Maintaining air quality Flashcards
What is the volume composition of gases present in dry air?
approx. 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and remainder being noble gases (mainly argon) and carbon dioxide
What are some common atmospheric pollutants?
carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NO,NO2), sulfur dioxide, methane, ozone, unburnt hydrocarbons
What is the source of the pollutant carbon monoxide?
from incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances
What is the source of nitrogen oxides?
from lightning activity and internal combustion engines
What is the source of sulfur dioxide?
volcanoes and combustion of fossil fuels
What is the effect of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide on our health and the environment?
- causes breathing difficulties
- irritates eyes and lungs
- causes acid rain which:
–> corrodes marble buildings and metal structures
–> lowers pH in soil and water bodies, harming aquatic life and affecting plant growth
What are the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming?
Carbon dioxide, methane
What are the sources of carbon dioxide?
combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation
What are the sources of methane?
- waste gases from cattle
- produced when animals and plants decay
What are the effects of global warming?
- extreme weather conditions may occur more frequently
- ocean warming and acidification
- melting of polar ice caps
What is the process of combustion on the carbon cycle?
When carbon containing fuel are burnt in excess oxygen, CO2 is formed and is released into the atmosphere
