Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution Study Guide

Combustion of fossil fuels

Releases several pollutants including CO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2), toxic metals like mercury, and particulate matter.

Scrubber

A device used in coal-fired power plants to reduce emissions by spraying dirty exhaust with water mixed with limestone to remove sulfur dioxide.

Catalytic converter

A device used in cars that converts hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen gas.

Primary air pollutant

Substances released directly into the atmosphere from sources like cars and power plants, e.g., NOx and SO2.

Ozone

A secondary air pollutant formed when NOx reacts with VOCs in the presence of sunlight, causing photochemical smog.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Substances that release odors and are found in both anthropogenic sources like paints and natural sources like trees.

Acid rain

Rain that becomes acidic due to pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, often resulting from fossil fuel combustion.

Thermal inversion

A weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollution near the ground, preventing it from rising.

Carbon monoxide

A colorless, odorless toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can lead to asphyxiation.

Electrostatic precipitator

A device used in coal-burning power plants to remove particulate matter from emissions by charging particles to attract them.

Indoor air pollutants

Substances that can cause health effects indoors, such as carbon monoxide, radon, and VOCs.

Regulatory practices

Laws and regulations aimed at controlling air pollution and protecting air quality.

Limestone

A natural mineral that can neutralize acidic rain and improve soil quality.

Noise pollution

Sound at levels high enough to cause physiological stress and hearing loss.

Lead

A harmful heavy metal present in fuels, which can affect human health and is regulated under the Clean Air Act of 1970.

Particulate matter

A mixture of tiny particles in the air that can come from various sources, including combustion and natural activities, and can affect health.

Nitric acid

A secondary pollutant formed from NOx, contributing to acid rain.

Photochemical smog

A type of air pollution that occurs when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and VOCs, resulting in harmful pollutants.

Sulfuric acid

An acid that contributes to acid rain, formed from sulfur dioxide emissions.

Natural sources of CO2

Includes respiration, decomposition, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires.

Natural sources of particulates

Includes volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust, and sea salt aerosols.