Pollutant Emissions in Aviation

 Emissions and Air Quality

    It's no secret that one of the biggest issues facing society in modern times is pollution. Pollution of our airways in particular is typically what comes to mind when addressing pollution caused by aircraft. Any machine that burns fuel for operation releases exhaust particulates into the atmosphere, and aircraft are no exception to that. Although modern aircraft are better engineered to be more environmentally friendly than they used to be, they still have an effect on the atmosphere. Airports effect the air quality of an area relatively less than non-aviation sources of it, but the responsibility of airport managers to uphold a high standard is still present as the emissions are still not negligible. Legislated standards are set in place by developed countries but are becoming tougher and tougher to work around with an increase in the affect we have on our environment.

Mitigation Strategy

    The FAA utilizes the Emissions and Dispersion Modelling System (EDMS) to determine aviation emission sources and rates. From here, they can give airport managers guidance on how to meet and maintain standards. Maintenance and servicing personnel have standards as well to help prevent runoff of potentially hazardous materials such as engine oil and hydraulic fluid. 

    My proposal to help maintain and exceed these ever-growing environmental standards would fall on the part of the engineers. The production and utilization of low emission vehicles is quickly becoming the norm with non-aviation vehicular travel, and I imagine that more legislation will come to incentivize the same principles in air transportation. Innovation of engines and materials to be more friendly to the earth will only make for more sustainable and secure air travel. While it may be financially expensive to implement at first, the benefits and applicability will come with time.

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Sources:

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University. (2008). Retrieved August 16, 2022, from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/lib/erau/reader.action?docID=534983

The hope for ethical and eco-friendly Air Travel. CarbonClick. (2022, June 17). Retrieved August 16, 2022, from https://www.carbonclick.com/the-hope-for-ethical-and-eco-friendly-air-travel/