In[visible] Pollution:

In[visible] Pollution:

We spend a lot of time on talking about pollution, but it's not just us, it's the entire media, and it has been that way for more than a decade. 

So if you're truly sick of hearing/reading/seeing about how damaging we as a species are to the Earth, perhaps you should click the back button.

But before you do, let me tell you this isn't about ozone layers, or global warming, or toxic materials storage. 

This is about a pollution source that goes ridiculously underreported, and despite its highly visible presence, researchers are just beginning to understand its effects.

It might be weird to consider light a contaminant, but that's exactly what it is (artificial light, that is). 

We all know the cyclic patterns of the sun are entirely responsible for life on Earth anyway, but humans' lack of night vision has birthed trillions of incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge and LED bulbs since commercial light bulbs were first available in the late 1870s.

Light Pollution Effects:

Of course, not all artificial light sources pollute equally. 

Indoor lights are quite necessary. 

They have provided us with more time to finish tasks or spend on recreation, and are absolutely necessary in higher latitudes, when daylight can be reduced to just a few hours per day. 

There is no telling how many "cow kicked over the candle" fires that artificial lighting has spared. Indoor light is also largely held in check by the building it illuminates.

Outdoor lighting receives the most scrutiny when considering light pollution. 

First, many overnight lights are left on continuously, and in an age of resource sustainability this type of energy waste is being carefully reconsidered. 

While streetlights may make shady street corners or back streets more safe, they're also an enormous energy burden in big and small cities alike. 

Also, as energy savings from more efficient lights are realized, it might prompt engineers to begin placing more lights. 

Studies have also indicated that excessive light during nighttime can lead to headaches, fatigues, stress, sexual dysfunction, anxiety and poor temperament.

Light pollution can also disrupt ecosystems-everything from diurnal animals, to moths attracted to lights, to birds who are disoriented by excessive light pollution, and amphibians and reptiles who function on a "light compass." 

It also prevents observation of the night sky by both professional and amateur astronomers, as light from a single location scatters and impairs viewing conditions even dozens of miles away.

Solutions? None, really:

Really, what can we do? Humans never evolved the same inherent night vision as many other mammals, and therefore developed technology to combat this inferiority. .

To truly cut back on light pollution, several techniques are recognized. First, full cutoff fixtures have been implemented in many cities and towns, sometimes by ordinance. 

These lighting devices use a flat lens to ensure all light is pointed downward, and the light housing reduces extra glare but also minimizes the light's efficiency. 

Also, spacing lights appropriately according to their wattage often results in fewer lights being used overall.

There have been attempts to develop methods that minimize light trespass using scientific guidelines. 

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed software that allows lighting engineers to quantify the performance of lighting designs by analyzing glow and trespass, while comparing different lighting alternatives for the same space. 

Another system, the Unified System of Photometry, establishes a measurement of what type of street lights belong where, based on an algorithm of visibility, energy consumption and security. 

It commonly recommends replacing yellow/orange-ish street lights with white 'cool' lighting, which can reduce power drawn and light pollution without affecting visibility.

The problem with these solutions is that they only minimize extraneous light proliferation, and do nothing to ultimately stop light pollution.

Forgive my pun, but light pollution isn't a black-or-white, day-or-night issue. 

There is always going to be a need for a competitive balance between the two, but consider that, as a whole, illumination technology is still quite immature. 

There could be a day when engineers are able to reliably illuminate our nighttime environments without negatively affecting so many of the ecological processes around us. 

Until then, personal responsibility of light pollution is the only real means to moderate light pollution. 

It's like the Keep America Beautiful advertising campaign from the 1960s: be responsible for yourself, because there aren't any other alternatives.

Hi Earth tunnel Air conditioning!.

Hi Earth tunnel Air conditioning!.

Earth tunnel Air conditioning system also known as passive air conditioning, is a wonder utilization of nature. It is also called as Earth tubes in Europe, Earth-air heat exchangers in North America, Earth tunnelling in India. These systems are known by several other names, including air-to-soil heat exchanger, earth channels, earth canals, earth-air tunnel systems, ground tube heat exchanger, subsoil heat exchangers, underground air pipes, and others.

