(a) State the consequence if the electrostatic precipitator of a thermal plant fails to function.
(b) Mention any four methods by which the vehicular air pollution can be conntrolled.

Explanation

(i) The consequences if the electrostatic precipitator of a thermal plant fails to function are following :
(a) It has electrode wires 'and a stage of collecting plates.
(b) The electrode wires, are maintained at several thousand volts, Which produce a corona that releases electrons.
(c) These electrons get attached to the particles and give them a net negative charge Within a very small fraction of a second. The collecting plates which are under the ground then attract charged dust particles.
If the electrostatic precipitator of thermal power plant failes to function it will cause the following:
(i) Particulate matter 2.5 microns or less will remain suspended in air.
' (ii) SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter) : When inhaled can cause respiratory symptoms such as cough, hoarseness of voice and asthma.
(iii) Irriation and- inflammation of lung tissues is potenially fatal leading to premature deaths.
(iv) The vehicular air pollution can be controlled by the following methods.
(1) Use of unleaded petrol and low sulphur petrol and diesel.
(b) Use of catalytic converters in vehicles.
(c) Application of Euro-II norms for vehicles.