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COURSE MATERIAL

AIR POLLUTION & CONTROL

SUBJECT
(19A01704a)

UNIT III

COURSE B.TECH

DEPARTMENT ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

SEMESTER IV-1

PREPARED BY Mr. V V SUPURA

(Faculty Name/s) Assistant Professor

Version V-1

PREPARED / REVISED DATE 28-09-2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS – UNIT 4

S. NO CONTENTS PAGE NO.

1 COURSE OBJECTIVES 1
2 PREREQUISITES 1
3 SYLLABUS 1
4 COURSE OUTCOMES 1
5 CO - PO/PSO MAPPING 1
6 LESSON PLAN 2
7 ACTIVITY BASED LEARNING 2
8 LECTURE NOTES 2
3.1 General characteristics of stack emissions 2
3.1.1 Testing 3
3.1.2 CPCB guidelines for Stack Height 6
3.2 Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing 8
3.2.1 Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing Procedure 10
3.2.2 Stack Emission monitoring Methods 11
3.3 Air Quality Dispersion Modeling 12
3.4 Heat Island Impacts 14
3.5 Common pollutants from household heating, cooking and lighting 17
3.6 Indoor air pollutants from non-combustion sources 20
9 PRACTICE QUIZ 21
10 ASSIGNMENTS 22
11 PART A QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (2 MARKS QUESTIONS) 22
12 PART B QUESTIONS 23
13 SUPPORTIVE ONLINE CERTIFICATION COURSES 24
14 REAL TIME APPLICATIONS 25
15 CONTENTS BEYOND THE SYLLABUS 25
16 PRESCRIBED TEXT BOOKS & REFERENCE BOOKS 26

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1. Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to make the students learn about:
1. To identify the sources of air pollution.
2. To know the composition and structure of atmosphere.
3. To know the pollutants dispersion models.
4. To understand the working of air pollution control equipments.
5. To identify the sources of noise pollution and their controlling methods.

2. Prerequisites
Students should have knowledge on
1. Environmental Engineering

2. Syllabus
UNIT – III
General characteristics of stack emissions, plume behaviour, heat island effect.
Pollutants dispersion models –description and application of point, line and areal
sources. Monitoring of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants –respirable, non-
respirable and nano -particulate matter. CO, CO2, Hydrocarbons (HC), SOX and NOX,
photochemical oxidants.

3. Course outcomes
1. Identify the sources of air pollution.
2. Understand the composition and structure and structure of atmosphere.
3. Know about the general characteristics of stack emissions and their behaviour.
4. Know about the noise sources, mapping, prediction equations etc.,

5. Co-PO / PSO Mapping

Machine
PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 P10 PO11 PO12 PSO1 PSO2
Tools
CO1 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 2

CO2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1

CO3 3 3 3 1 2 2 1 2 2

CO4 2 3 2 2 1 1 2

APC- U N I T – III
I
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6. Lesson Plan

Lecture
Weeks Topics to be covered References
No.
1 General characteristics of stack emissions T2,R3

2 Testing T2,R3

3 CPCB guidelines for Stack Height T2,R3

1
4 Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing T2,R3

5 Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing Procedure T2,R3

6 Stack Emission monitoring Methods T2,R3

7 Air Quality Dispersion Modeling T2,R3

8 Heat Island Impacts T2,R3

Common pollutants from household heating, cooking and

9 2 T2,R3
lighting
10 Indoor air pollutants from non-combustion sources T2,R3

11 General characteristics of stack emissions T2,R3

7. Activity Based Learning

1. Experiment on smoke collection in water bottle to describe the air pollution.

8. Lecture Notes

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air—pollutants which are
detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), each year air pollution is responsible for nearly seven
million deaths around the globe. Nine out of ten human beings currently breathe
air that exceeds the WHO’s guideline limits for pollutants, with those living in low-
and middle-income countries suffering the most. In the United States, the Clean
Air Act, established in 1970, authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to safeguard public health by regulating the emissions of these harmful air
pollutants.

What Causes Air Pollution?

“Most air pollution comes from energy use and production,” says John Walke,
director of the Clean Air Project, part of the Climate and Clean Energy program
at NRDC. “Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air.” And in
an especially destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to
climate change but is also exacerbated by it. “Air pollution in the form of carbon
dioxide and methane raises the earth’s temperature,” Walke says. “Another type
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IV pollution, smog, is then worsened by that increased heat, forming when the

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weather is warmer and there’s more ultraviolet radiation.” Climate change also
increases the production of allergenic air pollutants, including mold (thanks to
damp conditions caused by extreme weather and increased flooding) and
pollen (due to a longer pollen season).

Effects of Air Pollution

The effects of air pollution on the human body vary depending on the type of
pollutant and the length and level of exposure—as well as other factors,
including a person’s individual health risks and the cumulative impacts of multiple
pollutants or stressors.

Smog and soot

These are the two most prevalent types of air pollution. Smog (sometimes referred
to as ground-level ozone) occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels
react with sunlight. Soot (also known as particulate matter) is made up of tiny
particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens—in the form of either gas or
solids—that are carried in the air. The sources of smog and soot are similar. “Both
come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, engines,
generally anything that combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gas, or natural gas,”
Walke says.

Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs, especially
those of children, senior citizens, and people who work or exercise outdoors. It’s
even worse for people who have asthma or allergies: these extra pollutants can
intensify their symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. The tiniest airborne particles
in soot, whether gaseous or solid, are especially dangerous because they can
penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and worsen bronchitis, lead to heart
attacks, and even hasten death. In 2020 a report from Harvard’s T. H. Chan
School of Public Health showed COVID-19 mortality rates in areas with more soot
pollution were higher than in areas with even slightly less, showing a correlation
between the virus’s deadliness and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter
and illuminating an environmental justice issue.

