Environmental Pollution and Control

By Om Prakash Tenduwe
M.Tech (Mech Engg.)
From various online sources, M.N Rao and NPTEL

UNIT V
Environmental Laws & Acts
Air Quality Index or Air pollution Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an indicator of air quality, based on air pollutants that have adverse effects
on human health and the environment.
The pollutants are ozone, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur
dioxide.
Air pollution Index is defined as a scheme that transforms the (weighted) values of individual air
pollution parameters in to a single number or set of number.
An air pollution index (API) is a quantitative measure that describes ambient air quality. The index is
obtained by combining figures for various air pollutants into a single measurement.
It is calculated from several sets of air pollution data.
As a result we get an equation which transforms the parameter values by means of numerical manipulation
into simple and precise form

AQI is used to describe air pollution on a given day.

AQI is determined from measurements of the concentration of five major pollutants:
Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.
An AQI value of greater than 100 is unhealthy.
Air pollution alert is issued if the AQI exceeds 200.
Air pollution warning is issued if the AQI exceeds 300, hazardous to all people.
If the AQI exceeds 400, an air pollution emergency is declared, and people are requested to
remain indoors and minimize physical exertion.
Applications of Air Quality Index
Ott (1978) has listed the following six objectives that are served by an AQI:
1. Resource Allocation: To assist administrators in allocating funds and determining priorities. Enable
evaluation of trade-offs involved in alternative air pollution control strategies.
2. Ranking of Locations: To assist in comparing air quality conditions at different locations/cities. Thus,
pointing out areas and frequencies of potential hazards.
3. Enforcement of Standards: To determine extent to which the legislative standards and existing criteria
are being adhered. Also helps in identifying faulty standards and inadequate monitoring programs.
4. Trend Analysis: To determine change in air quality (degradation or improvement) which have occurred
over a specified period. This enables forecasting of air quality (i.e., tracking the behaviour of pollutants in
air) and plan pollution control measures.
5. Public Information: To inform the public about environmental conditions (state of environment). Its
useful for people who suffer from illness aggravated or caused by air pollution. Thus it enables them to
modify their daily activities at times when they are informed of high pollution levels.
6. Scientific Research: As a means for reducing a large set of data to a comprehendible form that gives
better insight to the researcher while conducting a study of some environmental phenomena. This enables
more objective determination of the contribution of individual pollutants and sources to overall air quality.
Such tools become more useful when used in conjunction with other sources such as local emission surveys.
Use of AQI or API
1. It helps in informing public about air pollution in a particular area.
2. It helps in comparing air pollution levels in different cities
3. It may be used for development for a system for avoidance or management of a severe air pollution
episode
4. A politician to invoke quick actions,
5. A decision maker to know the trend of events and to chalk out corrective pollution control strategies.
6. A government official to study the impact of regulatory actions, and
7. A scientist who engages in scientific research using air quality data.
Criteria for standardised index
1. Easily understood by public
2. Includes major pollutants
3. Calculated in simple manner
4. Rest on reasonable scientific basis
5. Spatially meaningful
6. Consistent with perceived air pollution levels
7. Exhibit day to day variation.
8. Relate AAQS and goals
9. Relate to episode criteria.
10. Can be forecast a day in advance (If possible)
Determination of index
1) In this method we try to relate the existing pollution levels of various pollutants related to their ambient
air quality standards, with the standards being assumed as the reference base line for each pollutants into a
percentage of the standard. The air pollution index is then obtained by adding percentages for several
pollutants considered.

3) In the third method, air pollution index is calculated from five subindices. Each sub-index is obtained
by assigning sub-index values for particular ranges of pollutants.

4) In fourth method, known as the maximum type, only one pollutant index (the highest one) among the
several pollutants is reported.
5) In the fifth method only two pollutants i.e. PM and SO2 are taken into account while calculating the air
pollution index.
6) In sixth method , only one major pollutant e.g. ozone concentration is taken as basis for reporting air
pollution index

