ABDU GUSAU POLYTECHNIC TALATA MAFARA

ZAMFARA STATE
SEMINAR PRESENTATION

ON

AIR POLLUTION AS AN AGENT OF GLOBAL

WARMING(Green House Effect)

COMPILED BY

UMAR FAVOUR AYONETE

2107131105

A SEMINAR SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED

SCIENCE ABDU GUSAU POLYTECHNIC, TALATA MAFARA,
ZAMFARA STATE.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF THE

AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA

SUPERVISED BY:
MAL. BANAGA

NOVEMBER, 2023

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 ABSTRACT

Air pollution, characterized by the release of Toxious substances into the atmosphere, is a global
environmental challenge with far-reaching consequences. Among its many detrimental effects,
one of the most significant is its role as an agent of global warming. This abstract delves into the
critical link between air pollution and global warming, shedding light on the mechanisms by
which air pollutants, including greenhouse gases and particulate matter, contribute to rising
global temperatures. We examine the primary sources of air pollution, encompassing industrial,
transportation, residential, and natural origins, each playing a distinct part in the air quality
crisis. Additionally, the abstract explores the dire consequences of global warming, from more
frequent and severe weather events to melting ice caps and rising sea levels. Addressing this
pressing issue necessitates a multifaceted approach, including transitioning to cleaner energy
sources, enforcing stricter emission standards, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and
fostering international cooperation. Furthermore, the importance of individual and community
actions in curbing air pollution cannot be overstated. Ultimately, the abstract underscores the
urgency of taking comprehensive measures to combat air pollution, recognizing its pivotal role
in the broader context of global warming, and emphasizes that collective efforts can pave the
way for a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet.

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INTRODUCTION
Air pollution can be defined as an alteration of air quality that can be characterized by
measurements of chemical, biological or physical pollutants in the air. Therefore, air pollution
means the undesirable presence of impurities or the abnormal rise in the proportion of some
constituents of the atmosphere.
Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that
are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to
materials. It is also the contamination of indoor or outdoor surrounding either by chemical
activities, physical or biological agents that alters the natural features of the atmosphere. There
are many different types of air pollutants, such as gases (including ammonia, carbon monoxide,
sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane and chlorofluorocarbons), particulates (both organic and
inorganic), and biological molecules. Air pollution can cause diseases, allergies, and even death
to humans; it can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and crops, and may
damage the natural environment (for example, climate change, ozone depletion or habitat
degradation) or built environment (for example, acid rain). Air pollution can be caused by both
human activities and natural phenomena. (Grace P. 2015)

Definition of Global Warming Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's
average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These
gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat from
the sun and prevent it from escaping into space, leading to a gradual warming of the planet.
Global warming is a significant component of climate change, which encompasses shifts in
weather patterns, temperature extremes, and other climate-related phenomena. (James P. 2015)

Global warming is the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature. Though this
warming trend has been going on for a long time, its pace has significantly increased in the last
hundred years due to the burning of fossil fuels. As the human population has increased, so has
the volume of fossil fuels burned. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and burning
them causes what is known as the “greenhouse effect” in Earth’s atmosphere. (Grinder, Robert
Dale 1978).

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AIR POLLUTION AND ITS SOURCES

Air Pollution refers to the presence of harmful or undesirable substances in the Earth's
atmosphere, often in quantities that can be detrimental to human health, ecosystems, and the
environment. Air pollutants can be natural or human-made and can originate from a variety of
sources. Here are some of the major sources of air pollution:

