AP Environmental Science: Unit 7 - Atmospheric Pollution Guide

Air Pollution

The introduction of harmful chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the environment.

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants that are emitted directly from a source into the atmosphere in a harmful form.

Examples of Primary Pollutants

Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), suspended particulate matter.

Secondary Pollutants

Pollutants formed when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere.

Examples of Secondary Pollutants

Tropospheric Ozone (O3), Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4), Nitric Acid (HNO3), Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs).

Clean Air Act

Legislation that requires the EPA to set limits on six criteria air pollutants.

Criteria Pollutants (Mnemonic: SPLONC)

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Particulate Matter (PM), Lead (Pb), Ozone (Tropospheric O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO).

Anthropogenic Sources

Pollution sources that are human-made, such as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes.

Natural Sources

Pollution sources that occur naturally, like volcanic eruptions or forest fires.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution from a specific, fixed location, such as a factory smokestack.

Non-Point Source Pollution

Diffused sources of pollution that are harder to trace, such as runoff from agricultural areas.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution created when nitrogen oxides and VOCs react in sunlight.

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds that easily evaporate and can contribute to smog.

Smog Formation Reaction

NOx + VOCs + Sunlight → Ozone (O3) + PANs.

Effects of Photochemical Smog

Respiratory issues, environmental damage to plants, and reduced visibility.

Thermal Inversion

A weather phenomenon where warm air traps cooler air, preventing pollution from dispersing.

Common Locations for Thermal Inversion

Valleys and near mountain ranges where cool air is trapped.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, classified by size.

PM10

Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.

PM2.5

Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, more harmful to health.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Airborne contaminants that can be more harmful indoors due to lack of ventilation.

Developing Countries Indoor Pollutants

Primarily Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter from burning biomass.

Lead Pollution

Toxic substance found in old paint and water pipes, harmful to brain development.

Radon-222

A radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, found in homes from soil decay.

Remediation for Asbestos

Encapsulation or professional removal to prevent exposure.

Technological Solutions to Air Pollution

Methods like vapor recovery nozzles and catalytic converters to reduce emissions.

Regulatory Solutions to Air Pollution

Laws such as CAFE standards and cap-and-trade policies to control emissions.

Acid Rain

Precipitation with a pH lower than 5.6, harmful to ecosystems.

Formation of Acid Rain

Occurs with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from combustion or industrial activities.

Effects of Acid Rain

Soil nutrient leaching, harm to aquatic life, and corrosion of structures.

Noise Pollution

Sound levels that cause stress or hearing loss in humans and wildlife.

Health Effects of Noise Pollution

Hearing loss, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

Ecological Effects of Noise Pollution

Disruption of animal communication and predator-prey interactions.

Stratospheric vs. Tropospheric Ozone

Stratospheric ozone protects from UV radiation; tropospheric ozone is harmful to human health.

Greenhouse Effect vs. Ozone Depletion

Two separate issues: greenhouse gases induce warming; CFCs harm the ozone layer.

Acid Rain vs. Climate Change

Acid rain is a regional pollutant, climate change is a global greenhouse gas issue.

CO vs CO2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is toxic; Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas.

Sources of VOCs in Indoor Air

Furniture glues, carpets, and upholstery releasing irritating compounds.

Solutions for Mold in Homes

Improve ventilation, use dehumidifiers, and fix plumbing leaks.