ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 8-A CHEMISTRY OF TROPOSPHERE

Environmental Chemistry - the branch of

chemistry which deals with chemicals and
• Troposphere is very close to the surface
other pollutants in the environment.
of earth in which we live.
• It is the branch of chemistry which deals • It extends up to 20 Km.
with the chemicals and other pollutants • It contains all those gases which are
in the environment resulting directly present in our atmosphere.
and indirectly from human activities.
SMOG

• It is a combination of smoke and fog.

• The smog is of two types:
1. Reducing smog
2. Oxidizing smog

TYPES OF SMOG

1. Reducing smog
• This smog contains high contents of
S02.
• It is chemically reducing in nature.
• For example, the smoke and S02
ATMOSPHERE produced from burning of coal can
combine with fog to create industrial
- Our surrounding on earth is called smog.
atmosphere. It consists of gases i.e. 2. Oxidizing smog
N2,02, CO, He, Ne, Kr, Xe, and water • Photochemical smog is termed as
vapors. oxidizing smog which consists of higher
- Its thickness is about 1000 Km above the concentration of oxidants like ozone.
surface of earth. • It is a yellowish, brownish, grey haze
which is formed in the presence of
The gases present in atmosphere are very water droplets and chemical reactions
important in the following ways: of pollutants in the air.
• It has unpleasant odor because of its
• These gases absorbs harmful radiations gaseous components.
of sun to protect life on earth.
• N2 is used by nitrogen fixing bacteria. CONDITIONS FOR PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG
• O2 is required for respiration. • Following conditions are necessary for
• CO2 is necessary for photosynthesis. the chemical process of
• Water vapors are responsible for photochemical smog:
sustaining life on earth. - Sunlight
- The production of oxides of nitrogen
NOx
- The production of Volatile Organic
Compounds VOCs
- Temperature greater than 18°C.
 GREENHOUSE EFFECT

• The heat causes the atoms in the

earth's surface to vibrate and radiate
heat and infrared radiations.
• CO2 and water vapors in air, by
absorbing infrared radiations, act as an
insulating layer to prevent heat from
escaping, this is often referred to as
Greenhouse effect
• The trapping of heat on the surface of
earth by CO2 and water vapors in the
ACID RAIN atmosphere is known as Greenhouse
effect.
S02 present in air undergoes photolytic and
catalytic oxidation to form S03 which reacts GLOBAL WARMING
with rainy water or moisture to form H2S04
• The concentration of CO2 in the
SO3 + H2O ----- H2SO4 atmosphere is about 330 PBM but is
known to be increasing.
N02 reacts with rainy water in the presence of
• When levels of CO2 increases up to 400
02 and 03 and produces HN03
PBM, temperature should rise as much
4N02 + 2H20 + 02-------4HN03 as 1 C.
• The mean global temperature at
CO2 reacts with rain water to form H2C03
earth's surface is about 15 C.
CO2+ H20--------H2C03 • Any change in amount of energy
absorbed or emitted by earth could
In some countries HCI is released by volcanic affect our climate.
eruption. • The average Global temperature and
These acids formed as above come down the concentration of CO2 have fluctuates
atmosphere as acid rain of acid snow. on a cycle of hundreds of thousands of
years as earth's position relative to the
IMPACTS OF ACID RAIN sun has varied. As a result, ice ages
• It makes lakes so acidic that they can have come and gone.
no longer support fish life. • Volcanic eruption emits particles that
• The yield of agricultural crops is also cool down earth's surface temporarily.
reduced. • El nitro cycle also has ternporary
• HNO3 acid rain gradually eats up lime effects.
stone and marble of buildings and • CO2 levels have increased by more
corrodes metals. than a third since the industrial
• It fades the color of fabrics (e.g. cotton, revolution.
nylon and rayon), leather and paper. • Climate changes are now occurring
• Causes extensive leaf drop in plants. rapidly.
• It is very corrosive and attacks skin. • Eleven of the 12 hottest years are
• Acidification of soil and rocks can between 1995 and 2006.
leach metals like Al, Hg, Pb and Ca and AUTOMOBILES (POLLUTANTS AND
discharge them into water bodies. Then CONVERTERS)
these heavy metals are eaten by fishes
which proves very much dangerous for • Automobile engines use hydrocarbon
those animals and birds which eat fuels
these fishes. • Fuels have general formula C8H18 so
• It also damages steel, paints, plastic, called Octanes
cement, masonry work and sculptural
materials.
 • Incomplete burning of fuel release CHEMISTRY OF STRATOSPHERE
carbon particles, CO, CO2, water
• Stratosphere is present 20-40 km above
vapors
the surface of earth.
• At high temperature N2 and 02
• Ozone is present at the height of 28 Km.
combine to form NO and N02
• The concentration of ozone in
• C particles, CO, NO, N02 all are
stratosphere is 10 ppm.
pollutants
PRODUCTION OF O3 AND ITS TOXIC EFFECTS
PRODUCTION OF POLLUTANTS
• Some 03 is produced during
• The pollutants produced in the internal
combustion taking place in air.
combustion engine by the use of petrol
• O3 concentration more than 0.1 ppm is
are CO, NO, N02
toxic and harmful for human being.
• By incomplete combustion of petrol,
• O3 also attacks rubber.
some CO, unburnt C particles, CO2,
• It is produced in the upper part of
water vapors, some alcohols and acids
atmosphere by action of sunlight on 02.
are produced.
• When petrol burns in a car engine, a 3O2-----2O3
very high temperature is produced. At
this temperature N2 and 02 in air of the PROTECTIVE ACTION OF 03 LAYER
engine combine together to for NO • Thickest layer of ozone is at a height of
and N02 23 Km from the surface of earth.
CONTROL MEASURES • Ozone in this layer absorbs harmful
radiation coming from the sun.
1. Use of Pb(C2 Hs)4 or TEL • If Ozone layer in the atmosphere
disappears completely, then all the
• Reduces rate of combustion
harmful UV radiations coming from the
• Complete combustion
sun would reach the earth and would
• Reduced evolution of C particles and
cause skin cancer in men and animals
CO
and will also damage the plants.
2. Catalytic converters
SOURCES OF DESTRUCTION OF O3 LAYER
• Attached to vehicle engines
1. Oxides of Nitrogen:
• Contain Pt based catalyst
• Catalytically complete combustion Oxides of nitrogen decompose O3 into O2
of(. particles and CO andthemselves regenerated. These oxides
destroy about 70% of O3 found in the
2C8H18 + 2502 --- l6C02 + l8H20
stratosphere. Greater the amount of the
2CO + O2-----2C02 oxides in the atmosphere greater is the
percentage of 03 which is destroyed.

NO + 03-----NO2 + 02

NO+ 0------NO2

2. Nuclear Tests:

Nuclear tests being conducted in the world

generate high temperature. At high
temperature, atmosphere nitrogen is
favorably oxidized to NO. NO thus formed
destroys ozone layer.
3. Chloro-fluoro carbons: WATER POLLUTION

Chloro-fluoro carbons are the chloro-fluoro • The contamination of water with the
methane like Freon 1 (CFCl3) and Freon 2 substances which have adverse effects
(CF2Cl2). These are used as aerosol spray on human beings, animals and plants is
propellants, refrigerants, firefighting reagent called water pollution and the
and solvent for cleaning electronic substance whose presence in the
components. When they enter stratosphere, water makes it polluted are called
they absorb UV solar radiations and get pollutants.
broken down into freeatomic chlorine. This
TYPES OF WATER POLLUTION
atomic chlorine decomposes 03 into 02

Cl+ 03------CIO + 02

CIO + 03------Cl + 202

HOW TO PROTECT THE OZONE LAYER?

• In order to save the ozone layer, the use

of oxides of Nitrogen and chloro-fluoro
carbons should be banned or some
new types of substance should be
discovered which may be used as
A- SUSPENDED SOLID AND SEDIMENTS:
aerosol spray propellants and should
not react with O3 layer, so it may be These are wastes which are not completely
saved. soluble but suspended in the water. These
wastes includes:

1. Oil spillage
ALTERNATIVES TO CHLORO-FLUORO CARBONS
2. Live-stock waste

3. Industrial waste
• The first CIFC substitutes to be
introduced were HCIFCs such as 4. Leather tanneries
CF3CHCl2 and CHF2CI compounds
that have fewer chlorine atoms than
other CIFCs. 1. Oil spillage
• HCFCs break down more readily in the
atmosphere than CIFCs and thus are • Petroleum is a complex mixture of
less likely to reach the stratosphere. many compounds which are mainly
• Much better substitutes for CIFCs are hydrocarbons. It is transported from
Hydrofluoro carbons which contains no one place to another through sea.
chlorine. CF3CH2F has been used • Petroleum products are used as:
successfully as a refrigerant and since - Fuel
1994 has replaced Freon in nearly all - Lubricants
car air conditioners. - Plastics
• In electronic industries, soapy water - Electrical appliances
followed by rinsed and air drying is now - Synthetic rubber
used instead of CIFCs to clean micro - Detergents
circuits. - Manufacture of petrochemicals
POLLUTION OF WATER BY PETROLEUM 3. INDUSTRIAL WASTES

Water gets polluted by: - Source

1. Accidental oil spills • Industries which produce large

quantities of industrial effluents are
2. Leakage from cargo oil tankers in sea
leather/tanneries, fertilizers, oil
3. Tanker trucks refineries, petrochemicals, textiles,
foods, sugar, paper/pulp, paper board,
4. Pipelines leakage during offshore rubber products etc.
exploration • The waste products may be waste
5. Leakage of underground storage tanks heat, smoke, solid or water effluent.