1. Industrial Sources:
o Factory Emissions: Manufacturing facilities release pollutants into the air as a
result of processes such as combustion, chemical production, and metalworking.
o Power Plants: Fossil fuel-based power plants emit pollutants like sulfur dioxide
(SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
o Refineries: Oil refineries release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
hazardous air pollutants during the refining of crude oil.
2. Transportation Sources:
o Vehicles: Motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses, emit pollutants like
carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), VOCs, and particulate matter
from their exhausts.
o Aircraft: Planes emit pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter,
especially around airports.
o Ships and Boats: Maritime transportation also produces emissions, including
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
3. Residential Sources:
o Heating and Cooking: The use of fossil fuels (e.g., wood, coal, natural gas) for
heating and cooking in households can release pollutants into indoor and outdoor
air.
o Tobacco Smoke: Smoking and secondhand smoke are significant indoor air
pollution sources.
4. Agricultural Sources:
o Livestock Farming: Animal agriculture produces methane, a potent greenhouse
gas. It can also release ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

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 o Pesticides and Fertilizers: The application of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers
can release VOCs and ammonia into the atmosphere.
5. Natural Sources:
o Volcanic Eruptions: Volcanic eruptions release a variety of gases and
particulates into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide and ash.
o Wildfires: Natural wildfires can release large quantities of particulate matter and
carbon monoxide.
o Desert Dust: Dust storms in arid regions can transport fine particulate matter over
long distances.

TYPES OF AIR POLLUTION:

Air pollution comprises various pollutants, each with distinct characteristics and sources. The
major types of air pollution include:

1. Particulate Matter (PM): These are tiny airborne particles and droplets, including dust,
soot, and liquid droplets, that can be inhaled. PM is categorized based on size: PM10
(coarse particles) and PM2.5 (fine particles), with the latter being more harmful due to its
ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.
2. Ground-Level Ozone (Tropospheric Ozone): Ozone at ground level is a secondary
pollutant formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. It can cause respiratory problems
and other health issues.
3. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These pollutants result from combustion processes, primarily in
vehicles and industrial facilities. They contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone
and can irritate the respiratory system.
4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): SO2 is produced by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, such as
coal and oil. It can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to the formation of acid
rain.
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete
combustion of fossil fuels. It can interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen and
has adverse health effects.

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 6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are organic chemicals that can evaporate
into the air. Sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and some solvents.
VOCs can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and have adverse health
effects.
7. Lead (Pb): Though its levels have decreased due to regulatory measures, lead can still be
released into the air, mainly from leaded gasoline. Lead exposure can result in
neurological and developmental problems, especially in children.

THE IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH:

Air pollution has various adverse effects on human health:

1. Respiratory Problems: Exposure to air pollutants like PM, ground-level ozone, and
NOx can lead to respiratory issues, including exacerbation of asthma, bronchitis, and
reduced lung function.
2. Cardiovascular Issues: Air pollution is linked to heart problems, including increased
risk of heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure.
3. Cancer: Long-term exposure to certain air pollutants, such as benzene and
formaldehyde, is associated with an elevated risk of cancer.
4. Neurological Effects: Emerging research suggests that air pollution may have adverse
effects on cognitive function and may be linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Premature Death: Air pollution is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths
worldwide annually.

CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING

Paul G (2015) Global warming is primarily driven by human activities and natural factors, with
human activities being the dominant contributors in recent decades.

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The key causes include:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The most significant human-caused factor is the release of
greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, into the atmosphere. This is primarily due to the
burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy, transportation, and industrial
processes. Deforestation and land-use changes also contribute to CO2 emissions.
2. Methane Emissions: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its emissions result from
various human activities, including agriculture (especially livestock digestion), natural
gas production and distribution, and the decay of organic waste in landfills.
3. Nitrous Oxide Emissions: Nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas, is released
from agricultural practices, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers, and industrial
activities.
4. Fluorinated Gases: Some synthetic gases used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and
electronics manufacturing, known as fluorinated gases, have a high global warming
potential. Their release into the atmosphere contributes to global warming.
5. Deforestation and Land-Use Changes: The conversion of forests and natural
landscapes into agriculture, urban areas, and other uses reduces the Earth's capacity to
absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation not only contributes to CO2 emissions
but also reduces carbon sinks.

