Environment Chemistry

Chemistry of Air Environment
Books Ref:
1. Environmental Chemistry, A.K. DE

2. Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry,
S.E. Manahan, Lewis Publisher, NY
MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 1

Earth’s Environment
Environmental Science divided into;
 Atmosphere:
✓ Atmosphere consists of the thin layer of mixed gases

covering the Earth’s surface.
✓ It is a protective blanket, protects life on Earth from the

hostile environment of the outer space.
✓ Source of CO2 from plant photosynthesis and O2 for

respiration.
ℎ𝜗
𝐶𝑂2 + 𝐻2 𝑂 𝐶𝐻2 𝑂 + 𝑂2
(Organic matter)

 Hydrosphere:
✓ Hydrosphere contains Earth’s water.
✓ Water covers about 70% of Earth’s surface.
✓ Over 97% of Earth’s water is in oceans, most of the

remaining water is in ice. Small percentage of the total water
involved in terrestrial, atmospheric and biological process.
 Biosphere:
✓ All living entities on Earth compose the biosphere.
✓ It consists of organisms and living biological materials.

 Geosphere:
✓ Geosphere or solid earth upon which humans live and from

which they extract most of their food, minerals and fuels.
✓ It consists of a solid, iron-rich core, molten outer core,

mantle, and crust.
✓ The geosphere may be taken as the collective name for the

lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, and the
atmosphere

 Anthroposphere:
✓ Anthroposphere may be defined as that part of the

environment made or modified by humans and used for their
activities.
✓ As human technology becomes more evolved, the greater

ability of technology to cause deforestation,
✓ The impact of human activities potentially increases.

What is Atmospheric Chemistry:
[http://www.rolf-sander.net/chem-intro.html]
Atmospheric chemists are interested in understanding

✓ Chemical constituents and composition of the natural
atmosphere.
𝑁2 78% → 𝑁𝑂𝑥 → 𝐻𝑁𝑂3
𝑢𝑣
𝑁𝑂 𝑂 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑠
𝑂2 21% ; 𝐶𝑂2 ; 𝐻2 𝑂 𝑒𝑡𝑐.
✓ Interaction between gases, liquids, solids and with the earth’s

surface.

✓ Anthropogenic activities to change the chemical and physical

characteristics of the atmosphere.
𝐶𝑂2 → Requires for plant growth
Sources:
Fossil fuel burning (C + O2 → CO2)
Deforestation – excess CO2 consumed by plant, otherwise store

in the atmosphere
Cement Production – heat requires ≈ 14000 C, for 1 ton cement

requires 400 pounds coal and generates 1 ton CO2

Changing atmosphere causes,
✓ Photochemical smog, global climate change, toxic air

pollutants, acidic deposition, and stratospheric ozone
depletion.

Composition of the Atmosphere :
Components Composition (% by volume)
Nitrogen (N2) 78.084
Major
Oxygen (O2) 20.946
Components
Water vapor (H2O) 0.1-5
Minor Argon (Ar) 0.9340
Components Carbon dioxide (CO2) 0.039445
Neon (Ne) 0.001818
Helium (He) 0.000524
Methane (CH4) 0.000179
Krypton (Kr) 0.000114
Hydrogen (H2) 0.000055
Trace Nitrous oxide (N2O) 0.00003
Components Carbon monoxide (CO) 0.00001
Xenon (Xe) 9×10−6
Ozone (O3) 0 to 7×10−6
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 2×10−6
Iodine (I2) 1×10−6
Ammonia (NH3) trace

Structure of the Atmosphere :
The atmosphere broadly divided into four regions;
Chemical
Region Altitude, Km Temperature, 0C
Species
Troposphere 0-11 15 to -56 N2; O2; CO2; H2O
Stratosphere 11-50 -56 to -2 O3
Mesosphere 50-85 -2 to -92 O2+; NO+
Thermosphere 85-500 -92 to 1200 O2+; O+; NO+

Structure of the Atmosphere :
• Troposphere: Temperature falls off with increasing altitude. The air
near ground level is heated by radiation from the earth.
• Stratosphere: Ozone absorbs UV radiation, raises the temperature.
• Mesosphere: Temperature falls with increasing altitude due to low
levels of UV absorbing species, particularly ozone.
• Thermosphere: Temperature increases, atmosphere gases,
particularly oxygen and nitric oxide, split into atoms undergo
ionization after absorption of solar radiation in the far UV region.

