“Air Pollution Control Engineering, Second Edition” by Noel de Nevers is a highly respected and foundational textbook in the field, known for its clear, logical, and rigorous approach to the science and engineering of air quality management. It serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding the principles that govern the behavior of air pollutants and the design of systems to control them.

The book is praised for its strong engineering focus, emphasizing the application of fundamental chemical and physical principles (such as mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics) to solve practical air pollution problems. It effectively bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world engineering design.

Key topics covered in this edition include:

• Fundamentals: The atmosphere, air pollution regulations, basic chemical and physical concepts, and the principles of material and energy balances.
• Pollutant Behavior: Detailed discussion of meteorology and its role in atmospheric dispersion of pollutants, using models to predict pollutant concentrations.
• Control Technologies: In-depth analysis of the major engineering control methods:
  • Particulate Control: Cyclones, electrostatic precipitators, baghouses, and scrubbers.
  • Gaseous Control: Absorption, adsorption, condensation, and combustion.
• Specific Applications: Covers the control of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Global Issues: Addresses broader topics like acid rain, ozone depletion, and climate change from an engineering perspective.

While newer editions of other books may include more recent regulations, de Nevers’ work remains a timeless classic due to its unparalleled clarity in explaining the underlying engineering science. It is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students in environmental engineering, as well as a valuable reference for practicing engineers seeking a deep understanding of air pollution control principles.