AP Environmental Science Atmospheric Pollution

Drilling ship

Used to drill for oil/gas in water that is too deep for platforms. Can cause noise pollution in the ocean, disrupting communication and mating or migration of marine mammals

a supertanker

A very large ship that is fitted with tanks for carrying oil across oceans. Can cause noise pollution in the ocean, disrupting communication and mating or migration of marine mammals.

echolocation

the use of reflected sound waves to determine distances or to locate objects. Used by animal species such as bats and dolphins, but also used by ships (SONAR), which can interfere with animal communication.

Decibels

A unit of measurement of loudness of a sound. The louder the sound, the more cochlear (hearing) damage it can cause.

Hertz (Hz)

Unit of measurement for frequency of sound waves

migratory route

The path a migrating species such as whales or birds follow. Can be interrupted by noise pollution if species depend on communication during migration

cochlear damage

Damage to hairs within the auditory tract that assist with hearing. Can be cause by high intensity sounds (high decibel)

Urban vs. ocean noise pollution

Urban sources include vehicles, factories, lawnmowers while ocean (marine) sources are more from ship traffic and the use of SONAR by military or trade ships

Nitric Acid (HNO3)

A secondary pollutant formed when NO2 reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere. Dissociates from HNO3 to H+ and NO3 - ions.

Env. effects of acid rain

Death of species with narrow pH tolerance rangesIncreased solubility of toxic metals like aluminum and mercury in soils and watersLeeching of positively charged soil nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium.Decreased biodiversity and food web interruption

Nitrate ion

NO3- formed by dissociation of nitric acid (HNO3)

Sulfate ion

SO4 2- formed by dissociation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4)

Hydrogen ion

H+, released by the dissociation of sulfuric and nitric acid. The more acidic something is, the greater the concentration of H+ ions

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

A secondary pollutant formed from the reaction of SO2 with oxygen and water in the atmosphere. Dissociates from H2SO4 to H+ and SO4 2- ions

Mitigating Acid Rain

Reducing NOx and SO2 emissions is the number one way to reduce acid rain. Crushed limestone, marble dust, eggshells (anything with calcium carbonate) can be added to soil or waters in order to neutralize pH

Limestone

a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium carbonate.

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

A basic compound that is often used to neutralize acidic soils, waters, or other substances. Neturalizes the pH by absorbing excess H+ ions.

Vapor recovery nozzle

Standard-issue gasoline pump handle that has a separate tube in the nozzle to recover VOCs and benzene and return them to the gasoline storage tank underneath the gas station. Reduces smog & human exposure to benzene, a carcinogen.

catalytic converter

A device required on all vehicles built after 1975 that oxidezes NO2, CO, and VOCs emissions from the engine into less harmful emissions (CO2, H20, 02, and N2). Platiunm and paladium metals inside the device cause this conversion. Reduces NOx (& therefore smog).

fluidized bed combustion

granulated coal is burned in close proximity to calcium carbonate (often in limestone), reduces sulfur dioxide emissions

calcium carbonate

CaCO3. A strong base that is commonly used to neutralize acids in soil, water, or in exhaust streams of coal power plants, such as fluidized bed combustion or dry scrubbers. Naturally found in limestone and marble.

wet scrubber

Reduces PM and SO2 from emissions of coal power plants and factories by using fine mists of water vapor trap particulates and gasses and collect them in a sludge at the bottom of the device that is collected and disposed of usually in a landfill

Dry Scrubber

A column filled with chemical agents that trap and neutralize SO2, VOCs, and NOx in emissions from coal power plants. Calcium oxide is a common chemical agent that traps and neutralizes these pollutants.

Baghouse filter

Dirty air enters, combustion exhaust stream and dust/physical particles are trapped in a series of large filter bags. Cleaner and filtered air moves out of unit, shaker mechanism activated periodically to dislodge trapped particles which can then be collected from below unit.

electrostatic precipitator

A device used for removing particulates from smokestack emissions. The particles flow past a negatively charged electrode that gives them a negative static charge. They are then attracted to a series of oppositely charged (positive) metal plates, where they are precipitated out of the air.

Clean Air Act

1970 Law that gives the EPA the power to set emission standards for cars, and limits for release of air pollutants from power plants and factories. Effectively reduced NOx & SO2 levels in the atmosphere, reducing acid rain effects

Lead

pollutant found in old paints or outdated lead water pipes. leads to nervous system damage, especially learning disabilities in children

VOCs

volatile organic compounds. Indoor sources include combustion of biomass, glues (adhesives) in furniture, floor sealing chemicals, odor sprays, cleaning equipment, new fabrics. Human health impacts include eye and respiratory irritation and worsening of asthma

CO

carbon monoxide. Sources include indoor combustion of biomass, and faulty ventilation pipes in natural gas furnaces. Classified as an asphyxiant, meaning it causes suffocation (by displacing O2 in blood stream)

Radon

Gas that forms form the radioactive decay of uranium in rocks under the ground. Enters homes through cracks in the foundation and can cause lung cancer if proper ventilation doesn't allow it to exit the house.

Asbestos

A long, thin, fibrous silicate mineral with insulating properties, which can cause lung cancer or asbestosis when inhaled. Previously used in insulation for ceilings and in flooring materials. Should be removed carefully by trained professionals with ventilation equipment.