OIL SPILLAGE AND ANIMAL LIFE POLLUTANTS

• Petroleum products are poisonous and • The industrial pollutants are highly toxic
create serious problems to humans, organic compounds and heavy metals
animals and aquatic life. like Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, As, Sb etc.
• Polycyclic hydrocarbons are • Oil grease, mineral acids are also
carcinogenic even at very low released in small quantities.
concentration. • These pollutants result in contamination
• Marine animals are seriously affected of water and make it unsuitable for
by soluble aromatic fractions of oil. irrigation and drinking purposes.
• The spilled oil damages the feather of - EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTS
the birds or fur of animals and
sometimes causes their deaths. • Heavy metal particles are highly toxic
and do not have any safe limits.
• When they are continuously ingested
PETROLEUM AND UNDER WATER PLANTS through food or water they get
accumulated in the organisms and
• When oil is spilled on the surface of sea cause serious health problems like
then the light transmission is affected. anemia, kidney diseases, nervous
• The process of photosynthesis of plant disorder, high blood pressure etc.
does not remain much efficient
moreover, the concentration of 4. LEATHER TANNERIES
oxygen in water is decreased. • Leather industries use chromium salts
which have Cr (VI).
• Cr(VI) salts are highly toxic and cause
2. LIVE-STOCK WASTE cancer.
• Livestock waste is damped on open • Waste treatment can be done by
land. reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(ll).
• Sometimes it is discharged into sewage, • Cr(ll) is precipitated as Cr(OH)3.
canals of rivers. B- Dissolved Solids
• This practice pollutes the surface and
ground water. • These are wastes which are
• In this way serious problem are created dissolved/soluble in water completely.
for the population. • These waste include:
• Bacteria are present in the livestock - Detergents
waste. It contaminates the surface and - Pesticides
ground water. - Chemical fertilizers
• This caused diseases like:
- Dysentery
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis
1. Detergents • A swamp is an area of very wet land
with wild plants growing in it.
• The amount of detergents in water
• A marsh is an area of land which is very
bodies is increasing day be day.
wet and muddy.
• The waste water containing detergents
goes into rivers and finally reaches the c) The water containing nitrate salt is not fit for
ocean; which is harmful for life in seas. drinking by human being. This polluted water
• The detergents bound heavy metal cannot be purified for drinking purposes.
ions like Pb, Cd and Hg and transport it
C- THERMAL POLLUTION
from sediments into water.
• Many electric generating companies
2. Pesticides
use water in the process of cooling their
• Pesticides are both toxic and persistent. generators.
• Analysis of polluted water has shown • This heated water is then released into
that it contains pesticides which are the system by causing a warming trend
toxic to fish. of the surface water.
• Endrin, even in traces, is reported to be • Thermal pollution results when a heated
toxic for catfish and other varieties of effluent is released into poorly flushed
fish. system.
• DDT affects the central nervous system • In these cases permanent temperature
of fish. increase often result, which tend to
• Toxaphene has been reported to decrease the solubility of dissolved
cause bone degeneration in fish. oxygen.

3. Chemical Fertilizers THERMAL POLLUTION

• Nitrate/Phosphate salts are generally • When heated water gets released into
used as fertilizers, to increase the yield large, well-flushed marine systems there
of the crops. is little if any permanent temperature
• When these fertilizers are used in rise.
excess, some of their unused quantity is • Seaweeds tends to corrode the cooling
washed away from the agriculture pipes, which are generally constructed
lands into the ponds, lakes and river of copper-nickel alloy termed monel.
with rain water and thus pollute the • These metals readily dissolved in the
water. heated seawater and are then
• The waste water coming from the released into marine environment
fertilizer industries also contain together with theheated effluent
nitrogenous/phosphatic fertilizers. • This increase the concentration of Cu
and Ni.
• The screen covering the water intake
Harmful effects of chemical fertilizers in waste pipes rapidly foul with marine organism,
water: which decrease the flow of water into
the plant.
a) The presence of the fertilizers in the polluted • The screen are cleaned by using
water increases the growth of algae and other concentrated detergent solution or
aquatic plants, which later on undergo copper sulfate,
decomposition and produce disagreeable • The cleaning materials have been then
odor. These plants also deplete the amount released into the contaminated waters
of02 dissolved in water and hence the survival in surrounding.
of aquatic life becomes difficult.

b) After a long period the lakes and slow

moving water which contain plant nutrients
are converted into swamps and marshes.
WASTE WATER TREATMENT are not hazardous to people or the
environment.
ANALYSIS OF WATER
WHY GREEN CHEMISTRY
• Industrial wastewater treatment covers
the mechanisms and processes used to Green chemistry is important due to
treat waters that have been
• Reducing chemical hazard
contaminated in some way be
• Meeting cheaper and profitable
industrial or commercial activities prior
environmental goals
to its release into the environment or its
• Making companies to comply with law
re-use.
for environment safety
TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER • Can be applied to all kinds of
environmental issues

ADVANCES IN GREEN CHEMISTRY

SPINOSAD an example of Green Insecticide

• Manufactured from naturally occurring

soil microbes
• Low toxicity for mammals and birds
• It does not
- Bio accumulate
- Leach
- Volatilize
WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS - Persist in environment

HOW DOES GREEN CHEMISTRY WORKS?

Green chemistry works by

• Reducing chemical impact on health

• Searching alternative environment
friendly reaction media
• Striving to achieve increased reaction
rates at lower temperatures
• Innovating scientific solutions to solve
environmental issues

The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry

• Developed by Paul T. Anastas and

JohnC. Warner
• Focus on reduction in chemical use &
pollution prevention
• Can broadly be categorized as
- Risks reduction
GREEN CHEMISTRY - Minimizing environmental footprints
• The design of chemical products and
processes that reduce or eliminate the
use and generation of hazardous
substances.
• Green Chemistry emphasizes the
design and creation of chemicals that
Reducing Risks in the Laboratory from other processes or products derived from
agricultural stream) whenever technically or
economically feasible
1. Use Safer Chemicals: Utilize performance
12. Encourage energy efficiency: The
chemicals that have the lowest levels of
realization of economical and environmental
toxicity
impact of energy use in a chemical process
2. Design less hazardous synthesis methods: and the development of alternative means to
Where feasible, make use of synthetic or reduce the impact.
biosynthetic methods that pose little or no
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 8-B
toxicity to human health and environment
GREEN CHEMISTRY: Presentation Courtesy of
3. Use safer solvents and reaction conditions:
the American Chemical Society
Search for information on green solvents that
will optimize your process and provide a safer PREVENTING POLLUTION SUSTAINING THE
working environment EARTH

4. Accident prevention: Select substances “Chemistry has an important role to play in achieving a sustainable
civilization on earth.” — Dr. Terry Collins, Professor of Chemistry
that minimizes the potential for explosions, fires Carnegie Mellon University
and chemical releases into the environment
Sustainability - Meeting the needs of current
Minimizing the Environmental Footprints generations without compromising the needs
of the future.
5. Waste minimization and prevention:
Develop synthesis techniques which reduce or WHAT IS A SUSTAINABLE CIVILIZATION?
prevent waste
WE SHOULD CONSIDER THIS QUESTION FROM
6. Use of catalysts instead of stoichiometric SEVERAL VIEWPOINTS:
quantities: Catalytic reactions inherently use
• The environment and human health
smaller quantities of chemicals to carry out a
specified transformation • A stable economy that uses energy
and resources efficiently
7. Reduce the use of chemical derivatives: The
use of protecting groups or other forms of • Social and political systems
temporarily modification of a functionality that lead to a just society
adds to the total waste incurred in a synthetic
route Sustainability is often describes as having three
“E”s or components:
8. Synthetic efficiency (Atom Economy): An
efficient chemical process ensures the • - Economics
maximum amount of your starting materials is • - Environment
used in the final product so that no atom is
wasted • - Equity (social equity or quality of life)

9. Taking advantage of chemicals designed TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF CHEMISTRY IN

for degradation: Reduce the effect on the SUSTAINABILITY, WE WILL LOOK AT THE FIRST
environment by using chemicals that are TWO POINTS…
designed to be biodegradable • The environment and human health
10. Establishment of In process controls for • A stable economy that uses energy
pollution prevention: to avoid the formation of and resources efficiently
hazardous substances, adopt real-time
analysis and in process monitoring during IN A SUSTAINABLE CIVILIZATION…
synthesis
• Technologies used for production of
11. Use of renewable feedbacks: Use raw needed goods are not harmful to the
materials or renewable feedstocks (waste environment or to human health.
 • Renewable resources (such as plant- pesticides help ensure that there is enough
based substances or solar energy) are food to feed a growing population.
used rather than those, like
Plastics: iPods, computers, soda bottles, and
fossil fuels, that will eventually run out.
the list goes on…
• Materials are recycled at the end of
Nylon, rayon, polyester: Ask students to
their use if they are not biodegradable
check the tags on their clothes – many
(easily broken down into harmless
synthetic materials keep them looking so
substances in the environment).
good.
• Manufacturing processes are either
Gasoline: Ever been in a plane, train, or
designed so as not to produce waste
automobile? Ever wonder why you can get
products, OR
so many products that are made in far away
• Waste products are recycled or places?
biodegradable.
Water purification: Many people would not
WHILE WE HAVE MADE SOME PROGRESS IN be able to drink their water unless it went
ACHIEVING THESE GOALS, WE STILL through a water treatment plant – ever been
HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO… in a swimming pool?

• Mountains of solid waste are piling up— Although the positive contributions of
particularly in industrialized nations. chemistry and the chemical industry are
many, some pollution problems have also
• Air and water pollution continue to be
resulted.
problems in many places.