HOW AIR POLLUTION CONTRIBUTES TO GLOBAL WARMING:

Air pollution is a major contributor to global warming through several mechanisms:
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and
industrial processes releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, creating the
greenhouse effect and leading to global warming.
2. Black Carbon (Soot): Particulate matter, including black carbon, is released from the
incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. Black carbon particles can settle on
ice and snow, reducing their reflectivity and causing them to absorb more heat,
accelerating ice melt.

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 3. Methane Emissions: The production and transport of oil and natural gas, as well as
livestock digestion and the decay of organic waste in landfills, release methane—a potent
greenhouse gas. Methane is many times more effective at trapping heat than carbon
dioxide over a short timeframe.
4. Tropospheric Ozone: Air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone (tropospheric
ozone). This ozone is a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming.
5. Aerosols and Cloud Formation: Certain aerosols can either enhance or suppress cloud
formation, affecting the Earth's energy balance. This can result in either cooling or
warming effects, depending on the type and distribution of aerosols.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING GLOBAL WARMING:
Grace P. (2015) Global warming, driven by the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the
Earth's atmosphere, poses a significant and urgent threat to the planet. Here are some key reasons
why addressing global warming is of paramount importance:

1. Climate Change Impacts: Global warming is the primary driver of climate change,
resulting in more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves,
droughts, and flooding. These events have a profound impact on ecosystems, agriculture,
and human communities, leading to loss of life and property.
2. Rising Sea Levels: The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, coupled with the thermal
expansion of seawater, leads to rising sea levels. This threatens coastal communities,
causing erosion, increased flooding, and the loss of valuable land.
3. Biodiversity Loss: Many species are unable to adapt to rapidly changing climates. As a
result, we are witnessing mass extinctions, disrupting ecosystems and diminishing the
planet's biodiversity.
4. Economic Consequences: Global warming leads to economic challenges, including
damage to infrastructure, increased healthcare costs due to heat-related illnesses, and
potential reductions in agricultural productivity.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, air pollution is a pervasive and pressing global issue with far-reaching
consequences for our environment, health, and well-being. We have explored the types and
sources of air pollution, highlighting its multi-faceted nature. We have also delved into the
profound impact of air pollution on human health, demonstrating the urgent need for action to
mitigate its effects.

Air pollution is a complex challenge that affects people of all ages, from young children to the
elderly. It contributes to a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses,
cardiovascular issues, and even potential links to cognitive decline and cancer. Moreover, the
detrimental effects of air pollution are not limited to individual health; they extend to economic
costs, reduced life expectancy, and social disparities.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

To address air pollution and its role in global warming:

1. Promote Clean Energy Sources:

o Transition to clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and
hydropower, to reduce emissions from fossil fuels.
o Invest in research and development for advanced clean energy technologies.
2. Enhance Energy Efficiency:
o Improve energy efficiency in homes, industries, and transportation to reduce
energy consumption and emissions.
o Implement energy-efficient building codes and standards.
3. Implement Stricter Emission Standards:
o Enforce and strengthen emission standards for vehicles, industrial facilities, and
power plants to limit air pollutant emissions.
o Encourage the use of cleaner technologies and practices in various sectors.
4. Promote Sustainable Transportation:
o Invest in public transportation systems and infrastructure to reduce reliance on
individual car usage.
o Incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles and improve public transportation
options.
5. Reduce Deforestation and Encourage Reforestation:
o Protect existing forests and promote reforestation efforts to enhance the Earth's
capacity to absorb CO2.
o Implement sustainable land-use practices to prevent deforestation.
6. Manage Agricultural Emissions:
o Implement sustainable farming practices to reduce emissions of methane and
nitrous oxide from agriculture.
o Encourage precision farming and responsible use of fertilizers.
7. Promote Waste Reduction and Recycling:

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 o Reduce waste generation and promote recycling to minimize emissions from
landfills and waste incineration.

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