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Chapter 19: Problem 8

Describe the negative effects of pollutants on crops, forests, and other materials. Which pollutants are mainly responsible for these effects?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Particulate Matter (PM) are the main pollutants causing negative effects on crops, forests, and other materials. SO2 can damage plants and reduce crop yield by affecting photosynthesis. NOx can cause leaf damage, stunt growth, disrupt the soil nutrients and decrease biodiversity. PM can impede photosynthesis, cause physical damage to plant tissues and make them more susceptible to disease.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the main pollutants

Firstly, identify the main pollutants which affect crops, forests and other materials. There are several types of pollutants, but the most common ones are typically: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Particulate Matter (PM).
02

Describe the effects of Sulphur Dioxide

Explain how Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) harms the environment. SO2 is a gas that can damage plants and reduce crop yield. It enters the leaves of plants and changes the way they process photosynthesis, which is responsible for their growth.
03

Describe the effects of Nitrogen Oxides

Detail how Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) impact the environment. High levels of Nitrogen Oxides can cause leaf damage and stunt growth in plants and trees. They disrupt the nutrients in the soil and can lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
04

Describe the effects of Particulate Matter

Describe the negative impact of Particulate Matter (PM). When fine particles of dust, soot and other materials suspend in the air, they can settle on the surface of plants and impede the process of photosynthesis. Moreover, they can cause direct physical damage to the plants' tissues and make them more susceptible to disease.
05

Conclude

Finally, summarise how these key pollutants, namely, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, and Particulate Matter, can have detrimental effects on crops, forests, and other materials.

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