Because highways and polluting facilities have historically been sited in or next to
low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, the negative effects of
this pollution have been disproportionately experienced by the people who live
in these communities. In 2019 the Union of Concerned Scientists found that soot
exposure was 34 percent higher for Asian Americans, on average, than for other
Americans. For Black people, the exposure rate was 24 percent higher; for
Latinos, 23 percent higher.

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Hazardous air pollutants
A number of air pollutants pose severe health risks and can sometimes be fatal
even in small amounts. Almost 200 of them are regulated by law; some of the
most common are mercury, lead, dioxins, and benzene. “These are also most
often emitted during gas or coal combustion, incinerating, or—in the case of
benzene—found in gasoline,” Walke says. Benzene, classified as a carcinogen by
the EPA, can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation in the short term and blood
disorders in the long term. Dioxins, more typically found in food but also present in
small amounts in the air, can affect the liver in the short term and harm the
immune, nervous, and endocrine systems as well as reproductive functions.
Mercury attacks the central nervous system. In large amounts, lead can damage
children’s brains and kidneys, and even minimal exposure can affect children’s
IQ and ability to learn.

Another category of toxic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs), are by-products of traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke. In large amounts
they have been linked to eye and lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even
cancer. In one study, the children of mothers exposed to PAHs during pregnancy
showed slower brain-processing speeds and more pronounced symptoms of
ADHD.

Greenhouse gases
By trapping the earth’s heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases lead to
warmer temperatures, which in turn lead to the hallmarks of climate change:
rising sea levels, more extreme weather, heat-related deaths, and the increased
transmission of infectious diseases. In 2018 carbon dioxide accounted for 81
percent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and methane made up
10 percent. “Carbon dioxide comes from combusting fossil fuels, and methane
comes from natural and industrial sources, including large amounts that are
released during oil and gas drilling,” Walke says. “We emit far larger amounts of
carbon dioxide, but methane is significantly more potent, so it’s also very
destructive.” Another class of greenhouse gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are
thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide in their ability to trap
heat. In October 2016 more than 140 countries reached an agreement to
reduce the use of these chemicals—which are found in air conditioners and
refrigerators—and develop greener alternatives over time. Though President
Trump was unwilling to sign on to this agreement, a bipartisan group of senators
overrode his objections in 2020 and set the United States on track to slash HFCs by
85 percent by 2035. According to David Doniger, senior strategic director of
NRDC’s Climate and Clean Energy program, “the agreed-to HFC phasedown will
avoid the equivalent of more than 80 billion tons of carbon dioxide over the next
35 years.”

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Pollen and mold
Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are
exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health. Though they
aren’t regulated and are less directly connected to human actions, they can be
considered a form of air pollution. “When homes, schools, or businesses get water
damage, mold can grow and can produce allergenic airborne pollutants,”
Knowlton says. “Mold exposure can precipitate asthma attacks or an allergic
response, and some molds can even produce toxins that would be dangerous
for anyone to inhale.”

Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change. “Lab and field studies
are showing that pollen-producing plants—especially ragweed—grow larger and
produce more pollen when you increase the amount of carbon dioxide that they
grow in,” Knowlton says. “Climate change also extends the pollen production
season, and some studies are beginning to suggest that ragweed pollen itself
might be becoming a more potent allergen.” If so, more people will suffer runny
noses, fevers, itchy eyes, and other symptoms.

Air pollution is now the world’s fourth-largest risk factor for early death. According
to the most recent State of Global Air report—which summarizes the latest
scientific understanding of air pollution around the world—4.5 million deaths were
linked to outdoor air pollution exposures in 2019, and another 2.2 million deaths
were caused by indoor air pollution. “Despite improvements in reducing global
average mortality rates from air pollution, the world’s most populous countries,
India and China, continue to bear the highest burdens of disease,” says Vijay
Lamaye, staff scientist at the NRDC Science Center. “This report is a sobering
reminder that the climate crisis threatens to worsen air pollution problems
significantly if we fail to act to cut carbon pollution.”

General characteristics of stack emissions:

Testing
Stack Emission monitoring is referred to as Stack emission testing, stack emission
monitoring, stack sampling, Source Emission Monitoring or Source Testing. It is a
process to measure the emission of industrial waste or pollutants emitted into the
atmosphere. The pollutants emitted from the stack can be solid, gaseous, liquid
organic or inorganic.
What is Stack?
The stack is nothing but chimney which is used to disperse the hot air at a great
height, emissions & particulate matters that are emitted from the various types of
stacks like boiler, flue gas etc. At these heights, the polluted air disperses in a very
large area so that concentrations at the ground are within permissible limits and
not harmful for humans, animals and vegetation.
What is stack emissions?
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What is the stack emission? Stack emission is basically gases released into the air
from boiler stack, chimneys or DG set stack etc. from various industries after
incineration process i.e. method to remove or burn the harmful gases before
releasing to environment.
There are several types of flue-gas stack based on fuel injections. Eg. DG set
stack, flue gas stack, process stack, furnace stack, boiler stack, chimney etc.
CPCB guidelines for Stack Height
Chimney, Boiler, DG set, DG exhaust pipe etc. Stack height calculation plays an
important role in determination of dispersion of pollutants in upper level of air
relevant to local building height.
Chimney / Boiler/ Stack Height Calculation Formula
H = h + 0.2 * √KVA
Where,
H = Total height of stack in metre
h = Height of the building in metres where the generator set is installed
KVA = Total generator capacity of the set in KVA
Based on the above formula stack height to be provided can be categorized as
follow: This is in line with CPCB guidelines for stack height.
Sr no For Generator Sets Total Height of stack in metre
1 50 KVA Ht. of the building + 1.5 metre
2 50-100 KVA Ht. of the building + 2.0 metre
3 100-150 KVAHt. of the building + 2.5 metre
4 150-200 KVAHt. of the building + 3.0 metre
5 200-250 KVAHt. of the building + 3.5 metre
6 250-300 KVAHt. of the building + 3.5 metre

Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing by Perfect Pollution Services

This video explains why stack Emission testing or Source Emission Testing is
important and how to carry out Industrial Stack Monitoring process.
What are the Requirements of Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing?
Perfect Pollucon Services is a stack emission testing company having more than
30 years of experienced experts. They know how to carry out these tasks in an
efficient manner.
• To determine the quality and quantity of air pollutants emitted by the source
• To measure the effectiveness of pollutants controller equipment before and
after installation
• To measure the effectiveness of pollutants controller equipment for a given
condition
• To compare results with emission standards to take required action
• To compare changes in emission with the changes in processes or raw
materials
Stack Monitoring Kit or Equipment
• Stack Monitoring kit used to find gaseous pollutants in emission from a stationary
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source such as Boiler Chimney, Process outlets, Scrubber outlets Etc by stack
emission testing companies.
• It also can be used to determine physical parameters such as exit emission
velocity from stack, temperature & flow of Air emission.
• Determination of total particulate matter using isokinetic Sampling Technique.
• Analysis of gaseous contaminants like SO2, SO3, NOx, Cl2, HCL, NH3 etc by
using a gas monitoring system.
Stack emission monitoring Equipment is divided into Four Parts
Velocity Measuring Kit
Consist of the inclined manometer, Digital Temperature Indicator, ‘S’ type Pitot
tube & thermocouple.
Particulate Sampling Train
Thimble Holder & set of nozzles, condenser, Rotameter, Dry Gas Meter, Time
indicator & power source for synchronizing vacuum pump with sampling train.
Multigas Sampling Train
Consists of four glass impinges housed in FRP casing with Rotameter for gaseous
sampling.
Vacuum pump
Diaphragm type vacuum pump of suitable capacity.
Stack Emission Monitoring & Testing Procedure
Measurements of these pollutants follow specific predefined stack emission
testing procedures and protocols to ensure accurate and representative data of
the total amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere from a given source
in the given time is collected.
Stack Emission monitoring Methods
It is the most Important that sample collected must truly represent the conditions
of flue gas stack. Accurate measurement of Pressure, moisture, humidity, gases,
velocity, temperature and Particulate matter is required during Industrial stack
monitoring procedure.
It is also required to measure accurately rate of flow gases accurate of weight
and volume of samples collected.
Also When a wide range of particles are present in emission flow, there is a
possibility that only smaller particles can enter into sampler inlet and larger
particles may not enter due to their inertia. So to avoid this situation Calculating
isokinetic ratio i.e. Isokinetic Stack Sampling method can be helpful to achieve
accurate results in gas boiler emission monitoring.
Stack Emission Measurement Parameters
Collected Sample then tested and analyzed in a laboratory for Parameters
(Stack Emission Monitoring Parameters) NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen), CO2 (Carbon
Dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), SO2 (Sulphur dioxide), VOC (Volatile Organic
Compound) etc.
Stack Emission Monitoring Frequency
The frequency for stack monitoring is always directed in Consent to operate for
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depending on their industry type and plant capacity. Larger plants will have to
monitor stack more frequently than small plants. For each industry, there is
different frequencies are defined on CPCB website depending on their consent
categories. They have covered industries like cement, thermal power, integrated
iron and steel, fertilizer, Nitric acid, Sulphuric acid, Primary aluminum, Carbon
black, Calcium carbide and Oil Refinery, etc.

Air Quality Dispersion Modeling

Dispersion modeling uses mathematical formulations to characterize the

atmospheric processes that disperse a pollutant emitted by a source. Based on
emissions and meteorological inputs, a dispersion model can be used to predict
concentrations at selected downwind receptor locations. These air quality
models are used to determine compliance with National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS), and other regulatory requirements such as New Source
Review (NSR) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) regulations.

Air quality models are used to predict ground level concentrations down point of
sources. The object of a model is to relate mathematically the effects of source
emissions on ground level concentrations, and to establish that permissible levels
are, or are not, being exceeded. Models have been developed to meet these
objectives for a variety of pollutants and time circumstances.

Models may be described according to the chemical reactions involved. So-

called nonreactive models are applied to pollutants such as CO and SO2
because of the simple manner in which their chemical reactions can be
represented. Reactive models address complex multiple-species chemical
mechanism common to atmospheric photochemistry and apply to pollutants
such as NO, NO2, and O3.

Models can be described as simple or advanced based on the assumptions used

and the degree of sophisticated with which the important variables are treated.
Advanced models have been developed for such problems as photochemical
pollution, dispersion in complex terrain, long-range transport, and point sources
over flat terrain. The most widely used models for predicting the impact of
relative unreactive gases, such as SO2, released from smokestacks are based on
Gaussian diffusion.

Heat Island Impacts

Elevated temperatures from heat islands can affect a community’s environment
and quality of life in multiple ways.
1. Increased Energy Consumption
2. Elevated Emissions of Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases
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3. Compromised Human Health and Comfort
4. Impaired Water Quality

Increased Energy Consumption

Heat islands increase demand for air conditioning to cool buildings. In an
assessment of case studies spanning locations in several countries, electricity
demand for air conditioning increased approximately 1–9% for each 2°F increase
in temperature. Countries where most buildings have air conditioning, such as the
United States, had the highest increase in electricity demand. This increase
demand contributes to higher electricity expenses.

Heat islands increase both overall electricity demand, as well as peak energy
demand. Peak demand generally occurs on hot summer weekday afternoons,
when offices and homes are running air-conditioning systems, lights, and
appliances. During extreme heat events, which are exacerbated by heat islands,
the increased demand for air conditioning can overload systems and require a
utility to institute controlled, rolling brownouts or blackouts to avoid power
outages.

Elevated Emissions of Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases

As described above, heat islands raise demand for electricity in summer.
Companies that supply electricity typically rely on fossil fuel power plants to meet
much of this demand, which in turn leads to an increase in air pollutant and
greenhouse gas emissions.

These pollutants are harmful to human health and also contribute to complex air
quality problems such as the formation of ground-level ozone (smog), fine
particulate matter, and acid rain. Increased use of fossil-fuel-powered plants also
increases emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which
contribute to global climate change.

In addition to their impact on energy-related emissions, elevated temperatures

can directly increase the rate of ground-level ozone formation. Ground-level
ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in
the presence of sunlight and hot weather. If all other variables are equal, such as
the level of precursor emissions in the air and wind speed and direction, more
ground-level ozone will form as the environment becomes sunnier and hotter.

Compromised Human Health and Comfort

• Heat islands contribute to higher daytime temperatures, reduced
nighttime cooling, and higher air-pollution levels. These, in turn, contribute to
heat-related deaths and heat-related illnesses such as general discomfort,
respiratory difficulties, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and non-fatal heat stroke.
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• Heat islands can also exacerbate the impact of naturally occurring heat
waves, which are periods of abnormally hot, and often humid, weather. Sensitive
populations are particularly at risk during these events.
• Older adults are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat events.
Many physiological, psychological, and socioeconomic factors contribute to this
danger. Older adults are more likely to be in poor health, to be less mobile and
more isolated, to be more sensitive to high heat, and to live on reduced incomes.
• Young children tend to be more susceptible to extreme heat due to their
small size and other characteristics. Children’s more rapid breathing rates relative
to body size, time spent outdoors, and their developing respiratory systems raise
their chances of aggravated asthma and other lung diseases caused by ozone
air pollution and smog, which usually increases during heat waves.
• Populations with low-income are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses
due to poor housing conditions, including lack of air conditioning and small living
spaces, and inadequate resources to find alternative shelter during a heat wave.
• People who spend their working hours outdoors are more prone to
conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They have higher exposures
to ozone air pollution and heat stress, especially if work tasks involve heavy
exertion.
• People in poor health, including people with chronic conditions,
disabilities, mobility constraints, and those taking certain medications, are
vulnerable to extreme temperatures. People with diabetes, physical impairments,
and cognitive deficits are especially at risk during heat waves.

Excessive heat events, or abrupt and dramatic temperature increases, are

particularly dangerous and can result in above-average rates of mortality. From
2004 to 2018 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 10,527
heat-related deaths in the United States, an average of 702 per year. These
numbers include deaths where heat was the underlying cause and deaths where
heat was a contributing cause.
Impaired Water Quality

High temperatures of pavement and rooftop surfaces can heat up storm water
runoff, which drains into storm sewers and raises water temperatures as it is
released into streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Water temperature affects all
aspects of aquatic life, especially the metabolism and reproduction of many
aquatic species. Rapid temperature changes in aquatic ecosystems resulting
from warm storm water runoff can be particularly stressful, and even fatal, to
aquatic life.

One study found that urban streams are hotter on average than streams in
forested areas, and that temperatures in urban streams rose over 7°F during small
storms due to heated runoff from urban materials. Green infrastructure is one
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option to cool storm water runoff and improve water quality. It can include the
use of downspout disconnections, rain gardens, planter boxes, bios wales,
permeable pavements, green streets and alleys, green parking, and green roofs;
as well as land conservation efforts.

Common pollutants from household heating, cooking and lighting

Household activities such as cooking and heating with dirty technologies, and
lighting with kerosene, generate emissions of a range of health harmful pollutants
as described below. Activities such as boiling water for bathing or cooking
animal fodder can also add to household air pollution exposures.
The pollutants with the greatest health impacts include the following:

Particulate matter (PM) refers to inhalable particles, composed of sulphate,

nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust or water. The
health risks associated with particulate matter are especially well documented.
Particulate matter is also the most widely used indicator to assess the health
effects from exposure to ambient air pollution.

Particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10), including fine particles with
a diameter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5), can penetrate deep into lung passageways
and enter the bloodstream, causing serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and
respiratory impacts. Both long-term and short-term exposure to particulate matter
is associated with morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases. Long-term exposure has been further linked to adverse perinatal
outcomes and lung cancer. In 2013, particulate matter was classified as a cause
of lung cancer by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The greatest source of particulate matter around the home is generally the
combustion of polluting fuels in open hearths or poorly vented, inefficient stoves
or space heaters. In addition to household activities like cooking, space heating,
and lighting, other activities can be important sources of particulate matter
pollution in the home environment, such as preparing animal fodder, heating
water for bathing and brewing beverages.

