of sulfur
(iii) Oxides of nitrogen
(iv) Carbon monoxide
(v) Halogens
(vi) Organic compounds
(vii) Radioactive compounds
Secondary Air pollutants:-
(i) Ozone
(ii)PAN (peroxi aceyl nitrate)
(iii) Photochemical smog
(iv) Acid mists

Air pollutants arise from both manmade and natural processes. The ambient air
quality may be defined by the concentration of a set of pollutants which may be
present in the ambient air we breathe in. These pollutants may be called criteria
pollutants.
Natural Contaminants: Pollen is important natural contaminant because of its
peculiar properties of irritation and allergy sometimes leading to bronchitis, asthma and
dermatitis. Pollen grains are the male gametophytes of gymnosperms and
angiosperms and they are discharged into the atmosphere from plants etc. The air
transported pollen grains range mainly between 10 and 50 microns. Manmade refers
to any pollutant produced to influence or action of humans.
Aerosols: Aerosols refer to the dispersion of solid or liquid particles of microscopic
size in the air. It can also be defined as a colloidal system in which the dispersion
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medium is gas and the dispersed phase is solid or liquid. The term aerosol is applicable
until it is in suspension and after settlement due to its own weight or by addition with
other particles (agglomeration) it is no longer an air pollutant. The diameter of the
aerosol may range from 0.01 (or less) micron to 100 micron.
The various aerosols are as follows:-
(i) Dust: Dust is produced by the crushing, grinding and natural sources like windstorms.
Generally the dust particles are over 20 micron in diameter. They do not flocculate
but settle under gravity, but smaller particles like 5 micron form stable suspensions.
(ii) Smoke: Smoke is made up of finely divided particles produced by incomplete
combustion. Generally it consists of carbon particles of size less than 1.0 micron.
(iii) Mists: Mist is a light dispersion of minute water droplets suspended in the
atmosphere ranging from 40 to 400 micron in size.
(iv) Fog: Fog is made up of dispersion of water or ice near the earth’s surface reducing
visibility
to less than 500 m. In natural fog the size of particles range from 1.0 to 40 micron.
(v) Fumes: Fumes are solid particles generated by condensation from the gaseous state
after volatilization from melted substances. Fumes flocculate and sometimes
coalesce. Gases:
Following are the main air pollutant gases
(i) Sulphur dioxide: It is a major air pollutant gas produced by the combustion of fuels
like coal.
The main source of electricity production is by burning of fossil fuels in India and
the whole world. The sulphur content of the coal varies from 1 to 4% and fortunately the
Indian coal is low in sulphur content. SO2 is also produced in the metallurgical
operations.
(ii) Oxides of nitrogen: Oxides of nitrogen are produced either in the production of
nitric acid or in the automobile exhausts and as the effluent of power plants. Out of
the seven oxides of Nitrogen (N2O, NO, NO2, NO3, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5) only nitric
oxide and nitrogen dioxide are classified as the main pollutants. All the oxides of
nitrogen are collectively known as NOX.

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(iii) Carbon monoxide: It is produced because of the incomplete combustion

of coal and other petroleum products. It is produced in the exhaust of
automobiles. In the pollution check of vehicles mainly CO and unburnt
hydrocarbons are measured.

(iv) Hydrogen sulphide: Hydrogen Sulphide is an obnoxious (bad smelling) gas.

It is produced mainly by the anaerobic (in absence of air) decomposition of
organic matter. Other air polluting sulfur compounds are methyl mercaptan
(CH3SH) and dimethyl sulphide (CH3-S-CH3) etc.
(v) Hydrogen fluoride: It is an important pollutant even in very low
ncentrations. It is produced in the manufacturing of phosphate
fertilizers.
(vi) Chlorine and hydrogen chloride: It is mixed in the air either from the
leakages from water treatment plants or other industries where it is produced
or used. Hydrogen chloride is also evolved in various industrial chemical
processes. The main effect of chlorine is respiratory irritation which may be
fatal.
(vii) Ozone: It is a desirable gas in the upper layers of atmosphere as it
absorbs the UV radiation of sunlight. But near the earth surface it is a
poisonous gas. It makes poisonous chemicals by photochemical reactions.
(viii) Aldehydes: They are produced by the incomplete oxidation of motor
fuels and lubricating oil. They may also be formed because of
photochemical reactions. Formaldehydes are irritating to the eyes.

