Air pollution

Question 1

Carbon monoxide

Answer 1

S: Incomplete combustion of fuels in vehicles
H.E.: Combines more readily with hemoglobin than oxygen. Prevents oxygen intake.
- cause headaches, tiredness
P: Platinum catalyst oxidises CO to CO2

Question 2

Sulfur dioxide

Answer 2

S: Extraction of iron, combustion of fuels, volcanic eruptions
H.E.: 0.5% of it can kill.
- causes coughing, chest pain, bronchitis
Form acid rain
SO2+H2O->H2SO3->H2SO4
P: Desulfurisation process
CaO+SO2–>CaSO3
2CaSO3+O2->2CaSO4
lime to neutralise acid rain

Question 3

NOx

Answer 3

S: motor vehicles, lightning
H.E.: NO2 is corrosive and toxic -> breathing problems
NO2 forms acid rain
P: Catalytic converters
lime to neutralize acid rain

Question 4

Acid rain

Answer 4

S: Acidic air pollutants dissolve in rainwater, making it acidic
H.E.: corrodes buildings, metals in pipes
Damages trees and plants
dissolves away essential minerals
kill aquatic life
P: absorb acidic oxides with CaO before releasing them into the air (Desulfurisation) Add slaked lime into lakes