Black carbon is a major component of PM2.5 and a potent warming agent in the
atmosphere, and contributes to regional environmental disruption and
accelerates glacier melting.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a group of chemicals formed

primarily from combustion in coke ovens, diesel engines and wood-burning
stoves, and are present in the atmosphere in particulate form. They are part of a
broad class of compounds referred to as polycyclic organic matter (POM). Long-
term exposure to PAH has been linked to lung cancer.
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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete

combustion of carbonaceous fuels such as wood, petrol, coal, natural gas and
kerosene in simple stoves, open fires, and wick lamps. Carbon monoxide diffuses
across the alveolar membrane, dissolves in blood, and binds to hemoglobin in
the blood with a greater affinity than oxygen, thus decreasing the amount of
oxyhemoglobin in blood and resulting in tissue hypoxia. Exposure to carbon
monoxide has many health risks, including reduced exercise ability among
healthy individuals, reduced time to angina, increased rates of asthma in
children, increased rates of bronchiolitis and increased rates of cardiovascular
disease, cardiac disease, cardiac failure, and ischemic heart disease among the
elderly. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be deadly.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. It contributes to the formation of ozone.

Methane is emitted by the incomplete combustion of biomass, biofuel, and fossil
fuels in simple stoves, open fires or wick lamps.
Indoor air pollutants from non-combustion sources
Other pollutants emitted as indoor air pollution from non-combustion sources with
negative health impacts are listed below. Further information on each can be
found by clicking the pollutant name.

Radon is a radioactive gas that emanates from certain rock and soil formations,
concentrating in the basement or ground levels of homes, in the absence of
inadequate ventilation or evacuation systems. Recent studies on indoor radon in
Europe, North America and Asia indicate that lung cancers attributable to radon
may range from 3% to 14%, making radon the leading cause of lung cancer
among non-smokers.

Lead and lead compounds pose health risks of particular concern for children
and pregnant women. The health impacts for children exposed to lead include
behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth,
hearing problems, and anemia. In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause
seizures, coma and even death. For pregnant women, health risks include
reduced growth of the fetus and premature birth. Adults exposed to lead also
have a higher risk of cardiovascular effects increased blood pressure, the
incidence of hypertension, decreased kidney function and risk of reproductive
problems in both men and women. Lead can be found in the home in
contaminated dust from products such as paints, ceramics, pipes and plumbing
materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in combustion emissions and

emitted by building construction materials. VOCs, including formaldehyde, can
be emitted from household products such as paints, paint strippers, wood
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preservatives, wax, pesticides, aerosol sprays, carpets, and many cleaning,
disinfecting, cosmetic, and degreasing products. The health effects of VOCs
include increased rates of asthma, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches,
loss of coordination, nausea, damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system,
and some are suspected or known to cause cancer.

Moisture build-up, mould and bacterial growth can occur as a result of structural
building faults, inadequate heating and insulation, or inadequate ventilation.
These produce allergens and irritants that can cause asthma attacks among
those allergic to mould. They also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of
both mould-allergic and non-allergic people.

What is photochemical oxidant?

The photochemical oxidants are secondary air pollutants formed by the action of
sunlight on nitrogen oxides and reactive hydrocarbons, their precursors. The most
important phytotoxic components produced by these atmospheric
photochemical reactions are ozone and peroxy acetyl nitrate.

9. Practice Quiz
1. Who was the first scientist to coin the term SMOG and to describe the layers of SMOG?
(a) Nikola Tesla
(b) Stephen Hawking
(c) Dr Henry Antoine
(d) Nicolaus Copernicus
Sol: (c) Dr Henry Antoine.

2.Which of the following pollutants are responsible for the cause of SMOG?

(a) From incinerators

(b) Emissions from vehicles

(c) Both incinerators and emissions from vehicles

(d) None of the above

Sol: (c) Both incinerators and emissions from vehicles.

3.Which of the following is called the secondary air pollutant?

(a) PANs

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(b) Ozone

(c) Carbon monoxide

(d) Nitrogen Dioxide

Sol: (b) Ozone.

4.Which of the following particles is called the particulate pollutants?

(a) Ozone

(b) Radon

(c) Fly Ash

(d) Ethylene

Sol: (c) Fly Ash.

5.Which of the following agents is responsible for turning the Taj Mahal yellow?

(a) Sulphur

(b) Chlorine

(c) Sulphur dioxide

(d) Nitrogen dioxide

Sol: (c) Sulphur dioxide

6.Which of the following statements is true about SMOG?

(a) SMOG is derived from the fog

(b) SMOG is derived from smoke

(c) SMOG is derived from water vapour

(d) SMOG is derived from both fog and smoke

Sol: (d) SMOG is derived from both fog and smoke.

7.What type of precautions should be taken to survive when the ozone level is high?

(a) Drive less

(b) Stay hydrated

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(c) Both A and B

(d) Go for a long walk

Sol: (c) Both A and B.

8.Which of the following statements is true about the Air Quality Index?

(a) It indicates the colour of the air.

(b) It predicts ozone levels in your area.

(c) It determines the intensity of sound and sound pollution.

(d) It estimates air pollution mainly sulphur content in the air.

Sol: (b) It predicts ozone levels in your area.

9.The major photochemical smog is________.

(a) Hydrogen peroxide

(b) Chlorofluorocarbon

(c) Peroxyacetyl nitrate

(d) All of the above

Sol: (b) Chlorofluorocarbon.

10.Which of the following diseases are caused by smog?

