Group 1 Achem Science Peta

GROUP 1
AN OVERVIEW OF THE
CHEMICAL
OPERATION
AND THE HAZARDS
Presented to the
Members of the Assessment Board
THE ASSESSMENT TEAM
Alluja Abario Ina Suzara
Charllote Aldea
Ghiada Soriano
Ziv Bagasan
RESEARCH
The process of making sulfuric acid begins with the burning of
the basic sulfur to produce sulfur dioxide, which is later changed with
the aid of a trigger, into sulfur trioxide and absorbed into water to form
sulfuric acid. Hazardous materials including sulfur dioxide, sulfur
trioxide, sulfuric acid, and small particles are released into the
atmosphere during these activities. Aerosols, also containing sulfuric
acid, also contribute to acid rain and air pollution, both of which can
harm ecosystems and result in fish kills in bodies of water. Further
research into the particular gasses of the plant and their effects on
surrounding towns or ecosystems would be necessary if the company
was found responsible for respiratory illnesses or environmental harm.
Academic publications on chemical engineering or environmental
science, along with safety regulations from organizations such as the
EPA or OSHA, can offer helpful insights for further research.
The major reactions involved in the production of
sulfuric acid often follow a multi-step process
called the ‘Contact Process’
This process has (4) four major reactions:

Sulfur Combustion: Sulfur is burned in the air to produce
1
sulfur dioxide gas (𝑆𝑂2).
𝑆 + 𝑂2 → 𝑆𝑂2
Conversion of Sulfur Dioxide to Sulfur Trioxide: Sulfur dioxide is

2 oxidized to sulfur trioxide (𝑆𝑂3) in the presence of a vanadium
(V) oxide catalyst at high temperatures (around 450-500°C)
and atmospheric pressure.
2𝑆𝑂2 + 𝑂2 → 2𝑆𝑂3
Absorption of Sulfur Trioxide: The sulfur trioxide is absorbed

3
into concentrated sulfuric acid (𝐻2𝑆𝑂4), forming oleum
(𝐻2𝑆2𝑂7).
𝑆𝑂3 + 𝐻2𝑆𝑂4 → 𝐻2𝑆2𝑂7
Dilution of Oleum: The oleum is then diluted with water to
4
produce concentrated sulfuric acid (𝐻2𝑆𝑂4).
𝐻2𝑆2𝑂7 + 𝐻2𝑂 → 2𝐻2𝑆𝑂4
Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid)
During the contact process, oleum (𝐻2𝑆2𝑂7) is formed as an
intermediate compound. It's often considered a by-product but can
also be used as a precursor for other chemicals.
BY-PRODUCTS Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Some sulfur dioxide may not be converted to sulfur trioxide during the
PRODUCED BY
process and may be emitted as a by-product. Efforts are made to
minimize these emissions due to environmental concerns.
THE PLANT:
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
In high-temperature processes like the contact process, some
nitrogen present in the air can react with oxygen to form nitrogen
oxides (NOx) as by-products.
Water Vapor (H2O)

Water vapor is often generated during various stages of the process,
particularly during the dilution of oleum.
Heat
The contact process is highly exothermic, generating significant
amounts of heat. Managing and utilizing this heat efficiently can be
crucial for process efficiency and safety.
Solid by-products
Depending on the specific conditions and impurities present in the
sulfur feedstock, solid by-products such as ash or particulate matter
may be generated.
EXPLANATION
Based on what has been stated, it is indeed true that the process of chemical operations in plants is liable to both
respiratory illness and fish killings. The toxic gasses that this process releases pose a major risk to human health,
specifically targeting one organ in our body - the lungs. Breathing in sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid can trigger asthma
attacks and may cause further respiratory illness to the residents living near the plant.
Again, as what had been said, sulfuric acid has been proven liable for these matters upon the human and fish life. Its
brazen spread through the air, with only its small particles, as said to be hazardous, further worsens the human’s lungs
causing great damage if inhaled greatly, this process goes the same way for sea life.
For a deep dive into the context of marine life, some factors that affect the decline of sea creatures’ lives are pollution,
runoff, acidification, habitat destruction, and toxicity. The pollutants that get released from these chemical operations can
find their way to bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. These pollutants include heavy metals, toxins, and
organic compounds. All of these, when caught in the streams, can drastically kill large amounts of fish and other aquatic
species. This proves the point that, undeniably, the manufacturing plant massively contributes to the spread of
respiratory illness and fish kills happening in the area.
THANK YOU!
This ends our presentation, if you have any
questions feel free to ask our team.

Group 1 Achem Science Peta

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GROUP 1

Alluja Abario Ina Suzara

This process has (4) four major reactions:

Conversion of Sulfur Dioxide to Sulfur Trioxide: Sulfur dioxide is

Absorption of Sulfur Trioxide: The sulfur trioxide is absorbed

BY-PRODUCTS Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Water Vapor (H2O)

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