Transport Oil Rig Extraction Fig. 8 The life cycle of plastics. 26.2 Processing materials
Raw materials are processed and refined to convert them to useful products. These processes require a large amount of energy and chemicals. As we will see in Chapter 34: Generating Electricity, producing and using energy contributes to air pollution and global warming. Using electricity from renewable sources reduces the environmental impact. To reduce the negative impact of chemicals on the environment, careful monitoring and disposal of the chemicals is essential.
Case Study Making paper from wood
Paper production involves using heavy machinery and strong chemicals to convert wood into paper. It is a process that uses a lot of energy and water and produces large quantities of waste. Firstly, pulp is produced from the wood. Machines are used to remove the bark and break the wood into woodchips. The woodchips are boiled at high pressure using water and chemicals such as sodium hydroxide.
