Environmental Science: Air Pollution

Study Notes

Definition: The presence of substances in the atmosphere that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment.
Sources:
- Natural: volcanic eruptions, wildfires
- Human-made: industrial processes, vehicle emissions, fossil fuel combustion
Pollutants:
- Particulate matter (PM): tiny particles that can cause respiratory problems
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx): contribute to smog and acid rain
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2): causes acid rain and respiratory issues
- Ozone (O3): a secondary pollutant formed from NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Health effects:
- Respiratory problems (asthma, COPD)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological damage
Environmental effects:
- Acid rain
- Climate change
- Ecosystem disruption

Definition: The contamination of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Sources:
- Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides)
- Industrial waste
- Sewage and wastewater
- Oil spills
Pollutants:
- Chemicals (pesticides, heavy metals)
- Bacteria and viruses
- Nutrients (excess nitrogen and phosphorus)
Health effects:
- Waterborne diseases (cholera, typhoid fever)
- Cancer and other health problems from chemical exposure
Environmental effects:
- Habitat destruction
- Disruption of aquatic ecosystems
- Impact on aquatic life

Definition: The contamination of soil, affecting its fertility and quality.
Sources:
- Industrial waste
- Agricultural chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers)
- Mining and drilling activities
- Improper waste disposal
Pollutants:
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury)
- Organic pollutants (PCBs, dioxins)
- Radioactive substances
Health effects:
- Ingestion of contaminated soil particles
- Exposure to toxic substances through skin contact
Environmental effects:
- Soil degradation
- Reduced fertility and crop yields
- Disruption of ecosystem processes

Definition: Unwanted or excessive sounds that can cause harm to humans and wildlife.
Sources:
- Transportation (aircraft, vehicles, trains)
- Industrial activities
- Construction and demolition
- Recreational activities (music, fireworks)
Effects:
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stress and anxiety
- Disruption of wildlife behavior and habitats

Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment.
Natural sources of air pollution include volcanic eruptions and wildfires.
Human-made sources include industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and fossil fuel combustion.
Particulate matter (PM) is a pollutant that can cause respiratory problems.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to smog and acid rain.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) causes acid rain and respiratory issues.
Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant formed from NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and neurological damage.
Air pollution also contributes to acid rain, climate change, and ecosystem disruption.

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides) is a source of water pollution.
Industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills also contribute to water pollution.
Chemicals (pesticides, heavy metals), bacteria, and viruses are common pollutants in water.
Nutrients (excess nitrogen and phosphorus) can also pollute water bodies.
Water pollution can cause waterborne diseases, cancer, and other health problems.
Water pollution also leads to habitat destruction, disruption of aquatic ecosystems, and impact on aquatic life.

Soil pollution is the contamination of soil, affecting its fertility and quality.
Industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, mining, and drilling activities can pollute soil.
Heavy metals (lead, mercury), organic pollutants (PCBs, dioxins), and radioactive substances are common soil pollutants.
Soil pollution can cause ingestion of contaminated soil particles and exposure to toxic substances through skin contact.
Soil pollution leads to soil degradation, reduced fertility, and crop yields, and disrupts ecosystem processes.

Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sounds that can cause harm to humans and wildlife.
Transportation (aircraft, vehicles, trains), industrial activities, construction, and recreational activities generate noise pollution.
Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease, and stress and anxiety.
Noise pollution also disrupts wildlife behavior and habitats.