Material;

Most systems are usually a network of pipes made of concrete, PVC, steel, rigid or semi-rigid plastic, plastic-coated metal pipes or plastic pipes coated with inner antimicrobial layers. These pipes are 100 – 600 mm (4 - 24 inches) in diameter and have a smooth inner surface. The diameter, layout and cleanliness of the piping is critical for the overall performance of the system.

Smaller diameter tubes require more energy to move the air and have less earth contact surface area. Larger tubes permit a slower airflow, which also yields more efficient energy transfer and permits much higher volumes to be transferred, permitting more air exchanges in a shorter time period.

Laying;

Soil temperature, at a depth of about 4.0 to 5.0m (12 - 15 feet), stays fairly constant throughout the year, and is approximately equal to the average annual ambient air temperature. Ground temperature becomes more stable with depth. The ground can, therefore, be used as a heat sink for cooling in the summer and as a heat source for heating in the winter.

The underground ambient earth temperature is typically 10 to 23 °C (50 -73 °F ) all year round in the temperate latitudes where most humans live. Daily and annual temperature fluctuations decreases with the increase in depth below the ground surface.

Daily temperature variations hardly affect the earth's temperature at a depth of more than one meter, while the seasonal variations of the ambient temperature are strongly dampened by the earth. The earth's temperature up to a depth of 6.0 to 8.0 m (18 – 24 feet) is influenced by the annual ambient temperature variations with a time delay of several months.

Avoid;

The piping system should avoid sharp 90-degree angles in the construction. Smooth wall tubes are more efficient in moving the air, they are less efficient in transferring energy. Two 45-degree bends produce less-turbulent, but more efficient air flow.

Types;

1. Closed loop system : In this system, same air is recirculated in the building. The air from inside the building is blown through a U-shaped loop of pipes which are 30.0 to 150.0 m (100 to 500 feet) in length. The air is moderated to near earth temperature before returning to be distributed via ductwork throughout the building. The closed loop system can be more effective than an open system, since it cools and re cools the same air.

2. Open system : In this system the outside air is drawn from a filtered air intake. The cooling tubes are typically 30.0 m (100 feet) long straight tubes drawn into the building. It is a process of exchanging the energy contained from outdoor ventilation. During the warmer seasons, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies, while humidifying and pre-heating in the cooler seasons. This system helps to improve the indoor air quality while reducing total HVAC equipment capacity.
   An open system combined with energy recovery ventilation can be nearly as efficient (80-95%) as a closed loop, and ensures that entering fresh air is filtered and tempered.
   
   
3. Combination system: This is a combination of both the above systems. This can be constructed with dampers that allow either closed or open operation, depending on fresh air ventilation requirements. Such a design, even in closed loop mode, could draw a quantity of fresh air when an air pressure drop is created. It is better to draw in filtered passive cooling tube air than unconditioned outside air.

Working;

A tunnel is dug 4m below ground level and network of pipes are laid. The length of the pipe is proportional to the area of the building that has to be air conditioned. One of the above system is used to circulate or recirculate the air. Fresh air which is drawn from inside or outside the building, is forced into these pipes which passes through the cooler or heater where the air is cooled or heated and it then pumped into the building. This method helps air to pass through an underground air tunnel. The air thus cooled or heated can be used directly for the conditioned space or indirectly with air conditioners or heat pumps.

The ambient air ventilated through this tunnel will get cooled in summer and warmed in winter. This method can be used for cooling in summer and heating in winter. This method can be used for either partial or full cooling and/or heating of air.

Removing hot air from building

The simple method called as Stack effect system connects the vertical ducts that project above the roof line of the building and works using the convection system of air by sucking out the stale air. The roof is fitted with a fan which takes away the hot air from the vertical pipes.

Maintaining moderate earth temperature

Sensible cooling can be aided by evaporative cooling. To reduce the underground temperature, the ground can be shaded using vegetation and can be wetted by sprinkling water. This water seeps through and dampens the tunnel walls. A slow drip watering system may improve thermal performance. Damp soil in contact with the cooling tube conducts heat more efficiently than dry soil.

Merits;

• better indoor air quality.
• 100% fresh air circulation in the premises.
• cost effective in both up-front and capital costs.
• reduces long-term operation and maintenance costs
• consumes 1/3 Rd less energy than conventional AC system.
• minimum temperature can be achieved during peak summer.

