Module 1

Air Pollutants
Sources
Air pollutants come from various natural and human-made sources. Here’s an overview of common air pollutants and
their main sources:
1. Particulate Matter (PM)
• Sources:
o Primary sources: Construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires release particles
directly.
o Secondary sources: Formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere, such as sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides reacting with other compounds to form PM.
2. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Sources:
o Motor vehicle exhaust, fuel combustion in industries, wood-burning stoves, and wildfires.
o Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels is a major source.
3. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• Sources:
o Motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and power plants.
o Lightning strikes and certain soil bacteria also produce small amounts.
4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
• Sources:
o Fossil fuel combustion, especially in coal-fired power plants and oil refineries.
o Volcanic eruptions and certain industrial processes, like metal extraction and petroleum refining.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Sources:
o Motor vehicles, industrial processes, solvent use, and chemical manufacturing.
o Natural sources include vegetation (like trees), which emit VOCs such as isoprene and monoterpenes.
6. Ozone (O₃)
• Sources:
o Secondary pollutant: Not emitted directly but forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and VOCs.
o Motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents contribute to ozone
formation.
7. Lead
• Sources:
o Historically from leaded gasoline, now reduced due to regulations.
 o Today, it is mostly from industrial processes, lead-based paint, and battery manufacturing.
8. Ammonia (NH₃)
• Sources:
o Agricultural activities, including livestock waste and fertilizer use.
o Industrial processes and some vehicle emissions also contribute.
9. Heavy Metals (e.g., Mercury, Cadmium)
• Sources:
o Coal combustion, metal processing, waste incineration, and certain industrial processes.
o Mercury is also released from natural sources like volcanic activity.
10. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
• Sources:
o Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and some industrial processes.
o Methane (CH₄): Agriculture (especially livestock), landfills, and natural gas production.
o Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Agricultural soil management, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial processes.
o Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Formerly used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants, now largely
regulated due to ozone layer damage.

Air Pollutants Classification

Air pollutants are generally classified based on their origin, chemical composition, and impact on the environment and
human health. Here are the main classifications:
1. Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants
• Primary Pollutants: Emitted directly from identifiable sources into the atmosphere. Examples include:
o Carbon monoxide (CO)
o Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
o Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
o Particulate matter (PM)
o Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Secondary Pollutants: Not emitted directly; instead, they form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions
between primary pollutants and other atmospheric components. Examples include:
o Ozone (O₃) formed from NOx and VOCs in the presence of sunlight.
o Sulfates and nitrates, which contribute to fine particulate matter.
o Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), a component of photochemical smog.
2. Based on Physical State
• Gaseous Pollutants: Pollutants in the form of gases, which can mix easily with the air. Examples include:
o Carbon monoxide (CO)
o Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
o Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
 o Ozone (O₃)
• Particulate Pollutants: Solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, such as dust, smoke, mist, and soot.
Examples include:
o Particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅)
o Lead particles
o Asbestos fibers
3. Based on Sources
• Natural Pollutants: Released from natural sources, usually in smaller amounts that the environment can
typically handle without much impact. Examples include:
o Volcanic ash
o Sea salt spray
o Pollen and spores
o Forest fires (naturally occurring)
o Methane from wetlands
• Anthropogenic (Human-made) Pollutants: Result from human activities and are usually more significant
contributors to pollution. Examples include:
o Emissions from vehicles
o Industrial emissions
o Agricultural emissions, such as ammonia from fertilizers
o Smoke from burning fossil fuels
4. Based on Impact on Health and Environment
• Criteria Pollutants: These are commonly found pollutants that pose health risks and are regulated by agencies
like the EPA under ambient air quality standards. Examples include:
o Particulate matter (PM)
o Ozone (O₃)
o Carbon monoxide (CO)
o Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
o Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
o Lead (Pb)
• Toxic Air Pollutants (or Hazardous Air Pollutants - HAPs): Pollutants that cause severe health effects, including
cancer, birth defects, and reproductive issues. Examples include:
o Benzene
o Formaldehyde
o Mercury
o Dioxins
5. Based on Chemical Composition
• Organic Pollutants: Carbon-based compounds, often volatile and potentially toxic. Examples include:
 o Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene
o Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Inorganic Pollutants: Non-carbon-based compounds. Examples include:
o Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
o Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
o Ammonia (NH₃)
o Metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium

Effects on Human
• Respiratory Issues: Pollutants like particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
can irritate the respiratory system, leading to issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular Problems: Long-term exposure to pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and PM can lead to
cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, hypertension, and arrhythmias.
• Nervous System Damage: Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, are neurotoxic and can impair cognitive
development in children, reduce IQ, and lead to behavioral problems.
• Cancer: Toxic air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
are known carcinogens and increase the risk of various cancers, especially lung cancer.
• Birth Defects and Developmental Issues: Exposure to certain air pollutants, like carbon monoxide, can harm
fetal development and lead to birth defects, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
• Irritation of Eyes, Nose, and Throat: Pollutants such as ozone (O₃) and VOCs can cause irritation, burning,
and redness in the eyes, nose, and throat.