(a) Rickets

(b) Bronchitis

(c) Breathing Problems

(d) All of the above

Sol: (d) All of the above.

11.DDT and Aluminium cans are examples of ________.

(a) Primary Pollutants

(b) Secondary pollutants

(c) Biodegradable Pollutants

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(d) Non-Biodegradable Pollutants

Sol: (d) Non-Biodegradable Pollutants.

12.How many different types of primary pollutants together contribute to about 90 per
cent of the global air pollution?

(a) Three

(b) Five

(c) Seven

(d) None of the above

Sol: (b) Five.

13.Which of the following agents is mainly responsible for the secondary pollutants?

(a) Smog and Ozone

(b) Sulphur trioxide

(c) Nitrogen dioxide

(d) All of the above

Sol: (d) All of the above.

14.Smoke, fumes, ash, dust, nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide are the main sources of
________.

(a) Primary Pollutants

(b) Secondary pollutants

(c) Bio-Degradable Pollutants

(d) None of the above

Sol: (a) Primary Pollutants.

15.Which of the following industries plays a major role in polluting air and increasing air
pollution?

(a) Brick manufacturing industries

(b) Manufacture of gases industries

(c) Electrical appliances and electrical goods industries

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(d) All of the above

Sol: (d) All of the above.

16.Which of the following gas is more in percentage in the air?

(a) Oxygen gas

(b) Nitrogen gas

(c) Water vapour

(d) Carbon dioxide gas

Sol: (b) Nitrogen gas

17.Increased levels of air pollution results in _______.

(a) Soil erosion

(b) Global warming

(c) Respiratory problems

(d) All of the above

Sol: (c) Respiratory problems.

18.The Taj Mahal, Lotus Temple, Golden Temple, India Gate and other famous heritage
monuments are being affected by _______.

(a) Air pollution

(b) Water pollution

(c) Noise pollution

(d) All of the above

Sol: (a) Air pollution.

19.What is the total percentage of nitrogen gas in the air?

(a) 12 per cent

(b) 21 per cent

(c) 78 per cent

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(d) 87 per cent

Sol:(c) 78 per cent.

20.Which of the following gases are called Greenhouse gases?

(a) Methane

(b) Nitrogen

(c) Carbon dioxide

(d) Both a and c

Sol:(d) Both a and c.

10. Assignments

S.No Question BL CO

1 What are the classifications of pollutants? Write briefly. 2

2

2 What are the sources of air pollution? 2

1
3
3 List out the industries that cause major air pollution problems 2

Explain with a neat sketch the mechanism of action of air

4 3
pollutants on human beings.
Discuss the thermodynamics and kinetics of SOx formation and
5 3
removal.
6 Discuss the thermodynamics of NO to NO2 conversion.
Describe with neat sketches, how different atmospheric conditions
7 3
give rise to different kinds of plumes.
Define a wind rose. Explain the importance of wind roses in air
8 3
pollution studies.
(a)Explain how the plume rise is estimated.
9 3
(b) Write about Gaussian model for plume dispersion.
(a) Explain the main purpose of a scrubber. Differentiate between
10 dry and wet scrubbers. 3
(b) Write short notes on control of particulates at sources.

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11. Part A- Question & Answers

S.No Question & BL CO

Answers
1 What is The Limit of PM Emission for Stack Monitoring?
As per CPCB or Indian standards for Industrial Stack
Monitoring the flue gas emission from boiler stack, DG set
1 2
emissions, the furnace should not exceed the limit for
Particulate matter beyond 150 mg/Nm3. However, this
limit can vary depending on the industry type.
2 What is stack monitoring system?
Stack monitoring system used for detecting and
measuring of harmful gases released into atmosphere
from stack, chimneys, DG stacks, etc. Process involves 1 2
sampling of gases from stack and monitor in real time to
keep an eye on volume of gas emissions.
3. How is stack monitoring performed?
Stack Emission monitoring procedure includes tasks of
Measurement, testing, sampling and analysis. Onsite
1 2
determination of physical parameters of flue gases such
as temperature, flow and pressure also involved in Stack
emission monitoring.
4. What is stack monitoring in air pollution?
Stack Monitoring is the process of testing the harmful gases
emitted from stacks to keep a check on the pollutants released
in the air. The top pollutants that stacks emit are Carbon 1 2
Monoxide(CO), Oxides of Sulphur (SO2,SO3),Methane Gas,
and oxides of Nitrogen i.e. SOx and NOx, and hydrocarbon
compounds
5. What is the stack emission?
Stack emission is basically gases released into the air from
boiler stack, chimneys or DG set stack etc. from various 1 2
industries after incineration process i.e. method to remove or
burn the harmful gases before releasing to environment.
6. What is stack in air pollution?
Stacks are large chimneys designed to emit and disperse
hot air, particulate matter, and pollutants from industries
into the upper atmosphere so that they do not create a 1 2
danger to life on the ground. There are several types of
stacks in use today, such as: Boiler stacks. Flue gas stacks,
etc.

