[ AECH1100 ] Topic 4 - Air Pollution

Pollution

The undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air, water, and soil that may; harmfully affect life or create a potential health hazard of any living organism

Pollutant

Any substance which causes pollution. Any solid, liquid or gaseous substances present in such concentrations as may be or tend to be injuries to health and the environment

Air Pollution

Is the presence of pollutants in air in sufficient quantity and duration to cause injury to human health and the environment

Stationary Sources

Source of Air Pollution which includes:

• Combustion of fuels

• Other burning such as incineration

• Industrial processes

Natural Source

Source of Air Pollution which includes:

• Wildfire, forest fires

• Volcanos

Mobile Sources

Source of Air Pollution which includes:

• Highway vehicles

• Off-highway vehicles

Primary Pollutants

These are emitted directly into the atmosphere from sources like cars and factories.

Secondary Pollutants

These form in the air through chemical reactions between primary pollutants, sunlight, or water vapor.

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon dioxide is constantly being exchanged among the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface as it is both produced and absorbed by many microorganisms, plants, and animals.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities.

In 2012, this accounted for about 82% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

The Greenhouse Effect

A natural process where atmospheric gases—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor—trap heat radiating from Earth toward space, keeping the planet's surface about 33°C (59°F) warmer than it would be otherwise.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx)

A primary irritant and chronic exposure to elevated levels can lead to increased incidence of acute respiratory diseases in children and lower resistance adults

Eutrophication

The excessive fertilization of lakes, estuarine and bays. This results in excessive algae growth, which damage other aquatic plants and fish

HNO3

This is one of the two critical acid species in rain, contributing to widespread ecosystem damage of Lakes / Rivers, Forests, Agricultural crops / Soil.

Sulfur

A naturally occurring component of crude oil and is found in both gasoline and diesel

Sulfure Dioxide (SO2)

It is a colorless gas with a pungent smell that is responsible for the odor of burnt matches.

Acid Rain

This make lakes and streams acidic and unsuitable for fish

Ground-Level Ozone (O3)

• Ozone is a primary component of smog.

• Ozone is not emitted into the air.

• Ozone forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight.

• Ozone levels can be high in urban and rural areas.

Ozone

A primary component of smog; it forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight.

Ozone Cycle

The natural, continuous process in the stratosphere where solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks down oxygen molecules (O2) and converts them into ozone (O3), which then absorbs UV light and converts back into oxygen, acting as Earth’s protective shield.

Particulate Matter

A complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets

Fine and coarse particles can be emitted directly or formed in the air from gases.

Air Quality Index

A color-coded system for reporting air quality conditions. The colors in the AQI indicate how clean or dirty the air is. When the air quality is unhealthy, you can take actions to protect your health.

Green

This color indicates a good air quality

Purple

This color indicates a very unhealthy air quality