Solutions to pollution

Possible solutions to pollution

The most common pollutants are Carbon Monoxide and Oxides of Nitrogen. As such, the catalytic converter was invented to help solve this pollution problems

Uses of the Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converters contain platinum and rhodium as catalysts to oxidise carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide


2CO + O2 --> 2CO2

Oxides of nitrogen will be reduced to nitrogen gas

2NO + 2CO --> N2 + 2CO2


The products of the above reactions, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water are not toxic hence catalytic converters are a very efficient in helping to clear up pollution emitted by cars.



Alternate ways of solving pollution problems

The alternate way of solving pollution problems is by burning natural gas instead of coals as coals contain sulfur which is a pollutant. Power stations in singapore are now burning more natural gas. Natural gas is mainly methane and contains no sulfur, which is less harmful.



Flue Gas Desulfurisation

The definition of flue gas desulfurisation is the reducing of sulfur dioxide emissions in power stations

Powdered limestone (calcium carbonate) is added to hot gases produced from the combustion of fuels such as coals at power stations. The heat will then decompose the limestone to give calcium oxide. An aqueous suspension of calcium oxide will react with the sulfur dioxide to form solid calcium sulfite. Calcium sulfite will then be oxidised by oxygen in the air to form calcium sulfate which is non-polluting. This process effectively decreases the production of sulfur dioxide. The formula for the process is as follows:


Calcium carbonate will react with sulfur dioxide to form solid calcium sulfite and carbon dioxide

CaCO3 + SO2 --> CaSO3 + CO2

Calcium Oxide reacts with sulfur dioxide to form calcium sulfite
CaO + SO2 --> CaSO3


Calcium sulfite is then oxidised by oxygen in air to form calcium sulfate.


2CaSO3 + O2 --> 2CaSO4