Influencing air pollutant levels

This study has shown that basic available data such as levels of air pollution (including background levels), trends of air pollution and population (size of cities, population density) are suitable indicators to characterise most critical areas. It has been investigated if certain additional factors known to influence air quality show a correlation with air pollution levels and are therefore appropriate proxy data to identify such areas. 

Remember that outside influence (for example, new building work in the vicinity of the installation) can increase air-based pollution, such as cement dust entering the tower at air inlet levels or via the forced-draft fan. 

Thermal inversions make winter the most unfavorable season for clean air. Vast differences in air quality are found in the industrialized north, and the residential southwest regions. Particulate matter influences mainly the north, where industries, landfills, and the dried bed of Texcoco Lake are located. Sulfur oxides impinge primarily on the northeast and southwest. High carbon monoxide concentrations are found in heavy traffic areas such as the northwest. Ozone affects predominantly the southwest at any season. We have selected air quality records from data generated by stations registering the higher pollutant levels, as follows ... 

Kidd KA, Hesslein RH, Fudge RJP, Hallard KA. 1995. The influence of trophic level as measured by 5 N on mercury concentrations in freshwater oiganisms. Water Air Soil Pollut 80 1011-1015. 

Another critical part of the incinerator design is the pollution control system.11 Pollution control systems directly influence the levels and kinds of pollutants that are released and that can potentially reach the public. Most modern hazardous waste incinerators are designed with extensive air pollution removal systems. For example, a common pollution control system might include a system that cools or quenches gases produced by burning waste, followed by a system that reduces acid gas emissions, and ultimately followed by a particulate removal system such as fabric filters (bag-houses), electrostatic precipitators, venturi scrubbers, and others.10... 

The main corrosive effect in this respect is caused by dry deposition of air pollutants. The influence of acid precipitation may differ for different materials and depends also on the pollution level. 

Evidence of anthropogenic influence on the natural environment is widespread Examples include pesticide use (see Box 3-1), stratospheric ozone depletion (see Box 3-2), intercontinental transport of wind-borne dust and air pollutants, drinking water disinfection (see Box 3-3), and increasing levels of anthropogenic emissions into soils and groundwater. 

With respect to urban air pollution, the region of the atmosphere governing transport and dispersion is the so-called planetary boundary layer, roughly the lowest 1000 m. The planetary boundary layer represents the extent of influence of the Earth s surface on wind structure in the atmosphere. Within the planetary boundary layer, winds are influenced by the prevailing high-level flows and the frictional drag of the surface. 

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