SCIENCE OF

ENVIRONMENT (AIR Chapter 2

(Part 2)
QUALITY
PARAMETERS)
DIFFERENT CHEMICAL SPECIES AND
PARTICULATES IN ATMOSPHERE
 Ions
 At an altitude of 50 km to 100 kms considerable concentrations
of electrons and positive ions such as O+ , NO+ etc. exist for
reasonably longer residence times. This zone of the atmosphere
is called ionosphere. The UV radiations from the sun lead to the
formation of ions in the ionosphere.

 Radicals
 The atmosphere also has free radicals that are highly reactive.
These free radicals are generated by photochemical reactions and
may be organic or inorganic. HO•, HCO•, NO2•, ROO•, CH3• are
some examples of the free radicals available in the atmosphere.

 Particulate Matter
 Particles of wide range of sizes ranging from 0.1 µ to 10µ exist
in the atmosphere. Highly polluted air may contain up to 105
particles per cc. Aerosols are particles with colloidal
dimensions. Dust, fog, ash, mist, smoke, pollen, fumes and
bacteria contribute to the presence of particulate matter.
Particulate matter may be either organic or inorganic in nature.
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE
ATMOSPHERE
 Oxides of Nitrogen
 Oxides of Sulphur
 Organic Compounds
 Photochemical Smog
 Ozone
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE
ATMOSPHERE
 Oxides of Nitrogen - (Referred to as NO x )
viz. N 2 O, NO and NO 2 originate from burning of
fossil fuels and other anthropogenic
activities.
 In the stratosphere, N 2 O decomposes photo
chemically to NO which intern depletes ozone
layer.
 The oxidation of NO2 and subsequent absorption
in water produces nitric acid forming acid
rain
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE
ATMOSPHERE
 The oxides of sulphur (Referred to as SOx )
viz. SO3 and SO2 originate from the burning of
fossil fuels as well as from volcanic
eruptions.).
 The sulphur dioxide absorbs solar radiation
and produces electronically excited SO2, which
is oxidized to SO3.
 In the presence of moisture SO3 is converted
to H2SO4, contributing to acid rain. The
overall photochemical reaction is as under
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE
ATMOSPHERE
 Organic compounds like hydrocarbons, aldehydes
and ketones actively take part in chemical and
photochemical reactions assisted by solar
radiation and particulate matter.
 The alkyl or aryl radicals R react with oxygen
to form peroxyl radical, which subsequently
reacts with NO2 to generate peroxyacyl nitrate
(PAN), formaldehyde and a host of polymeric
compounds.
 These compounds reduce visibility in the
atmosphere and contribute to photochemical
smog.
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE
ATMOSPHERE
 Photochemical smog can also be initiated by
the dissociation of NO2 and subsequent
secondary reactions with hydrocarbons and
other organic compounds.
 Photochemical smog result in very poor
visibility leading to disruption/accidents in
air and road traffic. It also causes
irritation to the eyes and lungs and chronic
respiratory problems.
 Damage to plants and rubber, polymer goods are
also the adverse impacts of photochemical
smog.
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE
ATMOSPHERE
 Ozone is an important constituent in the
atmosphere. At an altitude of 30 kms, its
concentration is around 10 ppm.
 This stratospheric ozone layer absorbs UV
radiation from the sun and hence protects the
life on earth against radiation damages like skin
cancer, mutation of DNA etc.
 Ozone is continuously formed in the stratosphere
by photochemical reaction.
 Ozone is also destroyed by chlorine released in
to the atmosphere by natural (volcanic activity)
or anthropogenic (Refrigerants containing Chloro
Flouro Carbons) causes. Nitric Oxide and reactive
hydroxyl radicals also contribute to ozone
depletion
 BIOLOGY OF AIR

 Biological microorganisms are also present in

the atmosphere.
 These microorganisms are dispersed in air as
bioaerosols, which are extremely small living
organisms or fragments of living things
suspended in the air.
 Dust mites, molds, fungi, spores, pollen,
bacteria, viruses, amoebas, fragments of plant
materials, and human and pet dander (skin
which has been shed) are some examples.
 They cannot be seen without a magnifying glass
or microscope
 BIOLOGY OF AIR

 Since the microorganisms are dispersed in

moving air, they present a bigger risk in
still air environments like closed factory
sheds and indoors of residences.
 The best way to minimize the risk of exposure
to bioaerosols is to minimize their generation
by adequate precautionary methods.
 BIOLOGY OF AIR

 A few of such methods is listed:

 Reduction in relative humidity using chemical or
mechanical dehumidifier and elimination of sources
of unnecessary moisture and leakages.
 Ensuring adequate ventilation in all living areas
and bathrooms
 Practicing good house keeping and regular cleaning
 Proper maintenance and upkeep of equipment like
humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air filters, air
conditioners and air dryers