Study Notes
Effective air pollution management combines technology, policy, and sustainable practices to protect public health and the environment.
- Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) — removes sulphur dioxide from power station emissions after combustion. Example: Wet scrubbers spray alkaline slurry through flue gases, neutralising acidic SO₂.
- Catalytic Converter — fitted to vehicle exhaust systems to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. Example: Converts NOx gases to harmless nitrogen and oxygen.
- Electrostatic Precipitators — remove particulate matter from industrial emissions using electrical charges. Example: Capture airborne particles in coal-fired power stations.
- Polluter Pays Principle — those responsible for pollution bear the costs of managing it. Example: Carbon taxes encourage fuel switching and efficiency improvements.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)
- Catalytic Converter
- Electrostatic Precipitators
- Polluter Pays Principle
Common Confusions
- Confusing FGD with catalytic converters
- Misunderstanding the role of electrostatic precipitators
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the function of a catalytic converter? It reduces NOx emissions by converting them to nitrogen and oxygen.
- How does the polluter pays principle work? It makes those responsible for pollution bear the costs of managing it.
- What are the advantages of electrostatic precipitators? They remove up to 99.9% of particulates from flue gases.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of emission control technologies
- Application of the polluter pays principle
- Differences between various air pollution management strategies