Types of the Pollutants
Primary pollutants
Primary pollutants in the atmosphere are those that are emitted
directly.
 Sulphur dioxide (S02) produced from burning of coal mainly in
thermal power plants. It causes smog and acid rain.
 A Nitrogen oxides (N02) causes smog and acid rain. It is
produced from burning fuels including petrol, diesel and coal.
 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product by incomplete
combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood.

Primary pollutants
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), released mainly from
refrigeration. These gases combine with few other gases,
which leads to a reduction of the ozone layer that protects the
earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
 Carbon dioxide (C02), greenhouse gas emitted from
Combustion.
 Suspended particulate matter (SPM), include smoke, dust
and vapor that can remain suspended for extended periods.

Primary pollutants
 Toxic metals, such as lead, cadmium and copper can enter to the
environment through petrol, hair dye products, paints, batteries.
 Ammonia (NH3) emitted from agricultural processes.
 Odors, such as from garbage, sewage, and industrial processes
 Radioactive pollutants produced by nuclear explosions and war
explosives, and natural processes such as radon.

Secondary pollutants
Secondary pollutants, which are formed by atmospheric
chemical processes acting upon primary pollutants and even
non pollutant species in the atmosphere.
 Particulate matter formed from gaseous primary pollutants
and compounds in photochemical smog, such as nitrogen
dioxide.
 Ground level ozone (03) formed from NOx, and VOCs.

Secondary pollutants
 Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) similarly formed from N02 and
VOCs.
 H2SO4 is generated by the oxidation of primary pollutant SO2
𝑂2 𝐻2 𝑂
𝑆𝑂2 𝑔 𝑆𝑂3 𝑔 𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4
 NO2 is prepared when primary pollutant NO is oxidized

What is Photochemical smog :
Photochemical smog is a secondary pollutant formed when
primary pollutants react with ultraviolet light to create a variety
of toxic and reactive compounds.
The energy in the sunlight converts the pollutants into other
toxic chemical.
For example, nitrous oxides and VOCs, interacts with sunlight,
secondary pollutants are formed. Such as, ozone and
peroxyacetyl nitrate.

Mechanism of Photochemical smog :
i) Primary photochemical reaction producing oxygen atoms;
𝑁𝑂2 + hν → 𝑁𝑂 + 𝑂
ii) Reactions involving oxygen species (M is an energy absorbing

third body)
𝑂 + 𝑂2 + 𝑀 → 𝑂3 + M
𝑂3 + 𝑁𝑂 → 𝑁𝑂2 + 𝑂2
iii) Production of organic free radicals from hydrocarbons, RH;
𝑅𝐻 + 𝑂 → 𝑅 + 𝑂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠
𝑅𝐻 + 𝑂3 → 𝑅 + 𝑂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠

iv) Chain propagation, branching and termination by a variety of
reactions such as following;
𝑁𝑂2 + 𝑅 → 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠 (𝑒. 𝑔. 𝑃𝐴𝑁 → 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑂2
𝑁𝑂 + 𝑅𝑂𝑂 → 𝑁𝑂2 + 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠
v) There are a number of significant atmospheric reactions

involving nitrogen oxides, water, nitrous acid and nitric acid;
𝑁𝑂3 + 𝑁𝑂2 → 𝑁2 𝑂5
𝑁2 𝑂5 → 𝑁𝑂3 + 𝑁𝑂2
𝑁𝑂3 + 𝑁𝑂 → 2𝑁𝑂2
𝑁2 𝑂5 + 𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝐻𝑁𝑂3


Sources of air pollution
a) Point Source of Pollution
A point source of pollution is a single identifiable source of air,
water, thermal, noise or light pollution.
Types of air pollution sources which have finite extent are line
sources (roadway air pollution, aircraft air emissions, roadway
noise), area sources (flue gas stacks in industry, forest fire, gas
station, paint shops) and volume sources (dust emissions from
the wind erosion of uncovered sand piles, limestone, coal piles).
Air pollution sources are also often categorized as either stationary
or mobile. MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 21