BUT HOW CAN CHEMISTRY HELP US Many of these problems can now be solved.
TO ACHIEVE A SUSTAINABLE CIVILIZATION?
SOME WELL-PUBLICIZED INCIDENTS FROM THE
First, let’s consider chemistry’s benefits… PAST FEW DECADES…

• The Cuyahoga River in Ohio became

The chemical industry produces many
so polluted with chemicals it caught
products that improve our lives
fire.
and upon which we depend.
• A plant accident in Bhopal, India,
BENEFITS OF THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY:
released methyl isocyanate. Nearly
• Antibiotics and other medicines 4,000 people died.

• Fertilizers, pesticides • An accidental release of chemicals,

including dioxin, in Seveso, Italy in 1976
• Plastics resulted in the deaths of farm animals
• Nylon, rayon, polyester, and and long-term health problems for
other synthetic materials many local residents.

• Gasoline and other fuels MANY COUNTRIES HAVE

ALREADY ENACTED LAWS AND SIGNED
• Water purification INTERNATIONAL TREATIES TO REDUCE
Antibiotics: Before penicillin, people POLLUTION LEVELS, INCLUDING:
frequently died from the flu – ask students to • Montreal Protocol to Protect the Ozone
raise their hands if they have ever taken an Layer
antibiotic, allergy medicine, cough syrup,
etc. • Global Treaty on Persistent Organic
Pollutants
Fertilizers and pesticides: While some people
may eat only organic food, fertilizers and • Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development
- The Montreal Protocol on Substances of all and protect the integrity of the
that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global environmental and
landmark international agreement developmental system. Recognizing
designed to protect the stratospheric the integral and interdependent
ozone layer. The treaty was originally nature of the Earth, our home,
signed in 1987 and substantially proclaims that:
amended in 1990 and 1992. The
• Principle 1
Montreal Protocol stipulates that the
production and consumption of Human beings are at the centre of
compounds that deplete ozone in the concerns for sustainable development.
stratosphere—chlorofluorocarbons They are entitled to a healthy and
(CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, productive life in harmony with nature.
and methyl chloroform—are to be
phased out by 2000 (2005 for methyl • Principle 2
chloroform). Scientific theory and States have, in accordance with the
evidence suggest that, once emitted Charter of the United Nations and the
to the atmosphere, these compounds principles of international law, the
could significantly deplete the sovereign right to exploit their own
stratospheric ozone layer that shields resources pursuant to their own
the planet from damaging UV-B environmental and developmental
radiation. policies, and the responsibility to ensure
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are that activities within their jurisdiction or
chemical substances that persist in the control do not cause damage to the
environment, bioaccumulate through environment of other States or of areas
the food web, and pose a risk of beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
causing adverse effects to human
health and the environment. With the • Principle 3
evidence of long-range transport of The right to development must be fulfilled
these substances to regions where they so as to equitably meet developmental
have never been used or produced and environmental needs of present and
and the consequent threats they pose future generations.
to the environment of the whole globe,
the international community has now, • Principle 4
at several occasions called for urgent
In order to achieve sustainable
global actions to reduce and eliminate
development, environmental protection
releases of these chemicals.
shall constitute an integral part of the
- Rio Declaration on Environment and
development process and cannot be
Development. The United Nations
considered in isolation from it.
Conference on Environment and
Development, having met at Rio de • Principle 5
Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992,
All States and all people shall cooperate in
reaffirming the Declaration of the
the essential task of eradicating poverty as
United Nations Conference on the
an indispensable requirement for
Human Environment, adopted at
sustainable development, in order to
Stockholm on 16 June 1972,/a and
decrease the disparities in standards of
seeking to build upon it. With the goal
living and better meet the needs of the
of establishing a new and equitable
majority of the people of the world.
global partnership through the creation
of new levels of cooperation among • Principle 6
States, key sectors of societies and
The special situation and needs of
people. Working towards international
developing countries, particularly the least
agreements which respect the interests
developed and those most
environmentally vulnerable, shall be given States shall facilitate and encourage
special priority. International actions in the public awareness and participation by
field of environment and development making information widely available.
should also address the interests and needs Effective access to judicial and
of all countries. administrative proceedings, including
redress and remedy, shall be provided.
• Principle 7
• Principle 11
States shall cooperate in a spirit of global
partnership to conserve, protect and States shall enact effective environmental
restore the health and integrity of the legislation. Environmental standards,
Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different management objectives and priorities
contributions to global environmental should reflect the environmental and
degradation, States have common but developmental context to which they
differentiated responsibilities. The apply. Standards applied by some
developed countries acknowledge the countries may be inappropriate and of
responsibility that they bear in the unwarranted economic and social cost to
international pursuit of sustainable other countries, in particular developing
development in view of the pressures their countries.
societies place on the global environment
• Principle 12
and of the technologies and financial
resources they command. States should cooperate to promote a
supportive and open international
• Principle 8
economic system that would lead to
To achieve sustainable development and economic growth and sustainable
a higher quality of life for all people, States development in all countries, to better
should reduce and eliminate address the problems of environmental
unsustainable patterns of production and degradation. Trade policy measures for
consumption and promote appropriate environmental purposes should not
demographic policies. constitute a means of arbitrary or
unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised
• Principle 9
restriction on international trade. Unilateral
States should cooperate to strengthen actions to deal with environmental
endogenous capacity-building for challenges outside the jurisdiction of the
sustainable development by improving importing country should be avoided.
scientific understanding through Environmental measures addressing
exchanges of scientific and technological transboundary or global environmental
knowledge, and by enhancing the problems should, as far as possible, be
development, adaptation, diffusion and based on an international consensus.
transfer of technologies, including new
• Principle 13
and innovative technologies.
States shall develop national law
• Principle 10
regarding liability and compensation for
Environmental issues are best handled with the victims of pollution and other
the participation of all concerned citizens, environmental damage. States shall also
at the relevant level. At the national level, cooperate in an expeditious and more
each individual shall have appropriate determined manner to develop further
access to information concerning the international law regarding liability and
environment that is held by public compensation for adverse effects of
authorities, including information on environmental damage caused by
hazardous materials and activities in their activities within their jurisdiction or control
communities, and the opportunity to to areas beyond their jurisdiction.
participate in decision-making processes.
• Principle 14
States should effectively cooperate to shall consult with those States at an early
discourage or prevent the relocation and stage and in good faith.
transfer to other States of any activities and
• Principle 20
substances that cause severe
environmental degradation or are found Women have a vital role in environmental
to be harmful to human health. management and development. Their full
participation is therefore essential to
• Principle 15
achieve sustainable development.
In order to protect the environment, the
• Principle 21
precautionary approach shall be widely
applied by States according to their The creativity, ideals and courage of the
capabilities. Where there are threats of youth of the world should be mobilized to
serious or irreversible damage, lack of full forge a global partnership in order to
scientific certainty shall not be used as a achieve sustainable development and
reason for postponing cost-effective ensure a better future for all.
measures to prevent environmental
degradation. • Principle 22

• Principle 16 Indigenous people and their communities

and other local communities have a vital
National authorities should endeavour to role in environmental management and
promote the internalization of development because of their knowledge
environmental costs and the use of and traditional practices. States should
economic instruments, taking into account recognize and duly support their identity,
the approach that the polluter should, in culture and interests and enable their
principle, bear the cost of pollution, with effective participation in the achievement
due regard to the public interest and of sustainable development.
without distorting international trade and
investment. • Principle 23

• Principle 17 The environment and natural resources of

people under oppression, domination and
Environmental impact assessment, as a occupation shall be protected.
national instrument, shall be undertaken
for proposed activities that are likely to • Principle 24
have a significant adverse impact on the Warfare is inherently destructive of
environment and are subject to a decision sustainable development. States shall
of a competent national authority. therefore respect international law
• Principle 18 providing protection for the environment in
times of armed conflict and cooperate in
States shall immediately notify other States its further development, as necessary.
of any natural disasters or other
emergencies that are likely to produce • Principle 25
sudden harmful effects on the Peace, development and environmental
environment of those States. Every effort protection are interdependent and
shall be made by the international indivisible.
community to help States so afflicted.
• Principle 26
• Principle 19
States shall resolve all their environmental
States shall provide prior and timely disputes peacefully and by appropriate
notification and relevant information to means in accordance with the Charter of
potentially affected States on activities the United Nations.
that may have a significant adverse
transboundary environmental effect and • Principle 27
 States and people shall cooperate in good • Replacing tetraethyl lead with less toxic
faith and in a spirit of partnership in the additives (e.g., “lead-free” gasoline).
fulfillment of the principles embodied in this
CHEMICAL FOAMS TO FIGHT FIRES
Declaration and in the further
development of international law in the • Millions of tons of chemical firefighting
field of sustainable development. foams used worldwide have
discharged toxic substances into the
DESPITE THESE EFFORTS,
environment, contaminating water
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
supplies
ARE STILL BEING RELEASED INTO THE
and depleting the ozone layer.
ENVIRONMENT.
PUTTING OUT FIRES THE GREEN WAY
THE POLLUTION PREVENTION ACT OF 1990
• A new foam called Pyrocool FEF has
• This is the U.S. environmental law stating
now been invented to put out fires
that the first choice for preventing
effectively without producing the toxic
pollution is to design industrial
substances found in other fire-fighting
processes that do not lead to waste
materials.
production.
CHEMICALS FOR DRY CLEANING
• This is the approach of green chemistry.
• Perchloroethylene (“perc”) is the
GREEN CHEMISTRY WORKS TOWARD
solvent most widely used in dry
SUSTAINABILITY BY:
cleaning clothing.
• Making chemical products that do not
• Perc is suspected of causing cancer
harm either our health or the
and its disposal can contaminate
environment,
ground water.
• Using industrial processes that reduce
A SAFER METHOD OF DRY CLEANING
or eliminate hazardous chemicals, and
• Liquid CO2 can be used as a safer
• Designing more efficient processes that
solvent if a wetting agent is used with it
minimize the production of waste
to dissolve grease.
materials and decreases the amount of
non-renewable energy used. • This method is now being used
commercially by some dry cleaners.
GREEN CHEMISTRY MEANS…
IN SUMMARY,GREEN CHEMISTRY IS…
• Preventing pollution before it happens
rather than cleaning up the mess later. • Scientifically sound,
• Saving companies money by using less • Cost effective, and
energy and fewer/safer chemicals,
thus reducing the costs of pollution • Leads toward a sustainable civilization.
control and waste disposal.

