Environmental problems acquire the top priority today because of the emergence of multiple issues associated with the given sphere. The continuously growing number of vehicles is one of the factors that contribute to the deterioration of the situation. The selected article revolves around the given issue and offers one of the possible solutions to the problem. It states that diesel engines that are used in the agricultural sphere, ships, and cars remain popular because of their high thermal efficiency (Kanazawa University 2019). However, the sulfur, which is one of the fuel’s components, becomes oxidized and causes severe damage to human health (Kanazawa University 2019). Moreover, it preconditions the deactivation of the catalysts that are nowadays employed to treat NOX in the exhaust stream (Kanazawa University 2019). For this reason, there is a need for an effective solution to the problem.
The paper suggests one of the possible options on how to meet this challenge. Sulfur-free fuels based on biomass or clean coal technology or special desulfurizing filters can be employed to remove harmful substances (Kanazawa University 2019). Thus, the offered approach presupposes the combination of ozone from an atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium plasma and desulfurization catalyst MnO2 to achieve positive outcomes (Kanazawa University 2019). The results of the investigation show that the method becomes useful as it significantly reduces NOx and Sox from exhaust gas at a low temperature of 473K (Kanazawa University 2019). For this reason, this option becomes one of the possible innovations that can help to improve the state of the environment.
Cogitating about the information presented in the paper, there are several ideas that should be discussed. First, the further development of technology and its broad use will have a positive impact on human and their health status. As it has been stated, components of diesel fuel, such as sulfur and its oxides, have a pernicious influence on bodies and, with the expected growth in the number of vehicles with diesel engines, the problem can become even more complicated (NPS 2018). The employment of the innovation from the article can help to reduce the number of adverse effects and achieve the improvement of the health of populations globally. For instance, people with lung diseases, or children, who are at a higher risk from SO2 will enjoy the better quality of their lives because of its reduction (NPS 2018). For this reason, it is essential to support the evolution of this technology.
Moreover, the beneficial impact on the environment is another aspect that justifies the prioritization of this method and the need for its promotion. At the moment, humanity faces severe problems related to the pollution of the atmosphere, deforestation, and overall deterioration of the quality of air (Queensland Government 2017). To a greater degree, it is a result of a continuous increase in the number of vehicles as millions of cars with diesel engines emit harmful substances, including sulfur dioxide (Queensland Government 2017). The application of this option can help to minimize the harm done to the environment and improve its state.
Finally, contemporary society can also benefit from the introduction of this innovation and its broad use. Today there are multiple claims to limit the appearance of new vehicles and slow down the speed of industry’s development with the primary goal to reduce the number of pollutants. The application of this approach can serve as a new stimulus for scientific progress and the creation of new branches of industry characterized by the absence of emissions and more sustainable character. In such a way, the article offers vital information about the ways to alter our society and protect the environment from the negative impact of multiple factors, which is fundamental for the future of the planet.
Bibliography
Kanazawa University. 2019. “Zero-Emission Diesel Combustion Using a Non-Equilibrium-Plasma-Assisted MnO2Filter.” ScienceDaily, Web.
National Park Service (NPS). 2018. “Sulfur Dioxide Effects on Health.” Air. Web.
Queensland Government. 2017. “Sulfur Dioxide.” Qld.gov. Web.