192 Ecology and Applied Environmental Science
10.2 dEaling with atMoSPhEric Pollution
Atmospheric pollution at a planetary level but also at the level of cities
is one of the most serious environmental problems we face today. Many
technological solutions have been tried in the last few years either in the
direction of cleaner methods of production or in treatment methods for
various air pollutants. Considerable results have been achieved in many
cases; however, air pollution, especially at a global level, is a problem that
will not be solved anytime soon.
Dealing with the atmospheric pollution of cities presents increased difficulties because of the large number and variety of the sources of pollutants’
emissions. The automobile usually constitutes the major pollution source in
the cities. The dependence of man on that convenient means of individual
transportation, the great multitude of cars and the operating conditions
of the engine (that present many fluctuations and are difficult to control)
render control of pollution caused by cars a difficult and complex technical,
economic and social problem. Industry generates various atmospheric pollutants by many different procedures. The greatest problems are related to
pollutants from burning processes. Consequently, the use of improved fuels
could be a significant tool for dealing with industrial air pollution.
One measure of fuel improvement that has been applied and is effective
for dealing with atmospheric pollution caused by cars is the abandonment
of lead as a gasoline additive, with a gradual transition to the general use of
lead-free gasoline. Another useful measure would be the proper technical
modification by aiming at shortening the time of achieving conditions of
normal engine function, because great quantities of hydrocarbons (unburned
gasoline) and carbon monoxide are produced in the first 30 sec of an engine’s
function. An important measure for the decrease of SO 2 pollution, both by
industry and cars, is the use of fuels—especially petroleum—with decreased
sulphur content. However, CO 2 pollution will not be significantly reduced
by technological measures while fossil fuels are being used.
In addition to the above improvements, radical changes in the kinds of
fuels are being considered, such as the use of CH 3 OH (methanol) and H 2
(hydrogen). Burning of methanol does not reduce the charging of the atmosphere with CO 2 , but if methanol is produced from the CO 2 of the atmosphere (e.g. through biomass from agricultural waste), the relevant balance
will be null. H 2 is a fuel that does not generate harmful pollutants, since
the waste of burning is water, while the generation of NO as a by-product
in hydrogen engines is negligible. H 2 can be conveyed via pipes just like
natural gas for domestic or industrial use, at a relatively low cost. However,
for its wide use to be promoted, its production cost from renewable energy
resources should be reduced, combustion technologies must be reliable and
accident risks (e.g. explosions) should be minimized. Another noteworthy
possibility is electric cars, which still need improvement in the sectors of cost
10.2 dEaling with atMoSPhEric Pollution
Atmospheric pollution at a planetary level but also at the level of cities
is one of the most serious environmental problems we face today. Many
technological solutions have been tried in the last few years either in the
direction of cleaner methods of production or in treatment methods for
various air pollutants. Considerable results have been achieved in many
cases; however, air pollution, especially at a global level, is a problem that
will not be solved anytime soon.
Dealing with the atmospheric pollution of cities presents increased difficulties because of the large number and variety of the sources of pollutants’
emissions. The automobile usually constitutes the major pollution source in
the cities. The dependence of man on that convenient means of individual
transportation, the great multitude of cars and the operating conditions
of the engine (that present many fluctuations and are difficult to control)
render control of pollution caused by cars a difficult and complex technical,
economic and social problem. Industry generates various atmospheric pollutants by many different procedures. The greatest problems are related to
pollutants from burning processes. Consequently, the use of improved fuels
could be a significant tool for dealing with industrial air pollution.
One measure of fuel improvement that has been applied and is effective
for dealing with atmospheric pollution caused by cars is the abandonment
of lead as a gasoline additive, with a gradual transition to the general use of
lead-free gasoline. Another useful measure would be the proper technical
modification by aiming at shortening the time of achieving conditions of
normal engine function, because great quantities of hydrocarbons (unburned
gasoline) and carbon monoxide are produced in the first 30 sec of an engine’s
function. An important measure for the decrease of SO 2 pollution, both by
industry and cars, is the use of fuels—especially petroleum—with decreased
sulphur content. However, CO 2 pollution will not be significantly reduced
by technological measures while fossil fuels are being used.
In addition to the above improvements, radical changes in the kinds of
fuels are being considered, such as the use of CH 3 OH (methanol) and H 2
(hydrogen). Burning of methanol does not reduce the charging of the atmosphere with CO 2 , but if methanol is produced from the CO 2 of the atmosphere (e.g. through biomass from agricultural waste), the relevant balance
will be null. H 2 is a fuel that does not generate harmful pollutants, since
the waste of burning is water, while the generation of NO as a by-product
in hydrogen engines is negligible. H 2 can be conveyed via pipes just like
natural gas for domestic or industrial use, at a relatively low cost. However,
for its wide use to be promoted, its production cost from renewable energy
resources should be reduced, combustion technologies must be reliable and
accident risks (e.g. explosions) should be minimized. Another noteworthy
possibility is electric cars, which still need improvement in the sectors of cost