What are Atmospheric Pollutants?
Atmosphere surrounds the earth’s surface, it is of different thicknesses at different heights. There are five layers of the atmosphere with each layer having a different density. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where all organisms live. It extends roughly up to 10 km in height above the mean sea level. This layer contains air, water vapour and clouds.
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The stratosphere is the next layer which extends from 10 km to 50 km in height. It contains dinitrogen, dioxygen and ozone layer. The ozone layer protects humans and other animals from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Atmospheric pollution caused by atmospheric pollutants is actually referred to as the pollution of troposphere and stratosphere.
The presence of undesirable solids or gaseous components in air causes tropospheric pollution. The pollutants can be classified as:
Gaseous pollutants
Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, hydrocarbons, ozone and other oxidants fall under this category. Let us have a deeper look at each pollutant:
- a . Oxides of sulphur – When fossil fuel is burnt, oxides of sulphur are produced. Sulphur dioxide is poisonous in nature. Studies show that very low concentration of sulphur dioxide causes respiratory diseases. In presence of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide is oxidized to sulphur trioxide.\(\begin{array}{l}~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\end{array} \)2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2SO3 (g)
- b. Hydrocarbons – They are formed by incomplete combustion of fuels. They are carcinogenic that is they cause cancer. They are very harmful to plants as they cause ageing, break down of tissues and shedding of leaves.
Particulate matter
Minute solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in air are called particulate matter. There are two types of particulates namely, viable and non-viable. Minute living organisms such as bacteria and fungi, which are dispersed in the atmosphere are known as viable particulates. Non-viable particulates are classified according to the size and nature of the particulates. For example, smoke consists of solid and liquid particles which are formed during the combustion of organic matter. On the other hand, dust is composed of fine particles which are produced during grinding or crushing.
Stratospheric Pollution
Moving on to the stratospheric pollution, the stratosphere consists of ozone layer which saves the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet radiations splits the dioxygen molecule into free oxygen atom, now these free oxygen atom combines with the dioxygen molecule to form ozone.
O (g) + O2 (g) ⇌ O3(g)
Ozone is unstable and breaks down into oxygen molecules. Chlorofluorocarbons are the main reason for ozone depletion, they react with ozone to form chlorine monoxide radicals and molecules. CFCs are the agents which are producing chlorine radicals in the stratosphere and damaging the ozone layer. This damage to ozone layer is a threat to the survival of organisms as ozone protects the earth from harmful rays of the sun which can cause skin cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What are the effects of atmospheric pollution?
Heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory disorders like emphysema are all long-term health repercussions of air pollution. Air pollution can harm people’s nerves, brains, kidneys, livers, and other organs over time.
What are the major pollutants of the atmosphere?
Ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, and lead are examples of air pollutants. These are the most toxic pollutants, as they have the potential to destroy human life.
What are the effects of pollution?
High levels of air pollution can raise the risk of heart attack, wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems, as well as eye, nose, and throat discomfort. Existing heart problems, asthma, and other lung disorders can all be aggravated by air pollution.
What is the cause and effect of atmosphere pollution?
Burning fossil fuels sends gases and chemicals into the atmosphere. In a particularly damaging feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to but also exacerbates climate change. “Air pollution, such as carbon dioxide and methane, causes global warming.
How does pollution affect our environment?
Air pollution has a number of negative consequences on the environment, including acid rain, which is precipitation containing dangerous quantities of nitric and sulphuric acids. Acid rain has wreaked havoc on Massachusetts lakes, ponds, rivers, and soils, wreaking havoc on wildlife and woodlands in the process.
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