Controlling Air Pollution Study Set

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering domestic, industrial, and vehicular air pollution control measures based on the Environmental Science lecture notes.

How is 'air pollution' defined in the context of ecosystem health?

The imbalance in the quality and composition of air resulting in severe damage to living organisms, caused by the release of chemicals and particulates.

When was the National Programme for Improved Cookstoves (NPIC) launched in India?

1983

What are the primary objectives of the National Biomass Cookstoves Initiative (NBCI) launched in 2009?

To reduce fuel wood consumption and remove or reduce smoke from kitchens through the development of next-generation cookstoves and biomass-processing technologies.

What is a major disadvantage of using a solar cooker regarding meal preparation?

They take longer to cook food than a conventional stove or oven, often requiring preparation to start hours before a meal.

What is the primary chemical component of Piped Natural Gas (PNG)?

$\text{Methane}$ with a small percentage of other higher hydrocarbons.

What percentage of methane is contained in Biogas, and what is its alternative name related to its source?

It contains $75\%$ methane and is also called swamp gas, marsh gas, Landfill Gas (LFG), or digester gas.

What is 'Gobar gas' and how is the residue after gas extraction utilized?

It is biogas generated from cow dung; the residue left after extraction is used as fertilizer.

What are the boiling point boundaries for the crude oil fraction that defines kerosene?

Between $145$ and $300\,^{\circ}\text{C}$

What is the difference between wick stoves and pressure stoves in terms of fuel transfer?

Wick stoves rely on capillary transfer of fuel, while pressure stoves aerosolize fuel through vapour-jet nozzles.

How does a 'Gravity settling chamber' remove pollutants?

It is a chamber that separates dust from gas by reducing gas velocity, allowing dust particles to settle down for removal.

What is the removal efficiency of 'Fabric filters' for particulate matter?

Greater than $99\%$

Which industrial device is specifically used to remove suspended impurities like dust, mist, and fumes with more than $99\%$ efficiency?

Electrostatic precipitator

On what principle does a 'Plate tower' unit work for removing pollutants?

Transforming gaseous pollutants to the liquid phase.

What is the 'environmental lapse rate' as measured by a meteorological balloon?

The temperature profile of the air measured as the balloon moves through the air.

What are the three main functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as per the Air Act?

To improve the quality of air; to prevent, control, or abate air pollution; and to advise the Central Government on pollution matters.

What does 'Environmental auditing' involve in the context of industrial regulation?

A process initiated in highly polluting industries to monitor and evaluate their environmental impact and compliance.

What is the 'Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)' and why is it so named?

It is a defined area of $10,400\,\text{sq. km}$ around the Taj Mahal, named for its trapezoid shape.

Which specific World Heritage Sites are included within the Taj Trapezium Zone?

The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

How do nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) impact human health according to the notes?

They can cause lung irritation, respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza, and assist in forming ozone and particulate matter.

Why is Carbon monoxide (CO) considered dangerous to vital organs?

When inhaled, it blocks the transport of oxygen to the brain, heart, and other vital organs.

What are the four strokes required for a four-stroke engine to complete a power cycle?

Suction stroke, compression stroke, expansion stroke, and exhaust stroke.

What are the primary plant sources mentioned for the preparation of Biodiesel in India?

Groundnut oil, palm oil, and zetropha.

What is a 'Green Zone' in urban traffic management?

A flexible, automatically enforced low emission zone that uses technology to monitor and control the passage of highly polluting vehicles.

What does the acronym ANPR stand for in the context of traffic monitoring?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition

In Brazil, up to what percentage of ethanol is mixed with petrol?

Up to $80\%$