Fossil Fuel Emissions Control Technologies

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Sulfur oxides formation and control

Sulfur dioxide is one of the most abundant air pollutants emitted in the United States, totaling about 5 million short tons in 2013 with stationary fuel combustion accounting for approximately 84% of the total anthropogenic emissions. It is associated with a variety of hazards. Electric generating utilities are the largest source of SO₂ emissions, compared to industry with electric utilities accounting for 83% of all SO₂ emissions. Sulfur dioxide emissions have, however, decreased 80% and 79% for the periods from 1980 to 2013 and from 1990 to 2013, respectively, primarily due to controls implemented under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Acid Rain Program beginning in 1995. The chemistry ...