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define acid deposition.
a mix of air pollutants that deposit from the atmosphere as acidic wet deposition (with a pH < 5.6) or acidic dry deposition
outline the formation of acid deposition.
Acid deposition is formed when sulfur dioxide
(SO,) and nitrogen oxide (NO.) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported from the point of pollution by winds and air currents. SO, and NO, react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
what are the effects of acid deposition on the environment and on humans?
Aluminium is particularly toxic for gill-breathing organisms like fish. In acidic waters, aluminium can reduce gill function and make it hard for fish to breathe. High levels can even kill gill cells completely, causing the fish to die. At a pH of 5 or lower, many fish eggs do not hatch, and at lower pH levels most adult fish die.
This increased acidity also removes beneficial nutrients and minerals from the soil, reducing the growth of plant life. This lowers crop yields and increases the possibility of food insecurity.
describe the formation of photochemical smog.
describe the effects of photochemical smog on the environment and on humans.
Ozone is a strong oxidant that causes harm to plants, and results In the yellowing of leaves, creating light brown spots, reddening and bronzing. As a result, plant growth is damaged and crop yields decline.
Photochemical smog causes severe irritation to the eyes and respiratory systems causing difficulties for breathing and causes dry eyes.
Suggest the reasons for why city A may have a higher level of pollution compared to city B.
Suggest strategies to manage photochemical smog.
reducing the usage of fossil fuels and non renewable energy sources
reducing emi
outline the process of ozone depletion.
The main cause of ozone depletion and the hole (thinning) in the ozone layer is the human activity of manufacturing chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These were extensively used in refrigerants, solvents, propellants and foam-forming agents up until the late 1980s.
CFCs are stable synthetic chemical compounds which speed up the breakdown of ozone. They contain chlorine molecules which are insoluble in water and unreactive and stable in the lower atmosphere.
Ozone naturally regenerates in the stratosphere. However, its rate of depletion from the action of CFCs is greater than the rate it can regenerate.
explain why ozone depletion is greater over antarctica.
Polar stratospheric clouds form, and due to the chemical reactions on the surfaces of liquids and solids increase the abundance of chlorine gas; which, when reacts with ozone depletes the ozone to a greater amount explaining why depletion is greater.
describe the impacts of ozone depletion on humans and the environment.
Ultra violet radiation that reaches the earths surface causes skin cancers, cataracts, immune system depletion, and results in reduced crop yields and can increase the risks of food insecurity.
explain the rowland and molina hypothesis.
The Rowland and Molina hypothesis suggests that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere can deplete the ozone layer, particularly in the stratosphere, leading to increased ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
why was the rowland and molina hypothesis originally not accepted?
The Rowland and Molina hypothesis was initially met with skepticism because it contradicted the prevailing understanding of atmospheric chemistry and the belief that CFCs were inert and harmless in the atmosphere.
what are some strategies to reduce damage done to the ozone layer?
International Agreements
Reduced usage of CFC’s
Use alternatives to CFC’s (HCFC’s or F-Gases)
identify alternatives to CFC’s, and their impacts.
HCFC’s still deplete the ozone layer but much less compared to CFC’s.
F-gases are powerful greenhouse gases and have significant global warming potential. They have a global warming affect 23000x greater than CO2.
