Atmospheric pollution Introduction In Hong Kong air pollution

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Atmospheric pollution

Atmospheric pollution

Introduction In Hong Kong air pollution is quite serious. The air pollution index is

Introduction In Hong Kong air pollution is quite serious. The air pollution index is usually maintain at a high level. l If the problem continuous, it will become more serious, such as: extinction of animals and plants. l

Distribution of Hourly API for General Stations for the period 1 January - 31

Distribution of Hourly API for General Stations for the period 1 January - 31 March 2001

Air Pollutants l Gaseous pollutants – Important atmosphere pollutants include gases such as: –

Air Pollutants l Gaseous pollutants – Important atmosphere pollutants include gases such as: – Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs) – Sulphur dioxide(SO 2) – Hydrocarbons(HCs) – The oxides of nitrogen(NOx)

Sulphur dioxide l l Produced from combustion of fossil fuels vehicles and industries are

Sulphur dioxide l l Produced from combustion of fossil fuels vehicles and industries are the main source It not only causes acid rain to damage buildings and especially plants But also affects our cardiac and respiratory systems

Nitrogen dioxide Formed from oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) emitted from fuel combustion and

Nitrogen dioxide Formed from oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) emitted from fuel combustion and exhaust tube in car l Can lower our resistance to respiratory diseases l Also can form acid rain l

Ozone formed by a series of complicated photochemical (sunlight and warm temperature) l cause

Ozone formed by a series of complicated photochemical (sunlight and warm temperature) l cause eye and nose irritations even at low concentration levels l At high level, it can cause serious respiratory diseases l

Carbon monoxide Come from incomplete combustion of fuels from factories and power stations l

Carbon monoxide Come from incomplete combustion of fuels from factories and power stations l If enter the blood, it can combine with REC permanently l Reduce oxygen delivery l Cause shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, and loss of coordination l The health threat from CO is more severe for those who suffer from heart disease. l

Particles l Particles includes: – Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) – Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP)

Particles l Particles includes: – Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) – Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP) – Lead

Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) small airborne particles such as dust, fume and smoke with

Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) small airborne particles such as dust, fume and smoke with diameters less than 100 micrometres l sources of TSP include l – power stations – construction activities – vehicle exhausts l Levels of TSP remained high

Respiratory Suspended Particulates (RSP) l l l refer to those airborne particles with diameters

Respiratory Suspended Particulates (RSP) l l l refer to those airborne particles with diameters of 10 micrometres or less Combustion sources, in particular diesel vehicle exhaust, are the major sources of RSP Other sources are by atmospheric oxidation of Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, crystal dust and marine aerosols

Respiratory Suspended Particulates (RSP) l l RSP at high level may cause chronic and

Respiratory Suspended Particulates (RSP) l l RSP at high level may cause chronic and acute effects on human health, particularly the pulmonary function, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems effects are enhanced if high RSP levels are associated with higher levels of other pollutants, such as SO 2

Lead A type of heavy metal l Motor vehicles using leaded petrol are the

Lead A type of heavy metal l Motor vehicles using leaded petrol are the major source of lead in ambient air. l Cause cancer and damage of brain l

Global issues l Ozone layer – Is made up of ozone – 10 cm

Global issues l Ozone layer – Is made up of ozone – 10 cm thick – Protecting the Earth from UV rays l Ozone depletion – Is the thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere , the layer of air located between 20 -50 km above Earth’s surface.

Ozone depletion In 1982 , it was discovered that a large ‘hole’ had developed

Ozone depletion In 1982 , it was discovered that a large ‘hole’ had developed in the ozone layer above Antarctica. l If this ‘hole’ spreads to more populated parts of the earth, there could be serious results for people’s health. l The ‘hole’ is even bigger in 1992. l

Global Warming The greenhouse effect is a natural process. l The greenhouse gases trap

Global Warming The greenhouse effect is a natural process. l The greenhouse gases trap the heat energy from the sun, and cause the temperature rise. l It causes l – – Droughts Melting of ice caps Rise in sea level Extinction of animal and plants

Acid Rain Precipitation of p. H less than 5. 6 gives rise to a

Acid Rain Precipitation of p. H less than 5. 6 gives rise to a acid rain l Effects l – – Damages to forests Harm to water lives Damage to metalwork Damage to building materials

Solution l How can we do in order to reduce air pollution? – –

Solution l How can we do in order to reduce air pollution? – – – – Using unleaded petrol in cars Using catalytic converters Using scrubbers in power stations Using electrostatic precipitators in industry Using fuels of low sulphur content in industry Take public transports Using non CFCs sprays

The role of the government l Legislation – Restrict the exhaust gases produced l

The role of the government l Legislation – Restrict the exhaust gases produced l Monitoring and investigation – Set up monitoring stations – Set up Air Pollution Index(API) l Planning – Replaces incinerators – Undertake an environmental impact assessment

Conclusion The is our home. Let’s all give a helping hand prevent air pollution.

Conclusion The is our home. Let’s all give a helping hand prevent air pollution.