NASA satellite helped locate unregistered sources of sulfur dioxide emissions

The use of images of satellite of the National Aeronautics and space USA (NASA) has revealed 39 large unregistered sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions created by human activity. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a threat to human health and plays a significant role in the formation of acid rain. SO2 is also one of the six major air pollutants, the level of which tracks the U.S. Agency for environmental protection (EPA).



NASA

A new method using satellite imagery has allowed scientists to identify new sources of SO2 emissions resulting from human activities. The lead researcher from the organization Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Chris Mclinden (Chris McLinden) said that the emission sources of dioxins in satellite images as "hot" points," which simplifies the determination of emission value.

The team of scientists from the University of Maryland and NASA in the United States and Dalhousie University and ECCC in Canada analyzed satellite data obtained during the period from 2005 to 2014.



EPA

Among the 39 unaccounted sources of SO2 emissions, they found, there are groups of coal-fired power plants, as well as the areas oil and gas processing in Mexico, the middle East and Russia.

They also found that the claimed emissions of some well-known sources less data calculated using the new methodology in 2-3 times. The total amount of unaccounted emissions sources, and those where rates were low, 12% of the total sulfur dioxide emissions.published

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

Source: www.3dnews.ru/934031