Activity 3.3.1- Air Pollution Core Activity
(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 toxic to our environment and wildlife. An example of removing these toxins entering the atmosphere would be before burning the fuel it allows you to remove the sulfur ahead of time to prevent those toxins from entering the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Pollutants
Nitrogen Pollutants chemical compounds are nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia (NH3). Both nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) are complexed together and transferred out into a compound (NOX). The ammonia pollutant (NH3) is a colorless gas and is emitted from wetlands like shallow seas, swamps ponds, and etc. Lastly, (N2O) is a non toxic colorless compound and is also known as "laughing gas" which is an anesthetic medicine. It is considered an unreactive compound and the amount of type it is exposed to the atmosphere is about four years. The main view point and the effect that they have on the lower atmosphere is an extremely harmful pollutant.
Hydrocarbon and Volatile Organic Compound Pollutants
Hydrocarbons is a very unique and diverse group of chemicals containing both hydrogen and carbon atoms. A chemical compound of a hydrocarbon is (CH4) which is typically known as methane. According to the article Freedman states, "Most emissions of (CH4) are natural and are associated with the fermentation of organic matter by microbes in anaerobic wetlands. Smaller amounts are outgassed from deposits of fossil fuels, during wildfires, and from burping and flatulent ruminant animals (such as cows and sheep) and termites, which produce CH4 as they digest their plant foods (Freedman 375). Which can conclude that the compound (CH4) is a greenhouse gas. Lastly, (VOCs) which stands for "volatile organic compounds" are emitted gasses from certain solids or liquids. The compounds can include a variety of chemicals and have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. (VOCs) are emitted in many ways including paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, etc. Both compounds explained having a level of concern when transferred into the ozone layer of our atmosphere.
(2) Comparison of Current AQI
Air Quality Index:
Air quality index short for (AQI) is the measuring and use of reporting air quality, it allows you to view how clean or polluted the air is. It measures the qualities of sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide(CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) etc. that runs on a scale from 0-500.
Below I have gathered some informative (AQI) data and information from where I live in McAllen (TX), the (AQI) in Los Angeles (CA), and I have also located the highest (AQI) which is currently in Oklahoma, Jefferson County.
Comparison of Current (AQI):
The chart above shows the air quality in Oklahoma, Jefferson County being the highest which is more concerning due to the fact it is ranked in a description as "sensitive" and is right above the tip of Texas. The PM2.5 is also higher in Oklahoma, Jefferson County than it is in both Mcallen, TX and Los Angeles, CA. Both of the air qualities (AQI) in McAllen and Los Angeles (41 & 48) are classified as "Good" on the air quality scale. (https://www.airnow.gov/)
PM2.5
Particulate matter in the air is also known as (PM2.5) and it is one of the measures of quality air. PM stands for “particulate matter.” The EPA and many health organizations categorize particulate matter by size because different size particles have different health effects. For instance, particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller are considered especially dangerous to human health because they bypass many of our body’s defenses. Nose hair, mucus, and other defenses work to catch these smaller particles before they enter deeper into our bodies. That said, PM 2.5 particles can get into our lungs, where they can reach the alveoli and eventually enter the bloodstream.
Ozone (O3)
Ozone is a highly reactive gas that is composed of three oxygen atoms. The compound (O3) is natural and a man-made product that occurred in earth's upper and lower atmosphere. It can also depend on where it is in the atmosphere to affect life on earth in a good or bad way. It can affect human health in two ways, if inhaled it can affect the respiratory system and if it absorbs UV light it can cause skin cancer and cataracts.
(3) Comparison of Current PM2.5 and (O3) to EPA Standards:
Work Cited:
Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental science: A Canadian perspective. Halifax, Canada: Dalhousie University Libraries.
TCEQ. “Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.” Current Ozone 1-Hour Levels, TCEQ, 8 July 2018, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl
TCEQ. “Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.”Latest Hourly PM-2.5 Levels, TCEQ, 8 July 2018, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/select_curlev.pl?user_param=88502
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019, June 18).Air quality index basics. Air Now. https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
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