EXAMPLES OF GREEN CHEMISTRY

• Reducing lead pollution

• Putting out fires the green way

• Safer dry cleaning

LEAD POLLUTION HAS BEEN DECREASED BY…

• Replacing lead in paint with safe

alternatives, and
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 8-D

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND REMEDIAL

TECHNIQUES FOR GROUNDWATER POLLUTION

The driving force of all nature.

We all know that water covers 71% of the earth

and if quantified, that is about 326 million
trillion gallons of water. It is undoubtedly the
most precious natural resource that exists on So basically there are three main sources of
the planet and without it, life on earth would freshwater for consumption, surface water,
be non-existent. It is also a key ingredient groundwater, and rainwater, which are
supporting food production, sanitation, and interrelated via the hydrologic cycle or most
rural livelihoods, as well as ensuring the commonly known as the water cycle, if you
continuity and functioning of our ecosystem. can recall.
Hence, water is considered as the driving
force of all nature. Surface water are any body of water above
the ground such as lakes, rivers, and streams.
DISTRIBUTION OF EARTH'S WATER Surface water can be easily contaminated
with microbiological pathogens due to its
open space and by run-off that washes
pollutants into the water.

Groundwater, on the other hand, is the water

found underground in the cracks and spaces
of soil, sand, and rock. Groundwater may
provide water of good microbiological
quality, particularly from deep sources. This is
because bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and
helminths are filtered from the water as it
passes through the layers of soil and rock.

Of the 71%, the oceans/saltwater hold about Then we have rainwater which is particularly
97.5% of all Earth's water, while the remaining essential in areas with a long dry season, or
2.5% accounts for freshwaters-the water we where groundwater or surface water is difficult
need to survive. to obtain or polluted. The problem with
rainwater is that it can also be easily
The middle bar shows the breakdown of
contaminated by airborne pollutants, acid
freshwater. Almost all of it is locked up in ice
deposition from acid rain, or simply by bird
and in the ground, with 68.7% and 30.1%,
droppings. The risk of getting sick from
respectively. Only a little more than 1.2% of all
rainwater may vary depending on your
freshwater is surface water.
location, how frequently it rains, the season,
The right bar shows the breakdown of surface and how you collect and store the rainwater.
and other freshwater. Majority are again
Therefore, among these three, groundwater
locked up in ice, and others are found in lakes,
sources are very much preferred due to its
rivers, etc.
quality and quantity.
 may cause the water table to rise, or what we
call recharged. While heavy pumping of
groundwater supplies or long drought may
cause the water table to fall.

GROUNDWATER POLLUTION

occurs when pollutants are released to the

ground and make their way down into
groundwater.
The area where water fills the aquifer is called
the saturated zone (or saturation zone). • Natural - naturally occurring
Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, contaminants.
sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like • Anthrogenic - originating in human
limestone. Water can move through aquifers activities.
because they have large connected spaces • To begin to address pollution
that make them permeable. The top of this remediation or prevention, we must first
zone is called the water table. The water table understand how groundwater can be
may be located only a foot below the polluted. Groundwater pollution occurs
ground’s surface or it can sit hundreds of feet when pollutants are released to the
down. ground and make their way down into
groundwater. Pollutants in this context
are either foreign substances or natural
substances discharged in excessive
amounts. Primary sources of
groundwater pollution can either be
classified as natural or anthrogenic.

• Some substances found naturally in

rocks or soils, such as iron, manganese,
arsenic, chlorides, fluorides, sulfates, or
radionuclides, could be dissolved in
groundwater, and be classified as an
example of natural source of water
contamination. While anthrogenic
Aquifer is a body of rock and/or sediment that
sources are caused by human action
holds groundwater
or inaction, which is the most common
pollution sources.

• Groundwater pollution can, therefore,

be seen as a consequence of human
activity as well as a natural
phenomenon.

NATURAL SOURCES

• Rock Oxidation

• Seawater Intrusion
Groundwater supplies are replenished, or • Decay of Radioisotopes
recharged, by rain and snow melt
• Degradation of Water Sources in
Groundwater can be found almost Areas Located in
everywhere. The water table may be deep or Geothermal/Volcanic Fields
shallow; and may rise or fall depending on
many factors. Heavy rains or melting snow
 • Intense Evaporation Especially in Groundwater pollution is nearly always the
Shallow Aquifers Which Causes result of human activity.
Elevation of Groundwater and
Salt Deposition

ANTHROGENIC SOURCES

• Landfills

• Use of Fertilizers, Pesticides, and

Insecticides

• Faulty Septic Systems

• Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste This image illustrates how groundwater can

• Storage Tanks potentially be polluted in various ways.
Landfills are the places that our garbage is
• Mining Activities taken to be buried, and they are supposed to
• Extended Urban Development have a protective bottom layer underneath to
prevent contaminants from getting into the
• Improper Disposal of water. However, if there is no layer or it is
Wastewaters and Solid Wastes cracked, contaminants from the landfill can
make their way down into the aquifer. Then
• Atmospheric Contaminants
our septic tanks or our septic systems from our
o Other examples of natural sources are homes, schools, and everywhere, are
Rock oxidation, Seawater intrusion, designed to slowly drain away human waste
decay of radioisotopes particularly underground at a slow, harmless rate.
from uranium-rich bedrock, However if improperly designed, located,
degradation of water sources in areas constructed, or maintained septic tanks can
located in geothermal/volcanic fields, leak bacteria, viruses, household chemicals,
and intense evaporation, especially in and other pollutants into the groundwater
shallow aquifers which causes causing serious health problems if consumed.
elevation of groundwater and salt
Then in here, shows the uncontrolled use of
deposition.
fertilizers and pesticides. When it rains, these
o Other anthrogenic sources include chemicals can seep into the ground and
landfills, the use of unlimited fertilizers, eventually into the water, which is also called
pesticides, and insecticides, our leaking run-off.
septic tanks, uncontrolled and
Since the era of industrial revolution, humans
improper disposal of hazardous waste,
has continued to introduce hazardous
solid waste, and wastewaters, storage
materials into the environment at an alarming
tanks that stores gasoline, oil,
rate causing various environmental pollution.
chemicals, or other types of liquids and
Groundwater pollution is nearly always the
they can either be above or below
result of human activity.
ground. Other major sources include
disposal of by-products and waste from
mining activities and nuclear energy
waste, and also extended urban
development.
MECHANISM OF GROUNDWATER POLLUTION The movement of a chemical pollutant within
an aquifer is described by the TRANSPORT
EQUATION shown

GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION

the process used to remove pollution from

groundwater.

1. Ex-Situ Technology - treatment of

groundwater by de-watering the polluted
aquifer, then treating the water on the surface
The contaminant introduced into the soil-rock- by Physical, chemical, or biological
groundwater system will spread within the technology, and finally re-injecting the
system only if a transport mechanism is treated water into the aquifer.
available, for example, a flowing liquid. Just 2. In-Situ Technology - treatment of
like in this illustration, If there is a water supply groundwater within the aquifer by using
well that is producing high quality water near thermal, chemical, and biological treatment
a source of contamination like this well right technology.
here, this well then runs the risk of becoming
contaminated. If there is a nearby river or Groundwater remediation is simply the
stream, that water body may also become process that is used to remove pollution from
polluted by the groundwater. Depending on groundwater. Pollutants and contaminants
its physical, chemical, and biological can be removed from groundwater by
properties, a contaminant that has been applying various techniques thereby making
released into the environment may move the groundwater safe for use. Groundwater
within an aquifer in the same manner that remediation techniques are mainly divided
groundwater moves. So ingani ang flow sa into two technologies: Ex- Situ Technology and
groundwater, contaminants might also move In-Situ Technology Ex-Situ Technology involves
along with it, which results to faster spread of treatment of groundwater by de- watering the
pollution. polluted aquifer (pumping out), then treating
the water on surface by Physical, chemical or
biological technology and finally re- injecting
the treated water to the aquifer. In-Situ
Technology involves treatment of
groundwater within the aquifer (in the sub-
surface) by using thermal, chemical and
biological treatment technology.

COMMON REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES

PUMP AND TREAT

• the process of pumping contaminated

groundwater to a surface collection
system through wells screened in the
saturated zone and then treating the
contaminated water with one or more
ex-situ treatment technologies.
 Air sparging involves injecting air into the
target contaminated zone, with the
expectation that volatile and semivolatile
contaminants will undergo mass transfer
(volatilization) from the groundwater to the air
bubbles.