Point source pollution is most commonly caused by;
 Waste-water treatment plants because they release their effluent
through a single source into waterways.
 Factories discharge pollutants through pipes and smokestacks.
Smokestacks can emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants into
the air.
 Large farms raising cows, pigs and other livestock may also be
point source pollutants. Such farms are known as confined
animal-feeding operations (CAFOs).

b) Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution refers to both water and air
pollution from diffuse sources.
Industrial facilities often discharge pollutants into the atmosphere,
typically through some type of smokestack or car tailpipes.
Although these pollutants have originated from a point source.
These airborne pollutants (hydrocarbons, metals, etc.) can travel
long distances. The pollutants are then deposited on surfaces
(dry deposition) or washed out of the atmosphere in rain or
snowfall (wet deposition). MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 23



Environmental Effects of the Oxides of Carbon
Production of Carbon Monoxide (CO):
 Any oxidation process for methane that produces CO as an

intermediate.
 Degradation of chlorophyll releases CO.
 CO produced by decay of plant matter.
 CO emissions from internal combustion engines.

Production of Carbon Monoxide (CO):
 Incomplete combustion of fuel or carbon containing

compounds;
2𝐶 + 𝑂2 → 2𝐶𝑂
 Reaction between CO2 and carbon containing materials at

elevated temperatures in industrial processes, e.g. blast
furnaces
𝐶𝑂2 + 𝐶 → 2𝐶𝑂
 Dissociation of CO2 at high temperatures

𝐶𝑂2 ⇄ 𝐶𝑂 + 𝑂

Fate of atmospheric CO:
CO is removed from the atmosphere by reaction with HO
CO + HO → CO2 + H
The reaction produces hydroperoxyl radical as a product,
O2 + H + M → HOO + M
HO is generated from HOO by the following reaction;
HOO + NO → HO + NO2
HOO + HOO → H2O2 + O2
The latter reaction is followed by photochemical dissociation of

H2O2 to regenerate HO;
H2O2 + hƲ → 2HO
Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Effects on Human: Carbon monoxide is a non-irritating gas.
Mostly it is referred as silent killer, as it is highly toxic. The CO
gas kills within 4 hours at a concentration of 0.1% (or 1000
ppm). This concentration can cause unconsciousness in
about 1 hour.
CO effects on pulse rate, respiration, blood pressure and
neurological reflexes.
The most serious aspect of CO for human health is chronic
poisoning from prolonged exposure at low concentration.

The physiological mode of action of CO toxic effect has been
demonstrated in terms of ability of this gas to bind to
haemoglobin. The product formed is a carboxyhaemoglobin
(COHb). This reaction competes to the formation of
oxyhaemoglobin necessary for oxygen transport by blood to
the site where it is required inside the cells.
Hb + 4O2 Hb(O2)4
Haemoglobin Oxyhaemoglobin
Hb + 4CO Hb(CO)4
Haemoglobin Carboxyhaemoglobin
Hb(O2)4 + 4CO Hb(CO)4 + 4O2

Environmental Effects of the Oxides of Nitrogen
Production of Nitric oxide, NO in the atmosphere:
NO generated from internal combustion engines. At very high

temperatures, the following reaction occurs;
1210−17630 𝐶
𝑁2 + 𝑂2 2𝑁𝑂
Mechanism:
Both oxygen and nitrogen atoms are formed at very high

combustion temperatures by the reactions;
O2 + M → O + O + M
N2 + M → N + N + M
[M=third body, highly energized by heat; it has enough energy to

break the chemical bond of molecular N2 and O2.
O and N atoms participate in the following chain reaction for the
formation of nitric oxide from nitrogen and oxygen;
N2 + O → NO + N
N + O2 → NO + O
-------------------------
N2 + O2 → 2NO
Principle Reactions of NOx in the atmosphere:

