Unit-III

Air pollution
[Link]:
Air is one of the five essentials for almost all the life forms on biosphere. Even though the air is
abundantly available over the surface of earth, but it contains a lot of impurities due to natural and
manmade activities.
Air pollution is broad term applied to any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies

the natural characteristics of atmosphere

OR

Exposure of pollutants affects the actual quality of Air is known as Air pollution

[Link] of Air pollutants:

These are large stationary sources such as industries,
Point Sources power plants, Municipal incinerations etc.
Stationary Sources

These are small stationary sources and mobile sources

Area Sources with indefinite routes such as residential heating,
commercial and institutional heating, open burning, city
traffic etc..

Mobile Sources Line Sources These are highways, railway tracks, navigation routes, etc.

Area Sources These are ports, Aircrafts, mobile vehicles etc

 [Link] Air Pollutants of Air Pollution:
Maximum
acceptable
Pollutant Common sources Environmental risks Human health risks
concentration in the
atmosphere
Carbon Automobile emissions, 35 ppm (1-hour contributes to smog exacerbates
monoxide fires, industrial processes period); 9 ppm (8- formation symptoms of heart
hour period) disease, such as
chest pain; may
cause vision
problems and
reduce physical and
mental capabilities
in healthy people
Nitrogen Automobile emissions, 0.053 ppm (1-year damage to foliage; inflammation and
oxides (NO electricity generation, period) contributes to smog irritation of
and NO2) industrial processes formation breathing passages
Sulfur dioxide Electricity generation, 0.03 ppm (1-year major cause of haze; breathing
(SO2) fossil-fuel combustion, period); 0.14 ppm contributes to acid rain difficulties,
industrial processes, (24-hour period) formation, which particularly for
automobile emissions subsequently damages people with asthma
foliage, buildings, and and heart disease
monuments; reacts to
form particulate matter
Ozone(O3) Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 0.075 ppm (8-hour interferes with the reduced lung
volatile organic compounds period) ability of certain function; irritation
(VOCs) from industrial and plants to respire, and inflammation
automobile emissions, leading to increased of breathing
gasoline vapours, chemical susceptibility to other passages
solvents, and electrical environmental
utilities stressors (e.g., disease,
harsh weather)
Particulate Sources of primary particles 150 μg/m3 (24-hour contributes to Irritation of
matter include fires, smokestacks, period for particles formation of haze as breathing passages,
construction sites, and <10 μm); 35 well as acid rain, aggravation of
unpaved roads; sources of μg/m3 (24-hour which changes the pH asthma, irregular
secondary particles include period for particles balance of waterways heartbeat
reactions between gaseous <2.5 μm) and damages foliage,
 chemicals emitted by power buildings, and
plants and automobiles monuments
Lead (Pb) Metal processing, waste 0.15 μg/m3 (rolling Loss of biodiversity, Adverse effects
incineration, fossil-fuel three-month decreased upon multiple
combustion average); 1.5 reproduction, bodily systems;
μg/m3 (quarterly neurological problems may contribute to
average) in vertebrates learning disabilities
when young
children are
exposed;
cardiovascular
effects in adults

Carbon monoxide:
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas formed as a result of incomplete combustion. Nearly 50
percent of all CO emission originates from automobiles. It is also present in cigarette [Link] is highly
poisonous and reduce the oxygen carrying capacity in blood

Sulfur dioxide:
A colorless gas with a sharp, choking odour, sulfur dioxide is formed during the combustion of coal or oil
that contains sulfur as an impurity. Most sulfur dioxide emissions come from power-generating plants; very
little comes from mobile sources. This pungent gas can cause eye and throat irritation and harm lung tissue
when inhaled. Sulfur dioxide also reacts with oxygen and water vapor in the air, forming a mist
of sulfuric acid that reaches the ground as a component of acid rain. Acid rain is believed to have
harmed or destroyed fish and plant life in many thousands of lakes and streams it also causes
corrosion of metals and deterioration of the exposed surfaces of buildings and public monuments.

Nitrogen dioxide:
Of the several forms of nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide—a pungent, irritating gas—is of most concern. It
is known to cause pulmonary edema, an accumulation of excessive fluid in the lungs. Nitrogen dioxide also
reacts in the atmosphere to form nitric acid, contributing to the problem of acid rain. In addition,
nitrogen dioxide plays a role in the formation of photochemical smog, a reddish brown haze that often is
seen in many urban areas and that is created by sunlight-promoted reactions in the lower atmosphere.

Ozone:
A key component of photochemical smog, ozone is formed by a complex reaction between nitrogen
dioxide and hydrocarbons in the presence of [Link] is considered as pollutant in lower atmosphere as
and contribute in global warming and green house effect.

Lead:
Inhaled lead particulates in the form of fumes and dusts are particularly harmful to children, in whom
even slightly elevated levels of lead in the blood can cause learning disabilities, seizures, or even death
(see lead poisoning). Sources of airborne lead particulates include oil refining, smelting, and other
industrial activities.