(A) In situ bioremediation of a contaminated

aquifer. Contaminated groundwater pumped
out of the site may be treated using an above-
ground bioreactor, as shown, or by other
methods including air stripping, activated
carbon, oil/water separation, and oxidation.
After treatment the groundwater is pumped
Pump and treat is one of the most common back into the aquifer via an injection well. The
method used and a safe way to both clean water may have oxygen or nutrients added to
up contaminated groundwater and keep it stimulate in situ biodegradation, but if the level
from moving to other areas where it may of contamination is very low, these additions
affect drinking water supplies, wildlife habitats, may not be required. (B) Contaminant
or recreational rivers and lakes. This bioremediation in the vadose (unsaturated)
remediation technique is comprised of three zone using bioventing and biofiltration. Air is
main aspects: groundwater extraction for drawn through the contaminated site,
hydraulic control and contaminant removal, stimulating aerobic degradation. In addition,
aboveground treatment, and groundwater volatile contaminants are removed with the
monitoring to assess performance. flow of air. These vapor phase contaminants
can be treated above ground by piping them
However, in terms of the in situ aspects of
through a soil bed, also called a biofilter.
pump and treat, which is pumping, not
Alternative treatments include incineration of
treatment, the pump-and-treat technology
extracted vapors or adsorption on activated
typically is categorized as a containment
carbon. (C) Contaminant bioremediation in
option.
the saturated zone using air sparging. This
AIR SPARGING/AIR STRIPPING process is similar to bioventing, but takes place
in the saturated zone. Air is pumped into the
the process of injecting air directly into contaminated site to stimulate aerobic
groundwater. It remediates groundwater by degradation. Volatile contaminants are
volatilizing contaminants and enhancing carried to the surface and can be treated by
biodegradation. biofiltration, incineration, or activated carbon.

STEAM STRIPPING

Involves treatment by introducing steam

which extracts the contaminants from the
pumped out groundwater. The extracted
steam along with contaminants can be
recovered from the condensate or treated
further by incineration.
 Involves increase in temperature of the source
zone to increase the mobility of the pollutants

3. CHEMICAL OXIDATION

involves reduction-oxidation reactions that

chemically convert hazardous contaminants
to less toxic compounds.

4. PHYTOREMEDIATION

involves the use of macroscopic plants to

destroy, remove, immobilize and treat
contaminants

Other in-situ technology methods includes Bio

Remediation, which is the injection of oxygen
to enhance biodegradation. It also combines
the injection of degrading bacteria and
Involves treatment by introducing steam nutrients into the aquifer to stimulate
which extracts the contaminants from the biodegradation. As for the chemical
pumped out groundwater. The extracted oxidation, it involves reduction-oxidation
steam (along with contaminants can be reactions that chemically convert hazardous
recovered from the condensate or treated contaminants to less toxic compounds.
further by incineration. The figure on the right Examples of this are cyanide oxidation and
is a diagram of a steam stripping remediation dechlorination. Thermal treatment involves an
system in which air-lift pumping is used as a increase in the temperature of the source
means of zone to increase the mobility of the pollutants.
This mobility facilitates removal of pollutants
in-situ vapor/steam stripping. Water (solid
and can also result in in-situ destruction of
arrows) is lifted in the well and is diverted away
contaminants. Finally, Phytoremediation
from the well, infiltrating
involves the use of macroscopic plants to
through the unsaturated zone back to the destroy, remove, immobilize and treat
aquifer. and flows back to the well. Air contaminants. This process does not use
(outlined arrows) is injected microorganisms.
into the well. and bubbles rise and are In choosing the best remediation technique,
collected at the top of the well. we need to consider a lot of factors and it
must be incorporated into plans to design and
Air stripping and soil steam stripping is a
engineer the proper conditions for restoration
powerful combination and are usually
in the field. The goal for all of them, however,
performed together through air bubbles carry
is the same – remove contaminants and leave
vapor phase contaminants to a soil steam
behind clean, potable drinking water.
extraction system which removes them
AN EFFECTIVE PREVENTION PLAN SHOULD TAKE
OTHER REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES:
THE FOLLOWING POINTS INTO CONSIDERATION:
1. BIO-REMEDIATION
• waste disposal
injection of oxygen and degrading bacterias
• hazardous materials
and nutrients into the aquifer to enhance
biodegradation. • management practices
2. THERMAL TREATMENT • storage tanks and pipelines
 • small and medium scale
business

• monitoring wells

• water policy formulation.

• An effective prevention plan should

take the following points into
consideration:

All kinds of wastes, such as solid,

hazardous, and wastewaters must be WHAT MAKES THE RAIN ACIDIC?
properly discharged or disposed of.
- Due to dissolved gases: SO2 ,
Underground fuels and chemical tanks
should be well monitored and preference NO2 & O2
should be given to surface tanks which
➢ Forming H2SO4 , HNO3
can be monitored more easily. Residents
and businesses must be educated and ➢ HNO3 (weak acid) – negligible
well informed. Special attention must be contribution
paid to individuals, small, and medium
scale ventures whose activities produce pH: natural rain water = 5.6.
chemical wastes. It is important to conduct (unpolluted rain)
an environmental audit periodically. This
would lead to the development of a acid rain pH < 5
pollution prevention plan. Unused water This pollution is not limited by state or country
wells should be properly disposed of also. boundaries!
In addition, the Water Policy formulation
should clearly spell out all prevention plans - HCl formed due to Cl- emissions from
and a body must be tasked to implement volcanic eruptions can cause
the Policy. Awareness measures and temporary acid rain
penalty should be spelt out and the
citizenry should be well informed.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 8-E

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH EFFECTS OF

POLLUTED AIR

Concerns:

1. ACID RAIN
2. OUTDOOR POLLUTANTS
3. INDOOR POLLUTANTS
PRECURSORS AND SOURCES: ANTHROPOGENIC
THEIR IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND THE
- fuel combustion in power plants
ENVIRONMENT
- automobile exhaust
ACID RAIN
PRECURSORS AND SOURCES : NATURAL
- one of the most serious environmental
- forest fires
problem
- volcanic eruption
- outgassing from anaerobic wetlands
(gives off dimethyl sulfide)
 Dry deposition is the process by which
2. DAMAGE TO FORESTS AND VEGETATION
nonaqueous chemicals are deposited
onto solid and liquid surfaces at ground
level when air containing them passes
over the surfaces.

Wet deposition processes encompass the

transfer of pollutants to the Earth’s surface
by rain, snow or fog, i.e., by aqueous
solution.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

1. Acidification of surface water (lakes,

rivers, etc), and subsequent damage
to aquatic ecosystems.
- kills aquatic plants, fish and
microorganisms in lakes and streams
by releasing ions of Al, Pb, Hg and Cd
from soils and sediments • weakens or kills trees, especially
conifers at high elevations
• makes trees more susceptible to
diseases, insects, drought, and fungi
and mosses that thrive under acidic
conditions
3. DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS AND STATUES
- causes extensive damage to buildings,
statues, bridges and structural materials
EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN of marble, limestone, etc.
4. EFFECT ON SOIL (NEUTRALIZATION)
• soils that contain limestone and
calcium carbonate can neutralize
the acid.
• Leaching is a process in which acid
deposition adds H+, displacing
EFFECTS ON AQUATIC SYSTEMS important nutrients like Ca, Mg and
K (washed away) while (H+ is
- restrict flora of aquatic macrophytes
retained)
and phytoplankton
• pushes the ions deeper in the soil so
- reduce fish diversity and abundance
the plant roots cannot reach them
ACIDIFICATION OF STREAMS, LAKES AND
• Al ions are released into soil and
OCEANS
water
 • retards recycling of cations in the Sulfur dioxide: causes constriction of airways
sediment and can cause bronchitis

• affects the soil buffering capacity of Nitrogen oxides: irritate lungs, cause
watersheds conditions similar to bronchitis and
emphysema
• implicate metal pollution
Ozone: causes coughing, chest pain,
NEUTRALIZATION OF SOIL BY ACID RAIN
shortness of breath, eye and throat irritation

Volatile organics: cause mutations,

reproductive problems, cancer

OZONE: IRRITATION OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Ozone can reduce lung function and make it

more difficult for one to breathe as deeply
and vigorously as one would normally do.

Ozone can aggravate asthma. When ozone

levels are high, more people with asthma
have attacks that require a doctor's attention
or the use of additional medication. Also,
asthmatics are more severely affected by the
reduced lung function and irritation that
ozone causes in the respiratory system.

Ozone can inflame and damage cells that line

the lungs. Within a few days, the damaged
cells are replaced and the old cells are shed -
much in the way the skin peels after a sunburn.

Ozone may aggravate chronic lung diseases

such as emphysema and bronchitis and
reduce the immune system's ability to fight off
OUTDOOR POLLUTANTS bacterial infections in the respiratory system.

TYPES OF POLLUTANTS Ozone may cause permanent lung damage.

Repeated short term ozone damage to
❑ Primary pollutants children's developing lungs may lead to
reduced lung function in adulthood.
❑ Secondary pollutants
OZONE: EFFECTS ON VEGETATION

Damages forests and crops; destroys nylon,

rubber, and other materials; and injures or
destroys living tissue.

High concentrations of O3 cause plants to

close their stomata, cells on the underside of
the plant that allow CO2 and H2O to diffuse
into the tissue.

This slows down photosynthesis and plant

HEALTH EFFECTS OF OUTDOOR POLLUTANTS
growth. O3 may also enter the plants through
Carbon monoxide: binds to hemoglobin in red the stomata and directly damage the internal
blood cells and reduces the ability of blood to cells.
carry oxygen
Rubber, textile dyes, fibers, and certain paints Refers to a family of six naturally occurring
may be weakened or damaged by exposure silicate minerals that are fibrous ……causes
to ozone. lung cancer

Some elastic materials can become brittle US Death Map

and crack, while paints and fabric dyes may
fade more quickly.

