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PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG
THEORY
Photochemical Smog
Photochemical smog (or just smog for short) is a term used to describe air pollution that is a result of the
interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. One of the primary components of
photochemical smog is ozone. While ozone in the stratosphere protects earth from harmful UV
radiation, ozone on the ground is hazardous to human health. Ground-level ozone is formed when
vehicle emissions containing nitrogen oxides (primarily from vehicle exhaust) and volatile organic
compounds (from paints, solvents, and fuel evaporation) interact in the presence of sunlight. Therefore,
some of the sunniest cities are also some of the most polluted.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) mainly refer to nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide
are harmful gases produced by human activity. After receiving the intense ultraviolet irradiation in the
atmosphere, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons (HC) will produce a new secondary pollutant-photochemical smog. During this complex photochemical reaction, it mainly produces photochemical
oxidants (mainly ozone) and other complex compounds, which are generally called as "photochemical
smog".
Sources
- combustion of oil, coal, gas in both automobiles
and industry
Environmental Effects
- forest fires
- volcanic action
- lightning
- evaporation of solvents
- eye irritation
- evaporation of fuels
- respiratory irritation
- bronchial constriction
- coughing, wheezing
- respiratory irritation
- eye irritation
Ozone (O3)
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG
THEORY
- eye irritation
- high toxicity to plants
- respiratory irritation
- damaging to proteins
Control Measures:
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG
THEORY
2. Venturi scrubber
Venturi scrubbers use a liquid stream to remove solid particles. In the venturi scrubber, gas laden with
particulate matter passes through a short tube with flared ends and a constricted middle.
This constriction causes the gas stream to speed up when the pressure is increased. A water spray is
directed into the gas stream either prior to or at the constriction in the tube. The difference in velocity
and pressure resulting from the constriction causes the particles and water to mix and combine.
The reduced velocity at the expanded section of the throat allows the droplets of water containing the
particles to drop out of the gas stream.
Venturi scrubbers are effective in removing small particles, with removal efficiencies of up to 99
percent. One drawback of this device, however, is the production of wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG
THEORY