1 Environmental Problems Professor Mohamed A. El-Sharkawi
2 © El-Sharkawi, University of WashingtonEnergy & Environment Over 99% of electrical energy generated worldwide is produced by Fossil fuel Hydroelectric Nuclear. © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
3 Key problems related to EnergyAcid Rain Respiratory illness Nuclear leakage Magnetic field Global warming Finsh/Animal
4 Composition of Clean AirNitrogen (N2), 78.1% Oxygen (O2), 21% Argon (Ar), 0.9% Carbon dioxide (CO2), 330 parts per million in volume (PPM) Neon (Ne), 18 PPM Water vapor (H2O) Small amounts of Krypton (Kr), Helium (He), Methane (CH4), Hydrogen (H), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Xenon (Xe) and Ozone (O3). © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
5 EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality StandardsPollutant Primary Standards. Average Times Secondary Additional restrictions Carbon Monoxide 9 PPM (10 mg/m3) 8-hour None Not to be at or above this level more than once per year. 35 PPM (40 mg/m3) 1-hour Lead 1.5 µg/m3 Quarterly Same as Primary Nitrogen Dioxide 0.053 PPM (100 µg/m3) Annual
6 EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality StandardsPollutant Primary Standards. Average Times Secondary Additional restrictions Particulate Matter m 50 µg/m3 Annual Same as Primary 150 g/m3 24-hour Not to be at or above this level for more than three days over a three-year period <2.5m 15 µg/m3 65 g/m3
7 EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality StandardsPollutant Primary Standards. Average Times Secondary Additional restrictions Ozone 0.08 PPM 8-hour Same as The average of the annual 4th highest daily 8 hr maximum over a three-year period is not to be at or above this level. 0.12 PPM 1-hour Not to be at or above this level on more than three days in a three-year period. Sulfur Oxides 0.03 PPM Annual 0.14 PPM 24-hour Not to be at or above this level more than once per year 3-hour 0.5 PPM (1300 g/m3)
8 Air Pollution from Fossil Fuel Power Plantsof Washington
9 Fossil Fuel Power PlantsFossil fuels are the most polluting resources for energy The worst among them are the raw coal fired power plants of Washington
10 Pollutions from Fossil Fuel Power PlantsSulfur Oxides: (dioxide SO2 and trioxide SO3) Acid Rain Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Ashes Troposphere Ozone (O3) of Washington
11 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonSulfuric Oxide of Washington
12 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonSulfur Oxides SO2 and SO3 are major contributors to air pollution. Coal contains more than 6% sulfur (S) When fossil fuel is burned in power plants, sulfur is released. The sulfur is oxidized to form SO2 of Washington
13 SOx Pollution (lb/MWh)Fuel Type Coal Natural Gas Sulfur Oxides (SOx) 14 0.01 of Washington
14 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonSulfur Oxides Inhaling SO2 can damage the upper respiratory tract and lung tissues. The problem is more severe for the very young and very old. In 1952, thousands of people died in England due to excessive coal burning High concentration of the sulfur dioxides due to the burning of oil fields during the first gulf war caused various cardio-respiratory ailments to soldiers and civilians. of Washington
15 Sulfur Dioxide Particle Per Million (PPM) Exposure Time Effect 33 minutes Increase airway resistance 0.2 4 days Increase cardio-respiratory diseases 0.04 1 Year Increase cardiovascular diseases of Washington
16 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonNitrogen Oxides of Washington
17 Nitrogen Oxides Nitrogen oxides are toxic gases with NO2 being a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive element. NO2 irritates eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Very high concentrations of NO2 over long periods can cause respiratory infections and chronic bronchitis. NO2 plays major roles in formation of smog acid rain. Greenhouse effect: NO2 absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
18 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonNitrogen Oxides Pollution Fuel Type Effect Coal Natural Gas Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 4.8 lb/MWh 4.3 Acid rain & Smog of Washington
19 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonOzone of Washington
20 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonOzone Stratosphere Ozone (10-50 km altitude). Good Ozone! Troposphere Ozone (up to 10km altitude). Bad Ozone! of Washington
21 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonStratosphere ozone Protecting earth by absorbing dangerous ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Because of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), the ozone at the stratosphere area is depleting very quickly. When CFC is decomposed by the ultraviolet radiation, it releases chlorine atoms. One chlorine atom can destroy as much as 100,000 ozone molecules. of Washington
22 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonStratosphere ozone CFC is not released in power plants, but is found in refrigerant and aerosol products. In 1978, CFC products was banned in USA of Washington
23 Troposphere Ozone Troposphere ozone is one of the main ingredients of smog This is a synergistic effects among pollutants Smog can Irritates lungs Damage plants. Make asthmatic patients more sensitive to SO2. © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
24 Creation of Troposphere OzoneNitrogen dioxide NO2 released by power plants is excited by solar radiation Step 1: NO2 releases free oxygen O. Step 2: When O combined with oxygen molecules O2, ozone is produced of Washington