MEGA CITIES

PARTICULATES: HEALTH EFFECTS

Increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases

and mortality

• Ultrafine may be especially dangerous

(current drive to reduce PM2.5 may be
dangerous)
• Particles penetrate the lungs, blocking
and irritating air passages
• Toxic substances present in the
particles

INDOOR POLLUTANTS

Indoor air quality is important since people

spend more time indoors than outdoors.

Source: burning coal and wood, carpet,

tobacco smoke

Formaldehyde: H2C=O,

Stable intermediate of oxidation product of

methane

Can reach up to 1000 ppb (1 ppm) ……as

compared to 10 ppb outdoors

Nitrogen Dioxide: NO2

Homes that burn natural gas (stove, heater,

furnace) or kerosene have higher levels of NO2

Carbon Monoxide: CO

Colorless, odorless gas whose concentration

indoors increases from incomplete burning of
carbon based fuels.

Tobacco Smoke
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 8-F lighting, advertising, commercial properties,
and streetlights.
LIGHT POLLUTION
Light pollution is not a new phenomenon.
LIGHT
Over the last 50 years, as countries became
Light or visible light is a electromagnetic
affluent and urbanized, demand for outdoor
radiation that is perceived by the human eye.
lighting increased and light pollution sprawled
Uses of Artificial Light beyond the city limits and into suburban and
rural areas. This form pollution is now prevalent
• Economic Use in Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Social Use

• Safety and Security

We know that light has been a great use to the

human civilization and has been proven its
importance for the past centuries. As science-
major students we define light or visible light as
a electromagnetic radiation within the portion
of the EM spectrum that is perceived by the
human eye. Basically, light has two
classifications, natural and artificial light, for
today’s topic we’ll be focusing more on the
artificial light. Artificial Light is any light that
comes from a man-made light source and
had been utilized for economic use, social use HOW BAD IS LIGHT POLLUTION?
and also for safety and security for instance for • 80 percent of the world’s population
crime and car accident prevention. But how lives under sky glow. (World Atlas of
come light can be considered a pollution? Artificial Night Sky Brightness,2016 )
LIGHT POLLUTION • In the United States and Europe 99
(also known as photo pollution or luminous percent of the public can’t
pollution) experience a natural night.

• The inappropriate or excessive use of According to the 2016 groundbreaking

artificial light. “World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness,”
80 percent of the world’s population lives
• It is a side effect of industrial civilization. under sky glow. In the United States and
Its sources include building exterior and Europe 99 percent of the public can’t
interior lighting, advertising, experience a natural night. This picture was
commercial properties, and taken Before and during the 2003 Northeast
streetlights. blackout, a massive power outage that
• This form pollution is now prevalent in affected 55 million people. Photo by of Todd
Asia, Europe, and North America Carlson. As you can see after the black out
happened. The stars in the night sky was
- So, light pollution also known as photo evident.
pollution or luminous pollution is the
inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light. FORMS OF LIGHT POLLUTION
It holds serious environmental consequences 1. Glare – excessive brightness that
for humans, wildlife, and our climate. causes visual discomfort.
It is a side effect of industrial civilization. Its It is the visual sensation one experiences
sources include building exterior and interior when stray light, light in the visual field, is
greater than the light to which the eyes
 are adapted. Glare, depending on the
intensity, can result in reduced contrast,
color perception, and visual
performance.

2. Sky Glow – brightening of the night sky

over cities and inhabited areas.

It originates from natural and man-made

sources; however, poorly designed and
targeted artificial lights are the main cause of
sky glow. Sky glow occurs when light is
emitted directly into the atmosphere,
accidently or purposefully, where it is this infographic here illustrates the different
scattered by dust and gas molecules, components/forms of light pollution which we
creating a dome-like orange glow that have here the glare , where this man in the
covers the night sky. photo is experiencing visual discomfort, we
3. Light Trespass – light falling where it is not had also the light trespass here and the
intended or needed brightening of the night sky which is the sky
glow, and when there’s a lot of streetlights
It is also known as spill light, occurs when a lining up here it will result to light light clutt
light fixture casts illumination beyond the
property lines, unintentionally illuminating This infographic also shows what “good”
other homes, businesses, or areas. Spill light is lighting looks like. where light should be lit
the most subjective form light pollution around a specific area only.
because there are no guidelines to NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF LIGHT POLLUTION
determine when, where, or how much light is
unwanted. A common example here in these Luminous pollution has dire effects on our
pictures is a spill light from a streetlight environment and resources of energy as well
coming through a window and illuminating a as wildlife ecology and astronomical
bedroom. research. Light pollution also affects the
quality of life and safety of humans.
4. Light Clutter – bright, confusing and
excessive groupings of light sources Here are some of known side effects of light
pollution.
The fourth one is the light clutter is the bright,
confusing and excessive groupings of light • WILDLIFE
sources that cause confusion and distract - Luminous pollution affects the
from oncoming or surrounding objects. feeding, sleeping, mating, and
Light clutter is visible on roads surrounded by migration cycles of all wildlife.
unshielded street lights and brightly lit Reptiles such as sea turtles are greatly
advertisements or signs. affected by light pollution. . Female turtles
This creates a hazardous environment for nest on dark, remote beaches, but bright
drivers and pilots because it competes with coastal lights prevent them from finding safe
traffic and navigation signals. nesting areas for their eggs. This leads the
female turtles depositing their eggs in an
Clutter contributes to other forms of light unsafe area or the ocean.
pollution, including light trespass, glare, and
sky glow. These turtle hatchlings instinctively crawl
toward the brightest part on the beach,
which for many centuries was the moonlight
and starlit ocean; however, excessive lighting
on the beach or near the shore confuses the the nitrate radical—reducing night cleansing
hatchlings and causes them wander away by up to 7% and increasing the following
from the ocean. day’s ozone pollution precursor chemicals by
up to 5%
The hatchlings may be eaten by predators,
run over by vehicles, or die from dehydration Which the study concluded that City lights
or exhaustion. had wavelengths and intensities that drives
nitrate radical photolysis. Photolysis is a
process in which molecules are broken down
- Wildlife can also experience into smaller units by the absorption of light.
disorientation of time when there is too
• HUMAN HEALTH
much artificial light at night.
• humans adhere to a circadian
Nocturnal animals such as owls and bats
rhythm — our biological clock — a
might be affected and moths also which are
sleep-wake pattern governed by the
naturally attracted to light might be
day-night cycle.
vulnerable to their predators.
• Excessive exposure to artificial light
• AIR
might cause melatonin deficiency that
- Light pollution may worsen air pollution can result in anxiety, mood disorders,
by interfering with nightly cleansing insomnia, and elevated
chemical reactions. estrogen/progesterone ratio.
- An important chemical, nitrate radical
Like most life on Earth, humans adhere to a
(NO3)— only present in darkness—
circadian rhythm — our biological clock — a
normally breaks down damaging
sleep-wake pattern governed by the day-
chemicals that create smog.
night cycle.
- Night cleansing reduction up to 7%
and increasing by up to 5% of the Artificial light at night can disrupt that cycle.
ozone pollution precursor chemicals
Excessive exposure to artificial light might
on the following day
cause to melatonin deficiency that can
Light pollution may worsen air pollution by result in anxiety and mood disorders,
interfering with nightly cleansing chemical insomnia, and elevated
reactions. estrogen/progesterone ratio.

At night, nature tries to clean the air of the Our bodies produce the hormone melatonin
mix of molecules from all the factories and in response to circadian rhythm. Melatonin
cars. helps keep us healthy. It has antioxidant
properties, induces sleep, boosts the immune
An important chemical, nitrate radical (NO3
system, lowers cholesterol, and helps the
photolysis)—a form of nitrogen oxide only
functioning of the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries,
present in darkness—normally breaks down
testes and adrenal glands. Nighttime
damaging chemicals that create smog.
exposure to artificial light suppresses
Chemical compounds that become oxidized melatonin production.
and removed from the air are due to contact
• ASTRONOMY
with NO or NO2.
- Light pollution alters our view of the sky
When the sun rises, the process stops
and stars.
because sunlight breaks down the nitrate
radical. - Light spill and sky glow interferes with
astronomical equipment.
A recent study presented at the American
Geophysical Union that recent • ENERGY
measurements taken over Los Angeles have
shown that, like sunlight, city lights suppress
 - 30% of all light emitted by public
outdoor light fixtures is wasted, which
amounts to 22 Terawatt Hours
(TWh)/year of wasted electrical
energy.

≈ About 3.6 million tons of coal / year

The movement raises awareness about the
≈ About 12.9 million barrels of oil / year effects of photopollution and advantages of
cutting down on energy usage.
Light pollution alters our view of the sky and
stars The following groups and events are at the
forefront of the dark-sky movement and light
Light spill and sky glow interferes with
pollution awareness:
astronomical equipment, and makes viewing
faint celestial bodies difficult even with the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) -
aid of a telescope. founded in 1988, the IDA is a non-profit
organization recognized as the authority on
Today, astronomy helps us determine the
light pollution and night-sky conservation.
Sun's effect on Earth's climate, and identify
any potential threats to Earth from space. In Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS)-Founded by
order to conduct observation and research, the British Astronomical Association in 1989,
astronomers require dark skies. the Campaign for Dark Skies is the United
Kingdom's largest campaign against light
Energy use and its impact on our
pollution.
environment has become one of the top
concerns facing humanity. Wasted light Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
results in energy waste. (RASC) - Established in 1898 in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada where In 1991, RASC
A 2007 study conducted by International
founded Light-Pollution Abatement Program
Dark-Sky Association (IDA) estimated that
(LPA) to establish responsible lighting
30% of all light emitted by public outdoor light
practices that reduce light pollution.
fixtures is wasted, which amounts to 22
Terawatt Hours (TWh)/year of wasted Earth Hour is a worldwide movement
electrical energy. organized by the World Wildlife Fund. The
event is held annually, encouraging
This is equivalent to the following:
individuals, communities, and businesses to
About 3.6 million tons of coal per year turn off non-essential electric lights, for one
hour, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the last
About 12.9 million barrels of oil per year Saturday of March, as a symbol of
The total amount of wasted electrical energy commitment to the planet.
each year is enough to illuminate over 11
million homes and power over 777,000 cars.

