Harmful Effects of Non-Metals and Pollutants

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a primary effect of eutrophication caused by nitrate and phosphate ions?

Improved soil fertility

Increased oxygen levels in water bodies

Decreased biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems (correct)

Inhibition of plant growth

Which of the following statements regarding pesticides is accurate?

Pesticides only target harmful organisms

Pesticides enhance the growth of beneficial organisms

Pesticides can accumulate in the food chain (correct)

Insecticides do not affect pollinators

What type of acids are produced when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water?

Carbonic and acetic acids

Sulfurous and nitric acids (correct)

Phosphoric and hydrochloric acids

Hydrosulfuric and nitrous acids

How does acid rain affect ecosystems?

It can damage crops and harmful to aquatic life Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of acid rain on human-made structures?

Corrodes buildings and machinery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of carbon monoxide production?

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

Which effect is associated with carbon dioxide emissions?

Ocean acidification Signup and view all the answers

What health risk is NOT caused by hydrogen sulfide exposure?

Visual impairment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants contributes to the formation of acid rain?

Oxides of nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects of carbon particles produced from fossil fuel combustion?

Formation of smog Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is known to break down the ozone layer?

Chlorofluorocarbons Signup and view all the answers

What is a common impact of oxides of nitrogen on plant life?

Reduction in growth and leaf health Signup and view all the answers

What physical symptoms can result from carbon monoxide exposure?

Headaches and dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of silicon in the electronics industry?

In the manufacture of silicon chips Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is primarily used in the manufacture of glass?

Silicon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What harmful effect does sulfur dioxide have on the environment?

It leads to the formation of acid rain Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of vulcanisation of rubber primarily used for?

To improve the elasticity and durability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of sulfur dioxide in the environment?

Agricultural runoff Signup and view all the answers

What is one use of metal silicates in construction?

To produce ceramic products Signup and view all the answers

How does sulfur dioxide negatively affect human health?

It can cause respiratory problems, like bronchitis Signup and view all the answers

Which non-metal is commonly known for its role in the production of silicone implants?

Silicon Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Harmful Effects of Non-metals and their Compounds

Non-metals and their compounds are vital but some can be harmful to living things and the environment.
Concentrations of these non-metal compounds in the environment are rising due to human pollution.
Harmful substances in the environment are called pollutants.

Sources and Harmful Effects of Pollutants

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂):
- Source: Burning fossil fuels (coal & heavy oil) in industry and power plants.
- Effect: Respiratory problems (bronchitis) in humans, reduced plant growth, acid rain formation.
Carbon Monoxide (CO):
- Source: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (mainly in vehicles).
- Effect: Binds to haemoglobin, reducing oxygen supply to tissues. This can lead to various symptoms and even death.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):
- Source: Complete combustion of fossil fuels (vehicles, industry, power stations).
- Effect: Contributes to the greenhouse effect, global warming, and ocean acidification (25% absorbed by oceans).
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S):
- Source: Decay of organic matter (garbage dumps), petroleum refineries.
- Effect: Highly toxic, affecting respiration, causing dizziness, headaches, and potential death.
Oxides of Nitrogen (NO and NO₂):
- Source: High-temperature combustion (vehicles, power stations), nitrogen and oxygen reacting in the air.
- Effect: Toxic, harming lungs, irritating skin and airways, contributing to smog formation, acid rain.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):
- Source: Refrigerants, aerosols.
- Effect: Breakdown of the ozone layer, increased UV radiation reaching Earth.
Carbon Particles (C):
- Source: Combustion of fossil fuels (industry, bush fires), cigarettes.
- Effect: Blackens environments, reduces photosynthesis, causes respiratory issues (bronchitis, asthma).
Nitrate (NO₃⁻) and Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) ions:
- Source: Fertilizers, intensive farming, synthetic detergents.
- Effect: Eutrophication (excess nutrients in water leading to harmful algal blooms).
Pesticides:
- Source: Used in agriculture (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides).
- Effect: Harm top consumers in food chains by concentrating in organisms, affects beneficial organisms too (bees).

Acid Rain

Formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with rainwater.
These oxides form acidic solutions (sulfurous acid and nitric acid).
Acid rain negatively impacts various organisms (crops, trees, animals), structures (buildings, statues), and aquatic environments.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the harmful effects of non-metals and their compounds on health and the environment. This quiz covers sources of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, along with their detrimental impacts. Test your knowledge on these vital topics in environmental science.