Common Air and Water Pollutants

Flashcards on the origins and sources of common air and water pollutants.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

A common air pollutant from the combustion of fossil fuels, released by power plants, industrial processes, and transportation.

Ground-level Ozone (O3)

A common air pollutant formed from VOCs and NOx through photochemical reactions, with transportation as a primary source.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A common air pollutant from the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly vehicle exhaust and residential heating.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

A major air pollutant released from power plants and industrial processes that burn fossil fuels, as well as volcanic eruptions.

Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x)

A common air pollutant from burning gasoline and diesel, and wildfires; a precursor to ground-level ozone.

Lead (Pb)

An air pollutant released from metal smelting.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Released from vehicle exhaust, chemical manufacturing, and agricultural activities; contribute to ground-level ozone formation.

Ammonia (NH3)

A significant air pollutant from agriculture, released from manure decomposition and nitrogen-based fertilizers; leads to fine particulate matter.

Methane (CH4)

A potent greenhouse gas released from livestock digestion and manure decomposition in agriculture.

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

A powerful greenhouse gas released from animal manure management and nitrogen fertilizers in soils.

Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms found in water pollutants from animal waste runoff and septic systems.

Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus)

Water pollutants from agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and septic systems.

Organic Matter

A water pollutant released from wastewater treatment plants and animal waste runoff.

Chemical Pollutants

Water pollutants (such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals) released from industrial discharge and agricultural runoff.

Heavy Metals

Water pollutants from industrial discharge, urban runoff, and acid mine drainage.

Sediments

A water pollutant resulting from soil erosion and runoff.

Thermal Pollution

Heated water discharged from industrial facilities into water bodies.

Point Sources

Specific locations where pollutants are discharged, such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities.

Non-point Sources

Diffuse sources of pollution originating from larger areas, such as agricultural and urban runoff.

Acid Mine Drainage

Water pollution from water flowing through mines, reacting with sulfide minerals, and releasing sulfuric acid and heavy metals.