BIOL 100 Sanchez

Created By: Juan Sanchez

The Impact of Humanity on Natural Processes:

Air Pollution

Hypothesis

Air pollution has the biggest detrimental impact on the Earth and her systems.

Definition

Air Pollution: The release of harmful substances into the atmosphere that exceed the natural capacity to dissipate or absorb them. (Britannica)

Impact on The Natural Processes of Earth and Its Systems.

Air pollution has big impacts on the earth and its systems. The Article, "Ecosystems and Air Quality" states, "pollutants such as sulfur can lead to excess levels of acid in lakes and streams, and damage trees and forest soils; atmospheric nitrogen can reduce the biodiversity of plant communities and harm fish and other aquatic life; ozone damages tree leaves and negatively affects scenic vistas in protected natural areas; mercury and other heavy metal compounds emitted as exhaust from fuel combustion can eventually accumulate in plants and animals, some of which are consumed by people."

How does my chosen topic impact the natural processes of the Earth's landmasses?

Air pollution does't just affect humans but can also affect the environment. The Article " The global reach of air pollution" states, "Such a warming trend might cause melting of the polar ice caps, rising of the sea level, and flooding of the coastal areas of the world. Changes in precipitation patterns caused by global warming might have adverse effects on agriculture and forest ecosystems, and higher temperatures and humidity might increase the incidence of disease in humans and animals in some parts of the world."

How does Air pollution impact the natural processes of Earth's water and water systems?

The Article "Ecosystems and Air Quality" states, "Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulfur resulting from air pollution is a major stressor to natural ecosystems, often leading to acidification and eutrophication of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. EPA, states and tribes need information on the impact of atmospheric deposition of nitrogen on the nation’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries to understand ecosystem exposure and response to nutrients and acidity, and manage resources impacted by deposition. Although the U.S. has seen large improvements in air quality and reductions in deposition since the enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, there are still many regions where the critical load for a variety of ecological end points is exceeded. The critical load is the amount of deposition below which harmful effects do not occur, according to present knowledge."

What are the long-term consequences to the Earth as a result Air Pollution?

The article "Effects of Air Pollution" states, "The hole in the ozone layer is caused by air pollutants. Chemicals used as refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contain chlorine atoms. Releasing chlorine atoms into the atmosphere destroys ozone. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules. The ozone layer blocks harmful ultraviolet-C (UVC) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from the Sun — it protects us in a way that is similar to putting sunscreen on your skin to prevent sunburn. The ozone hole puts all living things at risk by increasing the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the surface. Exposure to this radiation increases the risk of skin cancer in humans, restricts growth and development in plants, slows the development of fish and amphibians, and reduces the number of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems. It also causes natural and synthetic materials to breakdown at an accelerated rate."

Air Pollution Impact the Natural on Processes of Earth's oceans and Ocean systems?

The article "Greenhouse gases are depriving our oceans of oxygen", states, "Greenhouse gases are the main source of air pollution and include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur hexafluoride. While some gases are produced through natural processes like animal and plant respiration, human activity such as fossil fuel burning, livestock rearing and vehicle emissions have increased their quantity. UN Environment says that pollution from land-based sources is of particular concern for the oceans because of forms of reactive nitrogen—which includes nitrous oxide (a potent greenhouse gas). Nitrogen deposition from atmospheric emissions and runoff (along with phosphorus) can trigger toxic algal blooms that are harmful to marine life and cause oxygen deficiency in the ocean, which in turn, can kill fish, crabs, oysters and other aquatic animals."

How does my chosen topic impact the natural processes of Earth's atmosphere and atmospheric systems?

The Article "Air Pollution affect the Atmospheric Processes" states,"In summary, air pollution affects atmospheric processes in several ways. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) can reduce visibility, impact human health, and influence cloud formation. Acid precipitation, formed from pollutants combined with water vapour, can harm ecosystems and infrastructure. Atmospheric inversion, where warm air traps pollutants near the surface, can worsen air quality and create health concerns. Understanding and addressing air pollution is crucial to mitigate its adverse effects on atmospheric processes and protecting both human and environmental well-being."

Proposed Solutions

To reduce air pollution, we need to focus on several key areas. Switching to clean energy like wind and solar instead of burning fossil fuels will help cut pollution. Using electric cars, improving public transportation, and making cities more bike-friendly can reduce air pollution. Tougher rules for factories and farms can help stop harmful emissions, and using better farming methods can also reduce pollution. Planting more trees and green spaces in cities, improving waste management, and making cities more walkable will also help clean the air. Tracking air quality and sharing that information with the public will raise awareness, and encouraging recycling and less waste can further cut down on pollution. By making these changes, we can breathe cleaner air and protect our health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, given that air pollution has the most significant detrimental impact on the Earth and its systems, it is crucial that we take immediate and sustained action to reduce emissions, transition to cleaner energy sources, and promote environmental sustainability. Addressing air pollution will not only improve public health but also help preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

References

Education, U. C. for S. (2024). Center for Science Education. Effects of Air Pollution Center for Science Education. https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/air quality/effects-air-pollution Nathanson, J. A. (2024, October 23). air pollution. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/air-pollution NA. (2019, April 10). Greenhouse gases are depriving our oceans of oxygen. UNEP. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/greenhouse-gases-are-depriving- our-oceans-oxygen NA. (2024, May 22). Ecosystems and Air Quality. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/eco- research/ecosystems-and- airquality#:~:text=Atmospheric%20deposition%20of %20nitrogen%20and%20sulfur%20resulting%20from,and%20eutrophication %20of%20both%20terrestrial%20and%20aquatic%20ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Ecosystems and Air Quality. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/ecosystems-and-air-quality#:~:text=Atmospheric %20deposition%20of%20nitrogen%20and%20sulfur%20resulting%20from,and% 20eutrophication%20of%20both%20terrestrial%20and%20aquatic%20ecosystems.