Controlling the Sources of Air Pollution

The atmosphere has several built-in self cleaning processes such as dispersion, Gravitational settling, flocculation, absorption, rain washout and so on, to cleanse the atmosphere. In terms of  a long range control of air pollution, control of  contaminants at their source is more desirable and effective method  through preventive or control technologies.

1. Source Control : 

Since we know the substances that causes air pollution, the first approach to its control will be through source reduction. Some actions that can be taken in this regard as follows: 

a) Use only unleaded petrol

b) Use petroleum products and other fuels that have low Sulphur and ash content. 

c) Reduce the number of  private vehicles on the road by developing an efficient public -transport system and encouraging people to walk or use cycles. 

d) Ensure that houses, schools, restaurants and places where children play are not located on busy streets. 

e.) Plant trees along busy streets because they remove particulates and carbon monoxide, and absorb-noise.

f.) Industries and waste disposal sites should be situated outside the city Centre preferably down wind of the city. 

g.) Use catalytic converters to help control the emissions of  carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.