Air pollution:-

1. The main sources of particulate matter to cause air pollution are the combustion of fuels
(by vehicles, industry and domestic properties) and other physical processes such as
tyre and brake wear. Natural sources include wind-blown soil and dust, sea spray
particles, and fires involving burning vegetation.
2. NO2 is a gas that is produced along with nitric oxide (NO) by combustion processes.
Together they are often referred to as oxides of nitrogen (NO x). NO2, particularly at high
concentrations, is a respiratory irritant that can cause inflammation of the airways
leading to - for example - cough, production of mucus and shortness of breath. Studies
have shown associations of NO2 in outdoor air with reduced lung development, and
respiratory infections in early childhood and effects on lung function in adulthood.

Water pollution:-

3. Water pollution is caused by both synthetic and biological contaminants, and can,
amongst other things, be damaging for aquatic environments. For example, organic
matter that decomposes in water can reduce its oxygen content, resulting in potentially
harmful effects for organisms such as fish. Likewise, nitrates used in agriculture can
cause algae growth—known as an ‘algal bloom’—which can harm the aquatic
environment by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching underwater plants, therefore
disrupting the ecosystem.
4. Focus on developing renewable energies that are more sustainable and less/not
harmful to the environment.
5. We also need to study the environmental impact of e-cigarettes. These devices are
becoming increasingly popular, but there is not enough information about their impact on
the environment. The government should regulate businesses that produce goods using
harmful methods. This will help to protect the environment and the health of our citizens.
6. We can protect vulnerable people by providing them with air purifiers and other
resources to help them breathe clean air.

The main air pollutants that we monitor in the UK are:- Nitrogen dioxide, particulates, ozone,
sulfur dioxide etc.

Ozone’s Effects on Human Health

Shortness of breath, dry cough or pain when taking a deep breath, tightness of the chest,
wheezing, and sometimes even nausea are common responses to ozone. Ozone reacts with
molecules in the lining of our airways. Chemical bonds break and reform in different ways
with the addition of oxygen atoms (the process of oxidation) from ozone, and this causes
acute inflammation. The lining of our airways loses some of its ability to serve as a protective
barrier to microbes, toxic chemicals, and allergens. Our airways respond by covering the
affected areas with fluid and by contracting muscles. Breathing becomes more difficult.

Ozone’s Effects on Plants: Because ozone formation requires sunlight, periods of high ozone
concentration coincide with the growing season. Just as in damage to people, ozone damage to
plants can occur without any visible signs. Many farmers are unaware that ozone is reducing
their yields. Ozone enters the plant’s leaves through its gas exchange pores (stomata), just as
other atmospheric gases do in normal gas exchange. It dissolves in the water within the plant
and reacts with other chemicals, causing a variety of problems. Plant physiologists are still
trying to understand the specific pathways and locations of ozone’s effects within plant cells.
Physiologists know that some cell membranes become leaky, possibly because of ozone’s
ability to interact with lipid (fatty) components and/or membrane proteins. Photosynthesis slows,
resulting in slower plant growth. Compounds resulting from oxidation by ozone interfere with the
cell’s energy production in the mitochondria. Such ozone-induced compounds also decrease the
numbers of flowers and fruits a plant will produce, and they impair water use efficiency and
other functions. Plants weakened by ozone may be more susceptible to pests, disease, and
drought.

Ozone’s Effects on Plants

Because ozone formation requires sunlight, periods of high ozone concentration coincide
with the growing season. Just as in damage to people, ozone damage to plants can occur
without any visible signs. Many farmers are unaware that ozone is reducing their yields.
Ozone enters the plant’s leaves through its gas exchange pores (stomata), just as other
atmospheric gases do in normal gas exchange. It dissolves in the water within the plant and
reacts with other chemicals, causing a variety of problems. Plant physiologists are still trying
to understand the specific pathways and locations of ozone’s effects within plant cells.
Physiologists know that some cell membranes become leaky, possibly because of ozone’s
ability to interact with lipid (fatty) components and/or membrane proteins. Photosynthesis
slows, resulting in slower plant growth. Compounds resulting from oxidation by ozone
interfere with the cell’s energy production in the mitochondria. Such ozone-induced
compounds also decrease the numbers of flowers and fruits a plant will produce, and they
impair water use efficiency and other functions. Plants weakened by ozone may be more
susceptible to pests, disease, and drought.
Severely affected plants do show symptoms of ozone stress. Leaves may have tiny light-tan
irregular spots less than 1mm in diameter (flecking), small darkly pigmented areas
approximately 2-4 mm diameter (stippling), bronzing, and reddening.

Ozone’s effect on Environment:-

Ultraviolet radiation not only affects humans, but wildlife as well. Excessive UV-B inhibits the
growth processes of almost all green plants. There is concern that ozone depletion may lead
to a loss of plant species and reduce global food supply. Any change in the balance of plant
species can have serious effects, since all life is interconnected. Plants form the basis of the
food web, prevent soil erosion and water loss, and are the primary producers of oxygen and
a primary sink (storage site) for carbon dioxide.