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Reduction of Air Pollutants

Liam Thomas

Liam Thomas

7 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP Environmental Science study guide covers air pollution control, focusing on key vocabulary (e.g., Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement), methods of air pollution reduction (regulations, technologies like catalytic converters and scrubbers, and conservation/alternative energy), important laws (e.g., Clean Air Act, Montreal Protocol), and key concepts for the exam (greenhouse gases, control technologies, international agreements). It also includes practice questions and common mistakes to avoid.

AP Environmental Science: Air Pollution Control - Your Night-Before Guide 💨

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science superstar! Let's get you feeling confident and ready to ace this exam. This guide is designed to be your quick, easy-to-use resource for those last-minute jitters. We'll break down the key concepts, link them together, and make sure you're not just memorizing, but understanding.

1. Key Vocabulary 📚

Let's start with some essential terms. These are your building blocks for understanding the bigger picture.

  • Kyoto Protocol:
Key Concept

International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Focuses on anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

  • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Powerful greenhouse gases, often used as refrigerants. 🧊

  • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs): Another group of potent greenhouse gases, used in industrial processes.

  • Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6): Extremely potent greenhouse gas, used in electrical equipment.

  • Paris Agreement:

Key Concept

Global agreement to limit global warming to below 2°C

through mitigation and adaptation of anthropogenic carbon dioxide.

  • Vapor Recovery Nozzle: Device on gas pumps to reduce VOC emissions. ⛽

  • Catalytic Converter: Device in vehicles to convert toxic gases into less harmful ones. 🚗

  • Wet Scrubber: Air pollution control device that uses liquid to remove pollutants. 💦

  • Dry Scrubber: Air pollution control device that uses dry reagents to remove pollutants. 💨

  • Electrostatic Precipitator: Air pollution control device that uses electrical charge to remove particulates.⚡

2. Methods of Air Pollution Reduction 🛠️

To tackle air pollution, we need a multi-pronged approach. Think of it like a superhero team, each with its own special power:

2.1 Regulations 📜

  • International Agreements:
    • Kyoto Protocol (1997): Focused on reducing six major greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. Remember these! 💡
    • Paris Agreement (2016): Aims to limit global temperature increase to below 2°C. This is a big deal for climate change mitigation.

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