Questions and Answers
Distinguish between primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. Give examples of each.
Primary pollutants come from direct sources, whereas secondary pollutants are created in the atmosphere by the combining of primary pollutants. Examples include sulfur as a primary pollutant and acid rain as a secondary pollutant.
Distinguish between industrial smog and photochemical smog in terms of their chemical composition and formation.
Industrial smog is made up of sulfur dioxide, suspended droplets of sulfuric acid, and particulate matter, while photochemical smog contains ground-level ozone, PANs, and nitric acid. Photochemical smog requires sunlight for formation.
List 3 factors that increase outdoor air pollution and 3 factors that naturally reduce it.
Factors that increase outdoor air pollution include precipitation, sea spray, and winds. Factors that naturally reduce air pollution include electrostatic precipitators, baghouse filters, and wet scrubbers.
What is acid deposition and how does it form? Describe three specific impacts on plants, lakes, human-built structures, and human health.
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Describe three ways to prevent acid deposition and 2 ways to clean it up.
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What are the top four indoor air pollutants, list each of their sources and their health effects.
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How can acid rain be produced by volcanic eruptions?
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What is 'sick building syndrome'? Describe three ways that this can be cleaned up.
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Identify six outdoor air pollutants for which the EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
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Describe the air pollution laws within the US. List the advantages and disadvantages of using an emission trading program.
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What are three clean-up approaches for reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter from coal burning power plants and cars?
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Study Notes
Primary and Secondary Pollutants
- Primary pollutants originate directly from sources, such as sulfur dioxide.
- Secondary pollutants form in the atmosphere through reactions between primary pollutants, like acid rain and ozone.
Industrial vs. Photochemical Smog
- Industrial smog consists of sulfur dioxide, sulfuric acid droplets, and particulate matter.
- Photochemical smog includes ground-level ozone, peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs), and nitric acid, requiring sunlight for formation.
Factors Affecting Outdoor Air Pollution
- Increasing pollutants:
- Precipitation
- Sea spray
- Winds
- Reducing pollutants:
- Electrostatic precipitators for particulate matter
- Baghouse filters
- Wet scrubbers for sulfur dioxide
- Catalytic converters for carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides
Acid Deposition
- Formed from sulfur compounds, resulting in acid rain or dry deposits.
- Impacts include:
- Respiratory issues in humans
- Damage to plant foliage and increased disease susceptibility in trees
- Harm to aquatic ecosystems
Prevention and Cleanup of Acid Deposition
- Prevention strategies:
- Reducing energy consumption
- Switching to cleaner-burning natural gas
- Removing sulfur from coal pre-combustion
- Cleanup methods:
- Using wet scrubbers
- Implementing catalytic converters
Top Indoor Air Pollutants
- Asbestos:
- Fibers resistant to heat that cause lung cancer after chronic exposure.
- Carbon Monoxide:
- Colorless and odorless gas that displaces oxygen, causing serious health effects.
- Radon:
- Colorless gas from uranium decay linked to lung cancer risk.
- Formaldehyde:
- Found in wood products and pesticides, can cause respiratory issues.
Acid Rain and Volcanic Eruptions
- Volcanic eruptions release sulfur which can lead to acid rain formation.
Sick Building Syndrome
- Results from poor ventilation and various pollutants in the workplace.
- Cleaning methods include improving ventilation and removing harmful materials.
EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards
- Outdoor air pollutants regulated by the EPA include:
- Carbon monoxide
- Lead
- Ground-level ozone
- Particulate matter
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
U.S. Air Pollution Laws
- Clean Air Act established regulations for mobile and industrial pollution sources with amendments in 1970, 1977, and 1990.
- Emission trading programs can prevent excess pollution but may allow inequitable levels of emissions across different regions.
Clean-up Approaches for Emissions
- Effective methods for reducing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter include:
- Electrostatic precipitators for particulate matter
- Baghouse filters
- Wet scrubbers for sulfur dioxide
- Catalytic converters for cars
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Description
This quiz provides a comprehensive review of Unit 6 for AP Environmental Science. It addresses key concepts such as primary and secondary pollutants, industrial smog, and more. Perfect for students preparing for examinations.
