Environmental Impact: Biogeochemical Cycles, Pollution & Acid Rain

Posted on Dec 15, 2024 in Geology

Biogeochemical Cycles

  • Decomposition of organic matter for plant use.
  • Plants incorporate nutrients from soil and water.
  • Nutrients pass through the food web.
  • Decomposers break down organic compounds.

Sources of Air Pollutants

  • Uncontrolled industrial emissions and transport fumes.
  • Coal and oil burning factories and power plants.
  • Potential leaks from nuclear reactors.
  • Poisonous gases from some plants (e.g., formaldehyde, chlorine).
  • Metallurgical industry emissions.
  • Waste incineration releasing methane (CO2), (SO2), and lead.
  • Fertilizers and pesticides entering the atmosphere.
  • Vehicle and aircraft emissions (lead, CO, nitrogen oxides) forming ozone (O3).
  • Oil refineries emitting sulfur dioxide (SO2).
  • Coal heating increasing sulfur dioxide and CO2 levels.

The Effects of Air Pollution

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) from industries and power plants.
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2) causing smog and acid rain.
  • Acid rain forms from SO2 and water vapor, harming vegetation.
  • Smog affects respiratory health and can cause cancer.
  • Nitrogen oxides irritate eyes and respiratory systems.
  • Lead affects the nervous system and blood.
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a danger to human health.
  • Ground-level ozone damages vegetation and causes brown spots.
  • Pesticides can be transported by wind to populated areas.

Acid Rain

  • Acid rain is precipitation with sulfuric and nitric acids (pH below 5.6).
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2) from burning coal or oil.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2) from high-temperature combustion and fertilizers.
  • Acid rain can fall as snow.

Effects of Acid Rain

  • Global problem: Pollution travels long distances.
  • Damages trees and soil by obstructing pores and altering soil composition.
  • Kills lakes by acidification, harming aquatic life.
  • Destroys buildings and statues.
  • Inhaling acid mist can cause respiratory problems.

Greenhouse Gases

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
  • Methane from wetlands, rice paddies, and waste dumps.
  • Nitrogen oxide from fertilizers and burning fuels.
  • Ozone from sunlight reacting with pollutants.
  • CFC gases from air conditioning, packaging, and refrigerators.
  • Over 30 identified greenhouse gases with long lifespans.