Classification according to chemical composition: (Organic – inorganic)

1. Sulfur-containing compounds.
2. Nitrogen-containing compounds.
3. Carbon-containing compounds.
4. Halogen-containing compounds.
5. Toxic substances (any of about).
6. Radiative compounds.
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Classification according to physical state:

1. Gaseous.
2. Liquid (aqueous).
3. Solid.

Criteria air pollutants are six major pollutants defined by EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) for which ambient air standards have been set to
protect human health and welfare. These include :
1. Ozone, O3.
2. Carbon monoxide, CO.
3. Sulfur dioxide, SO2.
4. Nitrogen oxides, NOx.
5. Lead, Pb.
6. Particulates, PM10.

Pollutant Description Source Health Effects Welfar

s e
Effects
Carbon Colorless, Motor vehicle Headaches Contribute
Monoxi odorless exhaust, indoor reduced mental to the
de (CO) gas sources include alertness, heart formation
kerosene or wood attack, of smog.
burning stoves. cardiovascular
diseases, impaired
fetal development,
an
d
death.
Sulfur Dioxide Colorless gas that Coal-fired power Eye irritation, Contribute
to
(SO2) dissolves in water plants, wheezing, the
vapor to form petroleum chest tightness, formation of
refineries,
acid, and interact manufacture of shortness acid
with other gases sulfuric of breath, lung rain,
damage.
and particles in acid and smelting visibility
of
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the air. ores containing impairment,

sulfur.
plant
and water
damage,
aesthetic
damage.
Nitrogen Reddish brown, Motor vehicles, Susceptibility to Contribute
to
Dioxide (NO2) highly reactive electric respiratory the
infections,
gas. utilities, and other irritation of the lung formation
of
industrial, and smog,
commercial, respiratory acid rain,
symptoms
and residential (e.g., cough, chest water
sources pain,
that burn fuels. difficulty breathing). quality
deterioratio
n,
global

Practice Quiz
1.Who was the first scientist to coin the term SMOG and to describe the layers of SMOG?
(a) Nikola Tesla
(b) Stephen Hawking
(c) Dr Henry Antoine
(d) Nicolaus Copernicus
Sol: (c) Dr Henry Antoine.
2.Which of the following pollutants are responsible for the cause of SMOG?
(a) From incinerators
(b) Emissions from vehicles
(c) Both incinerators and emissions from vehicles
(d) None of the above
Sol: (c) Both incinerators and emissions from vehicles.
3.Which of the following is called the secondary air pollutant?
(a) PANs

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(b) Ozone
(c) Carbon monoxide
(d) Nitrogen Dioxide
Sol: (b) Ozone.
4.Which of the following particles is called the particulate pollutants?
(a) Ozone
(b) Radon
(c) Fly Ash
(d) Ethylene
Sol: (c) Fly Ash.
5.Which of the following agents is responsible for turning the Taj Mahal yellow?
(a) Sulphur
(b) Chlorine
(c) Sulphur dioxide
(d) Nitrogen dioxide
Sol: (c) Sulphur dioxide
6.Which of the following statements is true about SMOG?
(a) SMOG is derived from the fog
(b) SMOG is derived from smoke
(c) SMOG is derived from water vapour
(d) SMOG is derived from both fog and smoke
Sol: (d) SMOG is derived from both fog and smoke.
7.What type of precautions should be taken to survive when the ozone level is high?
(a) Drive less
(b) Stay hydrated
(c) Both A and B
(d) Go for a long walk
Sol: (c) Both A and B.
8.Which of the following statements is true about the Air Quality Index?

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(a) It indicates the colour of the air.

