Integration of microwave energy and novel adsorbents for environmentally sustainable air pollution control

挥发性有机化合物(VOCs)的排放是一个严重的环境问题。VOCs在大气中发生反应，形成地面臭氧，这会导致眼睛刺激和呼吸问题。此外，许多VOCs可能对人类具有致癌和/或神经毒性。这些排放的主要来源包括天然气和石油工业以及使用有机溶剂的工艺，如表面涂层。在加拿大，2005年有超过250万吨挥发性有机化合物(VOC)排放到大气中。预计到2010年，这些排放量将增加到280万吨(加拿大环境部，2007年)。因此，需要开发技术，以更低的成本和更低的能源消耗更有效地控制这些排放。只要可行，技术还需要通过资源的再循环和再利用来促进可持续发展。

The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a serious environmental issue. VOCs react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone which causes eye irritation and respiratory problems. In addition, many VOCs may be carcinogenic and/or neurotoxic to humans. Major sources of these emissions include the gas and oil industry and processes using organic solvents, such as surface coatings. In Canada, more than 2.5 million tonnes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were emitted to the atmosphere in 2005. These emissions are expected to increase to 2.8 million tonnes in 2010 (Environment Canada, 2007). Hence, technologies need to be developed to more efficiently control those emissions, at lower cost and with lower energy consumption. Technologies need also to promote sustainable development through the recycle and reuse of the resources, whenever feasible.