4.11 Gas Pollution

Key Points:
1. Sulphur dioxides formula is SO2, and sulphur dioxide as a gas is added to the atmosphere when we ahve the combustion of fossil fuels in factories. Such a coals and oils give off SO2. Also a significant contribution comes from vehicles and the combustion of oils and petrols and gas.
2. In the atmosphere SO2 combines with H2O and forms what is known as sulphuric acid. It is found within the water which condenses as clouds, and when it rains it is called acid rain. Acid rain affects plants and animals. Trees and plants are often burned by the direct effect. Top tree is often dead.
3. Another way is the root system, and the sulphuric acid causes calcium ions and magnesium to be leached out of the soil. This means the plant cant obtain it and suffers chlorosis.
4. The acid will form with rainwater to make streams, and then lakes and the acid reduces the pH and the effect of this brings about the effect of aluminium ions, and this affects fish. The aluminium causes a thickening of the mucous that lines the gills and reduces the fishes ability to take oxygen from water. The fish suffocates. Kills the fish. Acid frees aluminium ions which thicken the mucous which suffocates the fish. Effects of sulphur dioxide.
5. Carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels such as coal and gas are burned with insufficient oxygen, so we get CO. Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin inside the red blood cells and makes a molecule called carbinohaemoglobin, and the problem is that it blocks haemoglobin from carrying oxygen. Reducing the oxygen circulation, this is toxic and too much CO can be fatal.Very difficult to get the carbon monoxide off the haemoglobin.