AIR POLLUTION

• Air is one of the most important constituent of

the man’s environment.
• It is calculated that a man breaths about
22000 times a day inhaling about 16 kg of air
by weight.
• Therefore clean and pure air is very essential
for his health and survival.
 AIR POLLUTION
• Definition: Any solid, liquid, or gaseous substances
present in the atmosphere in such concentration that
may tend to be injurious to human beings or other
living creatures or plants or property of environment.
• Thus if concentration of ay substance or element in air
is more than a certain value it may affect man and
property, directly or indirectly may be termed as air
pollution.
 AIR POLLUTION
• Air pollution occurs in many forms but can generally
be thought of as gaseous and particulate contaminants
that are present in the earth’s atmosphere.
• Chemicals discharged into the air that have a direct
impact on the environment are called primary
pollutants.
• These primary pollutants sometimes react with other
chemicals in the air to produce secondary pollutants.
• Air pollution is typically separated into two categories:
outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution.
• Outdoor air pollution involves exposures that take
place outside of the built environment.
• Examples include fine particles produced by the
burning of coal, noxious gases such as sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide; ground-level
ozone and tobacco smoke.
• Indoor air pollution involves exposures to particulates,
carbon oxides, and other pollutants carried by indoor
air or dust.
• Examples include household products and chemicals,
out-gassing of building materials, allergens (cockroach
and mouse dropping, mold, pollen), and tobacco
smoke.
 Indoor Air Pollution
(Major concerns in developed countries)
• Most people spend approximately 90 percent of their time
indoors.
• The indoor air we breathe in homes and other buildings can
be more polluted than outdoor air and can increase the risk
of illness.
• There are many sources of indoor air pollution in homes.
• They include biological contaminants such as bacteria,
molds and pollen, burning of fuels and environmental
tobacco smoke, building materials and furnishings,
household products, central heating and cooling systems,
and outdoor sources.
• Sick building syndrome is a term used to describe
situations in which building occupants have health
symptoms that are associated only with spending time in
that building.
• Causes of sick building syndrome are believed to include
inadequate ventilation, indoor air pollution, and biological
contaminants.
• Usually indoor air quality problems only cause discomfort.
• Most people feel better as soon as they remove the source
of the pollution.
• Making sure that your building is well-ventilated and
getting rid of pollutants can improve the quality of your
indoor air.
 Common Air Pollutants
• The most commonly found air pollutants are particulate
matter, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides,
nitrogen oxides, and lead.
• Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but
is created by chemical reactions between oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in
the presence of sunlight. Breathing ozone can trigger a
variety of health problems, particularly for children, the
elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such
as asthma.
• Ground level ozone can also have harmful effects on
sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.
• Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, is a
complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid
droplets.
• Particle pollution is made up of a number of components,
including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic
chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.
• The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for
causing health problems.
• EPA is concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in
diameter or smaller because those are the particles that
generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the
lungs.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas
emitted from combustion processes.
• Nationally and, particularly in urban areas, the
majority of CO emissions to ambient air come
from mobile sources.
• CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing
oxygen delivery to the body’s organs (like the
heart and brain) and tissues.
• At extremely high levels, CO can cause death.
 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• NOx refers to a group of highly reactive gases
primarily composed of nitrogen monoxide (NO)
and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
• These gases are produced through both natural
and human activities.
• Formation
– O2 + N2 -----> 2NO
– 2NO + O2 -----> 2NO2
 Sources of NOx
• Natural Sources:
– Lightning discharges can generate high temperatures and pressures,
leading to the formation of nitrogen oxides as nitrogen and oxygen in
the air react.
– Volcanic eruptions release large quantities of NOx into the
atmosphere due to the combustion of organic and inorganic nitrogen
compounds.
• Anthropogenic
– Industrial activities, power generation, and transportation are major
contributors to NOx emissions.
– The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas in power plants, industrial
boilers, and residential heating releases significant amounts of NOx.
– Automobiles, trucks, ships, and aircraft are significant sources of NOx
emissions, primarily due to combustion engines.
 Types of Nitrogen Oxides
• Nitric Oxide (NO): Formed during high-temperature
combustion processes, such as those occurring in power
plants, industrial boilers, and vehicle engines.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Created through the oxidation of
NO in the atmosphere by reacting with ozone and other
oxidants. NO2 is often considered a proxy for overall NOx
pollution.
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Although not part of NOx, it is a
nitrogen compound released during agricultural and
industrial activities. It is a potent greenhouse gas.
 Environmental Impacts
• NOx contributes to the formation of smog and ground-
level ozone, which pose significant health risks.
• NOx reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in
the presence of sunlight, forming ozone. Ozone at
ground level can cause respiratory problems and eye
irritation.
• Exposure to high levels of NOx can lead to respiratory
problems, increased asthma attacks, lung damage, and
cardiovascular issues.
 Oxides of Sulphur (SOx)
• SOx refers to a group of highly reactive gases
primarily composed of sulphur dioxide (SO2)
and sulphur trioxide (SO3).
