4.11 - Gas Pollution

Sulphur Dioxide 
- SO2 - as a gas is added to the atmosphere. 
- Added by combustion of fossil fuels -  in factories - burning of fossil fuels (coals, oils) - gases given off = SO2.
- Added from combustion in vehicles - combustion of oils and gases for petrol = SO2
- In the atmosphere - SO2 + H2O ---> Sulphuric Acid. 
Sulphuric Acid is found in clouds so when it rains it is acid rain. 
- Acid rain effects plants and animals. = 
- Trees become 'burned' on the surface from the acid. 
- The root system is effected - acid rain causes calcium and magnesium ions to be leached (means the plant can't obtain calcium or magnesium so it suffers from clorosis (yellowing of the leaves) so it can no longer grow) 
- Acid rain - forms streams - form into the lakes. 
- In lakes the acid rain reduces the pH - releases Aluminium ions which affects the fish. 
- The aluminium is what thickens the mucus of the gills on the fish and reduces the fishes ability to take O2 from the water - suffocates, dies. 


Carbon Monoxide 
- CO as a gas
- Produced when fossil fuels (coal, gas) are burned with insufficient O2
- Combines with the hemoglobin in the red blood cells and forms carbomino hemoglobin 
- Blocks hemoglobin from carrying oxygen around the body 
- Reducing the oxygen circulation 
- Toxic 
- Too much carbon monoxide can me fatal, death