Identify the main pollutants found in the lower atmosphere and their sources
- Pollutant: A substance that has a deleterious effect on the natural environment.
- There are a great number of pollutants in the troposphere, and these are derived primarily from:
- The combustion of fuels in power stations and vehicles.
- The smelting and purification of metals.
- More specifically, the tropospheric pollutants and their sources include the following:
| Pollutant | Source(s) |
| Carbon monoxide | Incomplete combustion of fuels |
| Sulfur dioxide | • Combustion of fuels containing sulfur impurities. • Roasting of sulfide ores. |
| Nitrogen Oxides | Combustion of fuels at high temperatures |
| Hydrocarbons | • Unburnt fuel from vehicles • Factories using solvents |
| Particulates | • Incomplete combustion of fuels • Dust storms and earthmoving |
| Lead | • Combustion of leaded petrol • Lead smelting • Renovations of houses with lead paint |
| Ozone | Interaction between sunlight, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides |
