Common Atmospheric Pollutants
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 10.3.2
Common Atmospheric Pollutants
Common atmospheric pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and lead compounds. Burning fossil fuels produces air pollutants.
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.
Sulfur impurities
- Sulfur is an impurity that is present in all fossil fuels.
- Sulfur oxidises when burned. This produces the toxic gas sulfur dioxide.
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.
Lead compounds
- Lead compounds come from leaded petrol.
Natural sources
- Methane is generated from the decomposition of vegetation.
- Methane is also generated as waste gases from digestion in animals
Test yourself on Common Atmospheric Pollutants
What toxic gas is produced when sulfur in fossil fuels is burned?