Atmosphere: Air

Atmosphere: Air

1. COMPOSITION

   • Nitrogen 78%
   • Oxygen 21%
   • Noble Gases <1%
   • Carbon Dioxide 0.03%
     • Carbon Cycle
       • Production of carbon dioxide
         • Respiration
       • Removal of carbon dioxide
         • Photosynthesis

2. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS

   • Carbon Monoxide
     • PRODUCED BY incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances
     • CAUSES death. Very poisonous, that's why some people die in their cars.
     • REDUCED BY catalytic converters. (convert CO to CO2)
   • Sulfur Dioxide
     • PRODUCED BY volcanic eruptions & combustion of fossil fuels.
     • CAUSES acid rain & breathing difficulties.
     • REDUCED BY flue gas desulfurisation. (CaCO3 removes SO2)
   • Oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO2)
     • PRODUCED BY lightning activity & internal combustion engines.
     • CAUSES acid rain & lung damage.
     • REDUCED BY catalytic converters. (Convert NO and NO2 to N2 nitrogen)
   • Methane
     • PRODUCED BY bacterial decay of organic matter & human activities
     • CAUSES greenhouse effect & global warming (it's a greenhouse gas)
   • Unburnt Hydrocarbons
     • PRODUCED BY incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.
     • CAUSES photochemical smog (don't we love this word) & formation of ozone.
     • REDUCED BY catalytic converters.
   • Ozone
     • PRODUCED BY photochemical reactions
     • CAUSES eye irritation & respiratory problems.
     • REDUCED BY reducing emissions of unburnt hydrocarbon fuels.