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7. What devices are used to measure stack emissions?
There are many types of devices used in Stack emissions
based on the objective. Most commonly used devices
are:
1) Iso-Kinetic Sampling: Manual and Automatic
2) Pollutant Specific: PM 2.5 and PM10, Sulfuric acid,
Dioxin Furan, Halogens and Halides etc. measurement
instrument
1 2

3) Specific Gas Sampling Instruments: NOx, SO2, VOC,

Flue Gas Analyzers, Electrochemical Sensor based
analyzers, etc.
4) Metal Emission Sampling Instruments
5) Specific Parameters: Pressure, Flow, Temperature,
Velocity, Relative Humidity measurement instruments

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12. Part B- Questions

S.No Question BL CO

1
Explain with a neat sketch the mechanism of action of air
1 2
pollutants on human beings.
2
Discuss the thermodynamics and kinetics of SOx formation and
2 2
removal.
3
Discuss the thermodynamics of NO to NO2 conversion. 3 2

4
Describe with neat sketches, how different atmospheric
2 2
conditions give rise to different kinds of plumes.
5 Define a wind rose. Explain the importance of wind roses in air
2 2
pollution studies.
6 (a)Explain how the plume rise is estimated.
(b) Write about Gaussian model for plume dispersion.
7 (a) Explain the main purpose of a scrubber. Differentiate
between dry and wet scrubbers.
(b) Write short notes on control of particulates at sources.

13. Supportive Online Certification Courses

1. Air pollution control - By Prof. Ashok Kumar Pradhan Department of Civil
Engineering IIT Kharagpur– 12weeks
2. Air Pollution and Control - By Prof. Bhaveshkumar R. Bhalja Department of
Electrical Engineering IIT Roorkee– 8weeks.

14. Real Time Applications

S.No Application CO
1 Applications of Industrial IoT Infused Air Quality Monitoring Systems 1
Applications of IoT based Air Quality Monitoring:
1) Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System
It is quite shocking to know that more than 3.8 million people die
annually due to indoor air pollution. The presence of particulate matter
and harmful gases drops the quality of air, which when inhaled can
cause severe diseases such as asthma, decreased lung function, and
even cancer.

While the data pertains to both industrial as well as the commercial

segment, the impact of air pollutants on workers is more due to the
increased concentration of contaminants. The indoor air quality
monitoring system thus helps companies to build a healthier working
environment
21 |PSP- U N I T - IV to keep the AQI under control. By comparing the real-time

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air quality data with ideal conditions, companies can facilitate
adequate ventilation, control the production of pollutants in their
facility, and keep temperature & humidity level in a comfortable range.

2) Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring System

Environmental health has been a topic of discussion for decades.
Different policies and regulations pertaining to the emission of pollutants
in the air have been imposed to keep the air quality high. Hence, to
keep the emission rate well under control as per the determined
guidelines, it is important for industries to monitor the production of
harmful gases.

By using outdoor air quality monitoring systems, companies can track

the air quality index around their manufacturing units and subsequently
control their emission rates. This helps them to adhere to regulations and
prevent any lawfully enforced consequences from air quality
administering organizations when air pollution levels exceed its limits.

3) Particulate Matter Monitoring

Particulate matter (PM) or Particulates are solid or liquid microscopic
particles suspended in the air. Also known as aerosols, these particles
are invisible to the naked eye and can be made up of different
components like acids, metals, soil, dust, organic chemicals, etc.

Since these particles are very small, they can be easily inhaled and
affect health. The severity of the health issues is directly related to the
size of these particles. Coarse PM that is generally found near highways
or dusty industries ranges between 2.5 and 10 micrometers. However,
the particles that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers are more dangerous
since they can easily pass through the nose and throat and enter the
lungs.

Controlling the creation of these particles during manufacturing or any

other process is hence very important in industries since their continuous
exposure can affect the health and performance of workers. By using a
PM monitoring sensor along with air quality monitoring systems,
companies can monitor the amount of particulate matter present in
their facility. The sensor has a laser that scatters whenever particulates
cross it. Based on the scattering of laser, the amount of PM in the air can
be estimated.

Hence, companies can take steps to reduce the concentration of

aerosols in their facility and create a healthy working environment for
their employees.

4) Gas Detection System:

In industries like chemical and oil & gas, where harmful gases and toxins
are either used or produced in or during manufacturing processes
respectively, even a minor leakage can result in a catastrophe.
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Working under the presence of H2S or SO2 for long durations can affect
the respiratory system of the workers. Prolonged exposure can even
affect mental health and cause severe headache, convulsions, nausea,
or conjunctivitis. Also, leakage of combustible gases such as LPG or
methane can result in explosions, causing injury to nearby operators and
equipment damage. Moreover, oxygen displacing gases (also known as
asphyxiants) such as methane or propane can reduce the
concentration of oxygen level that can cause severe mental health
issues and also death.

By using gas detection systems, the leakage of toxic and combustible

gases can be detected and steps can be taken to roll-out the
evacuation process, minimize equipment damage, and prevent their
spread.

15. Contents Beyond the Syllabus

Applications of Industrial IoT Infused Air Quality Monitoring Systems

IoT Business Solution

While air is definitely essential to sustain life, its influence on industries is far greater. The
quality of air determines the performance of workers which further influences the
productivity and efficiency of the entire plant.

Air also affects the operational costs of a company. Corrosive particles and gases
present in the atmosphere can act as a catalyst for rusting and decomposition of the
metal body of various industrial equipment, resulting in more repair and maintenance
expenses. Furthermore, the presence of air or increased concentration of a particular
gas in the air can affect the manufacturing processes, resulting in reduced quality of
manufactured goods.

Quality of air hence plays a major role in determining the overall performance of an
industry. Especially in industries like mining, oil and gas, chemical, etc.; which deals with
harmful gases or are subjected to aerosols; the air quality monitoring systems are a must.

Using IoT as an Air Quality Monitor:

IoT as an interconnective device acts as a perfect medium to determine the quality of

air in a particular facility. High-end devices like sensors and meters embedded in
strategic places can be used to ascertain the air quality index (AQI) or identify the
presence of a particular harmful gas.