Types of Indices
Short term indices:- These are usually intended to inform the public about daily changes in air pollution
levels.
Long term Indices:- These are intended to evaluate changes in air quality over periods of several years
or more. These are useful for assessing effectiveness of enforcement of policies
LAWS AND RULES RELATED TO AIR POLLUTION
The following laws and rules are enacted and framed by the Government of India
for the protection of Air quality:
1. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
2. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982
3. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
4. The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
5. The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995
6. The National Environmental Appellate Authority Act, 1997
While the first two directly deals with air pollution, the others indirectly express the concern towards air
quality. The Environment (Protection) Act and The Environment (Protection) Rules include all kinds of
pollution including the air pollution and thereby they support and strengthen the Air Act, 1981 and Air
Rules, 1982.
NEED FOR LEGISLATION
Air pollution is a problem faced by the citizens of a country. Hence, there is a need for legislation and
enactment of act to control the air pollution. Complete elimination of pollution is not practicable, but there
could be improvement in air quality. Such improvement can be achieved by legislation more effectively.
Over the years, there has been a considerable growth in the field of environmental law. Environmental
Tribunals, Green Benches and a National Environmental Appellate Authority have been constituted. Public
Hearing has become mandatory for approval of any new project. India has enacted laws to protect the
environment.
THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981
The Government of India has enacted The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. It came
into force from May 16, 1981. The Act is applicable throughout the country. The Act provides for an
integrated approach for tackling environmental problems relating to the pollution. The State Governments
have been authorized to declare, after consultation with the State Boards, any area or areas within the states
as air pollution control area or areas.
These areas may be extended, reduced or even merged together in course of time. Pollution by ships and
aircraft is not covered by the provisions of the Act.
The Act includes the following:
1. Definitions of terms used 2. Constitution of the Central Board and State Boards
3. Functions of Boards 4. Powers of Boards and5. Penalties and procedure
[29th March, 1981]
An Act to provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution, for the establishment, with a
view to carrying out the aforesaid purposes, of Boards, for conferring on and assigning to such Boards
powers and functions relating thereto and for matters connected therewith.
WHEREAS decisions were taken at the United Nations conference on the Human Environment held in
Stockholm in June, 1972, in which India participated, to take appropriate steps for the preservation for the
natural resources of the earth which, among other things, include the preservation of the quality of air and
control of air pollution. AND WHEREAS it is considered necessary to implement the decisions aforesaid
in so far as they relate to the preservation of the quality of air and control of air pollution; BE it enacted by
Parliament in the Thirty-second Year of the Republic of India as follows :- The Air Acts framework is to
enable integrated approach to environmental problems, the Air Act expanded the authority of the Central
and State Boards established under the Water Act, to include air pollution. States not having air pollution
boards were required to set up air pollution boards. Under the Air Act all industries operating within
designated air pollution control areas must obtain consent (permit) from the State Boards. These States
are required to prescribe emission standards for industry and automobiles after consulting the Central
Board.
OBJECTIVE OF AIR ACT 1981
The objects of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) ACT, 1981 [Act No. 14 of 1981] are;
1. to provide for the prevention of air pollution
2. for control of air pollution
3. for abatement of air pollution
4. for the establishment of Pollution Control Boards
5. for conferring and assigning powers and functions on such Boards; and
6. to implement the decisions taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held
in Stockholm in June 1972, in which India participated, to take appropriate steps for the preservation of
the natural resources of the earth which, among other things, include the preservation of the quality of air
and control of air pollution.
CENTRAL AND STATE BOARDS THEIR FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
The Act deals with the Central and State Boards. Central Board comes under the purview of the Central
Government and it has the role of overall monitoring of the State Boards. The State Boards are come under
