Environmental Pollution

Chapter 3
Environmental Pollution
Air pollution- Sources and effects of pollutants, primary and secondary pollutants, control
measures. Acid rain: Impacts on human communities and agriculture. Green-house effect:
Definition, causes and consequences. Depletion of ozone layer:CFC, destruction of ozone layer
by CFC, consequences, the effect of ozone modification, Photochemical smog, Bhopal gas
tragedy.

Water pollution- Water characteristics, water quality (WHO standard), natural water pollutants
their origin and effects: oxygen demanding wastes, pathogens, nutrients, salts, heavy metals,
pesticides, volatile organic compounds. River/ lake/ ground water pollution: DO, BOD, COD,
TOC, oil & grease, pH and eutrophication. Thermal pollution-Cause, effects and control
measures.

Solid waste management- Causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial
wastes.

Nuclear hazards- Causes, effects and control measures.

 Pollution
 Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that
cause adverse change, in the form of killing of life, toxicity of environment, damage
to ecosystem and aesthetics of our surrounding .

 The term pollution can be defined as the influence of any

substance causing a nuisance, harmful effects, and uneasiness
to the organisms.

 Pollutant:- Any substance causing harmful effects or

uneasiness to the organisms, then that particular
substance may be called as a pollutant.

 Pollutants may be physical, chemical or biological substance

unintentionally released into the environment which is directly
or indirectly harmful to humans and other living organisms
 Composition of Air
Earth is the only planet in the solar system with an atmosphere that can sustain life.
The blanket of gases not only contains the air that we breathe but also protects us
from the blasts of heat and radiation emanating from the sun. It warms the planet
by day and cools it at night.

Atmosphere layers: Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers:

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
The troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth's surface. It is 7 to 20 km
thick and contains half of Earth's atmosphere. Air is warmer near the ground
and gets colder higher up. Nearly all of the water vapor and dust in the
atmosphere are in this layer, and that is why clouds are found here.
 Earth's atmosphere
• Although the Earth's atmosphere
extends to several layers above
the surface, only the first 30 km
hold the major portion of the
atmospheric gases.
• Man is most directly concerned
with only the 8-10 km of the
atmosphere.

Layers of Atmosphere
 Types of Pollution

 Air pollution

 Noise pollution

 Water pollution

 Soil pollution

 Thermal pollution

 Radiation pollution
 Air Pollution
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals,
particulate matter, or biological materials that cause
harm or discomfort to humans or other living
organisms or cause damage to the natural
environment

A substance in the air that can cause harm to humans

and the environment is known as an air pollutant
Sources of Air Pollution
 CLASSIFICATION OF AIR POLLUTANTS

 Primary pollutants

 Pollutants that are emitted directly from identifiable

sources – produced by both natural events or human
activities.
E.g. Dust storms, vehicle emissions, Cox, NOx, SOx, etc.
 Secondary pollutants

 When certain chemical reactions take place among the

primary pollutants
E.g. Sulfuric acid, ozone, photochemical smog, nitric acid,
peroxy acetyl nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, acid rain,
sulfurous smog, and aldehydes
What are air toxics?
• Air toxics are pollutants that are known to cause cancer and
serious health problems.
• They are emitted in small amounts but can have short-term and
long-term effects, depending on the level of exposure, causing
respiratory and neurological diseases.
 Types of Sources
There are four main types of air pollution sources:
Mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains
Stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial
facilities, and factories
Area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning
fireplaces
Natural sources – such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes
 Health Impacts of Exposure
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and poisonous gas
• CO forms when the carbon in fuels does not completely burn.
• Vehicle exhaust contributes roughly 60% of all CO emissions nationwide and up
to 95% in cities.
• Other sources include fuel combustion in industrial processes and natural
sources such as wildfires.
• CO concentrations typically are highest during cold weather because cold
temperatures make combustion less complete and cause inversions that trap
pollutants low to the ground.

Hazards
• CO enters the bloodstream through the lungs and binds chemically to
haemoglobin, the substance in blood that carries oxygen to cells.
• In this way, CO interferes with the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to
organs and tissue throughout the body.
• This can cause slower reflexes and drowsiness.
• It can also reduce visual perception and coordination and decrease the ability to
learn.
Particulate Matter
• Particulate matter (PM) is the term for small particles in the air, including dust, dirt,
soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Particles can be suspended in the air for long
periods. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke.
• Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter are the most significant health concern
because they can be inhaled into and accumulate in the respiratory system.
• Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are referred to as fine particles.
• Sources of fine particles include all types of combustion (e.g., motor vehicles, power
plants, and wood burning) and some industrial processes.
• Particles with diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers are referred to as coarse.

