What you’ll learn11 learning objectivesChoose one objective for a focused lesson, or study the complete topic.8.3.1Urban air pollutants• NOx, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter• PM2.5 (≤2.5 µm), PM10 (≤10 µm)Syllabus objective8.3.2Primary pollutant sources• Natural: forest fires, dust, volcanic eruptions• Anthropogenic: burning for clearance, fossil fuels, construction dustSyllabus objective8.3.3Fossil fuel combustion• Most common urban air pollutants• Primary: PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO₂• Secondary: tropospheric ozoneSyllabus objective8.3.4Management strategies• Public transportation, cycling infrastructure, trees• Green walls, catalytic converters, pedestrianized areasSyllabus objective8.3.5Acid rain formation• NOx + SO₂ react with water and oxygen• Produces nitric and sulfuric acidSyllabus objective8.3.6Acid rain impacts• Terrestrial: soil leaching, toxification, foliage damage• Freshwater: toxicity, impacts on fish/invertebrates• Buildings: corrosion of marble, limestone, steel• Human health: tissue damage, lung inflammationSyllabus objective8.3.7Acid rain management• Alter human activity (alternative energy)• Control at release (scrubbers, catalytic converters)• Restore damaged systems (healthcare, lake treatment)Syllabus objective8.3.8(HL)—Photochemical smog• Sunlight acts on primary pollutants → secondary pollutants• Primary: NOx, VOCs• Secondary: PANs, tropospheric ozoneSyllabus objective8.3.9(HL)—Smog intensification factors• Meteorological: abundant insolation, reduced wind, temperature inversion• Topographical: mountains, high buildingsSyllabus objective8.3.10(HL)—Tropospheric ozone direct impacts• Biological: plant damage, eye irritation, respiratory illnesses• Physical: fabric and rubber damageSyllabus objective8.3.11(HL)—Tropospheric ozone indirect impacts• Societal costs, lost economic output• Healthcare system impacts, reduced workforce• Disproportionate impact on poorer communitiesSyllabus objective
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