(b) It predicts ozone levels in your area.
(c) It determines the intensity of sound and sound pollution.
(d) It estimates air pollution mainly sulphur content in the air.
Sol: (b) It predicts ozone levels in your area.
9.The major photochemical smog is________.
(a) Hydrogen peroxide
(b) Chlorofluorocarbon
(c) Peroxyacetyl nitrate
(d) All of the above
Sol: (b) Chlorofluorocarbon.
10.Which of the following diseases are caused by smog?
(a) Rickets
(b) Bronchitis
(c) Breathing Problems
(d) All of the above
Sol: (d) All of the above.
11.DDT and Aluminium cans are examples of ________.
(a) Primary Pollutants
(b) Secondary pollutants
(c) Biodegradable Pollutants
(d) Non-Biodegradable Pollutants
Sol: (d) Non-Biodegradable Pollutants.
12.How many different types of primary pollutants together contribute to about 90 per cent
of the global air pollution?
(a) Three
(b) Five
(c) Seven
(d) None of the above

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Sol: (b) Five.

13.Which of the following agents is mainly responsible for the secondary pollutants?
(a) Smog and Ozone
(b) Sulphur trioxide
(c) Nitrogen dioxide
(d) All of the above
Sol: (d) All of the above.
14.Smoke, fumes, ash, dust, nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide are the main sources of
________.
(a) Primary Pollutants
(b) Secondary pollutants
(c) Bio-Degradable Pollutants
(d) None of the above
Sol: (a) Primary Pollutants.
15.Which of the following industries plays a major role in polluting air and increasing air
pollution?
(a) Brick manufacturing industries
(b) Manufacture of gases industries
(c) Electrical appliances and electrical goods industries
(d) All of the above
Sol: (d) All of the above.
16.Which of the following gas is more in percentage in the air?
(a) Oxygen gas
(b) Nitrogen gas
(c) Water vapour
(d) Carbon dioxide gas
Sol: (b) Nitrogen gas
17.Increased levels of air pollution results in _______.
(a) Soil erosion

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(b) Global warming

(c) Respiratory problems
(d) All of the above
Sol: (c) Respiratory problems.
18.The Taj Mahal, Lotus Temple, Golden Temple, India Gate and other famous heritage
monuments are being affected by _______.
(a) Air pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Noise pollution
(d) All of the above
Sol: (a) Air pollution.
19.What is the total percentage of nitrogen gas in the air?
(a) 12 per cent
(b) 21 per cent
(c) 78 per cent
(d) 87 per cent
Sol:(c) 78 per cent.
20.Which of the following gases are called Greenhouse gases?
(a) Methane
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Both a and c
Sol:(d) Both a and c.

10.Assignments

S.No Question BL CO

1 Explain various types of Loads in detail 2 1

Explain the relation between load and loss factor.

2 2 1

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Explain the general concepts(definitions) power system.

3 2 1

4 Derive the relation between load and loss factor 3 1

11. Part A- Question & Answers

S.No Question& Answers BL CO

1 1. Define Air pollution
Air pollution is the excessive concentration of
foreign matters in the air which adversely
affects the human beings of the individual or
causes damage to the property (Or) Any
substance in the air that causes damages to health
and properties. (Or)
2 1
The presence in ambient atmosphere of
substances, generally resulting from the activity of
man, in sufficient concentration, present for a
sufficient time and under circumstances to
interfere significantly with comport, health or
welfare of persons or with full use or
enjoyment of property.
2 Briefly explain the formation of Ozone

Photochemical (summer smog) forms when pollutants such

as nitrogen oxides and organic compounds react together in 2 1
the presence of sunlight. A gas called ozone is formed
Nitrogen Dioxide + Sunlight + Hydrocarbons
3 Effect on Ozone Formation

The reformulated gasoline containing MTBE

decreases the ozone formation in the atmosphere. The
oxygen present in the MTBE added to the gasoline 2 1
ensures more complete combustion of fuel hydrocarbons
and thus UBHC released to the atmosphere are reduced.
As stated earlier, a reduction in NOx level is also achieved

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using MTBE-gasoline blends. Both hydrocarbons as well as

NOx are precursors of ozone formation. Thus a reduction
in the concentrations of precursors decreases the ozone
formation in the atmosphere
4 List out any four sources of Air Pollution

Chemical processes
Petroleum operations. 1 1
Metallurgical processes
Combustion processes
5 Ozone

This is a very general representation of the formation of ozone in

the lower atmosphere. In actual fact, many different chemical 1 1

reactions produce Ozone.