PM

particulate matter. Indoor sources include combustion of biomass (cooking, wood stoves, fireplaces, wood fires for warmth), dust, mold. Impacts include respiratory or eye irritation and worsening of asthma.

formeldehyde

A specific VOC that is used as an adhesive (glue) in furniture and particle board in buildings. Classified as a likely human carcinogen

sick building syndrome

a buildup of air pollutants in an airtight space, seen in newer buildings. Primarily due to VOCs given off by not completely dried adhesives in new furniture, fabrics, flooring sealants, and paints. Impacts include respiratory and eye irritation, as well as coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea

Atmospheric Temperature Gradient

Normally, temperature decreases as altitude increases. This is because warm air rises, expands, and cools

thermal inversion

A situation in which a relatively warm layer of air at mid-altitude covers a layer of cold, dense air below. This prevents air near the surface from rising, trapping air pollutants near the surface

basin

a low place in the surface of the land, usually with mountains on either side. Worsens smog formation due to lack of airflow

Terpenes & Ethylene

Natural VOCs given off by coniferous (pine trees)

Volcanoes

natural source of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, PM, carbon monoxide in the atmosphere

Lightening strikes

Natural source of NO2

Forest fires

Natural source of CO2, CO, PM, NO2

Decomposition of dead biomass

Natural source of CO2 & NO2

photochemical oxidants

a class of air pollutants formed as a result of sunlight acting on compounds such as nitrogen oxides

Role of sunlight in smog formation

Breaks an oxygen atom off of NO2, driving the formation of ozone (O3)

Environmental factors affecting smog formation

Surrounding mountains can block air flow from dispersing smog. Geographical basins are also susceptible to smog formation that isn't dispersed by wind.

Nitrogen oxide

(NOx) Major source is auto exhaust. Primary and secondary effects include acidification of lakes, respiratory irritation, leads to smog and ozone. Reduced using catalytic converters in cars

VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

group of primary pollutants that are carbon-based and easily evaporate at room temperature. gasoline, formaldehyde, dry-cleaning fluids, naturally from coniferous trees ; component of photochemical smog

Formaldehyde and gasoline

Potent VOCs that are present in high concentrations in urban areas. Especially volatile during warmer summer months as heat drives faster evaporation

Natural VOCs sources

Coniferous (pine) trees

Respiratory irritation

Damage, irritation, inflammation in the respiratory pathways like the trachea, bronchioles, and aveoli (air sacs in the lungs). Caused by SOx, PM, Ozone, Smog

Eye irritation

Redness and itching in the eyes from PM, SOx, Ozone, Smog

Photochemical smog reduction

Any methods that reduce vehicle emissions like carpooling, electric cars, buses, biking/walking. Increased vehicle efficiency.

Methods that target sources of VOCs also help reduce smog. Less car use, less gasoline evaporation from gas stations. Fewer industrial petrochemical plants, dry-cleaning laundromats, etc.

Carbon dioxide

GHG that comes from the combustion of FFs and clearing of land (as organic matter decomposes). Single most important GHG because of its high atmospheric concentration, relative to other GHGs.

sulfur dioxide (SO2)

A corrosive gas that comes primarily from combustion of FFs. Resp. Irritant, damages plant tissue, converts to sulfuric acid and acid rain.

particulate matter

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air. Sources = combustion of pretty much all matter, construction, forest fires, volcanoes, roads. Resp. irritant, makes asthma worse, blocks sunlight (decreasing photosynthesis), and decreases visibility by creating haze.

nitrogen oxides (NOx)

NO or NO2. NO2 is a pungent, reddish-brown gas. Both are released from combustion of pretty much all matter (FFs, wood, biomass, etc.) & decomposition of organic material in ag. fields. Resp. irritant, forms ozone and photochemical smog, converts to nitric acid and acid rain.

ozone (O3)

Beneficial in the stratosphere (blocks UV rad.) but harmful to humans (resp. irr.) and plants in the troposphere. Forms as a secondary pollutant from the reaction of NOx + O2 + sunlight.

photochemical smog

air pollution that forms from the interaction between NOx + VOCs + Sunlight

nitric acid

(HNO3) formed when NO2 reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere. It is a harmful component of acid deposition and plays a role in photochemical smog.

carbon monoxide

a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas released from the incomplete combustion of most matter. Car exhaust is the number one source of CO. It displaces O2 in the blood stream, asphyxiating (suffocating) animals

hydrocarbons

Compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen (FF, gasoline, diesel, etc.)

Air quality

The condition of the air based on the amount of pollutants in it. Air quality is measured and regulated by the EPA based on levels of major criteria pollutants.

diesel fuel

a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines. More CO & PM emitting than gasoline.

Clean Air Act

1970- law that established national standards for air quality, auto and industrial emissions. Gives EPA power to monitor and regulate the 6 criteria air pollutants.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The US federal agency with a mission to protect human health and the environment. They enforce air quality regulations.

lead

Naturally occurring metal found in rocks in the earth. Also a former additive to gasoline and paint, and currently found in coal ash. Potent neurotoxin that can cause learning disabilities in children.

Primary air pollutants

Air pollutants that are directly emitted from human or natural sources ex: CO, CO2, SO2, NO, hydrocarbons, particulates

secondary air pollutants

air pollutants formed when primary air pollutants react with water, sunlight, oxygen, or other compounds in the atmosphere. ex: ozone, and acid rain.