Effects on Human: The nitrogen oxides are among the most
toxic substances found in atmosphere. NO and NO2 are
potential health hazards, however, NO2 is about four times
toxic than NO.
Like CO, NO has a tendency to bind to haemoglobin and

therefore can reduce the oxygen transport tendency,
however, the reaction is reversible and nitrosyl complex of
haemoglobin dissociates to produce haemoglobin and NO
back.
Hb + 4NO [Hb(NO)4]
Nitrogen dioxide is a deadly poison. The health effects of NO2
vary with the exposure time and its concentration. A level of
50 to 100 ppm of NO2 brings about inflammation of lung
tissue for a period of nearly two months.
Lung diseases due to inflammation may result in Edema

(accumulation of fluid) which is fatal. In some cases, even
short exposures are dangerous and fatal.
Cigarette smoke contains 350 to 1500 ppm, nitrogen oxides

which are removed completely by inhalation, presumably by
absorption in lungs. Therefore, smokers are at greater risk for
NO2 poisoning.

Environmental Effects of the Oxides of Sulfur
Source of Sulfur dioxide, SO2:
Sulfur compounds enter the atmosphere to a very large extent
through human activities, approximately 33% pollution due to
human activities.
Approximately, 100 million metric tons of sulfur per year enters
the global atmosphere through anthropogenic activities.
Among man-made sources, fuel combustion (coal) in stationary
sources accounts for 74%, industries 22% and transportation
2% of the total SOx emission.

Natural processes e.g. volcanoes provides 67% of the SOx
pollution, which is evenly distributed all over the globe.
The non-anthropogenic sulfur, which enters atmosphere largely
as SO2 and H2S from volcanoes, and dimethyl sulfide (CH3)2S
and H2S from the biological decay of organic matter and
reduction of sulfate.

H2S in the atmosphere is converted rapidly to SO2;
3
𝐻2 𝑆 + 𝑂2 → 𝑆𝑂2 + 𝐻2 𝑂
2
The initial reaction is hydrogen ion abstraction by OH
𝐻2 𝑆 + 𝑂𝐻 → 𝐻𝑆 + 𝐻2 𝑂
𝐻𝑆 + 𝑂2 → 𝐻𝑂 + 𝑆𝑂
𝑆𝑂 + 𝑂2 → 𝑆𝑂2 + 𝑂

Effects:
 SO2 reacts with humidity and forms sulphuric and sulphurous
aerosol acid that is called acid rain.
 Sulphur dioxide is also associated with breathing difficulties,
airways inflammation, eye irritation, asthma, chronic
bronchitis, mortality increase in old people and infants.
 Sulfur dioxide is harmful to plants, acute exposure to high
levels of the gas kills leaf tissue, a condition called leaf
necrosis.
Atmospheric Reactions:
Four possible routes along which sulphur dioxide may react:
 Photochemical reactions: Sulphur dioxide absorbs solar
radiation in the region 300-400nm, particularly in the lower
atmosphere, to produce electronically excited states of SO2:
SO2 + hυ → SO2▪

 Photochemical and chemical reaction in the presence of
nitrogen oxides and /or hydrocarbons;
In natural sunlight, at the 5-30 ppm level of SO2 and relative
humidity 32-90%, the overall reaction is:
SO2 + ½ O2 + H2O → H2SO4
Which is promoted by the presence of hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides, key components of photochemical smog.

 Chemical processes in water droplets containing metal salts

and ammonia;
In relatively humid atmosphere, SO2 is probably oxidized by

reactions occurring inside water aerosol droplets, which proceed
faster in the presence of ammonia and catalysts such as
manganese (II), iron (II), nickel (II), copper (II), etc.
NH3 + SO2 + H2O → NH4+ + HSO3-
NH3 + HSO3- → NH4+ + SO32-
 Reaction on solid particles in the atmosphere;

Environmental Effects of the hydrocarbon
PAH (Poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon):
PAH in atmospheric particles have received a great deal of

attention because of the known carcinogenic effects of some
of these compounds.
The organic particles of greatest concern of PAHs, which consist

of condensed-ring aromatic (aryl) molecules.
Prominent among these compounds are benzo(a)pyrene,

benzo(a)anthracene, indenol, chrysene, benzo(j)fluorathene.