MITIGATION TO LIGHT POLLUTION

One of the movements that contributes to

the mitigation of light pollution is the dark-sky
movement.

THE DARK-SKY MOVEMENT

a grass roots movement by professional and

amateur astronomers to reduce light But in our own little ways we can help
pollution. minimize light pollution

Luminous pollution, unlike other forms of

contamination and waste, can be contained
and/or minimized by improving outdoor
lighting practices.

Here are some simple tips to help you reduce

light pollution without sacrificing your comfort
or safety.

1. Light only what you need.

2. Use energy efficient bulbs and only as

bright as you need.

3. Choose outdoor light fixtures that are

shielded, meaning there is a solid cap above
the light bulb that prevents light from being
emitted directly to the sky, to minimize sky
pollution. Unshielded light fixtures emit more
than 50% of their light skyward or sideways
prone to light pollution. That’s why lights
should be shielded and direct them down.

4. Dimmers, motion sensors and timers can

help to reduce average illumination levels
and save even more energy. So only use light
when you need it.

5. Lasty, Choose warm white light bulbs.

(warm white is (no surprises) warmer and
comparatively dimmer than cool white which
is brighter and has more of a blue tinge.)

Remember that artificial light in outdoor

lighting serves a purpose to provide visibility
and safety at night, but lighting that exceeds
its purpose can quickly become offensive to
others. Let us do our part and minimize using
artificial light as much as possible.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY CHAPTER 9 LEAD (Pb)

APES 7.1 - Introduction to Air Pollution  Metal plants, waste incineration

AIR POLLUTION BASICS  Neurotoxicant

 Write about air pollutants (specific

molecules/particles) not just air
“pollution” as an idea
AIR POLLUTANTS VS. GREENHOUSE
 Clean Air Act (1970) identified 6
GASSES
criteria air pollutants that the EPA is
required to set acceptable limits for, CO2 is NOT one of 6 criteria pollutants in
monitor, and enforce Clean Air Act (although 07' SC ruling found
EPA could regulate greenhouse gases and it
SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO2)
began doing so in 09')
 Coal combustion (electricity)
 CO2 does not directly* lower air quality
 Respiratory irritation from a human health standpoint.

 smog  Not toxic to organisms to

breath
 acid precipitation
 Not damaging to lungs/eyes
NITROGEN OXIDES (NOX)
 Does not lead to smog,
(NO & NO2) decreased visibility
 All FF combustion (gas esp.)

 O3  Bottom line: In APES, CO2 has not

typically been included on FRQ scoring
 photochemical smog
guides as an air pollutant.
 acid precipitation
(stick to sure fire air pollutants on FRQs: SO,
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) NO, O PM)

 Incomplete combustion COAL COMBUSTION

 O3 Releases more air pollutants than other FFs;

~35% of global electricity
 Lethal to humans
 Releases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, toxic
PARTICULATE MATTER (PM) metals (mercury, arsenic, lead), and
 FF/biomass combustion PM (often carries the toxic metals)

 Respiratory irritation  Impacts of SO2

 Smog  Respiratory irritant (inflammation of

bronchioles, lungs), worsens asthma &
OZONE (TROPOSPHERIC) (O3) bronchitis

 Photochemical oxidation of NO2  Sulfur aerosols (suspended sulfate

particles) block incoming sun,
 Respiratory irritation
reducing visibility & photosynthesis
 smog
 Forms sulfurous (grey) smog
 plant damage  Combines with water & O2 in
 atmosphere to form sulfuric acid → water, O2
acid precipitate.
 Occur more during the day (since
NITROGEN OXIDES (NOX) sunlight often drives formation)

Released by combustion of anything,  Tropospheric O3 (Ozone)

especially FFs & biomass.
 Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) & sulfate
 NOx refers to nitrogen oxides (both NO, 2-
(SO4 )
and NO2)
 -
Nitric acid (HNO3) & nitrate (NO3 )

 NO forms when N2 combines with O2

(esp. during combustion)

 NO can become NO2 by reacting with

O3 or O2

 sunlight converts NO2 back into NO

APES NOTES 7.2 - PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG

ENVIRONMENTAL & HUMAN HEALTH

IMPACTS

 Respiratory irritant

 Leads to tropospheric ozone (O3)

formation, which leads to
photochemical smog

 Combines with water & O2 in

atmosphere to form
nitric acid → acid precipitation.

PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY AIR

POLLUTANTS

PRIMARY

• Emitted directly from sources such as

vehicles, power plants, factories, or natural
sources (volcanoes, forest fires)

• NOx, CO, CO2, VOCs, SO2, PM, hydrocarbons

SECONDARY

 Primary pollutants that have

transformed in presence of sunlight,
  Natural gas power plants release far
less NOx than coal

IMPACTS & REDUCTION OF SMOG

APES 7.3 NOTES - THERMAL INVERSION
IMPACTS
URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
Environment
 Urban areas tend to have higher
 Reduces sunlight; limiting surface & air temperature than
photosynthesis surrounding suburban and rural areas
due to:
 O3 damages plant stomata and
irritates animal respiratory tracts o Lower albedo; concrete & asphalt
absorb more of sun's energy than
Humans
areas with more vegetation
 Resp. irritant; worsens asthma, (absorbed sunlight is given off as
bronchitis, COPD; irritates eyes IR radiation - heat)

Economic o Less evapotranspiration; water

evaporating from surfaces and
 Increased health care costs to treat transpiration from plants carries
asthma, bronchitis, COPD heat from surface into the
 Lost productivity due to sick workers atmosphere
missing work or dying  This cools off rural &
suburban areas which have
 Decreased agricultural yields due to
more vegetation.
less sunlight reaching crops & damage
to plant stomata

REDUCTION

Vehicles

 Decreasing the number of vehicles on

the road decreases NO2 emissions

Fewer vehicles = less gas = fewer VOCs

- Carpooling, public transport, biking, walking,

working from home
THERMAL INVERSION
Energy
Because cold air at the surface is trapped
 Increased electricity production from beneath the warmer mass above, convection
renewable sources that don't emit NOx doesn't carry pollutants up & away.
(solar, wind, hydro)
 - Normally, the atmosphere is warmest
at earth's surface, and cools as
altitude rises

- During a thermal inversion, a cooler air

mass becomes trapped near earth's
surface (Inverting normal gradient)

o Due to a warm front

moving in over it

o Or due to hot urban

surfaces cooling overnight APES 7.4 - ATMOSPHERIC CO2 AND
while IR radiation absorbed PARTICULATES
during the day is still being Respiration
released
 All living things (plants included)
- Because warm air rises, air convection release CO2 through respiration.
carries air pollutants away from earth's
surface & distributes them higher into
the atmosphere.

Natural PM Sources

 Sea salt, pollen, ash from forest fires &

volcanoes dust (windborne soil)

 Leads to haze (scattering of sunlight &

reduced visibility)

Aerobic Decomposition

 Decomposition of organic matter by

bacteria & decomposers in the
EFFECTS OF THERMAL INVERSION
presence of oxygen → releases CO2.
 Air pollutants (smog, PM, ozone, SO2, Anaerobic Decomposition
NOx) trapped closer to earth
 Decomposition of organic matter by
 Respiratory irritation: asthma bacteria & decomposers in low or
flare ups leading to
oxygen-free conditions → releases CH4
hospitalization, worsened
(methane).
COPD, emphysema
PM10 vs. PM25
 Decreased tourism revenue
 Particulate Matter: solid or liquid
 Decreased photosynthetic
particles suspended in air (also
rate
referred to as "particulates”).

PM10 (<10 MICROMETERS)

 Particles or droplets like dust, pollen,

ash, or mold

 Too small to be filtered out by nose

hairs and trachea cilia; can irritate
respiratory tract & cause inflammation
PM2.5 (<2.5 MICROMETERS) commercial fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
supplied by utilities:
 Particles from combustion (especially
vehicles) smaller dust particles  Typically burned in closed, well
ventilated furnaces, stoves, etc.
 More likely to travel deep into the
lungs due to smaller size

 Associated with chronic bronchitis and Major indoor air pollutants in developed
increased risk of lung cancer nations come from chemicals in products:
adhesives in furniture, cleaning supplies,
insulation, lead paint.

PM & ASBESTOS

Particulates (PM) are a common indoor air

pollutant

 Ex: Smoke (from indoor biomass

combustion or cigarettes), dust, and
asbestos

Asbestos is a long, silicate particle previously

used in insulation (since been linked to lung
cancer & asbestosis)

 Phased out of use, but still remains in

older buildings

 Not dangerous until insulation is

disturbed and asbestos particles enter
air & then respiratory tract

 Should be removed by trained

APES NOTES 7.5 - INDOOR AIR professionals with proper respiratory
POLLUTANTS equipment, ventilation in the area it's
being removed from, plastic to seal off
DEVELOPING VS. DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
area from rest of the building.
DEVELOPING
CO (CARBON MONOXIDE)
 Developing nations use more
CO is produced by incomplete combustion of
subsistence fuels such as wood,
basically any fuel
manure, charcoal (biomass)
 Not all the fuel is combusted due to
 These biomass fuels release CO, PM,
low O2 or temp.
NO VOCs (can also cause
deforestation) Often combusted CO is an asphyxiant: causes suffocation due
indoors with poor ventilation, leading to CO binding to hemoglobin in blood,
to high concentrations displacing O2.

