8.3 Urban Air Pollution (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Flashcards
0Still learning
Know0
Define primary pollutants.
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (38)
Define primary pollutants.
Primary pollutants are harmful substances that are directly emitted from a source and immediately active in the atmosphere.
Define secondary pollutants.
Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly but form in the atmosphere when primary pollutants react with other chemicals.
Define particulate matter (PM).
Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air, such as dust, soot and smoke.
Define tropospheric ozone (O3).
Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant that forms when nitrogen oxides react with sunlight, and is a major component of urban smog.
What is the maximum diameter of a PM2.5 particle?
A PM2.5 particle has a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller.
What is the maximum diameter of a PM10 particle?
A PM10 particle has a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller.
True or False?
Volcanic eruptions are an anthropogenic source of air pollution.
False.
Volcanic eruptions are a natural source of air pollution, producing large amounts of sulphur dioxide and ash.
Which named Chinese city often experiences high levels of PM2.5, mainly due to coal burning and industrial activity?
Beijing, China, often experiences high levels of PM2.5, mainly due to coal burning for energy and industrial activity.
Which named US city struggles with ozone pollution due to high vehicle numbers and sunny weather?
Los Angeles, USA, struggles with ozone pollution due to a high number of vehicles and sunny weather.
Crop burning, industrial activity and vehicle emissions frequently cause severe air pollution in which named Indian city?
Crop burning, industrial activity and vehicle emissions frequently cause severe air pollution in New Delhi, India.
Most common air pollutants in the urban environment are derived directly or indirectly from the combustion of fuel.
Most common air pollutants in the urban environment are derived directly or indirectly from the combustion of fossil fuel.
Sulphur dioxide is released mainly by burning coal and .
Sulphur dioxide is released mainly by burning coal and oil.
True or False?
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are mainly produced by vehicle emissions and power plants.
True.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced mainly by vehicle emissions and power plants.
Define a Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is an area that restricts high-polluting vehicles from entering, in order to reduce air pollution.
Define a catalytic converter.
A catalytic converter is a device fitted to a car exhaust system that converts harmful pollutants into less harmful gases.
Which named London zone restricts vehicles that do not meet strict emission standards?
London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) restricts vehicles that do not meet strict emission standards.
Which two pollutant gases do catalytic converters convert into less harmful nitrogen and carbon dioxide?
Catalytic converters convert nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into less harmful nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
True or False?
It is compulsory in many countries for vehicles to have catalytic converters.
True.
In many countries, it is compulsory for vehicles to have catalytic converters.
How do trees help filter pollutants from the air?
Trees filter pollutants by absorbing carbon dioxide and trapping particulate matter.
Green walls and green roofs help regulate temperature, reducing the urban heat effect.
Green walls and green roofs help regulate temperature, reducing the urban heat island effect.
What term describes hedges, tree lines and green walls that reduce pollutants near roads and buildings?
These are described as natural screens, which reduce pollutants near roads and buildings.
True or False?
Reducing pollution at the source is always sufficient on its own, making tree planting unnecessary.
False.
It is not possible for cities to remove all sources of air pollution, so a combined approach of source and effects-based strategies is required.
Which two examples of improved public transport can reduce car usage in cities?
Electric buses and efficient metro systems can reduce car usage in cities.
Creating cycling infrastructure includes more cycle lanes and schemes.
Creating cycling infrastructure includes more cycle lanes and cycle-hire schemes.
Define acid rain.
Acid rain is rainfall with a pH lower than 5, more acidic than regular rainwater, and is frequently the result of human activity.
Define wet deposition.
Wet deposition is acidic precipitation falling to Earth in the form of rain, snow or fog.
Define dry deposition.
Dry deposition occurs when acidic dust and gas particles settle on surfaces such as vegetation, buildings and soil.
Which two gases are mainly responsible for forming acid rain?
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are mainly responsible for forming acid rain.
True or False?
Regular, unpolluted rainwater has a pH of exactly 7.
False.
Regular rainwater is naturally slightly acidic, with a pH between 5 and 5.5.
Which named Indian monument, made of marble, has shown erosion and discolouration due to acid rain?
The Taj Mahal in India, made of marble, has shown erosion and discolouration due to acid rain.
Why are coniferous forests particularly sensitive to acid rain?
Coniferous forests are sensitive to acid rain due to their shallow root systems and thin bark.
True or False?
Acid rain directly harms human health by being absorbed through the skin.
False.
Acid rain does not directly harm humans; nitrate and sulphate particles from it can cause respiratory problems instead.
Acid rain causes aluminium normally bound in soil to dissolve and enter water bodies, a process called of aluminium.
Acid rain causes aluminium normally bound in soil to dissolve and enter water bodies, a process called solubilisation of aluminium.
Why do essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium become less available to plants after acid rain?
Acid rain accelerates the leaching of nutrients such as calcium and magnesium from the soil, reducing their availability to plants.
Define scrubbers in acid rain management.
Scrubbers are pollution control devices installed on power plants and vehicles to remove sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.
What can be spread on acidified lakes and rivers to neutralise their acidity?
Spreading ground limestone or lime on acidified lakes and rivers can neutralise their acidity.
What are the three main levels of pollution management strategy used for acid rain?
The three levels are altering human activity, regulating and monitoring pollutant release, and clean-up and restoration measures.
Restoring damaged ecosystems affected by acid rain can be achieved by planting acid-tolerant .
Restoring damaged ecosystems affected by acid rain can be achieved by planting acid-tolerant vegetation.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or