the purview of the State Governments. In fact the State Boards have more responsibilities to look after the
pollution and prevention issues of that State.
FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
Section 17 of the Air Act enumerates the functions of the State Pollution Control
Board. According to Section17, the functions of the State Pollution Control Board shall be:
1. To plan a comprehensive program for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution and to secure
the execution thereof;
2. To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of air
pollution;
3. To collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution;
4. To collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of persons engaged in programs relating
to air pollution;
5. To organize mass-education program relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
6. To inspect, at all reasonable times, any control equipment, industrial plant or manufacturing process;
7. To give, by order, such directions to such persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the
prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
8. To inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think necessary, assess the quality of air
therein and take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in such areas;
9. To lay down, standards for emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from industrial plants and
automobiles or for the discharge of any air pollutant into the atmosphere from any other source whatsoever
not being a ship or an aircraft: PROVIDED that different standards for emission may be laid down under
this clause for different industrial plants having regard to the quantity and composition of emission of air
pollutants into the atmosphere from such industrial plants;
10. To advise the State Government with respect to the suitability of any premises or location for carrying
on any industry which is likely to cause air pollution;
11. May establish or recognize a laboratory or laboratories to enable the State Board to perform its functions
under this section efficiently.
12. To perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be entrusted to it
by the Central Board or the State Government;
13. To do such other things and to perform such other acts as it may think necessary for the proper discharge
of its functions and generally for the purpose of carrying into effect the purposes of this Act.
POWERS OF THE STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
The State Pollution Control Board is conferred with certain very important power like;
1. Power to grant, refuse and cancel consent;
2. Power to make application to cope for retraining persons from causing pollution;
3. Power to take certain remedial measures to mitigate the emission of air pollutants;
4. Power to entry and inspection;
5. Power to obtain information;
6. Power to take samples of air or emission etc;
7. Power to issue directions
FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROLN BOARD
Section 16 of the Air Act has enumerated a list of functions to be discharged by the Central Pollution
Control Board. The main functions of the Central Pollution Control board shall be;
1. To improve the quality of the air and
2. To prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country Apart from improving the quality of air and
preventing, controlling and abating air pollution in the country, the Central Board may discharge the
following functions.
1. Advice the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of the air and
the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
2. Plan and cause to be executed a nation wide program for the prevention, control or abatement of air
pollution;
3. Co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them;
4. Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Board;
5. Carryout and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and prevention,
control or abatement of air pollution;
6. Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programs for the prevention,
control or abatement of air pollution;
7. Organize through mass media a comprehensive program regarding the prevention, control or abatement
of air pollution;
8. collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to air pollution and the measures
devised for its effective prevention, control or abatement;
9. Prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to prevention, control of abatement of ir pollution;
10. Lay down standards of the quality of air;
11. Collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to air pollution
12. Perform such other functions as may be prescribed;
13. Established or recognized laboratories to enable the Central Board to perform its functions under the
section efficiently.
14. Delegates any of this function under this Act generally of specially to any of the committees appointed
by it
15. Do such other things and perform such other Act, as it may think necessary for the proper discharge of
its functions and generally for the purposes of carrying in to effecting purposes of this Act

THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986

Environmental Protection Act, 1986 (EPA) Terms like Environment, environmental pollutants,
environmental pollution and hazardous substance defined under EPA 1986. (a) Environment includes
water, air and land and the interrelationship which exists among and between them and human beings, other
living creature, plants, micro- organisms and property. (b) Environmental Pollutant means any solid,
liquid or gaseous substances present in such concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to environment.
(c) Environment Pollution means the presence in the environment of any environmental pollutants. (d)
Hazardous Substance means any substance or preparation which by reason of its chemical or physico-
chemical properties or handling is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living creatures, plants,
micro-organisms, property of the environment.
[23rd May, 1986.]

Objectives of the Act

To co-ordinate the activities of the various regulatory agencies already in existence.
Creation of an authority or authorities with adequate powers for environmental protection.
Regulation of discharge of environmental pollutants and handling of hazardous substance.
Speedy response in the event of accidents threatening environmental and deterrents punishment to
those who endanger human environment, safety and health.

GENERAL POWERS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT AND

IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government, shall have the power to take all such
measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the
environment and preventing controlling and abating environmental pollution.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), such measures
may include measures with respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:--
(i) co-ordination of actions by the State Governments, officers and other authorities--
(a) under this Act, or the rules made thereunder, or
(b) under any other law for the time being in force which is relatable to the objects of this Act;
(ii) planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of
environmental pollution;
(iii) laying down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects;
(iv) laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources
whatsoever:
Provided that different standards for emission or discharge may be laid down under this clause from
different sources having regard to the quality or composition of the emission or discharge of environmental
pollutants from such sources;
(v) restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or
processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards;
(vi) laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental
pollution and remedial measures for such accidents;
(vii) laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances;
(viii) examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause
environmental pollution;
(ix) carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental
pollution;
(x) inspection of any premises, plant, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes, materials
or substances and giving, by order, of such directions to such authorities, officers or persons as it may
consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution;
(xi) establishment or recognition of environmental laboratories and institutes to carry out the functions
entrusted to such environmental laboratories and institutes under this Act;
(xii) collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution;
(xiii) preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of
environmental pollution;
(xiv) such other matters as the Central Government deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of
securing the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.
(3) The Central Government may, if it considers it necessary or expedient so to do for the purpose of this
Act, by order, published in the Official Gazette, constitute an authority or authorities by such name or names
as may be specified in the order for the purpose of exercising and performing such of the powers and
functions (including the power to issue directions under section 5) of the Central Government under this
Act and for taking measures with respect to such of the matters referred to in sub-section (2) as may be
mentioned in the order and subject to the supervision and control of the Central Government and the
provisions of such order, such authority or authorities may exercise and powers or perform the functions or
take the measures so mentioned in the order as if such authority or authorities had been empowered by this
Act to exercise those powers or perform those functions or take such measures.
What is Acid Rain? How Does it Form?
Acid rain includes both wet and dry acidic deposits Precipitation with a pH lower than 5.6 is considered
acidic. Acid rain originates from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide particles once these particles are emitted
into the air they form sulfate and nitrate particles, these particles can travel long distances on wind currents
by combining with water vapour, these particles form acids which fall to the earth as acid rain. Most acids
come from human activities. However, there has always been some acid in rain, coming from volcanoes,
swamps and the plankton in the oceans, but scientists know that it has increased very sharply over the past
200 years. The acidity is mainly associated with the transport and subsequent deposition of oxides of sulfur,
nitrogen and their oxidative products. These oxides are produced by combustion of fossil fuels, smelter,
power plants, automobile exhausts and domestic fires etc. The accumulation of these oxides was first
reported to be responsible for increasing the acidity in Swedish lakes and rivers. The acid rain problem
has drastically increased due to industrialization. Burning of fossil fuels for power generations contributes
to 60 70% of total SO2 emitted globally. Emission of NOx from anthropogenic sources ranges between
20 90 million tons annually over the globe.
Acid rain means literally, the presence of excessive acids in rain waters. Acid rain is in fact, a mixture of
mainly and HNO3 where the ratio of these two acids may vary depending upon the relative quantities of
oxides of sulfur and nitrogen emitted. H2SO4 is the major contributor (60 70%) to acid precipitation,
HNO3 ranks second (30-40%) and HCl third. These acids tend to lower the pH of the precipitation. When
the pH of rain water or snow is less than 5.6, it is called acid rain. Chemically speaking, neutral pH is 7.0.
In chemistry of precipitation (rain, snow etc.), the pH value below 5.6 is considered acidic. It is because of
lowering pH by dissolution of atmospheric carbon dioxide in rain water thereby formation of carbonic acid.
Hence, pH value at 5.6 and above is considered as the acidity by CO2. Below 5.6, it is considered to be
man-made acidity. Although the oxides of sulfur as well as that of nitrogen have been recognized as the
main components responsible for acid rain, the relative contributions to acid rain is still not very clear
because of highly complex nature of their transport and complexity involved in their removal from rain
water. Once these oxides have fallen, along with rain water, it is difficult to remove them from the
environment. These oxides may travel long distances in the atmosphere and during this journey, they may
undergo several physical and chemical transformations to produce more hazardous products which may
also fall with rain. Hence, acid rain is not simply a man made problem but is a global ecological problem.

Acid rain was first found in Manchester, England. In 1852, Robert Angus Smith found the relationship
between acid rain and atmospheric pollution. Though acid rain was discovered in 1852, it wasn't until the
late 1960s that scientists began widely observing and studying the phenomenon. Canadian Harold Harvey
was among the first to research a "dead" lake due to acid rain.
FORMATION OF ACID RAIN
The acidic substances formed in the atmosphere remain in the atmosphere for 2-14 days, depending mainly
on prevailing winds, precipitation, and other weather patterns. During this period, they descend to earths
surface either as wet deposition or as dry deposition. The resulting mixture is called acid deposition
Precipitation is water falling on earth in either liquid or solid form. Precipitation occurs in the form of rain,
drizzle, snow, hail and/or their modifications. The term, Acid deposition is used to refer to the process
of bringing down the acidic substances along with precipitation or with particles coming down. The first
one is called wet deposition and the latter dry deposition. In dry deposition, the acidic particles are
brought either by gravitational settling or by adsorption of the particles on the surfaces they encounter with.
In other words, precipitation by wet deposition refers to deposition of water based particles in liquid or
solid form on the earths surface. Precipitation of dry species including gases, such as SO2 and solid acidic
particles such as sulfates and nitrates is known as precipitation by dry deposition. However, the wet
deposition is much more common.