25 Destruction of Troposphere OzoneAt night, Ozone reacts with nitric oxide NO to form NO2 and O2 The process is balanced when the ozone created is destroyed. This happens when no other pollutant interfere with this process © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
26 © El-Sharkawi, University of WashingtonSo What is the problem? Hydrocarbons produced by automobile emissions reacts with NO Less NO is present to destroy the Troposphere Ozone Ozone concentration at the troposphere level increases. If k1=k2 , no Ozone is left If k1
27 Troposphere Ozone: ConclusionsAutomobile exhaust NO2 SO2 Ozone at lower elevations of Washington
28 Effect of Troposphere OzoneO3 Level in ppm Effect 0-0.05 Range in healthy outdoor environments. 0.05 Maximum recommended by FDA in an air conditioned and ventilated space. 0.1 Maximum allowed by OSHA in industrial work areas. 0.2 Prolonged exposure of humans in occupational and experimental conditions produced no apparent ill effects. 0.3 Level at which nasal and throat irritation will first appear. 0.5 Extended exposure could cause lung edema. Smog alert 1. 1.0 Smog Alert 2. © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
29 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonAcid Rain of Washington
30 Ingredients of Acid RainSulfuric Acid Nitric Acid of Washington
31 Acid Rain (Sulfuric Acid)Step 1: Sulfur trioxide Cloud Step 2: sulfuric acid of Washington
32 Acid Rain (Nitric Acid)Cloud nitric acid of Washington
33 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonAcid Rain The rain from clouds with sulfuric or Nitric acids is known as the acid rain. Acid rain can be very damaging to crops and structures. When it reaches lakes, it can have severe effect on the fish population. Acid rain can also damage limestone of Washington
34 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonAcid Rain of Washington
35 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonStone erosion of Washington
36 El-Sharkawi@University of Washington
37 Acid Rain There are processes available that would "scrub" coal and other ores (remove sulfur) before they undergo combustion. The extraction processes are expensive. Adoption of such extraction processes is only done voluntarily by the coal industry.
38 How Acidity is Measured?The level of acidity depends on the concentration of hydrogen ions potential of Hydrogen (pH) is used to quantify the degree of acidity in a solution. pH is a negative logarithmic measure of hydrogen-ion concentration per liter of solution. © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
39 © El-Sharkawi, University of WashingtonPotential of Hydrogen Solution pH Pure water 7 Acidic solution <7 Basic solution (Alkaline) >7 Battery Acid 0-1 Clean rain 5-6 Acid rain <5 The most acid rain recorded in USA 4.3 © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
40 © El-Sharkawi, University of WashingtonPotential of Hydrogen Acidic Basic Most acid rain recorded in USA 1 5 6 7 4.3 Pure Water Battery Acid Acid Rain Clean Rain © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
41 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonCarbon Dioxide of Washington
42 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonCarbon Dioxide A greenhouse Gas colorless, odorless, and slightly acidic Nature recycles CO2 through water, animals, and plants. Humans exhale carbon dioxide as they breath Plants absorb it during their photosynthesis process. of Washington
43 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonCarbon Dioxide The process of generating and absorbing CO2 is precisely sustained in nature resulting in the right amount of CO2 in air necessary to keep the Earth’s temperature at the current level. Industrial activities that require burning of material containing carbon (coal, wood and oil) can increase CO2 concentration in air Contributing to the warming of the atmosphere. of Washington
44 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonCarbon Dioxide (CO2) Pollution Fuel Type Effect Coal Natural Gas Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 2,100 lb/MWh 1,200 Global warming Greenhouse Gas of Washington
45 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonGreenhouse Effect The earth temperature depends on solar energy reaching the earth radiated energy from earth back to space. Increased CO2 concentration absorbs infrared radiations (7-12 m). Part of this energy is reradiated back to earth, thus increasing the Earth temperature of Washington
46 El-Sharkawi@University of Washington
47 Naturally Occurring Greenhouse GasesCO2 is one of the greenhouse gases Other greenhouse gases Water vapor Methane (traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide ) Nitrous oxide (absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide) Ozone of Washington
48 Industrial Greenhouse GasesCarbon dioxide: by burning fossil fuels, solid waste, and wood. Methane Emitted during the production of coal, natural gas, and oil. Also as a result from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills, and the raising of livestock. Methane traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide of Washington
49 Industrial Greenhouse GasesNitrous oxide is emitted during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. agricultural and industrial activities Nitrous oxide absorbs 270 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide of Washington
50 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonAshes of Washington
