Environmental Science 1301- Cynthia Serna

(1) Air Pollution Basics         Gaseous air pollutants have a negative effect on air quality contaminating the environment. The pollutants that occur chemically, physically, and biologically modify the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Common sources of air pollution can include volcanoes, eruptions and forest fires.     Below are the following gaseous air pollutants in three categories:  Sulfur Pollutants Sulfur Pollutants is one of the most important gas pollutions and its chemical compound is the formula (SO2). The pollutant is also released naturally by volcanic activity and thus creates secondary pollutants once released in the air. An article by Freedman states, "Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), another sulfur gas, can be detected as a foul odor, reminiscent of rotten eggs, at concentrations lower than 1 ppb (parts per billion; for H2S, 1 ppm = 1.4 mg/m3)" (Freedman 368). Both pollutants explained are extremely toxi...

Solar Power & Energy Policy   1. Exploratory   Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the reading. ( What research evidence supports _________?Type up several facts and basic knowledge from the reading. Relate this to what you find in other resources, prior activities for stronger scores.))   The reading provided, “How Georgia Became a Surprising Bright Spot in The U.S. Solar Industry” by Andrea Hsu & Mary Louise Kelly gives the audience a glimpse of the largest solar panel assembly plant in the Western hemisphere. Solar panels are designed to absorb the sun rays as a source of energy for generating electricity. In depth, this source of energy is harnessed by using technologies to generate electricity, thermal energy, water heating, and solar architecture. According to the article it states, “the Dalton plant runs 24/7, employing 600 American workers who operate the high-tech assembly lines imported by Hanwha from Korea” (Hsu & Kelly 1). Not only does it all...

Alternative Energy (Wind Energy) Alternative energy also known as renewable energy is usable energy obtained from replenishable sources such as solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, tidal power, and biomass. They all have lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy sources. Alternative energy sources are renewable and are thought to be “free” energy sources. Environmental and economic benefits using alternative energy can include generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution. Alternative energy also creates economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more. Also by diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels. The alternative argument for using alternative energy includes how due to the growth of the world population and increasing wealth, demand for electricity is rising. There are also geographic limitations that include envi...

Clean Coal? Myth or Reality The term “clean coal,” is used to refer to technologies that were designed to reduce emission of pollutants associated with burning coal. The process removes some of the sulfur and other contaminants that can affect the earth’s environment. But does the process really confirm that the coal is being cleaned through this process and how it will reduce the effects not only on our environment but people’s health as well. By referencing “What ‘Clean Coal’ Is - and Isn't” by Brad Plummer, it allows us to view how the term “clean coal” is popularized and what it truly means to our society and how technology is costly and complex to achieve these goals. The article also explains how it complicates whether it can be seen as myth or reality. Plummer describes clean coal as, “While the term is deliberately vague, it is often understood to mean coal plants that capture the carbon dioxide emitted from smokestacks and bury it underground as a way of limiting global...