Air Pollution Overview and Effects
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of algal blooms in water bodies?

  • Low light penetration
  • Presence of sulfur dioxide
  • Increased levels of CO2
  • High concentrations of nitrates and phosphates (correct)

What health condition is associated with high nitrate levels in drinking water, particularly in infants?

  • Hemophilia
  • Methemoglobinemia (correct)
  • Hyperventilation
  • Respiratory distress syndrome

Which of the following is NOT a common source of phosphate contamination in water bodies?

  • Detergents
  • Sewage treatment plants
  • Heavy metals (correct)
  • Fertilizers

How do algal blooms affect aquatic ecosystems when they die off?

<p>They lead to anaerobic conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants can be primarily associated with smelting processes?

<p>Nitrogen oxides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased nutrients like nitrates and phosphates on light penetration in water bodies?

<p>Decreased light penetration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pollutant is primarily associated with the greenhouse effect?

<p>Carbon dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of tropospheric ozone formation?

<p>Photochemical reactions involving nitrogen dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about stratospheric ozone is correct?

<p>It filters out incoming UV radiation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants is associated with acid rain?

<p>Sulfur oxides (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of particulate matter on air quality?

<p>It can cause respiratory issues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a gaseous pollutant?

<p>Carbon dioxide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a known effect of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels?

<p>Formation of particulate matter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ozone is typically referred to as 'bad O3'?

<p>Tropospheric ozone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants is a major component of smoke?

<p>Coal dust (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a decrease in the stratospheric ozone layer have on human health?

<p>Increases the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant source of fluoride emissions that affects cattle?

<p>Phosphate fertilizer production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of increased carbon dioxide levels on global temperatures?

<p>Increases average global temperatures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH level of acidic rain, and how does it compare to normal rain?

<p>pH &lt; 4, more acidic than normal rain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of acid rain?

<p>Promotion of tree growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural event can produce nitrogen oxides?

<p>Forest fires (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In addition to natural sources, which category includes anthropogenic sources of air pollutants?

<p>Industrial processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic condition of fluorosis in farm animals?

<p>Mottled and soft teeth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutants are responsible for the formation of acid rain?

<p>Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of air pollutants are aerosols primarily classified as?

<p>Particulate matter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Algal Blooms

A type of water pollution caused by excessive accumulation of algae. It can occur due to high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates, particularly phosphates, in slow-moving bodies of water.

Blue-Baby Disease

The condition where nitrates in drinking water are converted to nitrites by intestinal bacteria. These nitrites bind to hemoglobin, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to a bluish skin tone in infants.

Nitrate & Phosphate Contamination

A type of water pollution caused by excess nitrates and phosphates. These nutrients act as fertilizers for algae, leading to their rapid growth.

Methemoglobinemia

A condition where the body's ability to transport oxygen is decreased due to nitrites binding to hemoglobin, forming methemoglobin.

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Anaerobic Biodegradation

The process of breaking down organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. It can occur in water bodies due to algal blooms and lead to the death of aquatic life.

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Atmospheric Re-oxygenation

The process by which water is naturally replenished with oxygen from the atmosphere. Algal blooms can restrict this process due to their dense growth.

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Particulate Matter

A type of air pollution caused by tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air. Examples include dust, smoke, and fumes.

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Gaseous Pollutants

Gases released into the atmosphere that can harm human health and the environment. Examples include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.

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Smog

A mixture of pollutants in the air that forms a visible haze. Forms when sunlight interacts with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

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Acid Rain

A form of air pollution caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

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Greenhouse Gas

A gas that absorbs infrared radiation and traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

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Ozone (O3)

A colorless, odorless gas that forms a protective layer in the stratosphere, blocking harmful UV radiation from the sun.

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Tropospheric Ozone

Found in the lower atmosphere (0-10 miles), formed from pollutants and sunlight. It is harmful to human health.

