Copy of Unit 7 Smedes APES Note Slides (22-23)

Atmospheric Pollution

Unit Overview

• Focus on the sources, effects, and types of air pollutants

• Importance of improving air quality and understanding pollution’s impact on human health and the environment

7.1 Introduction to Air Pollution (Pollutants)

Learning Objective

• Identify sources and effects of air pollutants

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.A.1: Coal combustion produces pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), toxic metals, and particulates.

• STB-2.A.2: Fossil fuel combustion releases nitrogen oxides leading to ozone production, photochemical smog, and nitric acid formation, contributing to acid rain. Other pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter (PM).

• STB-2.A.3: Air quality is influenced by sulfur dioxide from diesel fuels.

• STB-2.A.4: The Clean Air Act regulates lead emissions, greatly decreasing atmospheric lead levels.

• STB-2.A.5: Differentiation between primary and secondary pollutants based on their formation in the atmosphere.

7.2 Photochemical Smog

Learning Objective

• Explain causes and effects of photochemical smog and reduction methods

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.B.1: Photochemical smog forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight.

• STB-2.B.2: Environmental factors impacting smog formation include temperature, traffic volume, and sunlight.

• STB-2.B.3: Nitrogen oxides peak in the morning while ozone concentrations rise in the afternoon, particularly in summer.

• STB-2.B.4: Sources of VOCs include natural (e.g., trees) and human-made products (e.g., gasoline).

• STB-2.B.5: Urban areas have higher smog levels due to motor vehicle density.

• Reduction can focus on decreasing nitrogen oxides and VOC emissions.

7.3 Thermal Inversion

Learning Objective

• Describe thermal inversion and its relation to pollution

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.C.1: Thermal inversions cool the ground layer of air relative to higher altitudes, trapping pollution.

• STB-2.C.2: Effectively traps smog and particulate matter, worsening air quality at ground level.

7.4 Natural Sources of CO2 and PM

Learning Objective

• Describe natural sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM)

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.D.1: Natural CO2 sources include respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions.

• STB-2.D.2: Various natural sources for particulate matter include wildfires and volcanic smog.

7.5 Indoor Air Pollutants

Learning Objective

• Identify common indoor air pollutants

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.E.1: Carbon monoxide is a common asphyxiant indoors.

• STB-2.E.2: Particulates include unfinished insulation, dust, and smoke.

• STB-2.E.3: Sources originate from both natural events and human-made activities.

• STB-2.E.4: Common indoor pollutants include radon, mold, and dust.

• STB-2.E.5: Human-made pollutants comprise VOCs, formaldehyde, and lead.

• STB-2.E.6: Combustion releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulates indoors.

7.6 Reduction of Air Pollutants

Learning Objective

• Explain methods for reducing air pollutants at the source

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.G.1: Emphasis on regulatory practices and alternative fuels for pollution reduction.

• Methods include regulatory monitoring, implementation of catalytic converters, and scrubbers to control emissions.

7.7 Acid Rain

Learning Objective

• Describe acid deposition processes

Essential Knowledge

• STB-2.H.1: Acid rain occurs due to NOx and SO2 pollutants.

• STB-2.H.2: Major sources include coal-burning processes and vehicle emissions, affecting ecosystems.

7.8 Noise Pollution

Learning Objective

• Describe sources and effects of noise pollution

Essential Knowledge

• Noise pollution can cause physiological stress and hearing loss, stemming from urban industrial activities and transportation.

• Effects on wildlife include stress, disrupted communications, and potential changes in migratory patterns.