Chapter 7 AICE Environmental Management

What is acid deposition?

A mix of air pollutants that deposit from the atmosphere as acidic wet deposition (pH < 5.6) or dry deposition.

What are primary pollutants?

Pollutants that result directly from a source, such as sulfur dioxide from burning coal.

What are secondary pollutants?

Pollutants that result from primary pollutants chemically reacting with other chemicals or sunlight, such as smog and sulfuric acid.

What is wet deposition?

Acidic precipitation such as snow, rain, hail, or fog.

What is dry deposition?

Dust and gases that fall close to the source of primary pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

What is the first step in acid rain formation?

Combustion of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide gas.

How does nitrogen monoxide gas form in vehicles?

Nitrogen from the atmosphere reacts with oxygen at high temperatures in vehicle engines.

What are the impacts of acid deposition on aquatic organisms?

It kills larvae of fish, mollusks, and amphibians, negatively affecting food chains.

How does acid deposition affect vegetation?

It damages chloroplasts, reduces photosynthesis, and can lead to defoliation of crops and trees.

What are some prevention strategies for acid deposition?

Use renewable energy sources, increase public transportation, and implement legislation like the Clean Air Act.

What is photochemical smog?

A mixture of air pollutants and particulates, including ground-level ozone, formed when NOx and VOCs react in sunlight.

What are common sources of VOCs?

Vegetation, paint, gas stations, and gas exhaust from transportation.

What are the health impacts of photochemical smog?

It can trigger asthma attacks, cause lung damage, and irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

What is the significance of the Dobson Unit?

It measures ozone concentration, with less than 100 DU indicating an ozone hole.

What causes ozone depletion?

Release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from aerosols, refrigerants, and solvents.

What happens to CFCs in the stratosphere?

They break down in the presence of UV light, releasing chlorine atoms that destroy ozone.

What are the human health impacts of ozone depletion?

Increased risk of eye cataracts and skin cancer.

What are alternatives to ozone-depleting substances?

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and fluorinated gases (F-gases) that do not damage the ozone layer.

What is the purpose of the Montreal Protocol?

A global agreement to phase out chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.

What did the Rowland-Molina hypothesis suggest?

CFCs are responsible for the destruction of stratospheric ozone.

What are the effects of ozone depletion on agriculture?

Reduced crop yield due to UV damage.

How does ozone depletion affect biodiversity?

It damages chloroplasts, reduces plant productivity, and affects aquatic ecosystems.

What is the role of legislation in managing air pollution?

Laws like the Clean Air Act help regulate emissions and promote cleaner technologies.

What is flue gas desulfurization?

A method to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions using scrubbers.

What are the impacts of acid deposition on buildings?

It erodes stone buildings, corrodes cars, and damages roads.

What is the impact of photochemical smog on transportation?

It reduces visibility, negatively impacting safety and efficiency.

What are the effects of acid deposition on soil chemistry?

Changes in soil chemistry can reduce plant productivity.

What is the significance of catalytic converters?

They reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles.