Topic 1 Flashcards
What is the chemical definition of the atmosphere?
The chemical definition of the atmosphere is as a large chemical reacter or indeed a number of chemical reactors.
What is the definition of pollution?
Pollutions is defined as the addition to the environment of contamination (i.e. the occurence in a certain area) of waste materials.
What are the classifcations of pollutants?
The classification of pollutants are:
Degradable (can be oxidised in the environment by chemical/biological means) e.g. sewage, paper and food wastes.
Fertillisers (containing nitrates and phosphates) non-farming examples include washing powders.
Particulates - mainly come from internal combustion engines - examples include clay dusts and fly ash.
Dissipating (pollutants that have highly localised effects but are readily dispersed and diluted) e.g. acids and akalis also noise.
Conservative (recyclable wastes) papers, glasses, etc.
What are examples of natural and anthropogenic emissions?
Natural emissions include volcanism (releasing CO2 and SO2) and geological (CH4, non-methane hydrocarbons).
Anthropogenic emissions (those of human origin) mainly come from combustion (CO2, CO, NO), other examples are from refrigeration (CFCs, halons)
