- 2073 Magh · 1+2+2 marks
Air pollution, pollutants, sources and remedies
Short answer
Main pollutants: CO (incomplete combustion), SO₂ and NOx (fuel burning), particulates (industry, brick kilns), lead (petrol). Remedies: clean fuels (LPG, CNG), catalytic converters, industrial control devices (electrostatic precipitators), afforestation, and strict emission laws.
What is air pollution? What are the main pollutants of air and their sources? Give possible remedies of air pollution.
Air pollution
Air pollution is the presence in the air of one or more substances (gases, liquids or solids) in such quantity and for such duration that they are harmful to human beings, animals, plants, materials or the environment.
Main pollutants and their sources
| Pollutant | Main sources | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide (CO) | Incomplete combustion in vehicles, wood and coal fires | Combines with haemoglobin (carboxyhaemoglobin), reducing O₂ transport; headache, death |
| Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) | Burning coal and oil, smelters, brick kilns | Respiratory diseases; acid rain; damages plants |
| Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) | Vehicles, power plants, high temperature combustion | Lung irritation; photochemical smog; acid rain |
| Hydrocarbons / VOCs | Vehicle exhaust, solvents, evaporation of petrol | Photochemical smog; some are carcinogenic |
| Particulate matter (dust, smoke, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅) | Brick kilns, construction, vehicles, burning of waste and forests | Asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer; reduced visibility |
| Lead | Leaded petrol, batteries | Damages brain and nerves, especially in children |
Possible remedies
- Use clean fuels (LPG, CNG, electricity, biogas), low-sulphur fuel, and lead-free petrol.
- Fit catalytic converters and enforce vehicle emission standards; ban old polluting vehicles.
- Install control devices in industries: electrostatic precipitators, cyclone separators, bag filters, scrubbers.
- Convert to zigzag kilns in brick industry; avoid open burning of waste.
- Plant trees and green belts; better town planning and public transport.
- Strict pollution-control laws and public awareness.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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