Percentage Composition of Gases

1%

0-4% 0.04%

21%
Nitrogen
Oxygen

Argon
Water Vapour
Carbon dioxide

78%

The effect of air pollutant depends on their

concentration, their relative toxicity and the
average length of time they remain in the
environment before becoming harmless by
natural processes.

Two types of air pollutant: Primary pollutants: which are emitted directly
into the atmosphere.
Secondary pollutants: which are produced when
primary pollutants undergo chemical change in
the atmosphere.

1)
2)

They can cause respiratory problems, cancer

and smog.

Natural Causes

Anthropogenic
Causes

Industrial plants that produce smoke(soot)

Combustion of fossil fuels

Volcanic eruptions
Forest fires
Dust
Pollen

They prevent haemoglobin from transporting

oxygen.

Natural Causes

Anthropogenic
Causes

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels

Fuel + O2 CO + H2O

Incomplete oxidation of methane in

atmosphere
2CH4 + 3O2 2CO + 4H2O
Methane is from anaerobic
decomposition in bacteria

They can cause acid deposition, respiratory

problems and smog.

Natural Causes

Anthropogenic
Causes

High temperature combustion in engines

produces NO, which is then oxidized.
2NO + O2 2NO2

Bacterial actions in soil produces NO

In atmosphere, NO is oxidized to NO2
2NO + O2 2NO2

They can cause acid deposition and

respiratory problems.

Natural Causes

Anthropogenic
Causes

Combustion of sulfur containing coal or

diesel, smelting, sulfuric acid plants
S + O2 SO2
2SO2 + O2 2SO3

Volcanic eruptions
2H2S + O2 2SO2 + H2O
2SO2 + O2 2SO3

They cause smog and cancer.

Incomplete combustion
Paint
Cleaning supplies

Natural Causes

Anthropogenic
Causes

Anaerobic decomposition forms Methane

1. Catalytic Converters

CO: 2CO + O2 2CO2

NO: 2CO + 2NO 2CO2 + N2
VOCs: no one reactions but,
VOC + O2 CO2 + H2O

Hot gases are passed over a platinum catalyst

where they adsorb to the surface. (This is about
90% efficient at reducing pollutants.)

2. Control of Fuel to Air Ratio

NO: Lean burn engines

NO is produced at high temperatures in an

engine. Decreasing oxygen input will lower the
temperature, producing less NO. However, a
decrease in oxygen will increase incomplete
combustion, creating more CO and VOCs. A
balance has to be met of reducing NO while not
increasing CO and VOCs too much.

3. Alkaline Scrubbing

SO2: CaCO3(s) + SO2(g)

CaSO3(s) + CO2(g)

Alkaline water is sprayed

onto the exhaust gases.
The sulfur dioxide gas is
then precipitated out and
can be collected. (It can
reach 95% efficiency)

4. Limestone (CaCO3) Fluidized Beds

SO2: CaO(s) + SO2(g) CaSO3(s)

Limestone is mixed with the coal before

combustion. During combustion, calcium oxide is
produced from the limestone, and that reacts
with the sulfur dioxide. (It can reach 95%
efficiency and no production of CO2 which is
greenhouse gas!)

5. Electrostatic Precipitation

Particulates

Particles (neutral) are passed through the ionizing

rods, giving the particulates a negative charge.
The particles are now attracted to the positive
collection plates and stick to it.

Become
negative here

Ionizing rods

Charged plate (+)