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Captain Amazon
You are the Captain of Your Planet
Air Pollutants
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) traps heat in the atmosphere. Hence, it contributes to climate change. The higher temperatures generated by CO2 also leads to the warming of oceans, which is partially responsible for sea-level rise. Finally, the gas causes acid rain, which damages plants and trees. It is also responsible for water and soil pollution.
Methane
Methane (CH4) derives mostly from landfills, agriculture, livestock, and the fossil fuel and natural gas industry. Alike carbon dioxide, methane contributes to climate change and global warming. However, it weighs 25 tonnes more than CO2.
Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides cover various pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO2 is released from high-temperature combustion and contributes mostly to acid rain and photochemical smog. Nitrogen dioxide can also generate acid rain in combination with other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide.
Sulfur Oxides
Sulfur oxides, alike nitrogen oxides, cover a range of pollutants. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), which is generated by the combustion of coal and petroleum, is one of these. SO2 can contribute to acid rain after additional oxidation or in combination with nitrogen dioxide.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas, produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, natural gas or wood (e.g. in bushfires). It mostly derives from vehicular exhaust.
CO contributes to climate change and global warming. Hence, it has a role in occurrences such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise.
Carbon Monoxide
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can stem from natural sources or be man-made. Each particle pollutant has different effects on the environment. Some contribute to global warming, whereas others have a cooling effect. For instance, black carbon is partially responsible for climate change.
VOCs
VOCs exist in consumer products such as cleaners, air freshers, glues, paints, and disinfectants. VOCs also stem from vehicular exhaust, cigarette smoke and other emissions from fossil fuels and VOC products. As methane is a VOC, it contributes to global warming. Other VOCs generate acid rain and ground level-smog, which harms plants and seeds.