Demerits;

• performance of the system depends on location's latitude, altitude, ambient Earth temperature, climatic temperature, relative humidity extremes, solar radiation, water table, soil type, soil moisture content and the efficiency of the building's exterior envelope design.

• dry and low density soil with little or no ground shade will yield the least benefit.

• less effective in hot humid climates where the ambient temperature of the earth approaches human comfort temperature. The higher the ambient temperature of the earth, the less effective they are for cooling and dehumidification.

Environmental impact;

With reference to today's diminishing fossil fuel reserves, increasing electrical costs, air pollution and global warming, properly designed earth cooling tubes offer a sustainable alternative to reduce or eliminate the need for conventional compressor-based air conditioning systems. They also provide the added benefit of controlled, filtered, temperate fresh air intake, which is especially valuable in tight, well-weathered, efficient building envelopes.

Hi 100 Top Pollution Sites!.

Hi 100 Top Pollution Sites!.

1. Friends of the Earth
   Friends of the Earth is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the planet from environmental degradation.
2. Clean Air Council
   A member supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting Pennsylvanians' right to clean air.
3. Environmental Defense
   Environmental Defense is a not-for-profit environmental advocacy group with four main goals: (1)Stabilizing the Earth's climate, (2) Safeguarding the world's oceans, (3) Protecting human health, and (4) Defending and restoring bio diversity.
4. Scorecard
   Scorecard combines data from over 200 different state and federal databases to profile local environmental problems and the health effects of toxic chemicals.
5. Pollution.com
   The latest nuclear power and pollution news.
6. EPA: Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
   OWOW provides tons of information to raise public awareness and encourage involvement in water quality issues.
7. Clean Up Australia
   A very successful Australian organization that works to cleanup environmental pollution and to teach citizens how to lead greener lives.
8. Worldwatch Institute
   Worldwatch is dedicated to fostering the evolution of a society in which human needs are met in ways that do not threaten the health of the natural environment.
9. Greening Industry
   New ideas in pollution prevention.
10. EPA: Acid Rain Program
    The goal of the Acid Rain Program is to significantly reduce electric utilities emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, the pollutants responsible for acid deposition.
11. EPA: Water Management Division
    Includes fact sheets, tips, definitions of key terms, state-by-state quality reports and more.
12. Greenpeace: Ozone Crisis
    Details Greenpeace's "Protect the Ozone Layer" campaign and up-to-date news and resources.
13. Toxics Release Inventory
    EPA's guide to toxic chemicals that are being used, manufactured, treated, transported and released into the environment.
14. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    NOAA guides our use and protection of ocean and coastal resources and conducts research to improve our understanding and stewardship of the environment which sustains us all.
15. Union of Concerned Scientists
    The Union of Concerned Scientists works to ensure that all people have clean air and energy, as well as safe and sufficient food.
16. Enviro$en$e
    Single repository for pollution prevention, compliance assurance, and enforcement information and data bases.
17. Save Our Seas
    The mission of SOS is to preserve, protect and restore the world's oceans for the future of all life forms on the planet.
18. The Nature Conservancy
    The Nature Conservancy purchases and protects millions of acres of threatened natural habitats.
19. Capitol Reports/ Environmental News Link
    Provides environmental news and research aids on a number of issues, from pollution to climate change.
20. Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine
    One of the nation's oldest and foremost centers for research into the health effects of environmental pollution.
21. Climate Institute
    The Climate Institute works to protect the balance between climate and life on earth by facilitating the dialogue among scientists, policy makers, business executives and citizens.
22. Clean Water Action
    A national citizens' organization working for clean, safe and affordable water and the prevention of health-threatening pollution.
23. The Southwest Network for Zero Waste
    This web site will provide you with tools and resources to help you identify money saving options to reduce pollution.
24. Environmental News Network
    ENN covers breaking environmental news, including pollution issues.
25. EPA: Office of Transportation and Air Quality
    Protecting public health and the environment by controlling air pollution from motor vehicles, fuels, and nonroad equipment, and by encouraging travel choices that minimize emissions.
26. Environmental Working Group
    A leading content provider for public interest groups and concerned citizens who are campaigning to protect the environment.
27. GREEN: Global Rivers Environmental Education Network
    An innovative, action-oriented approach to education, based on an interdisciplinary watershed education model.
28. NIPR--New Ideas in Pollution Regulation
    A site for researchers, government officials, and citizens interested in understanding and improving control of industrial pollution, especially in developing countries.
