Air Pollution

Notes Jan. 14

Atmosphere levels
Troposphere
Stratosphere: Ozone layer located here.
Mesosphere
Thermosphere

Pollution concentrate in the troposphere. Climate change is due to the change on temperature in the troposphere.
Greenhouse gases: CFCs, Methane, carbon dioxide.

Primary pollutant: come directly from specific sources such as volcanoes or dust storms. Most hydrocarbons, most suspended particles. Human primary pollutants come from vehicles, factories and industrial activities, and houses. Examples: CO, CO2, SO2, NO, NO2.

Secondary pollutants: these pollutants generate from primary pollutants due to chemical activities in the atmosphere or water. Most of these reactions are enabled by sunlight. Photochemical smog and ozone are examples of secondary pollutants. Examples: SO3, HNO3, H2SO4, O3, nitric and sulfuric ions.

Indoor pollution
Pollution that builds up in houses and buildings can be is known as indoor pollution. It can be divided into several areas:
Bedrooms - Areas of sleep: Dust mites, bacteria and viruses. Can be reduced through good ventilation. Special mattresses and linen as well as good hygiene help reduce bedroom pollutants.
Bathroom - Areas of hygiene: Plumbing leaks, cleaning supplies, heavy metals found in the plumbing, carpeting and flooring, bacteria and viruses, dampness, garbage.
Kitchen - Areas of cooking: Cooking smoke, gas appliances, household cleaning agents, garbage, plumbing leaks.
Garage and Attic - Areas of storage: Storage of chemicals, old things release pollutants. To reduce this, do not store potentially polluting stuff and keeping the area well ventilated.
Living rooms: Tobacco, incense, and environment fresheners, carpets and furniture store pollen, dust and debris. Choose furniture that is not prone to store pollutants (too many cushions, excessive fluff, etc.)
Yards: Pesticides, herbicides, naturally produce pollen and dust. To promote a more eco-friendly yard, the plants in the house must be regional plants that do not need exceptional care.

To be continued...

Sources of Pollution per Type

Air
Point source: Ammonia is a pollutant that is commonly released because of industrial processes.

Non-point source: Nitrogen oxides are pollutants that are released into the air due to the combustion of fossil fuels and other human activities such as cars and other vehicles, and agricultural sources.

Water
Point source:
Wastewater treatment plants are a source of pollutants ranging from organic nutrients to chemical agents. This is considered a point source pollutant because the plants have identifiable discharge pipes.

Non-point source:

1. Excess nutrients that can come from industrial or agricultural runoff or even animal wastes and soil gathered along a water's path.
2. Chemical contaminants that enter a body of water through urban runoff and contaminated stormwater.
   

Soil
Point source: Industrial wastes and agricultural pesticides are a source of contaminants that release chemicals into the soil, compromising its health.
Non-point source: Runoff can also affect soil because contaminated groundwater seeps into it. If the runoff carries excessive nutrients, these could also become soil pollutants.


Notes
It can be seen in this comparison that when talking about waste and pollution management, each case need to be considered on an individual basis because a pollutant can come from a non-point source or a point source.