Environmental issues sulfur dioxide pollution

Air Pollution. Particulates and sulfur dioxide emissions from commercial oil shale operations would require proper control technology. Compliance monitoring carried out at the Unocal Parachute Creek Project for respirable particulates, oxides of nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide from 1986 to 1990 indicate a +99% reduction in sulfur emissions at the retort and shale oil upgrading faciUties. No violations for unauthorized air emissions were issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during this time (62). 

Concerns about the environmental effects of emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly coal, continue to increase as the utilization of these fuels grows. The large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted into the atmosphere and the attempts to tie these fossil-fuel-derived pollutants directly to the undeniably difficult problem of acid rain have caused heated debates, numerous research studies, government actions, and serious efforts to reduce pollution. The issues are extremely complex, and our understanding of the origin, properties, behavior, and effects of these pollutants is incomplete. Often, theories are contradictory. 

We must be able to hold a range of scenarios with regard to each possible application. Advanced fossil-fuel technologies, especially coal-based ones, must be able to meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements for critical air pollutants (sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen), as well as other environmental issues (such as liquid and solid waste), and still remain cost competitive with other fossil fuels, especially natural gas [73]. 

Energy and environment are inextricably intertwined issues. Eneigy production is one of the chief causes of air pollution, and conversely, eneigy production can be a major solution to environmental problems. Acid rain caused by burning fossil fuels and dischaiging pollutants such as nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide results in harm to aquatic hfe, animals, vegetation, and humans. 

Indeed, recognition of the production of these atmospheric pollutants in considerable quantities every year has led to the institution of national emission standards for many pollutants. Using sulfur dioxide as the example, the various standards are not only very specific (Table 22.5) (Kyte, 1991) but will become more stringent with the passage of time (lEA Coal Research, 1991). Atmospheric pollution is being taken very seriously and there is also the threat, or promise, of heavy fines and/or jail terms for any pollution-minded miscreants who seek to flaunt the laws (Vallero, 2008). Be that as it may, a trend to the increased use of coal will require more stringent approaches to environmental protection issues than we have ever known at any time in the past. 

---