6 Briefly Explain Particulate matters:-

Particulate matter," also known as particle pollution or PM, is a

complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid
1 1
droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of
components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates),
organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.
7 Classification of sampling Methods
2 1
Insitu sampling and remote sensing
8
List out the Air pollution emission source 2 1
Point source, Line sources, Area source, Volume source
9 Define Photo chemical reaction

Any chemical reaction that is initiated as a result of absorption 2 1

of light.
10.
2 1
16.Define Acid rainAcid rain

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(or acid deposition, as it's called in technical circles) is

produced by the burning of fossil fuels. It is formed when
emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react in the
atmosphere with water, oxygen and oxidants to form
various acidic compounds. These compounds then fall to
the ground in either wet or dry form. Refer to all
precipitation-rain, snow, and dew which is more acidic
than normal.

12. Part B- Questions

S.No Question BL CO
1 What exactly is air pollution? Air pollution is a general term that 3 1
usually describes a mixture of different chemicals that circulate
in the air. ...
2 Where does air pollution come from? ... 2 1
How do we know that air pollution causes problems? ...
Why does this matter to you?
3 What is the best way to control air pollution? 3 1
Why do we control air pollution?
What is pollution control device?
4 What are the effects air pollution? 3 1
How can air pollution affect human health?
5 Which one is not a control device? 2 1
What is pollution control technology?
13. Supportive Online Certification Courses
https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc22_ce22/preview

14. Real Time Applications

S.No Application CO
1 https://cpcb.nic.in/real-time-air-qulity-data/ 1

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The objectives of the N.A.M.P. are to determine status and trends of

ambient air quality; to ascertain whether the prescribed ambient
air quality standards are violated; to Identify Non-attainment Cities;
to obtain the knowledge and understanding necessary for
developing preventive and corrective measures and to
understand the natural cleansing process undergoing in the
environment through pollution dilution, dispersion, wind based
movement, dry deposition, precipitation and chemical
transformation of pollutants generated.
Under N.A.M.P., four air pollutants viz ., Sulphur Dioxide (SO2),
Oxides of Nitrogen as NO2, Respirable Suspended Particulate
Matter (RSPM / PM10) and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) have
been identified for regular monitoring at all the locations. The
monitoring of meteorological parameters such as wind speed and
wind direction, relative humidity (RH) and temperature were also
integrated with the monitoring of air quality.

15. Contents Beyond the Syllabus

1.Sampling and Analysing of Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5) using Spectrometer

So, as this primary air pollutant particulate matter is very important because of its
effect on the environment as well as on the health and these fine particles they can
go to the respirator system and they can cause several kinds of health issues
basically. So, ultra-fine particles are also very important like PM1 and less and they
can also be measured but in this presentation we will discuss about only PM10 and
PM2.5. But using the spectrometer I repeat that even PM1 and less than PM1 can be
measured basically.

2. Indoor Air Quality Assessment Using Multi Gas Monitor

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Well if we use the multi gas monitor, so, multi gas monitor is basically sensor
based monitor of different gases and it can monitor five parameters like
temperature or percent relative humidity then the dew point or carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide. But there are some advanced probes also
which can also monitor additional three compounds like VOCs volatile organic
compound, ozone and hydrogen sulphide. So, these three can be added. So,
total eight parameters can be measured by multi gas monitor.
16. Prescribed Text Books & Reference Books

1. WarkK ., Warner C.F., and Davis W.T., ―Air Pollution - Its Origin and Control‖,
Harper & Row Publishers, New York.
2. Lee C.C., and Lin S.D., ―Handbook of Environmental Engineering Calculations‖,
McGraw Hill, New York.
3. Perkins H.C., ―Air Pollution‖, McGraw Hill.
4. Crawford M., ―Air Pollution Control Theory‖, TATA McGraw Hill.
5. Stern A.C., ―Air Pollution‖, Vol I, II, III.
6. Seinfeld N.J.,, ―Air Pollution‖, McGraw Hill.
7. Stern A.C. Vol. V, ―Air Quality Management‖.
8. M N Rao and HVN Rao, Air Pollution‖ Tata McGraw Hill publication

17. Mini Project Suggestion

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