The Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions to Pollution

The Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions to Pollution

  • Submitted By: manichanh
  • Date Submitted: 11/30/2008 11:00 AM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 985
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 4170

Air Pollution is not a new topic. It is a problem that we have noticed since the industrial revolution, when trees, houses and cars were covered in soot from the factories. People demanded change then, just as they are demanding it now. With all the talk of acid rain, global warming and ozone depletion it seems hopeless, but it isn't. Everyone can make a difference. After reading this you will understand the causes, effects and possible solutions to the problems of acid rain, global warming and ozone depletion. You will also see that things are bad but not hopeless.
Acid Rain is the term given to any precipitation that is above normal acidity, this includes snow and fog. The acidity or causticity of a solution is measured in pH. A neutral pH is 7, acidic is lower than 7 and a base is greater than 7. The normal pH of rainwater is 5.5 (slightly acidic). This very highly acidic rain kills plants and animals and destroys buildings. Acid rain occurs when the moisture in the air mixes with Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulphur gases. These gases are released into the air by the burning of fossil fuels (natural gas, coal and oil). The primary source of the gases comes from electric companies that burn coal.
Industries are looking for solutions to the air pollution problem. The best solution would be to stop burning fossil fuels all together but at this time we have no other alternatives. Scientists are trying ways to cut down on pollution. One way is to wash the coal before they burn it. Washing it takes off most of the sulphur but not all of it. The rest would have to be removed chemically but this process is still being researched. The problem with this is what to do with all the excess sulphur. Another solution is to clean the smoke before it is released into the air. Many filters have been installed in smoke stacks but again this solution is not 100% effective.
Another major environmental problem caused by air pollution is global warming or the...

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