AdvancedTopic 85 of 112Civil & Structural
Air and noise pollution control
Engineering measures reduce emissions and noise.
In depth
Air: scrubbers, ESPs, baghouses, catalytic converters; dispersion modelling (Gaussian plume). Noise: control at source, path (barriers, enclosures) and receiver; dB(A) limits. Standards set by agencies (WHO, EPA). Urban planning minimises exposure.
Key points
- Particulate PM2.5 and PM10
- Noise attenuation 6 dB per doubling distance
- Emission inventories
ExampleNoise barriers along highways cut levels by 5–10 dB.
What is Air and noise pollution control?
Engineering measures reduce emissions and noise.
Why is it important to understand air and noise pollution control?
Air and noise controls protect people and wildlife from pollution, and engineering measures must meet legal limits set for each site.
What is a noise barrier?
A wall or bank placed between a noise source and receivers, which blocks or reduces the sound level.
How are emissions controlled?
By capturing pollutants at source, treating the gas stream and setting limits on the stack emissions that are monitored.
How is Air and noise pollution control used in practice?
Typical applications include installing a noise barrier beside a motorway near homes, fitting a scrubber to reduce emissions from a factory chimney and specifying low-noise equipment for a plant near housing.
What should I learn before Air and noise pollution control?
Study "Solid waste management" first (topic 84 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Air and noise pollution control?
Particulate PM2.5 and PM10. Noise attenuation 6 dB per doubling distance. Emission inventories.
Can you give an example of Air and noise pollution control?
Noise barriers along highways cut levels by 5–10 dB.
What comes after Air and noise pollution control?
The next topic is "Environmental impact assessment", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Air and noise pollution control?
It is classed as Advanced in Civil & Structural (topic 85 of 112). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Civil & Structural.