Environmental effects carbon release

Although the actual use of hydrogen in a fuel cell produces only energy and water as a byproduct, it is in the actual production of hydrogen as previously discussed that the environmental effects of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide releases are realized. With the current ability to use fuel cells with existing fuel sources such as methane and methanol, the pursuit of a purely hydrogen fuel cell may not be the environmental solution that is often implied by its proponents. 

Any continuing use of fossil fuels should use clean and efficient technology. Power-stations generating electricity from coal and oil (fossil fuel) release a lot of CO2 in the generating process. New-build power-stations must now be fitted with carbon capture filters to reduce the bad environmental effects. 

Industrial systems are largely dependent on the utilization of fossil fuels, so many environmental effects are due to fossil fuel extraction and combustion. Greenhouse-warming carbon dioxide emissions, acid gas emissions, smog-forming hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and deterioration of atmospheric quality from particles released from fossil fuel combustion are all atmospheric effects associated with fossil fuel combustion. Coal mining activities have the potential to release acid mine water to the hydrosphere, petroleum production can release brines or result in ocean oil spills. 

Two bioassays are employed to evaluate the effect of samples on terrestrial life forms. For gas samples, the plant stress ethylene test is presently recommended. This test is based on the well-known plant response to environmental stress release of elevated levels of ethylene (under normal conditions plants produce low levels of ethylene). The test is designed to expose plants to various levels of gaseous effluents under controlled conditions. The ethylene released during a set time period is then measured by gas chromatography to determine toxicity of the effluent. For liquid and solid samples, a soil microcosm test is employed. The sample is introduced on the surface of a 5 cm diameter by 5 cm deep plug of soil obtained from a representative ecosystem. Evolution of carbon dioxide, transport of calcium, and dissolved oxygen content of the leachate are the primary quantifying parameters. 

Acid gas injection is promoted as a near-zero emission process that is environmentally friendly. And during steady operation that is in general the case. However, accidents can occur with the associated release of both hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. It is important to understand the effects of these releases and to develop a plan to deal with them. 

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