• These gases are produced through both
natural and human activities.
 Sources of SOx
• Natural Sources:
– Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of SOx into the
atmosphere due to the combustion of sulphur-rich rocks and
minerals.
• Anthropogenic
– The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas in power plants, industrial
boilers, and residential heating releases significant amounts of SOx.
– Certain industrial operations, such as metal smelting, petroleum
refining, and chemical manufacturing, emit SOx as byproducts.
– Ships, especially those burning high-sulphur bunker fuels, are
significant sources of SOx emissions.
– The combustion of waste materials, such as municipal solid waste or
hazardous waste, releases SOx into the atmosphere.
 Types of Sulphur Oxides
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Formed primarily through
the combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels.
It is the most common and prevalent SOx
compound in the atmosphere.
• Sulphur Trioxide (SO3): Formed through the
oxidation of SO2 in the atmosphere, particularly
in the presence of sunlight and certain catalysts.
It readily reacts with water to form sulphuric acid.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of a group of highly reactive
gasses known as “oxides of sulfur.”
• The largest sources of SO2 emissions are from fossil fuel
combustion at power plants (73%) and other industrial
facilities (20%).
• Smaller sources of SO2 emissions include industrial
processes such as
• extracting metal from ore, and the burning of high sulfur
containing fuels by locomotives, large ships, and non-road
equipment.
• SO2 is linked with a number of adverse effects on the
respiratory system.
 Environmental Impacts
• SOx emissions contribute to the formation of
particulate matter, acid rain, and smog.
• SO2 can combine with other compounds to form fine
particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep
into the lungs and cause respiratory problems.
• SOx reacts with atmospheric moisture to form
sulphuric acid, contributing to acid rain. Acid rain can
damage vegetation, soil, and aquatic ecosystems.
• SOx emissions, along with nitrogen oxides (NOx),
contribute to the formation of smog, which can lead to
respiratory issues and reduced visibility.
 Health Effects
• Inhalation of SOx can cause respiratory problems such
as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract
infections.
• Prolonged exposure to high levels of SOx may lead to
chronic respiratory diseases and increased mortality
rates.
• Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly,
and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions,
are particularly susceptible to the health effects of SOx.
• Lead is a metal found naturally in the environment as
well as in manufactured products.
• The major sources of lead emissions have historically
been from fuels in on-road motor vehicles (such as cars
and trucks) and industrial sources.
• The major sources of lead emissions to the air today
are ore and metals processing and piston-engine
aircraft operating on leaded aviation gasoline.
 SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
• Industrial Emissions
– Factories, power plants, and refineries release significant
amounts of pollutants into the air due to combustion processes
and chemical reactions.
– Combustion of fossil fuels in industrial settings produces
pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx),
carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM).
– Industrial processes involving chemical reactions, such as the
production of chemicals, metals, and cement, release volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
– Industrial emissions are concentrated in urban and industrial
areas, contributing to local and regional air pollution.
• Transportation:
– Transportation activities, including cars, trucks, ships, and
aircraft, contribute significantly to air pollution.
– Internal combustion engines in vehicles emit nitrogen oxides
(NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fuel combustion.
– High traffic areas, especially in cities and near highways,
experience elevated levels of air pollution due to vehicle
emissions.
– The increasing number of vehicles on the road, especially in
developing countries, poses a major challenge in controlling
transportation-related air pollution.
• Agricultural Activities
– Agricultural practices contribute to air pollution through various
activities.
– Livestock farming, particularly with large numbers of animals,
releases significant amounts of ammonia (NH3) and methane
(CH4) from animal waste.
– Crop burning, a common practice in some regions, releases
particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides
(NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the
atmosphere.
– The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can also lead
to the emission of ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
into the air.
• Residential Heating and Cooking:
– In many regions, residential heating and cooking activities
contribute to air pollution, especially in urban and rural areas.
– The burning of solid fuels such as wood, coal, and biomass
releases particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
– Traditional cooking methods, such as open fires and inefficient
stoves, can produce high levels of indoor and outdoor air
pollution.
– Indoor air pollution from residential sources has significant
health implications, particularly for women and children who
spend more time indoors.
• Natural Sources
– Dust storms and sandstorms generate large amounts of airborne dust
and particulate matter (PM) in arid and desert regions, causing
localized air pollution episodes.
– Wildfires release smoke, particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide
(CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
into the atmosphere, resulting in regional or even global air pollution.
– Volcanic eruptions release a significant amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2),
ash, and other pollutants into the atmosphere, leading to regional air
pollution episodes and the formation of volcanic smog (vog).
– Biological emissions, such as pollen, spores, and microbial particles,
contribute to airborne allergens and can trigger respiratory issues in
susceptible individuals.
– While natural sources of air pollution are often episodic and
uncontrollable, their impacts can be mitigated through monitoring,
early warning systems, and adaptation strategies.
 EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTANTS
1. Effect on Vegetation:
• Vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological
balance by participating in essential processes such as
photosynthesis
• Through photosynthesis, vegetation produces oxygen,
ensuring a breathable environment for humans
• Vegetation provides habitats and food sources for
diverse animal species, contributing to overall
biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems.
Direct Effects on Plants:
• Leaf Damage: Air pollutants can cause visible damage to
plant leaves, including discoloration, necrosis, and lesions.
• Stomatal Closure: Plants respond to air pollution by closing
their stomata, tiny openings on leaves, to reduce pollutant
uptake. This limits photosynthesis and affects plant growth.
• Reduced Nutrient Uptake: Air pollutants can interfere with
nutrient absorption by plants, leading to nutrient
deficiencies and impaired growth.
• Growth Inhibition: Exposure to air pollution can stunt plant
growth and development, affecting both height and
biomass production.
Indirect Effects on Plants:
• Air pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
contribute to the formation of acid rain. Acid rain damages foliage,
inhibits photosynthesis, and alters soil chemistry.
• High levels of ozone can induce oxidative stress in plants, leading to
cellular damage, reduced growth, and decreased crop yield.
• Airborne pollutants can deposit onto the soil, contaminating it with
heavy metals and toxic substances. This can harm root systems and
disrupt nutrient cycling.
• Air pollution can modify local weather patterns, including
temperature and rainfall. Changes in the microclimate can impact
plant physiology and growth.
Visible Symptoms of Air Pollution on Vegetation
• Present examples of visible signs of air pollution
impacts on plants:
– Chlorosis: Yellowing or bleaching of leaves due to
damage to chlorophyll.
– Necrosis: Browning or death of plant tissues caused by
toxic air pollutants.
– Stunted Growth: Reduction in plant size, biomass, and
overall growth rate.
– Foliar Injury: Physical damage to leaves.
2. Effects on Materials:

Effects on Metals
– Corrosion: Air pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxide, can react
with metal surfaces, leading to corrosion and rust formation.
– Material Degradation: Corrosion weakens metals,
compromising their structural integrity and reducing their
lifespan.
– Discoloration: Metal surfaces can become discolored due to the
deposition of particulate matter and chemical reactions with
pollutants.
– Erosion: Airborne particles and acidic gases can cause erosion of
metal surfaces, particularly in industrial and coastal areas.
Effects on Building Materials:
– Acidic gases in the atmosphere react with concrete
structures, leading to their deterioration and cracking.
– Air pollutants can cause discoloration, chalking, and
degradation of paint and protective coatings on buildings.
– Ultraviolet radiation and pollutants in the air can cause
fading, brittleness, and degradation of textiles and plastics
used in buildings and furnishings.
– Particulate matter and pollutants can deposit on building
surfaces, causing soiling and staining, particularly in urban
areas.
Effects on Electronic Devices:
• Air pollutants can infiltrate electronic devices,
leading to corrosion of circuit boards and
electronic components.
• Reduced Performance and Lifespan:
Contamination of electronic components can
affect their functionality, leading to reduced
performance and shorter lifespans.
• Air pollution can contribute to malfunctions and
failures of electronic devices, impacting
industries, businesses, and individuals.
 CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION
• Regulatory Measures
– Implementing and enforcing stringent emission standards for industries,
vehicles, power plants, and other pollution sources to limit the release of
harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
– Establishing regular monitoring systems to ensure compliance with
emission standards, including periodic inspections, emissions testing, and
penalties for non-compliance.
– Conducting comprehensive assessments before approving new industrial
projects to evaluate potential air pollution impacts and require
appropriate pollution control measures.
– Implementing cap and trade systems where emission limits are set, and
companies can buy and sell emission permits, encouraging industries to
reduce pollution levels and fostering economic incentives for cleaner
technologies.
• Promotion of Clean Technologies:
– Renewable Energy Sources: Encouraging the transition to clean and
renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal
power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease emissions from
energy generation.
– Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy-efficient practices and
technologies in industries, buildings, and transportation to reduce
energy consumption and lower pollutant emissions.
– Electric Vehicles: Supporting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs)
through incentives, charging infrastructure development, and research
and development to reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
– Clean Industrial Processes: Promoting the use of cleaner technologies,
such as scrubbers, catalytic converters, and advanced filtration
systems, to reduce emissions from industrial processes and minimize
pollution.
• Public Awareness and Education:
• Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate individuals
about the causes and impacts of air pollution, as well as promoting
sustainable practices and individual actions to reduce pollution.
• Highlighting the health risks associated with air pollution, such as
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and reduced quality
of life, to motivate individuals and communities to take action.
• Encouraging behavioral changes, such as reducing car usage,
carpooling, using public transportation, and adopting eco-friendly
practices in daily life, to minimize personal contributions to air
pollution.
• Integrating air pollution and environmental education into school
curricula to raise awareness among students and empower them to
become advocates for cleaner air and sustainable living.