APES - Unit 7/8

Air Pollution

Release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health an the planet as a whole

Natural Sources of Air Pollution

Air Pollution that comes from: Volcanoes, Pollen, Microorganisms, dust storms, wildfires.

Major Anthropogenic Sources of Air Pollution

Air Pollution that comes from: Combustion of fossil fuels (Transportation, power plants, industry)

1. Mobile ~40

2. Fires ~20

Which Anthropogenic Emission in the US uses the most Carbon Monoxide by Millions of Metric Tons? (Only the first 3 if necessary)

1. Mobile ~8

2. Power Plants ~4

Which Anthropogenic Emission in the US uses the most Nitrogen Oxides by Millions of Metric Tons? (Only the first 3 if necessary)

1. Power Plant ~1

Which Anthropogenic Emission in the US uses the most Sulfur Dioxide by Millions of Metric Tons? (Only the first 3 if necessary)

1. Fires ~2

2. Agriculture ~1

3. Dust ~1

Which Anthropogenic Emission in the US uses the most Particulate Matter(PM2.5) by Millions of Metric Tons? (Only the first 3 if necessary)

Primary Pollutants

Air pollution release directly into the air

Examples of Primary Pollutants

Examples of pollutants:

• CO & CO2

• SO2

• NOx

• Most Hydrocarbons

• Most Suspended Particulates

Secondary Pollutants

Air pollution that’s modified after emission

Examples of Secondary Pollutants

Examples of pollutants:

• Sulfate

• Nitrate

• Acid Deposition

• Tropospheric ozone

• Photochemical smog

Factors influencing Air Pollution

Factors

• Proximity to urban or industrial areas

• Topography & geography

• Meteorology (Wind Speed & Direction, Temperature, Humidity, Precipitation, Solar Radiation, Thermal Inversions)

  • Seasons

Thermal Inversion

During a ___, the normal temperature gradient in the Atmosphere is altered as the air temperature at Earth’s Surface is cooler than the air at high altitudes. It traps pollution close to the ground (especially smog & particulates)