FORMATION OF NITRIC ACID IN ATMOSPHERE

Formation of the nitric acid in the atmosphere starts with the emissions of oxides of nitrogen mainly from
combustion processes. At high temperatures, the atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen combine to form nitric
oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is also released as a result of microbial nitrification in the soil. Lightning is the
other important source of nitric oxide. In day time, nitric oxide is oxidized by O2, O3 and ROO. For
example,
NO+O3 NO2 + O2
The NO2 so formed, subsequently contributes to ozone and OH radical formation and partially responsible
for the initiation of a photochemical smog sequence. In the process, nitric oxide is generated and is,
therefore, available once again to contribute to additional ozone and smog formation.
NO2 + hv NO + O
O + O2 + M O3 + M
O3 + hv O2* + O*
O* + H2O 2 OH
The main mechanism for the removal of nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere is by conversion to nitric
acid, through oxidation of NO2 by OH radial.
NO2 + OH + M HNO3 + M
After sunset, the mechanism becomes different. The NO3 is formed during both day and night, but
accumulates only at night time, because it is destroyed by photochemical reaction or photolysis in daytime.
NO2 + O3 NO3 + O2
The radical can take part in a number of reactions. Generally, it is destroyed to some extent by reactions
with the NOx compounds.
NO2 + NO3 NO + NO2 + O2
NO3 + NO 2NO2
Similar to OH radical, the nitrate radical is also capable of adding to the double bond of olefins.
NO3 + CnH2n CnH2nNO3
Generally, addition of nitrate radical is followed by rapid addition of O2. Like OH radical, the NO3 radical
is also capable of initiating reaction sequences by first abstracting hydrogen. Nitric acid is thus formed.
NO3 + RCHO RCO + HNO3
NO3 + RH R + HNO3
The radicals R and RCO so formed, can take part in further reactions such as addition of O2. According
to another sequence of reactions, the nitrate radical can also react in the following way.
NO3 + NO2 N2O5
N2O5 + H2O 2HNO3
Under the humid conditions of air, N2O5 invariably reacts with water vapor to form droplets of HNO3.
Some HNO2 is also formed.
N2O5 + H2O 2HNO2
HNO3 and HNO2 then return to the earth surface. However, HNO3 can be removed as particulate nitrates
after reaction with bases such as NH3.

FORMATION OF SULFURIC ACID IN ATMOSPHERE

The formation of sulfuric acid in the atmosphere can take place with a wide range of reduced as well as
partially oxidized sulfur compounds. In the atmosphere, H2S, SO2 and CO are oxidized via OH radical
producing thionyl radical (SH). In the stratosphere, it can undergo photochemical oxidation to produce
SO2 and ultimately S2- ion, which is an important component of stratospheric aerosol. Volcanic eruptions
release SO2directly into the atmosphere, increasing the density of the aerosol leading to significant
depression in the
global temperature by blocking solar radiation. Further oxidation of thionyl radical gives rise to the
production of SO2.
SH + O2 SO + OH
SH + O3 SHO + O2
SHO + O2 SO + HOO

O2
SO+ O3 SO2 + other products
NO2
The production of H2SO4 from SO2 may take place homogeneously in the gas phase, as
SO2 + OH + M HOSO2 + M
Where, M is O2 or N2 in the troposphere. The HOSO2 radical so formed can undergo a number of
reactions, some of which produce sulfuric acid.
HSO2 + O2 +M HOO +SO3 + M
SO3 + H2O H2SO4
Due to SO2 emissions, and subsequent reactions, the pH of rain can drop to as low as 2.0. This increases
the acidity of water bodies, particularly rivers and lakes.

Where do Sulfur Dioxide & Nitrogen Oxide Particles Come From?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide particles are emitted from utility plants, especially coal fed electric
plants Automobiles also emit acid rain causing pollution

How Does Acid Rain Effect Our Lives?