29. Living on Earth
    This weekly NPR radio program covers a variety of environmental issues, including pollution, sustainable development and transportation challenges.
30. Environmental Bureau of Investigation (EBI)
    Dedicated to the protection of public resources through the application and enforcement of environmental laws.
31. Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
    Efforts include building a library of resources and tools concerning noise pollution, establishing links to other groups that have similar collections, establishing networks among local noise activists, assisting communities and activists who are working to reduce noise pollution, and monitoring and advocating for stronger noise controls.
32. Natural Resources Defense Council
    NRDC uses law, science, and the support of more than 400,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.
33. Pacific Rivers Council
    A nonprofit organization passionately committed to protecting our streams and the species that inhabit them.
34. Sierra Club
    A leading environmental organization with chapters in all 50 states and Canada.
35. World Wildlife Fund
    Information on the WWF's global campaign to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
36. U.S. Water News Online
    Find the latest news concerning water and water issues, including water supply, water quality, conservation and more.
37. Burning Issues
    Facts, news and the latest research on air pollution.
38. Earth 911
    Green shopping tips and ideas on how to reduce water pollution and air pollution, as well as energy conservation and real-time beach water quality information, are all available through Earth 911.
39. Center for Sustainable Systems
    Seeks to facilitate sustainability through education on pollution prevention.
40. Earthshots: Satellite Images of Environmental Change
    Earthshots is an ebook of before-and-after Landsat images showing recent environmental events of the last 27 years.
41. DOE Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse
    A centralized source of US Department of Energy Pollution Prevention information that assists with valuable P2 resources outside of the DOE.
42. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee council
    Updated pictures, publications, policies, news, and more regarding the restoration of the Exxon Valdez spill.
43. Keep America Beautiful
    Non-profit organization that educates individuals about litter prevention and ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and properly manage waste materials.
44. The National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network
    Collects data on the chemistry of precipitation for monitoring of geographical and temporal long-term trends.
45. IPEN-The International POPs Elimination Network
    The mission of IPEN is to work for the global elimination of persistent organic pollutants, on an expedited yet socially equitable basis.
46. 20/20 Vision
    Advocates for pollution reduction, sustainable development, and other environmental issues.
47. American Rivers
    The American Rivers' mission is to protect and restore America's river systems and to foster a river stewardship ethic.
48. Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand
    Provides a forum for discussion of environmental issues and to facilitate contacts between environmental practitioners.
49. Earth Force
    Earth Force helps youth discover and implement lasting solutions to environmental problems in their communities.
50. CEEI: America's Threatened Streams
    An index of comprehensive studies on water quality-limited streams.
51. Office of Air and Radiation
    Deals with issues that affect the quality of our air and protection from exposure to harmful radiation.
52. The International Ozone Association
    The IOA serves as a central gathering and disseminating information point on a variety of ozone issues.
53. SETAC
    Develops and applies multidisciplinary approaches to solving environmental problems.
54. Marine Conservation Biology Institute
    Tackles numerous marine conservation issues head on, including the effect of pollution on marine life.
55. National Response Center
    The NRC is the sole federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spills.
56. Oregon Environmental Council
    OEC's mission is to restore and protect Oregon's clean water and air, now and for future generations.
57. UTK - The Energy, Environment and Resources Center (EERC)
    The Energy, Environment, and Resources Center (EERC) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville finds real-world solutions to problems related to the environment, energy, economic development, and technology.
58. Pollution Prevention Regional Information Center
    The P2RIC provides access to pollution prevention information from and about EPA Region 7.
59. Pollution Prevention
    Pollution prevention programs and information from the EPA.
60. Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention
    Pollution prevention resource from Canada.
61. Australian Water Association
    IAWQ is a professional membership association dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of water pollution control and water quality management worldwide.
62. Water Environment Federation
    A not-for-profit technical and educational organization whose goal is to preserve and enhance the global water environment.
63. Clean Car Campaign
    Help reduce air pollution and global warming by letting automakers and policymakers know that consumers want clean cars.
64. Air Cycle Corporation
