ABSTRACT
The subject of environmental science and management is vast and interdisciplinary, ranging from highly technical matters, such as the design of emission control equipment, to socioeconomic matters, such as the valuation of the impacts of pollution. The goal is to prevent or reduce undesirable impacts of human activities on the environment. Within this endeavor are several areas where mechanical engineers can make important contributions. One type of contribution concerns the design of equipment, in particular for the control of emissions; an example is an electrostatic precipitator to reduce emissions of particulates from the flue gas of a boiler or furnace. Another type of contribution concerns the modeling of the dispersion of pollutants in the environment. This chapter covers air pollution, surface water pollution, and groundwater pollution. Since space is limited and mechanical engineers are most likely to be involved in air pollution analysis and abatement projects, our emphasis is on air pollution problems.
