Questions Q1 Search for the six major pollutants [e.g., particulate matter (PM),
ID: 286695 • Letter: Q
Question
Questions Q1 Search for the six major pollutants [e.g., particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbonmonoxide (CO) nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3), and lead (Pb)l and their emission levels in UAE, and explain five main environmental concerns caused by these pollutants. Q2 Estimate the annual greenhouse gas emissions (in kg) from (i) your vehicle based on its mileage (in km) and (ii) your house (or apartment or room) based on the energy consumption for its heating and cooling requirements.Explanation / Answer
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gaseous pollutant which is mainly emitted from fuel combustion in transportation, electricity production, water desalination and oil and gas processing. For the most part, SO2 concentrations are within UAE limits. However, over the last few years, trends indicate a slight increase.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an atmospheric pollutant generated by internal combustion engines (including vehicles, ships and generators).
CO is well within UAE air quality limits, and continuous improvements in engine efficiency have reduced its concentration in the air.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gaseous pollutant
mainly emitted during fuel combustion. In the past few years, NO2 concentrations have remained stable and within UAE limits. However, continuous monitoring is required, as the emirate’s increase in population and transportation usage may lead to an increase in NO2 concentrations.
Ozone (O3)
Tropospheric ozone (O3), also referred to as ‘ground-level ozone’, is a secondary pollutant, which means it is not directly emitted from man-made or natural sources. It is formed in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions in the presence of sunlight and precursor pollutants, such as the oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Tropospheric ozone concentrations are currently above the UAE limits, with an observed gradual increase recorded over the past few years. Due to the complexity of ozone formation, the main drivers of this increase have not yet been scientifically proven and are the subject of on-going investigation. In order to ascertain the main precursors of O3 in the region, UAE is conducting a scientific project to improve knowledge about O3 so as to propose policies and regulations to reduce tropospheric ozone.
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Particulate matter less than 10 m in diameter (PM10) is the term for small solid or liquid particles found in the air. Their presence can be due to natural sources, such as sand from the desert, man-made sources, which are mostly combustion engines, or formed in the atmosphere when gaseous pollutants such as SO2 and NOX react.
Background levels of PM10 are significantly high due to the arid nature of the region. Concentrations increase when dust events occur, transporting sand and dust into populated areas.
The overall trend for PM10 levels in the emirate shows stability in the values recorded over the past few years. This may be an indication of the significance of the high background levels due to natural sources of PM10.
Particulate matter less than 2.5 m in diameter (PM2.5), also known as ‘fine particles’, is also a key pollutant that should be measured and analysed. This is due to the potentially adverse effects it can have on human health.
Results showing PM2.5 values recorded above World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. At present, the UAE has not set standards for PM2.5.
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas has a characteristic odour of rotten eggs and can cause odour nuisance at very low concentrations. Hydrogen sulphide is not considered a ‘criteria pollutant’ in the UAE.
H2S concentration measurements are well within the threshold recommended by WHO. However there has been an increase in H2S concentrations in certain specific areas, as well as in the number of odour complaints.
The main emission sources of H2S in the emirate
are the illegal dumping of solid waste and sewage, fugitive emissions from sewage distribution systems, wastewater treatment plants, and oil and gas activities.
Impacts
Health Impact
In the UAE, outdoor air pollution is a cause for concern in terms of its potential impact upon human health, as well as its associated healthcare costs. The primary pollutants of concern are PM and ground-level ozone. Health effects from other major pollutants (including NO2, SO2, H2S and CO) are thought to be minimal, because local daily and annual average levels for these pollutants are mostly below UAE national limits.
Environmental Impacts
There are several environmental impacts caused by air pollution:
for second part we need more data.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.