51 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonAshes Ashes are small particles ( m) that are suspended in air. About 7 million tons of ashes are released each year by electric power plants and industrial smelters. Ashes from power plants may include variety of metals such as iron, titanium, zinc, lead, nickel, arsenic and silicon. The ashes could stay suspended in air for days before they reach earth. of Washington
52 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonAshes The ashes affect Breathing weaken the immune system worsen the conditions of cardiovascular disease patients. The smaller ashes (less than 10 m) can reach the lower respiratory tract and cause severe respiratory problems. Most power plants install several filtering devices to eliminate, or substantially reduce, the discharged ashes. of Washington
53 © El-Sharkawi, University of WashingtonLegionnaires Disease A harmful group of bacteria known as Legionells can live inside cooling towers as well as in hot water systems, warm freshwater ponds and creeks. One of these bacteria causes the Legionnaires' disease, which is a form of infection that could lead to pneumonia. © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
54 © El-Sharkawi, University of WashingtonLegionnaires Disease In cooling towers, hot water droplets carrying the Legionells can be mixed with the steam. The droplets drift with wind and can cause infections in people several kilometers away from the cooling towers. Power plants install mist eliminators to prevent water droplets from escaping the cooling towers. In addition, biocides are used inside the cooling towers to prevent the growth of Legionells. © El-Sharkawi, University of Washington
55 Environmental Concerns of Hydroelectric Power Plantsof Washington
56 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonHydroelectric Power It is a renewable energy resource. Clean form of generation with zero emission. Environmental impacts. Flooding Alter water flow Silt (sediments) Oxygen depletion Fish of Washington
57 Environmental Concerns of Nuclear Power Plantsof Washington
58 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonNuclear Power Radioactive release during normal operation Loss of coolant Reactor Explosion Disposal of radioactive waste of Washington
59 Nuclear Plant AccidentsThere are several scenarios for nuclear accidents The worse is when the core is not receiving enough cooling water (Fukushima Daiichi, Chernobyl, etc.) In Fukushima Daiichi accident, the earthquake and the following tsunami disabled cooling water pumps
60 Nuclear Plant AccidentsAt approximately 1200oC, the hydrogen in the water split from the oxygen. The hydrogen bubble inside the reactor may explode when excited. The explosion may damage the containment structure Radioactive steam is released in air
61 Nuclear Plant AccidentsAt approximately 2400o, the uranium fuel melts down Fuel rod becomes like melted wax The uranium can continue to penetrate the ground and may reach water tables. Water is polluted. At this high temperature, the pressure inside the reactor could be high enough to damage the containment structure Radioactive steam is released in air
62 Electromagnetic Field (EMF)
63 EMF is Everywhere! EMF is a field of force caused by electric voltage and current. Electric field is due to voltage Magnetic field is due to current EMF occurs also in nature. The earth's electric and magnetic fields are mainly DC. Interest in potential health effects focuses mainly on AC fields.
64 Can Field be weakened? Electric field is weakened by trees, ground, and buildings. Magnetic field is not. Burying power lines can eliminate human exposure to electric fields, but may not decrease exposure to magnetic fields.
65 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonMagnetic Field Magnetic field is measured in gauss (G). In most homes, the magnetic field in the center of rooms averages to less than 1 mG. Homes close to power lines tend to have higher magnetic file than average. MF decreases in strength with distance. MF from power lines decreases to less than 2 mG at about 200 feet. of Washington
66 Good News Currents due to EMF are weaker than natural currents in the body (brain and heart signals) It is too weak to penetrate cell membranes. It is therefore present mostly between cells
67 Concerns Several laboratory studies have indicated that different kinds of EMF exposure may cause some biological effects. EMF have been reported to cause temporary changes in an animal hormone levels.
68 Concerns EMF may cause small changes in the rate at which bone heals.May also cause some behavioral effect. Heart rate may slightly change. Small changes in brain wave activity. Some preliminary laboratory animal studies suggest that EMF might be involved in the development of cancer.
69 El-Sharkawi@University of WashingtonMagnetic Field of Washington
70 Magnetic Field of house appliance in mGof Washington
71 Magnetic Field of Microwave Oven (mG)of Washington
72 Keep in Mind Wildlife and livestock frequently inhabit areas close to high-voltage transmission lines. Environmental studies so far have found no adverse health effects of EMF in wild animals or livestock.
73 Why it is Difficult to Study EMF Effect?It is hard to conduct studies of human populations that eliminate effects of other possible hazards. Power lines are often located near heavily traveled highways. The pollution from cars and trucks contribute to the health effects. Work environments often present many other exposures, such as toxic chemicals.