Effects on Vegetation
• Reduced Photosynthesis: Pollutants like ozone (O₃) can damage plant leaves and reduce photosynthetic
activity, leading to stunted growth and lower crop yields.
• Acid Rain: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to acid rain, which lowers the pH of soil
and water. Acid rain leaches essential nutrients from the soil, damages root systems, and makes trees more
susceptible to disease and environmental stress.
• Nutrient Imbalance: Airborne ammonia and nitrogen compounds can lead to nutrient imbalances in soil,
harming sensitive plant species and reducing biodiversity.
• Visible Damage to Foliage: Pollutants, especially ozone, can cause visible damage to plant leaves, such as
yellowing, stippling, and premature leaf drop.
• Damage to Crop Yields: Certain crops, like wheat, soybeans, and peanuts, are sensitive to ozone and may
experience reduced yields due to prolonged exposure.

Effects on Materials
• Corrosion of Buildings and Monuments: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to the
formation of acid rain, which accelerates the corrosion of metals, stone, and concrete. Historic monuments and
buildings are especially vulnerable.
• Degradation of Paint and Coatings: Pollutants like ozone and nitrogen dioxide can cause paint on buildings
and vehicles to fade and deteriorate faster, leading to higher maintenance costs.
• Weakening of Metals: Acidic pollutants can corrode metals used in infrastructure, such as bridges, railway
tracks, and pipelines, leading to structural weaknesses and safety hazards.
 • Soiling of Surfaces: Particulate matter, soot, and dust can settle on surfaces, causing discoloration and soiling
of buildings, statues, and other surfaces, particularly in urban areas.
• Damage to Fabrics and Rubber: Pollutants like ozone and UV exposure can cause rubber and fabrics to
become brittle and crack over time, reducing the lifespan of outdoor materials.

Effects of Air pollution on Atmosphere

Air pollution contributes significantly to various atmospheric issues, including photochemical smog, ozone layer
depletion, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and global warming. Here’s an in-depth look at each:
1. Photochemical Smog
• Formation: Photochemical smog forms when sunlight interacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and other sources. This
reaction produces ground-level ozone (O₃), a major component of smog.
• Characteristics: Smog is often seen as a brown or gray haze, particularly in urban areas with high traffic and
industrial activities. It tends to form in warm, sunny weather and can intensify with stagnant air conditions.
• Effects:
o Human Health: Photochemical smog irritates the respiratory system, exacerbates asthma, and can
cause coughing, throat irritation, and chest pain. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic respiratory
conditions.
o Vegetation: Ground-level ozone damages plant tissues, reducing agricultural productivity and harming
sensitive species in natural ecosystems.
o Visibility: Smog reduces visibility, leading to a “hazy” atmosphere, especially in heavily polluted areas,
affecting transportation and scenic views.
2. Ozone Layer Depletion
• Causes: The depletion of the ozone layer is primarily caused by ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other chemicals containing chlorine and bromine. When these
substances are released into the atmosphere, they eventually reach the stratosphere, where UV radiation breaks
them down, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms that destroy ozone molecules.
• Mechanism: A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules, significantly thinning the ozone
layer, particularly over polar regions.
• Effects:
o Increased UV Radiation: A thinner ozone layer allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays to reach
the Earth's surface. This increased UV exposure can lead to higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and
immune system damage in humans.
o Environmental Impact: Higher UV radiation harms phytoplankton in oceans, disrupts marine food
chains, and damages crops and other vegetation.
o Climate Change Link: Ozone-depleting substances are also potent greenhouse gases, contributing to
global warming alongside their ozone depletion effects.
3. Acid Rain
• Formation: Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the
atmosphere from sources like fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions. These gases
react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric
acid (HNO₃), which then fall to the ground as acid rain.
• Types: Acid rain can occur in both wet forms (rain, snow, fog) and dry forms (acidic particles or gases that settle
on surfaces).
 • Effects:
o Aquatic Ecosystems: Acid rain lowers the pH of water bodies, making them too acidic for fish and
other aquatic life, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
o Soil and Vegetation: Acid rain leaches essential nutrients from the soil, damages plant roots, and makes
trees and crops more vulnerable to disease, pests, and harsh weather.
o Infrastructure: Acid rain accelerates the corrosion of buildings, statues, and historical monuments,
particularly those made of limestone and marble.
4. Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
• Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere,
such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor, trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to
sustain life. However, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture,
have increased concentrations of these greenhouse gases, intensifying this effect.
• Global Warming: This intensified greenhouse effect leads to global warming, a long-term increase in the
Earth’s average temperature.
• Effects:
o Temperature Rise: Increased temperatures lead to climate change, with more frequent heatwaves,
melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns.
o Extreme Weather: Climate change contributes to more intense hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and
floods, increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
o Ecosystem Disruption: Species are forced to migrate or adapt to changing habitats, while some may
face extinction. Coral reefs, for example, are highly sensitive to warming waters and acidification
caused by increased CO₂ levels.
o Human Health: Higher temperatures and extreme weather can lead to heat-related illnesses, vector-
borne diseases (like malaria and dengue), and food insecurity as crop yields are affected.