Atmosphere -avid Precipitation, Smoke Pollution + Smog (p1)

Question 1

What are the different types of sampling methods mentioned for lichens?

Answer 1

Random, systematic, stratified, transect

Question 2

What factors should be considered when choosing sample locations for lichen studies?

Answer 2

Pollution gradient, substrate type, health and safety considerations

Question 3

What is the effect of atmospheric pollution on lichen distribution?

Answer 3

It affects the growth and distribution of lichens

Question 4

What is ‘smoke smog’?

Answer 4

Smoke smog is caused by the interaction of smoke and fog

Question 5

What significant event led to the introduction of the Clean Air Act in 1956?

Answer 5

The Great London Smog of 1952

Question 6

What are the main objectives of the Clean Air Act?

Answer 6

Ban excessive smoke release, set air quality standards, fund pollution research

Question 7

What are some sources of smoke pollution?

Answer 7

Burning vegetation, coal, diesel, combustible wastes

Question 8

What are the effects of smoke on human health?

Answer 8

Can lead to bronchitis, lung infections, and some chemicals are carcinogenic

Question 9

What does ‘synergistic effects’ mean?

Answer 9

Two or more pollutants interact to create a different and usually worse effect

Question 10

What are the three reactions involved in forming peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs)?

Answer 10

NO2 + O → NO + O2, O + O2 → O3, NO + O3 + hydrocarbons → PANs

Question 11

What are the most common gases in the atmosphere?

Answer 11

Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Neon, Helium, Methane, Hydrogen, Nitrous Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide

Question 12

What is the significance of the size of smoke particles?

Answer 12

It affects the time particles spend in the atmosphere and their health impacts

Question 13

What are some methods used to control nitrogen oxides (NOx)?

Answer 13

Low temperature combustion, catalytic converters, urea sprays

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Smoke consists of small, suspended solid particles in the atmosphere produced by _______.

Answer 14

incomplete combustion

Question 15

True or False: Photochemical smogs involve smoke and fog.

Answer 15

False

Question 16

What are the effects of tropospheric ozone on plants?

Answer 16

Toxic and reduces growth rates in trees and crops

Question 17

What is the reaction that causes rainwater to become acidic?

Answer 17

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3

Question 18

What role do lichens play as biotic indicators?

Answer 18

They show varying levels of sensitivity to pollutants

Question 19

What are the main sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere?

Answer 19

Exhaust gases from petrol and diesel engines

Question 20

What is the role of flue-gas desulfurization?

Answer 20

Removes sulfur dioxide from emissions released after fuel combustion

Question 21

What are some examples of legislation aimed at controlling air pollution?

Answer 21

Clean Air Acts, Non-fossil fuel obligation (NFFO), Montreal Protocol

Question 22

What is the primary outcome of the Great London Smog?

Answer 22

Over 4000 people died of respiratory problems

Question 23

What is the pH level that indicates enhanced acid rain?

Answer 23

Lower than 5.6

Question 24

What weak acid is formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater?

Answer 24

Carbonic acid

Question 25

What gases are produced by combustion that contribute to acid rain?

Answer 25

* SOx * NOx

Question 26

What is acid rain?

Answer 26

Rain, snow, sleet, fog, cloudwater, or dew with a pH lower than 5.6

Question 27

What strong acid is produced when sulfur trioxide dissolves in water?

Answer 27

Sulfuric acid

Question 28

What is the direct impact of acid rain on living and non-living things?

Answer 28

It causes damage upon contact

Question 29

What are the indirect effects of acid rain?

Answer 29

Secondary or tertiary impacts affecting living things

Question 30

What is dry acid deposition?

Question 31

What are the basic types of pollution mentioned?

Answer 31

* Atmospheric pollution * Water pollution * Heavy metal pollution * Noise pollution * Ionising radiation * Solid wastes * Pesticide pollution

Question 32

What is the effect of acid rain on limestone and sandstone?

Answer 32

It reacts to produce gypsum, damaging the stone's surface

Question 33

What happens to metal ions in acidic conditions?

Answer 33

They become more soluble and can leach into the soil

Question 34

What toxic heavy metal ions can leach into the soil due to acid rain?

Answer 34

* Aluminium * Lead

Question 35

How does acid rain affect nutrient mobility in soil?

Answer 35

It causes essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium to leach from the soil

Question 36

What are the human health effects associated with acid rain?

Answer 36

* Breathing difficulties * Asthma * Bronchitis * Emphysema

Question 37

What is the impact of acid rain on fish?

Answer 37

Fish eggs die and gills are damaged, affecting oxygen absorption

Question 38

How does acid rain affect plants?

Answer 38

* Removes wax cuticle * Destroys root hair cells * Damages germinating seeds

Question 39

What organisms are sensitive to acidic conditions and can be used as a biotic index?

Answer 39

Lichens

Question 40

What is one method to control sulfur oxides emissions?

Answer 40

* Fossil fuel desulfurisation

Question 41

What is a method to control nitrogen oxides emissions?

Answer 41

* Catalytic converters

Question 42

What happens to shells in acidic water?

Answer 42

They dissolve, reducing protection from predators

Question 43

What ions inhibit enzyme action in plant roots?

Answer 43

Toxic ions such as aluminium and lead

Question 44

At what pH levels can trout and other fish survive?

Answer 44

Above 6.5

Question 45

What role does hydrogen sulfide play in natural gas extraction?

Answer 45

It is removed to prevent corrosion and production of sulfur dioxide

Question 46

What is the effect of acid rain on germination?

Answer 46

It inhibits enzyme action necessary for seed germination