Sources:
Elevated levels of PAH compounds of up to about 20 μg/m3 are
found in the atmosphere.
Elevated levels of PAHs are most likely to be encountered in
polluted urban atmosphere and in the vicinity of natural fires,
such as forest fires.
Coal furnace stack gas may contain over 1000 μg/m3 of PAH
compounds, and cigarette smoke almost 100 μg/m3.

Synthesis:
PAHs may be synthesized from saturated hydrocarbons under
oxygen-deficient conditions.
Hydrocarbons with very low molecular masses, including even
methane, may act as precursors for the polycyclic aromatic
compounds.
PAHs may be formed from higher alkanes present in fuels and
plant materials by the process of pyrolysis.

Synthesis:
Simple hydrocarbon:
Ethylene, Acetylene
Flammable Thermal
Compounds decomposition +
Radicals:
1st Step
CH3, CHCl
PAHs and other 2nd Step Aromatic and aliphatic

polycyclic compounds hydrocarbons

Destruction Process:
Numerous mechanisms exist for their destruction and chemical
alteration, particularly reaction with oxidant species – OH, O3,
NO2, N2O5 and HNO3.
Oxidation products of benzo(a)pyrene includes epoxides,
quinones, phenols, aldehydes and carboxylic acids.

Destruction Process:

PAN (Peroxyacetyl Nitrate) + Smog-formation Reactions

Particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere
Particulate matter is the sum of all solid and liquid particles
suspended in air many of which are hazardous. This complex
mixture includes both organic and inorganic particles, such as
dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets.
PM is a complex mixture of air borne particles that differ in size,
origin and chemical composition, all of which are ˂10 μm in
size.
They are directly emitted into the air or result from the
transformation of gaseous pollutants.

Particles come from natural sources (e.g., volcanic eruptions,
forest fire) and human activities such as motor vehicle
emission, power generator, industrial combustion, burning
fossil fuels, incinerating wastes, smelting metals,
construction/demolition, road dust.
Sources may emit PM directly into the environment or emit
precursors such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are
transformed through atmospheric chemistry to form PM.



Effects:
 Premature death
 Lung cancer
 Development of chronic lung disease
 Heart attacks
 Hospital admissions and visits for heart and lung disease
 Respiratory symptoms and medication use in people with
chronic lung disease and asthma
 Decreased lung function
 Pre-term birth
 Low birth weight

Air Pollution from Automobiles:
Emission Description Sources Harmful Effects Scale

Carbon dioxide A product of Fuel production and Climate change Global
(CO2) combustion. tailpipes.
Carbon A toxic gas caused Tailpipes Human health, Very local

monoxide (CO) by incomplete climate change
combustion.
CFCs and A class of durable Air conditioners and Ozone depletion, Global
HCFC chemicals. industrial activities. climate change
Fine Inhaleable Tailpipes, brake Human health, Local and

particulates particles. lining, road dust, aesthetics. Regional
(PM10; PM2.5) etc.
Road dust Dust particles Vehicle use, brake Human health, Local
(non-tailpipe created by vehicle linings, tire wear. aesthetics.
particulates) movement.
Lead Element used in Fuel additives and Human health, Local

older fuel additives. batteries. ecological damages
MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, JAHANGIRNAGAR

UNIVERSITY 54
Methane (CH4) A flammable gas. Fuel production Climate change Global
and tailpipes.
Nitrogen Various Tailpipes. Human health, Local and
oxides (NOx) compounds, some ozone precursor, Regional
and nitrous are toxic, all ecological
oxide (N2O). contribute to damage.
ozone.
Ozone (O3) Major urban air NOx and VOC Human health, Regional
pollutant caused plants, aesthetics.
by NOx and VOCs
combined in
sunlight.
Sulfur oxides Lung irritant and Diesel vehicle Human health and Local and
(SOx) acid rain. tailpipes. ecological damage Regional
VOC (volatile Various Fuel production, Human health, Local and
organic hydrocarbon (HC) storage & tailpipes. ozone precursor. Regional
hydrocarbons) gasses.
Toxics (e.g. Toxic and Fuel production Human health Very local
benzene) carcinogenic and tailpipes. risks
VOCs.

