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Sulfur Dioxide - SO2: What is it? Where does it come from?

Sulfur dioxide belongs to the family of SOx gases. These gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur (mainly coal and oil) is burned at power plants and during metal smelting and other industrial processes. Most SO2 monitoring stations are located in urban areas. The highest monitored concentrations of SO2 are recorded near large industrial facilities. Fuel combustion, largely from electricity generation, accounts for most of the total SO2 emissions. These gases dissolve easily in water. Sulfur is prevalent in all raw materials, including crude oil, coal, and ore that contains common metals like aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, and iron. SOx gases are formed when fuel containing sulfur, such as coal and oil, is burned, and when gasoline is extracted from oil, or metals are extracted from ore. SO2 dissolves in water vapor to form acid, and interacts with other gases and particles in the air to form sulfates and other products that can be harmful to people and their environment. 

Over 65% of SO2 released to the air, or more than 13 million tons per year, comes from electric utilities, especially those that burn coal. Other sources of SO2 are industrial facilities that derive their products from raw materials like metallic ore, coal, and crude oil, or that burn coal or oil to produce process heat. Examples are petroleum refineries, cement manufacturing, and metal processing facilities. Also, locomotives, large ships, and some non-road diesel equipment currently burn high sulfur fuel and release SO2 emissions to the air in large quantities. 

Health and Environmental Effects

High concentrations of SO2 can result in temporary breathing impairment for asthmatic children and adults who are active outdoors. Short-term exposures of asthmatic individuals to elevated SO2 levels during moderate activity may result in breathing difficulties that can be accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Other effects that have been associated with longer-term exposures to high concentrations of SO2, in conjunction with high levels of PM, include aggravation of existing cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and alterations in the lungs’ defenses. The subgroups of the population that may be affected under these conditions include individuals with heart or lung disease, as well as the elderly and children. 

Together, SO2 and NOx are the major precursors to acidic deposition (acid rain), which is associated with the acidification of soils, lakes, and streams and accelerated corrosion of buildings and monuments. SO2 also is a major precursor to PM2.5, which is a significant health concern, and a main contributor to poor visibility. (See Acid Rain section, page 16, for a more detailed discussion.) 

Sulfur Oxides (SOx)

Remember, sulfur oxides (SOx) are colorless gases that are the result of burning sulfur. All fuels used by man (oil, coal, natural gas, wood, etc.) contain some sulfur. The primary source of sulfur oxides is the burning of these fossil fuels, particularly coal, at power plants for electricity. During the combustion process, sulfur reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO2). Sulfur dioxide is used as an indicator of all sulfur oxide (SOx) concentrations in the ambient air, because it is the most easily measured sulfur oxide. The NAAQS for SO2 is 80 g/m3 on an annual average or 365 g/m3 for a 24-hour average. 

Sulfur dioxide is known to irritate the respiratory system. SO2 is particularly detrimental to individuals who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. SO2 can also combine with particles and moisture in the air creating an even greater health risk. Sulfur dioxide contributes to the formation of acid rain by transforming into sulfuric acid in the atmosphere. Acid rain can damage lakes and aquatic life, building materials, and plant life. 

Sulfur dioxide emissions from combustion at power plants are controlled by "scrubbing" the gas leaving the plant or by removing sulfur from the fuel before it is burned. Limiting the use of electricity, by turning off electric devices not in use, reduces SO2 emissions. Making use of more efficient electric devices (lights, refrigerators, motors, etc.) and alternate energy sources also reduces SO2 emissions. 

Nitrogen Oxides
www.NitrogenOxides.org

What are Nitrogen Oxides?

Nitrogen oxides, or NOx, is the generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. Many of the nitrogen oxides are colorless and odorless. However, one common pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) along with particles in the air can often be seen as a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas.

Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, as in a combustion process. The primary sources of NOx are motor vehicles, electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels.

Reasons for Concern: Nitrogen Oxides

What are Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are one of the main ingredients involved in the formation of ground-level ozone, which can trigger serious respiratory problems. reacts to form nitrate particles, acid aerosols, as well as NO2, which also cause respiratory problems. contributes to formation of acid rain. contributes to nutrient overload that deteriorates water quality. contributes to atmospheric particles, that cause visibility impairment most noticeable in national parks. reacts to form toxic chemicals. contributes to global warming. NOx and the pollutants formed from NOx can be transported over long distances, following the pattern of prevailing winds in the U.S. This means that problems associated with NOx are not confined to areas where NOx are emitted. Therefore, controlling NOx is often most effective if done from a regional perspective, rather than focusing on sources in one local area. NOx emissions are increasing. Since 1970, EPA has tracked emissions of the six principal air pollutants - carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. Emissions of all of these pollutants have decreased significantly except for NOx which has increased approximately 10 percent over this period

How can Nitrogen Oxides be Removed from the Environment?

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a proven and effective method to reduce nitrogen oxides which is an air pollutant associated with the power generation process. Nitrogen oxides are a contributor to ground level ozone. 

How does Selective Catalytic Reduction work?

SCR Systems work similar to a catalytic converter used to reduce automobile emissions. Prior to exhaust gases going up the smokestack, they will pass through the SCR System where anhydrous ammonia reacts with nitrogen oxide and converts it to nitrogen and water.

What are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Greenhouse Gas Emissions are those greenhouse gases that allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely and contribute to the greenhouse effect, which many believe is the cause of global warming. There are natural and man-made greenhouse gas emissions.  The primary greenhouse gases thought to be major contributors to global warming are; carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), methane emissions (CH 4) and nitrogen oxides (N2O). 

The primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions from manmade sources include; fossil-fueled power plants such as natural gas power plants and coal fired power plants. Other sources of greenhouse gas emissions linked to manmade causes include  internal combustion engines (fueled by gasoline and petroleum diesel) and deforestation.

Many people don't realize that as much as 25% of  per cent of the carbon dioxide emissions are naturally absorbed by the ocean and another 25% of the carbon dioxide emissions are absorbed by our biosphere, such as trees, plants, soil, etc.  This leaves about 50% of the carbon dioxide emissions that are not absorbed and remaining in our atmosphere. As previously stated, carbon dioxide emissions are linked primarily to the burning of fossil fuels (power plants, cars, trucks, etc.) and deforestation.

Greenhouse gas emissions have been on the increase ever since the dawn of the industrial revolution.

What Are Greenhouse Gases?

Many chemical compounds found in the Earth’s atmosphere act as “greenhouse gases.” These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely. When sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back towards space as infrared radiation (heat). Greenhouse gases absorb this infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere. Over time, the amount of energy sent from the sun to the Earth’s surface should be about the same as the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the Earth’s surface roughly constant.