Environment Key Issue #2: Why are resources being polluted?

EnvironmentKey Issue #2: Why are resources being polluted?

Air PollutionDefinition: a concentration of trace

substances at a greater level than occurs in average air

Most common – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and solid particulates

Three human activities that cause pollution: motor vehicles, industry, and power plants

Pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels

Three scales of pollution: global, regional, and local

Global Warming Burning fossil fuels may be causing the

earth’s temperature to rise Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has

risen more than ¼ in the past 200 years The average temperature of Earth’s

surface has increased 2°F during the past 100 years

Greenhouse effect

Global-Scale Ozone Damage The ozone layer (gases) absorbs UV rays

from the sun The ozone layer is threatened by

pollutants called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

PEDs were required to stop using CFCs by 2000, and PINGs are supposed to stop by 2010

Regional-Scale Acid Deposition

Especially in densely populated areas such as western Europe and eastern North America

Acid precipitation

Local-Scale Urban Air Pollution

1. Carbon Monoxide – proper burning in power plants produces carbon dioxide, but improper combustion produces carbon monoxide

2. Hydrocarbons – result from improper fuel combustion as well as evaporation of paint solvents

• Photochemical smog – formed by hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight; cause respiratory problems, stinging of the eyes, and an ugly haze over the city

3. Particulates – dust and smoke particles

Photochemical Smog in Mexico City

Water Pollution

Point vs. Nonpoint Point Nonpoint

Impact on Aquatic Life

Wastewater and disease Drinking this: Results with this:

Land Pollution