lecture 6- air pollution (part 1)

8/3/2019 Lecture 6- Air Pollution (Part 1)

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Introduction to Air Pollution

Man And the Environment-Lecture 6


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80

50

16A

ltitude(kilomete

rs)

Ozonelayer

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Earth

Mesosphere

Thermosphere

1000

The Atmosphere

Atmosphere is dividedinto four layersaccording to the mixingof gases and theirchemical properties, aswell as temperature

Weather


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Composition of the Earths

Atmosphere

Gas Chemical FormulaConcentration % by

Volume

Nitrogen N2

78.08

Oxygen O2 20.90

Argon Ar 0.934

Carbon dioxide CO2 0.0381

Other Gases


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Air quality Depletion of Ozone layer

Increase in earth temperature & Global Warming

Atmospheric Problems


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Definition of Air Pollution

Air pollution occurs when the air containsgases, dust, fumes or odour in harmfulamounts. Amounts which could be harmful

to the health or comfort of humans andanimals or which could cause damage toplants and materials.


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Sources/Examples of Air Pollution


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1. Carbon Monoxide2. Nitrogen Oxides

3. Sulfur Dioxide4. Ozone5. Particulate Material6. Lead & Other Toxic Heavy Metals

7. Volatile Organic Compounds8. CO2 & CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

Air Pollutants


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1. Carbon Monoxide

Source:Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, yieldingCO instead of CO2 in cars, factories and waste burning.

Health Effect: O2 starvation


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2. Nitrogen Oxides

Source:Combustion of fossil fuels containing Nitrogen

Effect:

Photochemical smog (visibility)

Ozone in the air close to earth (Oxidant): irritate the lungs ifwe breathe it

It reacts in the atmosphere to form nitric acid (HNO3):damage to trees & buildings

Irritate the lungs

Smoke + Fog

Cooking Recipe: Pollutant from cars + NOx + Sun+ Humidity

Product with color (Grey, brown, yellow) +O3


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3. Sulfur Oxides

Source: Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur(electric utility power plants, cement manufacture,petroleum refining,.)

Effect:

Respiratory problems.

Acid Rain (H2SO4).

Damage to plants & buildings.


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4. Ozone

Ozone located in the upper layers of the atmosphere isconsidered beneficial. It protects us from harmful rays.

Ozone located close to earth is considered harmful

Effect:

Chemical Oxidant that cause respiratory problems

Damage to plants

Reduce crop yield


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5. Particulate Matter

Source:Dust, smoke from smoking, fires and factories.(0.1-10 m)

Effect:

Respiratory problems

Toxic matter: accumulate (smoking)


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6. Lead & Other Toxic Heavy Metals

Source:Combustion of fuel containing Lead

Effect:Considered toxic and negatively effect human

health & other living beings


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7. Volatile Organic Compounds

Example:Benzene and other petroleum products.

Effect:

Some are toxic

Some are flammable

Some has bad smell


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8. CO2 & CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

CO2 linked to Global Warming

CFCs (old refrigerant gas) linked to depletion of

ozone layer Manufacturing was banned byInternational Agreement

When emitted, they migrate to the upper layers of the

atmosphere, where they are eventually broken down, releasing

their chlorine. This chlorine then reacts and destroys ozone(hole in the ozone)

lecture 6- air pollution (part 1)

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