Photochemical Smog and the Petroleum Industry: Sources, Mechanisms, Environmental Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

This body of work synthesizes a comprehensive review of the multifaceted impacts of air pollution, with a specific focus on its sources, environmental and health consequences, and mitigation strategies. The included references span a range of topics, from industrial sources such as gas flaring and petroleum refining to the role of urban greenery and renewable energy in improving air quality. The compilation highlights the economic and health burdens of air pollution, as demonstrated by studies on fine particulate matter and tropospheric ozone, and reviews the effectiveness of control technologies like selective catalytic reduction. Additionally, the collection examines broader policy frameworks and energy transition pathways, including the role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), underscoring the interconnectedness of air quality, climate change, and sustainable development. The literature collectively points to a need for integrated solutions that address both the sources of pollution and their long-term effects on planetary and human health.