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Stratospheric Ozone

Found in the upper atmosphere (30 miles). It's beneficial as it filters out harmful UV radiation.

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Incomplete Combustion

The process by which incomplete combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful substances like carbon monoxide and particulate matter into the environment.

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Ozone Depletion and Skin Cancer

The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer allows more ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth's surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

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CFCs and Ozone Depletion

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemicals that can damage the stratospheric ozone layer.

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Fluorosis in Animals

Fluorosis is a condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure, leading to bone and teeth damage in animals.

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The Greenhouse Effect and CO2

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where gases in the atmosphere trap heat, warming the Earth. Increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) can enhance this effect, leading to global warming.

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Acid Rain: Definition

Acid rain is a type of precipitation with a pH lower than 5.6, caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the air.

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Formation of Acid Rain

Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere react with water and oxygen to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, the main components of acid rain.

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Effects of Acid Rain

Acid rain can harm forests, aquatic ecosystems, and soils, impacting plant and animal life.

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Acid Rain and Leaching

Acid rain can release toxic metals from soil, such as aluminum, which can harm trees and aquatic life.

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Sources of Air Pollution

Burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and agriculture are major sources of air pollutants that contribute to acid rain.

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Point Source Emissions

Point source emissions are pollutants released from a specific identifiable location, such as a factory or power plant.

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Study Notes

Air Pollution

  • Types of Air Pollutants: Particulate matter (aerosol, dust, mist, smoke, fumes, coal dust, ash, sawdust, cement dust, grain dust, H2SO4 mist) and gaseous pollutants (sulfur oxides, CO2, hydrocarbons, H2S, nitrogen oxides, CO, carboxyhemoglobin, O3, acid rain).
  • Greenhouse Effect: CO2 absorbs heat strongly, slowing down Earth's cooling. Increased CO2 levels lead to higher temperatures.
  • Ozone: Tropospheric ozone (0-10 miles above Earth) is harmful. Stratospheric ozone (30 miles above Earth) filters harmful UV radiation. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) can damage the ozone layer. Fluoride emissions (fluorosis) from phosphate fertilizer production are harmful to animals, causing tooth and bone issues.
  • Acid Rain: Acidic deposition, formed by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water in the atmosphere. It harms forests, water bodies and causes corrosion of metal structures. Acid rain occurs when atmospheric pH drops below 5.6.
  • Sources of Air Pollutants: Natural (volcanoes, dust storms, forest fires, ocean) and anthropogenic (combustion, industrial processes, mining, drilling, heating, cooking, pesticides, tobacco smoke, microbes from humans/animals).
  • Point Source Emissions (e.g., smelters): Release pollutants from specific locations.
  • Environmental Effects: Acid rain, greenhouse effect, impacts on vegetation (caused by chemical emissions e.g. Arsenic, Lead, Molybdenum, and Fluoride).

Water & Soil Pollution

  • Water & Soil Pollutants: Nitrates and phosphates, oils and petroleum, volatile organic compounds, metals, low molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons, and acids.
  • Algal Blooms: Accumulation of algae in water caused by elevated nitrates and phosphates (from fertilizers and detergents). These block sunlight, reduce oxygen, and harm aquatic life.
  • Blue-Baby Disease: Ingested nitrates converted to nitrites by bacteria. Nitrites bind to hemoglobin, decreasing oxygen transport. This is more serious in infants due to immature enzyme systems for methemoglobin detoxification.
  • Agent Orange: A herbicide used during the Vietnam War. A mixture of chlorophenoxy herbicides, containing dioxins. High toxicity is associated with the dioxin content.
  • Dioxin: A toxic byproduct of certain industrial processes (present in Agent Orange).

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Air, Water & Soil Pollution Lecture 9 PDF

Description

This quiz covers various types of air pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. It explores the greenhouse effect, ozone layers, and the causes and consequences of acid rain. Test your knowledge on how these factors impact the environment and public health.

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