Hazards
• Coarse particles can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.
• Adverse health effects have been associated with PM exposure over short
periods (such as a day) and extended periods (a year or more).
• When exposed to PM, people with existing heart or lung diseases such as
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart disease, or
ischemic heart disease—are at increased risk of premature death or ailments.
• When exposed to PM, children and people with existing lung disease may be
unable to breathe normally and experience symptoms such as coughing and
shortness of breath.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO)
• NO is a brownish, highly reactive gas in all urban atmospheres.
• NO can irritate the lungs, cause bronchitis and pneumonia, and lower
resistance to respiratory infections.
• NO contributes to ozone and acid rain formation and may affect
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• The principal mechanism for forming NO in the atmosphere is
oxidizing the primary air pollutant nitric oxide (NO)—nitrogen oxide
forms when fuel is burned at high temperatures.
Hazards
• In children and adults with respiratory diseases such as asthma, nitrogen
dioxide can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Even short exposures to nitrogen dioxide can affect lung function.
• In children, short-term exposure can increase the risk of respiratory
illness.
• Animal studies suggest that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide may
increase susceptibility to respiratory infection and cause permanent lung
damage.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
• SO2 is a colourless, reactive gas produced while burning sulfur-
containing fuels such as coal and oil, during metal smelting, and by
other industrial processes.
• SO2 emitted to the atmosphere results largely from stationary sources
such as coal and oil combustion, steel mills, refineries, pulp and paper
mills, nonferrous smelters, power plants, and industrial boilers.

Hazards
• High concentrations of SO2 affect breathing and may aggravate
existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Sensitive populations include asthmatics, individuals with bronchitis
or emphysema, children, and the elderly.
• SO2 is also a primary contributor to acid rain, which causes
acidification of lakes and streams and can damage trees, crops,
buildings, and statues.
• In addition, sulphur compounds in the air contribute to visibility
impairment in large parts of the country.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• VOCs are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water
solubility.
• Many VOCs are human-made chemicals used and produced in
manufacturing paints, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, wood preservatives,
pesticides, and automotive products.
• VOCs typically are industrial solvents, such as trichloroethylene; fuel
oxygenates, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE); or by-products
produced by chlorination in water treatment, such as chloroform.
• VOCs comprise petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry
cleaning agents.
• VOCs are common ground-water contaminants.

Hazards
• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea
• Damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system
• Some organics can cause cancer in animals. Some are suspected or known
to cause cancer in humans.
Ozone (O3)
• Ozone is a gas that forms in the atmosphere when three oxygen atoms are
combined.
• It is not emitted directly into the air but is created at ground level by a
chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in
the presence of sunlight.
• Ozone can be good or bad, depending on its location in the atmosphere.
• Ozone occurs in two layers of the atmosphere. At ground-level or bad ozone is
an air pollutant that damages human health, vegetation, and many common
materials. The stratospheric, or good ozone layer, extends upward from about
10 to 30 miles and protects life on Earth from
Hazards
• It damages lung tissue, reduces lung function, and sensitizes the lungs to other
irritants.
• Scientific evidence indicates that ambient levels of ozone not only affect
people with impaired respiratory systems, such as asthmatics, and healthy
adults and children.
• Exposure to ozone for several hours can significantly reduce lung function and
induce respiratory inflammation in normal, healthy people during exercise.
 Effects of Air Pollution

Air Pollution affects???

• Human health
• Animals
• Plants
• Materials
• Environment
 Effect on Human Health
 The main problems are related to Respiratory Track - Asthma, high fever, and
other allergic diseases.

 Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. In severe cases, there may be headaches,
nausea, and loss of coordination.

 Prolonged exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, digestive

problems, and in some cases, cause Lung cancer.

 It lowers our resistance to colds and pneumonia.

 CO has an affinity towards Hb, which cause disturbance in the transportation of

Oxygen, impairing our concentration, slowing our reflexes, and making us
confused and sleepy.

 SO2 in the air leads to diseases of the lung and other lung disorders such as
wheezing and shortness of breath.

 Chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the
brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys.
 Effect on Plants
 Pollutants enter through the stomata.

 Destroy chlorophyll and affect photosynthesis.

 Cuticle( Wax Layer on Leaves) is lost.

 Necrosis – Damage to Leaf Structure.

 Chlorosis - Loss/ reduction of Chlorophyll.

 Abscission - Dropping of leaf.

 Epinasty – Downward curling of Leaf

 Effect on Animals and Materials

 Corrosion of metal surfaces, fading.

