9.1.7

Common Atmospheric Pollutants & Their Properties

Test yourself

Common Atmospheric Pollutants from Fossil Fuels

Burning fossil fuels is a major cause of air pollution. Burning fossil fuels produces lots of carbon dioxide, as well as smaller quantities of other pollutants.

Illustrative background for Incomplete combustionIllustrative background for Incomplete combustion ?? "content

Incomplete combustion

  • Incomplete combustion happens when fuels are burned in insufficient oxygen.
  • Incomplete combustion produces two problematic by-products:
    • Carbon monoxide - a toxic gas.
    • Particulates - small solid particles containing carbon and unburnt fuel.
Illustrative background for Sulfur impuritiesIllustrative background for Sulfur impurities ?? "content

Sulfur impurities

  • Sulfur is an impurity that is present in all fossil fuels.
    • Sulfur oxidises when burned. This produces the toxic gas sulfur dioxide.
Illustrative background for Internal combustion engines in carsIllustrative background for Internal combustion engines in cars ?? "content

Internal combustion engines in cars

  • When fossil fuels are burned in a confined space, the high temperatures can cause nitrogen and oxygen to react.
    • This leads to the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides.

The Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants

Common atmospheric pollutants include carbon monoxide, particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The negative effects of each of these are described here.

Illustrative background for Carbon monoxideIllustrative background for Carbon monoxide ?? "content

Carbon monoxide

  • Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin in the blood.
    • This restricts the blood’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
  • Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless.
    • This means that it is difficult to detect in the air.
  • If exposed to too much carbon monoxide, symptoms can range from fainting to fatality.
Illustrative background for Particulates Illustrative background for Particulates  ?? "content

Particulates

  • Inhaling particulates can cause respiratory issues.
  • Particulates reflect incoming radiation out into space.
    • This leads to global dimming, which decreases the levels of sunlight available for photosynthesis. This can have knock-on effects for rainfall patterns.
Illustrative background for Sulfur dioxideIllustrative background for Sulfur dioxide ?? "content

Sulfur dioxide

  • Inhaling sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory issues.
  • Sulfur dioxide can react with water to form sulfuric acid.
    • Sulfuric acid is a major part of acid rain, which can cause:
      • The corrosion of steel.
      • The weathering of buildings, monuments and statues.
      • The death of insects, plants, and aquatic organisms.
Illustrative background for Nitrogen oxidesIllustrative background for Nitrogen oxides ?? "content

Nitrogen oxides

  • Inhaling nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory issues.
  • Nitrogen oxides can react with water to form nitric acid.
    • Like sulfuric acid, nitric acid is a key component in acid rain.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson