Chapter 19: Problem 3

What are the seven major primary air pollutants and their sources?

Short Answer

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The seven major primary air pollutants are Particulate Matter (from combustion of fossil fuels), Sulfur Dioxide (from burning fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions), Carbon Monoxide (from incomplete combustion in engines and furnaces), Nitrogen Dioxide (from burning fuel), Ozone (formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds), Lead (mainly from metals processing) and Volatile Organic Compounds (from industrial processes and the use of certain products like paints and solvents).

Step by step solution

Identifying the Seven Major Primary Air Pollutants

The seven major primary air pollutants are: Particulate Matter (PM), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Lead (Pb), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Describing the Sources of Particulate Matter (PM)

Particulate matter refers to tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in the air. They are mainly produced from burning fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and various industrial processes.

Describing the Sources of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur Dioxide comes from fossil fuel combustion, especially in power plants and industrial facilities that use coal or oil. It's also produced during volcanic eruptions.

Describing the Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon Monoxide is mainly produced from incomplete combustion in cars and trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, and furnaces.

Describing the Sources of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen Dioxide mainly comes from burning fuel. It's emitted from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment.

Describing the Sources of Ozone (O3)

Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant. It's created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.

Describing the Sources of Lead (Pb)

Lead primarily comes from metal processing, especially pertaining to batteries, protective coatings, and some types of ammunition and is also in some imported products.

Describing the Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They mainly come from industrial processes and product use, such as paints and solvents, petroleum refineries, and chemical manufacturing plants.

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What are the seven major primary air pollutants and their sources?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying the Seven Major Primary Air Pollutants

Describing the Sources of Particulate Matter (PM)

Describing the Sources of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Describing the Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Describing the Sources of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Describing the Sources of Ozone (O3)

Describing the Sources of Lead (Pb)

Describing the Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

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