Pollution sources atmospheric effect

Because it lies to the northwest of mainland Europe, Northern Ireland is generally considered to experience low levels of transnational atmospheric pollution. This therefore provides the opportunity to examine both natural patterns and causes of building stone decay and also the impact of local pollution sources. The effects of the latter are further enhanced by incomplete enactment of clean-air legislation and only sporadic compliance in cities such as Belfast. 

As an example of the use of the Gaussian plume equations using the Pasquill-Gifford dispersion parameters, assume that a source releases 0.37 g s of a pollutant at an effective height of 40 m into the atmosphere with the wind blowing at 2 m s . What is the approximate distance of the maximum concentration, and what is the concentration at this point if the atmosphere is appropriately represented by Pasquill stability class B ... 

In Gaussian plume computations the change in wind velocity with height is a function both of the terrain and of the time of day. We model the air flow as turbulent flow, with turbulence represented by eddy motion. The effect of eddy motion is important in diluting concentrations of pollutants. If a parcel of air is displaced from one level to another, it can carry momentum and thermal energy with it. It also carries whatever has been placed in it from pollution sources. Eddies exist in different sizes in the atmosphere, and these turbulent eddies are most effective in dispersing the plume. 

Considerable time elapsed before there was general acceptance of Haagen-Smit s important discovery, in part because of its subtle nature. For the first time, a major air pollution problem was demonstrated to be caused by a pollutant generated in the atmosphere. Its effect often did not become apparent until many miles downwind from the source. (The same suspicion has been attached to sulfate-containing aerosols for many years, but the proof that the sulfate is damaging is not as well established.) In addition, a new pollution source, automobile exhaust, had been shown to be of prime importance. 

NO in combination with SOp has a synergistic corrosion effect especially indoors on electrical contact materials, copper and steel. The influence of acid precipitation may differ for different metals and depends also on the pollution level. The atmospheric corrosion of metals due to acid deposition is in most regions mainly a local problem restricted to areas close to the pollution source. 

In iiny urban environment, the sources of trace-element contamination are manifold. As we have seen in the previous chapter, fallout from atmospheric pollution and wind-blown dusts are important sources whose effects are concentrated in urban and industrial areas. There is also incidental contamination resulting from the corrosion of metal objects and from the accidental dispersion of refuse and litter, and there is contamination resulting from the deliberate addition of waste products to the soil, such as soot, cinders, pulverised fuel ash, sewage sludge, municipal compost, or even untreated domestic rubbish. 

The mechanisms by which a jurisdiction develops its air pollution control strategies and episode control tactics are outlined in Fig. 5-1. Most of the boxes in the figure have already been discussed—sources, pollutant emitted, transport and diffusion, atmospheric chemistry, pollutant half-life, air quality, and air pollution effects. To complete an analysis of the elements of the air pollution system, it is necessary to explain the several boxes not vet discussed. 

Air pollutants reach receptors by being transported and perhaps transformed in the atmosphere (Fig. 18-1). The location of receptors relative to sources and atmospheric influences affect pollutant concentrations, and the sensitivity of receptors to these concentrations determines the effects. The location, height, and duration of release, as well as the amount of pollutant released, are also of importance. Some of the influences of the atmosphere on the behavior of pollutants, primarily the large-scale effects, are discussed here, as well as several effects of pollutants on the atmosphere. 

---