UNIVERSITY 55
Acid Rain
Acid rain is a popular term for the atmospheric deposition of

acidified rain, snow, sleet, and particulates, as well as acidified
fog and cloud water.
Mechanism:

UNIVERSITY 56
Acid Rain
Mechanism:
 When CO2 reacts with water, carbonic acid is formed.
CO2 (g)+H2O(l)-→H2CO3(aq)
 When SO2 reacts with water, sulfurous acid is formed.
SO2 (g)+H2O(l)-→H2SO3(aq)
 When NO2 reacts with water, nitric acid is formed.
2NO2(g)+H2O(l)-→HNO2(aq)+HNO3(aq)

UNIVERSITY 57
Effects:
• Direct phytotoxicity to plants

• Destruction of forests
• Respiratory effects on humans and other animals
• Acidification of lake water with toxic effects to lake flora and
fauna
• Corrosion of exposed structures

UNIVERSITY 58
Radioactivity in the environment
Environmental radioactivity is produced by radioactive
materials in the human environment.
While some radioisotopes, such as strontium-90 (90Sr) and
technetium-99 (99Tc), are only found on Earth as a result of
human activity.
Some, like potassium-40 (40K), are only present due to natural
processes.
A few isotopes, e.g. tritium (3H), result from both natural
processes and human activities.

UNIVERSITY 59
Routes of effect

UNIVERSITY 60

Environment Chemistry

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Environment Chemistry

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Chemistry of Air Environment

1. Environmental Chemistry, A.K. DE

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 1

Environmental Science divided into;

✓ Atmosphere consists of the thin layer of mixed gases

✓ It is a protective blanket, protects life on Earth from the

✓ Source of CO2 from plant photosynthesis and O2 for

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 2

✓ Hydrosphere contains Earth’s water.

✓ Water covers about 70% of Earth’s surface.

✓ Over 97% of Earth’s water is in oceans, most of the

✓ All living entities on Earth compose the biosphere.

✓ It consists of organisms and living biological materials.

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 3

✓ Geosphere or solid earth upon which humans live and from

✓ It consists of a solid, iron-rich core, molten outer core,

✓ The geosphere may be taken as the collective name for the

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 4

✓ Anthroposphere may be defined as that part of the

✓ As human technology becomes more evolved, the greater

✓ The impact of human activities potentially increases.

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 5

Atmospheric chemists are interested in understanding

𝑂2 21% ; 𝐶𝑂2 ; 𝐻2 𝑂 𝑒𝑡𝑐.

✓ Interaction between gases, liquids, solids and with the earth’s

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 6

✓ Anthropogenic activities to change the chemical and physical

𝐶𝑂2 → Requires for plant growth

Fossil fuel burning (C + O2 → CO2)

Deforestation – excess CO2 consumed by plant, otherwise store

Cement Production – heat requires ≈ 14000 C, for 1 ton cement

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 7

Changing atmosphere causes,

✓ Photochemical smog, global climate change, toxic air

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 8

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 9

The atmosphere broadly divided into four regions;

Stratosphere 11-50 -56 to -2 O3

Mesosphere 50-85 -2 to -92 O2+; NO+

Thermosphere 85-500 -92 to 1200 O2+; O+; NO+

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 10

• Troposphere: Temperature falls off with increasing altitude. The air

near ground level is heated by radiation from the earth.

• Stratosphere: Ozone absorbs UV radiation, raises the temperature.

• Mesosphere: Temperature falls with increasing altitude due to low

levels of UV absorbing species, particularly ozone.

• Thermosphere: Temperature increases, atmosphere gases,

particularly oxygen and nitric oxide, split into atoms undergo

ionization after absorption of solar radiation in the far UV region.

MIR TAMZID RAHMAN, Chemistry, JU 11

Primary pollutants in the atmosphere are those that are emitted

 Sulphur dioxide (S02) produced from burning of coal mainly in

thermal power plants. It causes smog and acid rain.

 A Nitrogen oxides (N02) causes smog and acid rain. It is

produced from burning fuels including petrol, diesel and coal.

 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product by incomplete

combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood.

 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), released mainly from

refrigeration. These gases combine with few other gases,

which leads to a reduction of the ozone layer that protects the

earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

 Carbon dioxide (C02), greenhouse gas emitted from

 Suspended particulate matter (SPM), include smoke, dust