4.12: Understand the Biological Consequences of Pollution of Air by Sulfur Dioxide and by Carbon Monoxide

BIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF POLLUTION:

SULFUR DIOXIDE	CARBON MONOXIDE
Diagram showing Sulfur Dioxide Molecules	Diagram showing Carbon Monoxide Molecules
EXPLANATION: Combustion of Fossil fuels produces Sulfur Dioxide As a result, Sulfur Dioxide will dissolve in clouds composed of Water droplets to form Dilute Sulfuric acid (Acid rain)	EXPLANATION: Incomplete combustion of Fossil fuels produces Carbon Monoxide, which binds irreversibly to Haemoglobin to reduce capacity of Red blood cells to transport Oxygen
CONSEQUENCES: Acid rain leaches Minerals and Nutrients out of the soil, causing death of Plants and Trees Acid rain damages the waxy layer of leaves, reducing ability of Plants and Trees to absorb Mineral ions needed for growth Acid rain acidifies rivers and lakes, resulting in death of aquatic organisms Acid rain corrodes Metals (steel) and Limestone in buildings	CONSEQUENCES: Carbon Monoxide may cause constant tiredness due to poor Oxygen transport Carbon Monoxide may cause Emphysema due to insufficient Oxygen via aerobic respiration If Pregnant, Carbon Monoxide may result in insufficient Oxygen for respiration, hindering growth of Fetus