Powered with features such as real-time monitoring, multi-channel alerts, and

advanced analytics; IoT systems are the best tools to monitor air quality. The data is
transmitted to a centralized platform without any latency that enables the monitoring of
AQI
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Applications of IoT based Air Quality Monitoring:

1) Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System

It is quite shocking to know that more than 3.8 million people die annually due to indoor
air pollution. The presence of particulate matter and harmful gases drops the quality of
air, which when inhaled can cause severe diseases such as asthma, decreased lung
function, and even cancer.

While the data pertains to both industrial as well as the commercial segment, the
impact of air pollutants on workers is more due to the increased concentration of
contaminants. The indoor air quality monitoring system thus helps companies to build a
healthier working environment to keep the AQI under control. By comparing the real-
time air quality data with ideal conditions, companies can facilitate adequate
ventilation, control the production of pollutants in their facility, and keep temperature &
humidity level in a comfortable range.

2) Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring System

Environmental health has been a topic of discussion for decades. Different policies and
regulations pertaining to the emission of pollutants in the air have been imposed to
keep the air quality high. Hence, to keep the emission rate well under control as per the
determined guidelines, it is important for industries to monitor the production of harmful
gases.

By using outdoor air quality monitoring systems, companies can track the air quality
index around their manufacturing units and subsequently control their emission rates.
This helps them to adhere to regulations and prevent any lawfully enforced
consequences from air quality administering organizations when air pollution levels
exceed its limits.

3) Particulate Matter Monitoring

Particulate matter (PM) or Particulates are solid or liquid microscopic particles

suspended in the air. Also known as aerosols, these particles are invisible to the naked
eye and can be made up of different components like acids, metals, soil, dust, organic
chemicals, etc.

Since these particles are very small, they can be easily inhaled and affect health. The
severity of the health issues is directly related to the size of these particles. Coarse PM
that is generally found near highways or dusty industries ranges between 2.5 and 10
micrometers. However, the particles that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers are more
dangerous since they can easily pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs.

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Controlling the creation of these particles during manufacturing or any other process is
hence very important in industries since their continuous exposure can affect the health
and performance of workers. By using a PM monitoring sensor along with air quality
monitoring systems, companies can monitor the amount of particulate matter present in
their facility. The sensor has a laser that scatters whenever particulates cross it. Based on
the scattering of laser, the amount of PM in the air can be estimated.

Hence, companies can take steps to reduce the concentration of aerosols in their
facility and create a healthy working environment for their employees.

4) Gas Detection System:

In industries like chemical and oil & gas, where harmful gases and toxins are either used
or produced in or during manufacturing processes respectively, even a minor leakage
can result in a catastrophe.

Working under the presence of H2S or SO2 for long durations can affect the respiratory
system of the workers. Prolonged exposure can even affect mental health and cause
severe headache, convulsions, nausea, or conjunctivitis. Also, leakage of combustible
gases such as LPG or methane can result in explosions, causing injury to nearby
operators and equipment damage. Moreover, oxygen displacing gases (also known as
asphyxiants) such as methane or propane can reduce the concentration of oxygen
level that can cause severe mental health issues and also death.

By using gas detection systems, the leakage of toxic and combustible gases can be
detected and steps can be taken to roll-out the evacuation process, minimize
equipment damage, and prevent their spread.

CONCLUSION:

Constituents such as particulate matter and gases determine the quality of air. These
pollutants depreciate the quality of air,that causes severe diseases when inhaled
continuously. With air quality monitoring systems, industries can detect the presence of
these toxics and monitor air quality to take intelligent measures to improve the quality of
air for their workers. This leads to an increase in productivity, reduced equipment
damage, and effective regulatory compliance.

SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES / LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this OCW course students should be able to:

1. Characterize the elements of air pollution

2. Describe current air pollution issues at all scales (from local to global)

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3. List the main air pollutants and their effects on human health, welfare and the
environment
4. Quantify environmental engineering parameters with appropriate metrics and
units, and be able to convert between units of measurement.
5. Discuss several types of air pollution problems and the chemistry and physics
affecting them
6. Solve simple problems related to dispersion and air quality modeling
7. Develop a broad overview understanding of the strategies, regulations and
policies to manage air pollution
8. Select methods for control, and prevention of air pollution to meet desired
needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social,
political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
9. Analyze various unit operations and unit processes used in air treatment
10. Evaluate process design criteria for different air treatment technologies and
perform basic calculations

PREREQUISITES

This course is intended for undergraduates and first year graduate students. It is a
science-based course that requires comfort with mathematical calculations,
physics and chemistry. Students who do not feel comfortable with these
prerequisites will need to do outside self-study to progress satisfactorily through
the course.

16. Prescribed Text Books & Reference Books

Text Books:
1. WarkK ., Warner C.F., and Davis W.T., “Air Pollution -Its Origin and Control”,
Harper & Row Publishers, New York.
2. Lee C.C., and Lin S.D., “Handbook of Environmental Engineering
Calculations”, McGraw Hill, New York.
3. Perkins H.C., “Air Pollution”,McGraw Hill.
References:
4. Crawford M., “Air Pollution Control Theory”, TATA McGraw Hill.
5. Stern A.C., “Air Pollution”, Vol I, II, III.
6. Seinfeld N.J.,, “Air Pollution”, McGraw Hill.
7. Stern A.C. Vol. V, “Air Quality Management”. 8. M N Rao and HVN Rao, Air
Pollution” Tata McGraw Hill publication

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