Atmospheric Pollution

By
Dr. Upendra Kant Chaubey
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Atmospheric pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the Earth’s air, causing adverse effects on living organisms and the environment. This contamination primarily arises from human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, petrol, and diesel in industries, vehicles, and power plants. The major gaseous pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburnt hydrocarbons. Additionally, particulate matter, such as soot, dust, and smoke, along with substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contribute significantly to degrading air quality.

The consequences of this pollution are severe and multifaceted. On human health, it leads to respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and lung damage, while also irritating the eyes and throat. Environmentally, sulfur and nitrogen oxides dissolve in rainwater to form acid rain, which damages buildings, monuments, forests, and aquatic life. Pollutants like CFCs deplete the protective ozone layer, increasing exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the excessive buildup of carbon dioxide and methane from activities like deforestation and agriculture traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change with its associated risks like melting glaciers and extreme weather.

Controlling atmospheric pollution requires concerted efforts. Switching to cleaner fuels like CNG, using catalytic converters in vehicles, and installing electrostatic precipitators and scrubbers in industrial plants can significantly reduce emissions. On a broader scale, adopting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, expanding forest cover through afforestation, and enforcing strict environmental laws are crucial steps. Public awareness and individual actions, like conserving energy and using public transport, also play a vital role in ensuring cleaner air for a sustainable future.

Exercise 8 (A)

Question 1. 

1. Define the following term: Pollution 

2. Define the following term: Pollutant 

3. Define the following term: Air pollution

Ans:

  1. Pollution:
    When harmful stuff gets into our surroundings, making it dirty or unsafe for people, animals, and plants.
  2. Pollutant:
    Any harmful thing that causes pollution, like trash, chemicals, or smoke, which can mess up the environment.
  3. Air pollution:
    Bad things in the air, such as smoke or fumes, that make it unhealthy to breathe and can harm the planet.

Question 2. 

Name any four gaseous pollutants.

Ans:

Here are four gaseous pollutants:

  1. Carbon monoxide (CO)
  2. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
  3. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
  4. Methane (CH4)

Question 3. 

Name the compounds of sulphur that cause air pollution. Also, state the harmful effects of sulphur compounds.

Ans:

Sulphur compounds that contribute to air pollution primarily include sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and sulphur trioxide (SO₃). Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is also a pollutant in some cases.

Harmful effects of these compounds:

  • Health Impacts: SO₂ and fine sulphate particles irritate the respiratory system, worsening conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
  • Acid Rain: SO₂ and SO₃ react in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid, leading to acid rain. This acidifies water bodies, harms aquatic life, and damages soils.
  • Environmental Damage: Acid rain and direct exposure harm vegetation, forests, and crops, reducing growth and yield.
  • Material Corrosion: Acid deposition corrodes buildings, monuments (especially limestone and marble), metals, and infrastructure.
  • Smog Formation: Sulphate particles contribute to particulate matter (PM2.5), reducing visibility and forming haze, which poses additional health risks.

Question 4. 

1. State: natural sources of air pollution 

2. State: man-made sources of air pollution 

Ans:

  1. Natural sources of air pollution:
    • Gases and particles from volcanic activity.
    • Dust carried by wind from dry areas.
    • Smoke from wildfires ignited naturally.
    • Decaying organic matter in marshes.
    • Airborne spores and pollen from vegetation.
  2. Man-made sources of air pollution:
    • Combustion of coal, oil, and gas in industries.
    • Vehicle emissions from transportation.
    • Burning of crop residues in farming.
    • Dust and debris from construction activities.
    • Fumes from burning waste materials.