ERTH 20 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Smog, Volatile Organic Compound, Tropospheric Ozone
13 Oct 2020
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Document Summary
In addition to diminishing stratospheric ozone, humans have altered the composition of the atmosphere in other ways as well, most obviously in the form of photochemical smog and other forms of air pollution. Many natural sources of contaminants are found in the atmosphere: (i. e. smoke from wildfires, ash from volcanic eruptions, windblown dust, pollen from plants, and salt particles from breaking waves) Humans increased magnitude and frequency of pollutants released. the greatest problems are associated with cities because of the concentration of people and activities. Primary pollutants: contaminants released directly into the air (i. e. particulates, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, carbon oxides & hydrocarbons) Secondary pollutants: photochemical smog, are not released directly into the air but instead form as a consequence of chemical reactions. Carbon monoxide the most plentiful primary pollutant, formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon- based fuels, especially by motor vehicles.