IMPACT OF ACID RAIN

1. Impact on Animals
Most aquatic animals cannot survive a drop in pH, especially when it is lower than 4. Some species of fish,
such as salmon, die even when the pH drops to 5.5. Generally, at pH < 6, several susceptible species of
algae and zooplankton are eliminated but the resistant once become more dominant. A reduction in the
zooplankton and bottom fauna will ultimately affect the food availability for the fish population. Poor forest
health due to acidification of soil: acid rain can kill nutrient producing microorganisms. Acidification of
lakes and streams can lead to the death of aquatic life, such as trout and bass. Acidity can leach mercury
out of the soil, causing toxic levels to build up in the fish we eat
2. Impact on Plants

Corrosive nature of the acidic water itself is dangerous to plants. It decolorizes the leaf pigments, thus
rendering them chlorophyllless; such an yellowing would result in a decreasing agricultural productivity.
Alphalpha, barley, cotton, lettuce and spinache are the nonwoody plants most susceptible to acid-rain
damage. Similarly apple, pear and pine trees figure among the most vulnerable trees species.

3. Chemical Imbalance

The normal growths and development of plant and animal organisms are favored in balanced ecosystems,
where an equilibrium exists between available and non available forms of an element; this balance occurs
among the various chemical forms of an element and among the various elements present in different
compartments of the ecosystem. Acidic rainfall may upset a chemical balance. Since the acid rain water
flushing through the atmosphere may dissolve some metallic air pollutants, it can enhance their toxic action
more directly, immediatelyand drastically, thus posing a serious threat to plant and/or animal life. The
integrity of nutrient forms in various environmental compartments is altered.

4. Impact on Material
Metallic surfaces exposed to acid rain are susceptible to corrosion damage. Thus the metals, with which
H2SO4 reacts, form their respective sulfates. For eg., blue FeSO4 results from iron, green CuSO4 from
Copper and white Al2(SO4)3 from aluminum. Surfaces made of steal and zinc are also susceptible. On
contact with acid rain with water, textile fabrics, paper and leather products may lose their material strength,
get discolored are simply disintegrate depending on the degree of acidity. Building materials (limestone,
marble, dolomite, mortar and slate) are especially weakened on reaction with acidic water. Water, whose
pH is acidic, can react with these water-insoluble carbonates to yield water-soluble sulfates which can easily
be removed from the building structures. Acid rain can erode buildings and monuments and destroy paint
finishes

What else needs to be done about Acid Rain ?

In 1990, an amendment to the Clean Air Act called for reductions in sulfur emissions
This proved to be less effective than hoped, as acid rain still persists today
This is largely due to 2 reasons:
1) reductions in sulfur emissions were not great enough and
2) there were no reductions in nitrogen emissions which are also implicated in forming acid rain
Presently, the New England Governors and eastern Canadian Premieres are working together on a
solution
An International Acid Rain Steering Committee was formed and is currently discussing joint action
to further reduce
sulfur emissions by 50% and reduce nitrogen emissions by 30% by the year 2010
Can We Do Anything About Acid Rain?
YES! We can all take small actions to help solve the problem
We can help by:
Using our cars less, conserving electricity, choosing electricity providers that emit lower amounts of air
pollution emissions

Acid Deposition
natural events (e.g., volcanos and lightning) and human activities (e..g, burning coal and internal
combustion). Sulfur and nitrogen react with oxidizing agents resulting in the formation of acids.
GREEN HOUSE EFFECT
Part of the outgoing radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and retained as heat energy. The remaining
energy escapes into outer space. Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and few other gases in the atmosphere are
capable of absorbing the outgoing radiation. (called, green house gases) the concentration of these gases,
more the amount of long wave radiation is absorbed. It is a natural phenomenon occurring in the
atmosphere. It helps preventing the earth from drastic cooling of the earth and its atmosphere. If all the heat
energy from the earths surface is lost to the space, then earth will become too cold. These gases act like a
blanket and provide the earth with blanketing effect. This process is called Green house effect. In
nutshell, atmosphere, like glass absorbs some of the long wave radiation emitted by earth and radiates the
energy back to the earth. In this way temperature of the earth is maintained.
Note: Actually, the atmosphere does not behave like a real green house. The primary reason is that enclosed
structure by glass keeps the air from being carried away by convection to the outside air. This retains the
warmth inside the real green house. In contrast, the heated molecules of green house gases by absorbing
the long wave radiation spread the heat to its surrounding by convection. Hence, scientifically speaking,
the term Green house effect is not a right one. However, this term has come to use by convention and has
been accepted and used widely. However, the intensity of this effect may vary from place to place
depending upon the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. For example, over desert atmosphere,
the amount of water vapor is far less as it is a dry place. Carbon dioxide concentration is also very less as
life is sparsely distributed and less number of living organisms exist here. Hence, more radiation will escape
into the space and very little amount of radiation is retained. Consequently, the desert atmosphere will be
cool during night.

