Air Pollution

Definition Impact on Ecological

Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor
environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that
Resilience
Air pollutants can undermine ecological resilience by directly and
indirectly affecting ecosystems. These pollutants can weaken the
ability of ecosystems to withstand and recover from disturbances,
modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. making them more vulnerable to environmental changes and stressors.
Air pollutants can harm the genetic diversity of plant populations, as
sensitive individuals may die or produce fewer viable seeds. Long-term
Causes
Indoor Causes
exposure to air pollution can lead to a decline in the diversity of
species in an ecosystem. Air pollution can harm pollinators like bees
and butterflies, leading to reduced pollination and, subsequently,
1. The use of stoves, ovens, fireplaces, and space heaters that burn fossil fuels or wood can release
lower plant reproductive success. This disrupts ecosystem functioning.
pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter into indoor air.
2. Smoking indoors releases harmful chemicals and particulates into the air, contributing to indoor air
pollution and posing health risks to occupants.
3. Some cleaning agents emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can
degrade indoor air quality when used in enclosed spaces. Impact on Biotic FactorsImpact on Abiotic Factor
4. Products such as paint, carpets, and particleboard furniture can release VOCs, formaldehyde, and Air pollutants, such as ground-level Air pollution can lead to changes
other indoor air pollutants over time. ozone (O3) and particulate matter, in the chemical composition of
Outdoor Causes can harm the health of plants, the atmosphere. The release of
5. Vehicle emissions from cars, trucks, and buses are significant sources of animals, and humans. For plants, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
outdoor air pollution, releasing pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. pollutants can damage leaves, reduce oxides from industrial processes
6. Manufacturing, power generation, and other industrial activities can emit various pollutants, photosynthesis, and weaken overall and combustion of fossil fuels
including sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. health. In animals, exposure to air can result in the formation of
7. Agricultural practices, such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides, can release ammonia, methane, pollution can lead to respiratory acid rain. This alters the pH of
and other pollutants into the outdoor air. problems, developmental issues, and the atmosphere, as well as the
8. Natural events like wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms can introduce pollutants and even mortality. Certain species may pH of water bodies and soils
particulates into the atmosphere, affecting air quality on a regional or even global scale. be more resistant to pollutants, when the acid rain falls,
leading to their dominance, while affecting the chemical
others may decline. properties of these elements.