    Air Cycle Corporation offers recycling services and transportation throughout all of North America to assist facilities in properly disposing lamps, ballasts, batteries, and computer hardware.
65. ATSDR
    The ATSDR's mission is to prevent exposure and adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous substances present in the environment.
66. International Water Law Project
    Provides information and links on international water law and policy and related water pollution and conservation topics.
67. Fostering Sustainable Behavior
    Offers information on effective strategies for engaging people in the behavior changes required to reduce waste, increase water and energy efficiency, and alter transportation patterns.
68. Air & Waste Management Association
    The A&WMA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional organization that provides training, information, and networking opportunities to 12,000 environmental professionals in 65 countries.
69. Skepticism: Clean Air
    Challenges EPA clean air regulations.
70. Pollution Equipment News
    Online source for product news and information on hazardous waste, water, air and wastewater.
71. The Great Lakes Information Network
    GLIN offers a wealth of data and information about the Great Lakes region's environment and economy, tourism, education and more.
72. Canadian Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (CPPIC)
    An online database and comprehensive resource that provides Canadians with the information they need to put pollution prevention into practice.
73. Green Car
    The clean car campaign.
74. One World News Service: Pollution
    Provides news regarding pollution issues.
75. PEER
    The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) group provides uniquely valuable services to government employees charged with safeguarding the nation's natural resources.
76. PPRC
    The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center is a leading resource for promoting a cleaner environment through pollution prevention.
77. Chem-Tox.com
    Researching the effects of chemicals and pesticides on health.
78. National Environmental Technology Institute
    NETI focuses on the design and modification of processes and materials "upstream" to minimize pollution prior to ultimate treatment and disposal.
79. Bureau of Reclamation
    The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.
80. Water Partners International
    Works to ensure safe drinking water for developing countries.
81. Water Online
    The most convenient source of technical, operational, product, management and regulatory information available for the water industry.
82. Water Recycling
    Explore an ecological waste water recycling system in Chatham County, North Carolina.
83. The Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center
    CDIAC's scope includes potentially anything and everything that would be of value to users concerned with the greenhouse effect and global climate change.
84. Health and Energy
    News and information on pollution, energy efficiency, renewable energy, global warming and more.
85. No Butts About It Litter Campaign
    No Butts About It is a campaign to help rid the earth of cigarette butt litter.
86. Basel Action Network
    An international network of activists seeking to put an end to the export and dumping of hazardous wastes from rich industrialized countries to poorer, less-industrialized countries.
87. Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI)
    "ZERI seeks to create a new paradigm of sustainable industry by targeting zero gaseous, liquid and solid emissions, and by making zero emissions a world-wide industry standard."
88. Coalition for Alternative Transportation
    Supports better travel options to reduce the amount of pollutants.
89. EMPACT
    The Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking program.
90. Nonpoint Source Pollution Homepage
    Clearinghouse for information related to Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, which occurs when rain or snowmelt wash pollutants into waterways, wetlands and underground water.
91. GASP: Group Against Smog and Pollution
    GASP has been working to prevent air pollution on local, state, and national levels since its creation in 1969.
92. Flush Gordon's Dirty Water Page
    Information on water pollution and how to prevent it.
93. Ocean Pollution
    Basic information about the problem of ocean pollution and how it affects human health and resources.
94. Tracking and Analysis Framework
    The TAF is an integrated modeling framework developed to assess, inform, and guide U.S. regulatory policies on emissions of precursors to acid rain.
95. Pollution Engineering
    Provides broad, balanced coverage of technical news and features to meet the information needs of environmental professionals with multiple pollution control responsibilities: air, water, solid and hazardous waste.
96. National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
    The largest membership organization in the United States devoted solely to pollution prevention.
97. RCO On-Line
    Promoting environmental sustainability through waste minimization and resource conservation.
98. Healthy Communities Environmental Mapping
    Empowers local communities to build smarter and healthier neighborhoods.
99. Cleaner Production in China
    The site is designed to provide information in English on Cleaner Production, on China's Cleaner Production policy and legislation, and on existing and planned activities to implement Cleaner Production in China.
100. Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste Center of Expertise
     Brought to you by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.