Atmospheric pollution particulates

Biological Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants, Committee on Biologic Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants, Particulate Polycyclic Organic Matter National Academy of Sciences Washington, DC, 1972. 

The relationship of particle size to molecular composition is highly significant. (2). Particles below 1-3 fun (submicron size class) in diameter are considered respirable by animals, in that this material can reach the lower alveoli of the lung. Particle size information may be used to determine the sources of various atmospheric pollutants. Particulate matter formed from gaseous pollutants tends to be found in the less than the 1-3 /nm particle diameter size range. Supermicron sized particles (particles greater than 1- 3 typically originate from primary emission sources, (i.e., stack emissions, vehicles, soil). 

The determination of the quantity 4, the fractional increase in cleaning frequency due to particulate matter, is the difficult part of the problem. The data of chelson and Tourin (cited in Spence and Haynie ) suggest a value of v for paint of 1.5/yr. The value of Q is obtained as follows According to Noble, the annual production of paint in 1968 was 2.59 billion. Because the economic life of paint is considered to be 4 yr, 10.36 billion worth of paint is in place, of which only 70% is exposed to atmospheric pollutants. Thus, 7.25 billion is the manufacturers value of in-place paint exposed to air pollution. Using a labor factor of 3.3, the total in-place value of paint is 23.9 billion. Because i - 1.5 for particulate soiling, the cost of pollution damage (cleaning costs) is some 36 billion/yr. 

Here we have restricted our attention to atmospheric aerosols (particulate matter) because of the crucial role these particles play in adverse health effects, visibility reduction, soiling, and acid rain—the most serious effects of air pollution. However, it should be noted that many of the techniques discussed in this book also can be applied to gas-phase species. 

The evolution of the emissions of some atmospheric pollutants in Europe (EU-15) in the period 1990-1999 has been presented in the report of Goodwin and Mareckova (2002). The report includes acidifying pollutants (ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides), tropospheric ozone precursors, NMVOCs, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter... 

Pollutants derived from nonpoint sources run-off from agricultural lands (fertilizers, pesticides, humic materials), run-off from urban areas (salt, poly aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], asbestos), atmospheric fallout (particulates containing sulfate, nitrate, heavy metals, PAHs, and chlorinated organics). 

Stable aerosols of fine particulates as well as vapors constitute the greatest health risk because of the likelihood of pulmonary absorption. Correlations between trace element pollution and their concentrations in biological fluids or tissue are not uncommon and have been documented for arsenic (62) and lead (63). Man can absorb 75-85% of inhaled mercury vapor at concentrations of 50-350 pg/M3 (64) and even more at lower concentrations (65). Certain aerosols like vanadium, iron, manganese, and lead may contribute to the formation of secondary atmospheric pollutants (52, 66). 

Deriving electrical energy from nuclear fission produces almost no atmospheric pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and airborne particulates. Although not discussed in the text, there is also an abundant supply of fuel for nuclear fission reactors in the form of plutonium-239, which can be manufactured from uranium-238. Use the keyword Breeder Reactor on your Internet search engine to learn about how this is so. 

One of the most successful applications of PIXE has been in the analysis of air pollution particulate matter. Atmospheric particulate matter is typically collected by impaction on a filter paper, which provides an ideal thin sample for PIXE analysis. Another aspect of PIXE that is very important for the analysis of aerosol samples is the ability to analyze a large number of samples in a short time. PIXE analyses typically take less than a minute, and the entire irradiation, counting, sample changing, and analysis procedure can be automated. 

Abstract Gaseous and particulate emissions from vehicles represent a major source of atmospheric pollution in cities. Recent research shows evidence of, along with the primary emissions from motor exhaust, important contributions from secondary (due to traffic-related organic/inorganic gaseous precursors) and primary particles due to wear and resuspension processes. Besides new and more effective (for NO emissions) technologies, non-technological measures from local authorities are needed to improve urban air quality in Europe. 

But even in this case, the direct correlation was not possible because the other chemical species and particulates which are contemporarily present may be responsible in part for the effects on health. According to WHO panel of experts an annual average of 125-200 g/m (WHO, 1969, 1971) SO2 causes higher incidence of respiratory diseases in comparison with those communities where levels do not exceed 40-60 H-g/m. Even in this case the global effects on health of atmospheric pollution may be misinterpreted by the pollution due to cigarette smoke. The exposure limits for protection of human health are 100-150 (J-g/m per 24 hours. 

Volatilization from batch and glass is mainly responsible for particulate emissions vapours condense partially and are settled in regenerators and flue ducts, but very fine condensates succeed in passing into the stack. The content of sulphur oxides (SO2 + 5 - 11 % SO3) depends on the type of fuel and batch composition the content of nitrogen oxides (N2O, NO, NO ) is a function of flame temperature in the furnace. In all-electric cold-top furnaces, atmospheric pollution by the substances mentioned above is virtually non-existent. 

Wankhade HK, Garg AN. 1989. Neutron-activation analysis of coal dust particulates and atmospheric pollution. Indian J Environ Health 31(2) 125-130. 

Electrostatic precipitators have been used commercially for almost a century for the collection of particulates present in the gas streams on many industrial processes. The early plants were installed to recover valuable material that, otherwise, would have been lost to atmosphere, rather than in preventing atmospheric pollution. These plants, mainly in the sulfuric acid, bullion, and nonferrous smelting industries, were designed and priced to produce a commercial pay back in the order of 3-5 years. In recent years, with the increasing awareness and worldwide recognition of the problems associated with atmospheric pollution, most industrialized nations have enacted legislation to limit emissions from all sources. This legislation is continuously... 

Atmospheric pollution resulting from the release of various harmful gases and solid particulates has the result that the air in large cities has become unsuitable and even dangerous for human life. For example, in some cities of Japan and Germany, policemen on the streets breathe oxygen from special cylinders. This opportunity also exists for pedestrians for a fee. In the streets of Tokyo and some other cities in Japan, oxygen cylinders are provided for children so that they can get fresh air on their way to school. Japanese businessmen have opened special bars where humans can get non-alcoholic drinks and fresh air. It should be noted that in the last few years, conditions have improved considerably. 

Meixner, F. X., K. P. Muller, G. Aheimer, and K. D. Hofken (1985). Measurements of gaseous nitric acid and particulate nitrate. In Physico-chemical Behaviour of Atmospheric Pollutants , (F. A. A. M. De Leeuw and N. D. Van Egmond, eds.) COST Action 611, Proc. Workshop Pollut. Cycles Transport-Modelling Field Experiments, Bilthoven, The Netherlands, pp. 103-114. 

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