GREEN HOUSE GASES

Gases that trap heat like a blanket surrounding the Earth. A normal concentration of these gases keep our
planet at a steady temperature, but the temperature can rise if we have too many in the atmosphere.
Selected Greenhouse Gases
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas and its concentration in the atmosphere has increased dramatically
since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution
Source: Fossil fuel burning, deforestation
30%
500 years
Methane (CH4)
Source: Rice cultivation, cattle & sheep ranching, decay from landfills, mining
145%
7-10 years
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Source: Industry and agriculture (fertilizers)
15%
140-190 years
Some greenhouse gases are not naturally occurring they are man-mad
Hexafluoroethane,
Sulfur Hexafluoride,
Carbon tetra fluoride
And Hydro fluorocarbons
Greenhouse Gases such as CO2, Methane Nitrous oxide Fluorinated compounds. Since industrial
revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide increased 30%, methane more than doubled,
nitrous oxide risen by 15%. These increases have enhanced the heattrapping capability of the earths
atmosphere Greenhouse Gas Emissions Combustion of fossil fuels? Coalburning power plants, automobile
exhausts, factory smokestacks, other waste vents of the human environment contribute 22 billion tons of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases each year Animal agriculture, manure, natural gas, rice paddies,
landfills, coal, and other anthropogenic sources contribute about 450 million tons of methane each year
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Power Plants : 40% of carbon dioxide emissions stem from the burning of fossil fuels for the purpose of
electricity generation
Cars : 20% of carbon dioxide emissions comes from the burning of gasoline in internal-combustion
engines of cars and light trucks with poor gas mileage contribute the most to global warming
Trucks : Another 13% of carbon dioxide emissions come from trucks used mostly for commercial
purposes
Airplanes : Aviation causes 3.5 percent of global warming, and the figure could rise to 15 percent by
2050
Carbon Dioxide from Buildings : Buildings structure account for about 12% of carbon dioxide emissions
Methane
Methane is more than 20 times as effective as CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere
2004 Levels of atmospheric methane have risen 145% in the last 100 years
Derived from sources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in bogs and fossil fuel
production
In flooded fields, anaerobic conditions develop and the organic matter in the soil
decomposes
Nitrous oxide
Naturally produced by oceans and rainforests
Man-made sources-nylon and nitric acid production,
The use of fertilizers in agriculture, cars with catalytic converters and
The burning of organic matter
Deforestation
Responsible for 25% of all carbon emissions entering the atmosphere by the burning and
cutting of about 34 million acres of trees each year
Conclusion
The greenhouse effect is a natural process which is necessary to maintain living conditions on
the planet
However, the natural planetary greenhouse effect has been augmented by human activities,
including primarily fossil fuel use and deforestation.
GLOBAL WARMING
The four major greenhouse gases, which cause adverse effects, are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4),
nitrous oxide (N2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Among these CO2 is the most common and
important greenhouse gas. Here it should be noted that ozone and SO2 also act as serious pollutants in
causing global warming. The other greenhouse gases such as methane and chlorofluorocarbons contribute
about 18% and 14% respectively to the global warming. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution,
three human activities have contributed to significant rise of concentration of greenhouse gases. The
activities are:
1. Use of fossil fuels: it releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
2. Deforestation and burning of forests and grasslands to convert into cropland: forests and grasslands are
cleared and/or burned for converting them into cropland. Burning of biomass produces large quantities of
CO2. Clearance of forests also deprives available vegetation for absorption of CO2 through photosynthesis.
3. Cultivation of rice in paddies and use of inorganic fertilizers: cultivation of rice in paddies generates
methane and use of fertilizers release N2O into the atmosphere.
Burning of coal for power generation and for industrial purposes and burning of petroleum products by
millions of vehicles are the two major contributors of CO2 emissions.
As the green house gases increase dramatically, by human activities, the greenhouse effect is enhanced.
That is more amount of outgoing long wave radiation is retained than required amount. It results in greater
warming of the atmosphere than normal. It is called enhanced green house effect. Due to this
enhancement, the earths atmosphere is warming up gradually more and more. This phenomenon is called
global warming.