 Est. 3 billion people globally cook with  Lethal to humans in high

subsistence fuels, resulting in est. 3.5- concentrations, especially with poor
4.3 million deaths annually. ventilation (odorless and colorless -
hard to detect)
DEVELOPED
Developed nations: CO released into home by
 Developed nations use more
malfunctioning natural gas furnace  Can also seep into groundwater
ventilation sources & enter body through drinking
water
 Can be detected by carbon monoxide
detectors (similar to smoke detectors) 2nd leading cause of lung cancer after
smoking
Developing nations: CO emitted from indoor
biomass combustion for heating/cooking  EPA recommends testing homes with
airborne Radon monitor

 Sealing cracks in foundation can

prevent it from entering and increasing
ventilation in the home can disperse it
if it's detected

DUST & MOLD

Natural indoor air pollutants that can worsen

asthma, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema

 Dust settles in homes naturally, is

disturbed by movement, entering air
and then respiratory tract

 Mold develops in areas that are dark

and damp and aren't well ventilated
VOCS (VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS) (under sinks/showers, behind panels in
walls and ceiling)
Chemicals used in variety of home products
that easily vaporize, enter air, and irritate eyes,  Black mold is a class of mold that
lungs, bronchioles releases spores into air
 Adhesives/sealants: chemicals used  Especially harmful to respiratory
to glue carpet down, hold furniture system
together, seal panels
Can be removed by physically cleaning mold
 Formaldehyde is a common adhesive out and fixing the water leak or ventilation
in particle board and carpet glues (new issue that lead to mold forming.
carpet smell)
LEAD
Cleaners: Common household cleaners and
deodorizers such as febreeze Found in paint in old homes (EPA banned
lead paint in 78')
Plastics and Fabrics: both can release VOCs
themselves, or from adhesives used in  Paint chips off walls/windows and
production is eaten by small children (due to
curiosity & sweet taste) or inhaled
RADON GAS as dust
Radioactive gas released by decay of uranium  Lead water pipes can also release
naturally found in rocks underground (granite lead into drinking water sources
especially) (as in Flint) but it's less common
 Usually enters homes through cracks than lead paint
in the foundation & then disperses up Damages central nervous system of children
from basement/foundation through due to smaller size and still developing brain
home
  Can be removed from home by o (Corporate Average Fuel Economy)
stripping lead paint and replacing with standards require the entire US "fleet"
non-lead based paint of vehicles to meet certain average
fuel
 Lead water pipes can be replaced by
cities with copper pipes  Requires vehicle manufacturers to
work to make more efficient vehicles

 More efficient vehicles burn less

gasoline and release less NOx, PM, CO,
and CO2.

VAPOR RECOVERY NOZZLE

o Capture hydrocarbon VOCs released

from gasoline fumes during refueling

o Separate tube inside nozzle captures

vapors & returns them to underground
APES 7.6 - REDUCTION OF AIR POLLUTANTS storage tank beneath the gas station
REDUCING EMISSIONS o Reduces VOCs, which contribute to
smog & irritate resp. tracts
 Reducing emissions = reducing air
pollutants o Also reduces benzene (carcinogen)
released from gasoline vapors
o Drive less, walk/bike/bus more

o Conserve electricity (smart appliances)

o Eat more plants, less meat

o Renewable, non-pollution emitting

energy (solar, wind, hydro)

LAWS/REGULATIONS

CLEAN AIR ACT

o Allows EPA to set acceptable levels for

criteria air pollutants Catalytic Converter (CC)
o Monitor emissions levels from power o Required on all vehicles after 1975
plants and other facilities
o Contains metals (platinum & palladium)
o Tax/sue/fine corporations that release that bind to NOx and CO.
emissions above levels
CC converts NOx, CO, and other hydrocarbons
POLLUTION CREDITS nto CO2, N2, O2, and H2O.
o Similar to ITQs for fish

o Companies that reduce emissions well

below EPA-set levels earn pollution
credits

o They can sell these to companies that

release more than acceptable levels

CAFE VEHICLE STANDARDS

REDUCING SOX & NOX
CRUSHED LIMESTONE (SO2) absorb or neutralize NOx, SOx, VOCs,
but also include mist nozzles that trap
o Used to reduce SO2 from coal power
PM in water droplets as well
plants
o Mist droplets with pollutants and PM
 Crushed coal mixed with limestone
trapped in them fall to bottom of
(calcium carbonate) before being
scrubber or get trapped @top by mist
burned in boiler.
eliminator
 Calcium carbonate in limestone
o Sludge collection system traps
combines with SO2 to produce calcium
polluted water for disposal
sulfate, reducing the SO2 being emitted

 Calcium sulfate can be used to make

gypsum wallboard or sheetrock for
home foundations

FLUIDIZED BED COMBUSTION (NOX)

o Fluidizing jets of air pumped into

combustion "bed"

o Jets of air bring more O2 into reaction,

making combustion more efficient and
bringing SO2 into more contact with
calcium carbonate in limestone

o Also allows coal to be combusted at

lower temp, which emits less NOx REDUCING PM

ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR

o Power plant/factory emissions passed

through device with a negative charged
electrode, giving particles a negative
charge

o Negative charged particles stick to pos.

charged collection plates, trapping
them

o Plates discharged occasionally so

particles fall down into collection
WET & DRY SCRUBBERS hopper for disposal in landfills
DRY SCRUBBERS (NOX, SOX, VOCS) BAGHOUSE FILTER (PM)
o Large column/tube/pipe filled with o Large fabric bag filters that trap PM as
chemicals that absorb or neutralize air from combustion/industrial
oxides (NOX, SOX, VOCs) from exhaust process passes through
streams (emissions)
o Shaker device knocks trapped
o Calcium oxide is a common dry particles loose into collection hopper
scrubber additive which reacts with below
SO2, to form calcium sulfite
o PM collected & taken to landfill
WET SCRUBBERS (NO2, SO̟ 2, VOCS +, PM)

o May involve chemical agents that

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 7.7 - ACID
DEPOSITION

SOURCES OF NOX & SO2

NOx and SO2 are the primary pollutants that

cause most acid precipitation.

Major Sources
NOx and SO2 react with O2 and H2O in the
SO2- Coal fired power plants, metal factories, atmosphere, forming nitric and sulfuric acid.
vehicles that burn diesel fuel
Sulfuric Acid
NOx - vehicle emissions, diesel generators
coal power plants Sulfuric acid and nitric acid dissociate in the
presence of water into sulfate and nitrate
Limiting Acid Rain ions, and hydrogen ions (H )
+

Reducing NOx & SO2 emissions reduces acid +

Acidic rain water (higher H conc.) deceases
deposition soil and water pH; can limit tree growth in
forests down wind from major SO2 & NOx
 Higher CAFE Standards More public
sources
transit
Env. Effects of Acid Rain
 Renewable energy sources
+
Acidity = higher H ion concentration, lower
 More efficient electricity use
pH
Since passage of Clean Air Act, acid
Soil/Water Acidification
deposition has decreased significantly
 H+ ions displace or leech other pos.
2 +
charged nutrients (Ca +, K ) from soil

 +
H ions also make toxic metals like
aluminum and mercury more soluble in
soil and water
This can slow growth or kill plants and physiological stress (difficulty
animals living in the soil or water communicating, headaches, confusion) or
hearing loss.
MITIGATING ACID RAIN
 Construction: jack hammers, trucks,
Limestone (calcium carbonate) is a natural
concrete pouring
base that can neutralize acidic soil/water.
 Transportation: cars, busses, trains
Limestone

 Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) reacts with

 Industrial activity: manufacturing
+ plants
H ions, forming HCO, and giving off
2+
Ca  Domestic activity: neighbor's music,
This "neutralizes" acidic water/soil, moving it lawn mowing, home projects
closer to a pH of 7

 Regions with limestone bedrock have WILDLIFE EFFECTS (LAND)

some natural buffering of acid rain
Noise pollution can disrupt animal
Humans can also add crushed limestone to communication, migration, and damage
soils/waters to neutralize hearing.

 Acid rain can corrode human  Physiological stress: caterpillar hearts

structures, especially those made from beat faster when exposed to simulated
limestone. highway noise pollution
Limiting SO2 & NOx Could drive pollinator species decline

 Decreasing these primary pollutants  Hearing: can prevent predators from

that drive acid rain can reduce it hearing prey and vice versa; can
prevent mates from locating each
 Renewable energy sources, decreasing
other (both of these decrease chances
coal comb.
of survival)
 Fluidized bed combustion & lower
WILDLIFE EFFECTS (AQUATIC)
burning temp. for existing coal power
plants Aquatic noise pollution comes from the noise
of ship engines, military sonar, and seismic
 Dry or wet scrubbers
air blasts from oil & gas surveying ships.

 Physiological stress: hearing loss,

disrupted communication, mating calls,
predator and prey

Whales are especially prone to having

migration routes disrupted as their vocal
communication is disrupted

 Seismic surveying ships send huge air

blasts down into the water, searching
for oil by recording how the echo is
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 7.8 - NOISE returned from ocean floor
POLLUTION
So loud that researchers off the coast of
URBAN NOISE POLLUTION Virginia can detect blasts from coast of Brazil.
Any noise at great enough volume to cause