 SO2 & water form H2S – corrosion and disfigurement of

statues made up of limestone or Marble.

 Air pollutants mix with rain water and increase the acidity
(Acid Rain) of the water body and kill fish.

 Ozone causes the crackling of rubber.

 Effect on Environment
o Visibility

o Pollutants in the presence of sunlight produce photochemical

Smog

o Emission of Green House Gases tend to Global Warming

o CFCs cause Ozone Depletion

National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 Control of Air Pollution
 Installing devices which reduce release of pollutants

 Devices like filters, electrostatic precipitators, cyclones

etc.

 Using low sulphur coal

 Regular engine tune-up, replacement of old more

polluting vehicles

 Using mass transport system, bicycles etc.

 Shifting to less polluting fuels

 Planting more trees
 Introduction to Acid Rain
 Normal rainwater is always slightly acidic because CO2 is
present in the atmosphere. get dissolved in the form of
carbonic acid.

 Normal acidity of rainwater is 5.6

H2O (l) + CO2 (g) H2CO3 (aq)

 Because of SO2 & NO2 gases as pollutants in the

atmosphere.

 The pH of rain is further lowered to 2.4 & this type of

Precipitation is called ACID RAIN.

 Acid rain is the combination of H2SO4, HNO3, and HCl.

 History of Acid Rain

 Since the industrial revolution, emissions of SO2 & NO2 in

the atmosphere have increased.

 In 1852 ROBERT ANGUS SMITH was the first to show

relation b/w acid rain & atmosphere pollution in
Manchester (England)

 Term acid rain was generated by SMITH in 1872.

 The problem of acid rain has not only increased with

population & industrial growth but has become
widespread.
 Acid Rain Formation

 Emissions of SO2 and NO2 react with water vapour in the atmosphere to
create H2SO4 and HNO3.
Chemical Processes Involved
in acid rain
 Formation of Sulphuric Acid
S + O2 SO2
SO2 + 1/2O2 + H2O H2SO4

 Reaction Involving Formation Of Nitric Acid

NO + O3 NO2+O2
NO2 + O3 NO3+O2
NO3 + NO2 N2O5
N2O5 + H2O 2HNO3
 Formation of Hydrochloric Acid
Dissolved in
HCl (g) Water
HCl acid (l)
 Causes Of Acid Rain
NATURAL CAUSES:-
 Volcanic emissions
 Biological processes
 Lightning

ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES:-
 Industrialization
 Motor vehicles, automobile exhaust
 Coal-based power plants
 Domestic fires
 Smelters
 Adverse Effect of Acid Rain
Plants:
o Effects plants and trees.
o Causes yellowing of leaf tissue (chlorosis)
o Direct effect on plant growth due to toxification of soil
o It takes away soil nutrients causing stunted growth.
o Block stomatal pores of leaves.
o In the electron transport system, biochemical reactions
dominated by pH are affected.
o Degradation of plant chlorophyll.
Soil:
o Acid rain damages soil biological and chemically
o Microbes are not able to tolerate low pH and die
o The upper fertile layer of soil is affected as
essential nutrients are leached away from the soil

Surface Water and Aquatic Animals

o Acid rain causes lower pH in surface water that causes
damage to fish and aquatic animals.
o The biodiversity of water bodies is reduced.
o Lakes and rivers are fragile ecosystems where each species
depend on the other to survive, if one disappears other too
disappears.
Human Health:
o The aerosol mist of H2SO4 has
very serious respiratory effects.
o Acidification plays havoc with the
human nervous system,
respiratory system, and digestive
system.
 Effect on Buildings

o Causes extensive damage to buildings,

and structural materials of marble,
limestone, slate etc.
CaCO3+H2SO4 CaSO4+H2O+CO2

o In Greece and Italy, invaluable stone

statues have been partially dissolved by
acid rain.

o The Taj Mahal in Agra is also suffering

due to acid fumes from Mathura refinery.
 CURE of Acid Rain
1. Decrease Emissions of SOX and NOX.
2. Reduction of use of Conventional Resources
3. Treatment of Industrial Gases before emissions
4. Alternate Energy Resources
5. Considering Nuclear Energy as an option for fuel
6. Purification of Polluted Water
 CONCLUSION
 Environmental pollution is causing much distress to humans
and animals, driving many animal species to endangerment and
even extinction.
 Everything on our planet is interconnected, and while nature
supplies us with valuable environmental services without which
we can’t exist, we all depend on each other’s actions and how
we treat natural resources.
 It is the responsibility of everyone to protect our environment.
 Let us fulfill our responsibilities in creating a quality ecological
environment and sharing excellent green living.