[Link] of Air Pollution on Human Health:

The air we breathe has not only life sustaining properties but also life damaging [Link] impurities
in the inhaled air can affect human health in a number of ways depending upon the nature and
concentration of pollutants,duration of exposure and age group of receptor. The various health effects are as
under:

 Eye irritation can be caused by many air pollutants such as NOx,O3,smog and particulates
 Estimated 0.62 million mortalities occur annually in India that could be attributed to PM2.5
pollution in 2010. TERI projected the mortalities to increase to 1.1 million in 2031 and 1.8
million in 2051, in a business-as-usual scenario.
 Hydrogen fluoride can cause fluorosis and mottling of teeth
 Exposure of radioactive isotopes like iodine 131,phosphorous 32 etc can cause
anemia,leukaemia,cancer and genetic defects

 Other than outdoor pollution, biomass used in rural regions and urban slums for cooking and
kerosene for lighting is associated indoor air pollution and with a variety of health diseases such as
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, tuberculosis, cataract and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Effects of Air Pollution on Materials:
Direct damage to structural metals, surface coating fabrics and other materials of commerce is a frequent
and widespread effects of air pollution. This destruction is related to many types of pollutants but chiefly
attributed to acid acid mists, oxidants of various kinds, H2S and particulate matters of combustion and
industrial processing.

Effect on Metals: Corrosion of surface with eventual loss of materials from the surface and alteration in
electrical properties of metals eg: Zinc is often used a protective coating on iron to form galvanized iron.

Effect on Stones: Soiling and deterioration of limestone,marble stone [Link]:Carbon dioxide in presence of
moisture forms carbonic [Link] is responsible for deterioration

Effects on Paints: H2S reacts with lead base pigments to blackened it.

Effects of Air Pollution on Vegetation:

The primary factor that govers the gas absorption by the plant leaves is the degree of opening of
[Link] are m,any effects of air pollution vegetation is listed below:

) Reduced Photosynthesis and Growth

Photosynthesis, the very cornerstone of plant life, ensures growth and nourishment. This process is
imperilled by particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These agents often hamper
the chlorophyll’s absorption capability, derailing the natural process of converting light to chemical
energy.

.2) Damage to Leaf Structure and Function:Air pollutants’ insidious nature means they can settle onto
the leaf surfaces, initiating a sequence of deleterious effects. The visible symptoms are manifold, from
necrotic spots and premature leaf drop to yellowing and stippling. These damages disrupt essential
functions like transpiration, making plants vulnerable to heat stress, nutrient deficiencies, and subsequent
illnesses.

3) Changes in Reproductive Success

From the larger perspective of an ecosystem’s vitality, air pollution’s effect on plant reproduction is
severely unsettling. Pollutants can distort the structural integrity of pollens, debilitating their
function. With compromised pollen health, plants face daunting challenges in reproduction

[Link] for Control of Air Pollution:

 Drive less: Drive fewer miles by walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation.

 Use less energy: Use less electricity and reduce your energy consumption.

 Recycle and reuse: Reduce waste by recycling and reusing items.

 Avoid plastic bags: Plastic bags take a long time to decompose and are harmful to the environment.

 Use fans instead of air conditioners: Air conditioners use a lot of energy and emit a lot of heat.

 Avoid burning garbage: Don't burn your garbage or have backyard fires.

 Plant trees: Plant and care for trees.

 Use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment: Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn

equipment.

 Keep your car in good repair: Keep your car serviced on time.

[Link] Overview:

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: On December 3, 1984, about 45 tons of the dangerous gas methyl
isocyanate escaped from an insecticide plant that was owned by the Indian subsidiary of the American
firm Union Carbide Corporation. The gas drifted over the densely populated neighborhoods around the
plant, killing thousands of people immediately and creating a panic as tens of thousands of others
attempted to flee Bhopal. The final death toll was estimated to be between 15,000 and 20,000. Some half a
million survivors suffered respiratory problems, eye irritation or blindness, and other maladies resulting
from exposure to the toxic gas; many were awarded compensation of a few hundred dollars. Investigations
later established that substandard operating and safety procedures at the understaffed plant had led to
the disaster. In 1998 the former factory site was turned over to the state of Madhya Pradesh
London Smog:
he Great London Smog of 1952 (also just called the Great Smog) was an environmental disaster of
unprecedented severity as a result of critical air pollution. Its impact ultimately served as a turning point in
enacting the first air quality legislation in the United Kingdom and paved the way for future
environmentalism. On December 5, 1952, fog descended upon the city of London. This was not unusual,
as it was winter, and the capital was known for its misty weather. However, the fog later turned
into smog as a result of mixing with smoke from coal-burning factories and chimneys, and diesel-fueled
automobiles and buses. London had experienced these types of smog before. They were called “pea-
soupers” due to their yellowish-brown appearance. Today, pea-soupers are known as sulphurous smog or
“London smog”. These result from a high concentration of sulphur oxides (SO x) in the atmosphere from
fossil fuels high in sulphur, such as coal. They are exacerbated by dampness and particulate matter (PM):
water vapour would stick to the released particulates and produce thick and dark clouds that impaired
visibility.