What are some major air pollutants?
There a numerous constutuents of air pollution in urban areas. These include: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Emitted primarily during the combustion of fossil fuels and the processing of sulphur-containing ores. The major sources of sulphur dioxide are fossil fuel-burning power plants and vehicle emissions. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Oxides of nitrogen are collectively referred to as nitrogen oxides (NOx). NOx usually enters the air as a result of combustion processes which involve high temperatures, such as those produced by power plants and vehicle engines. Nitric oxide (NO) Nitric oxide is the main NOx emitted during combustion and it can be converted into nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Nitrogen dioxide is a corrosive and highly oxidizing. It is the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with reactive organic substances, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), in the presence of sunlight that produces ozone. Nitrogen dioxide is, therefore, an important part of urban haze or photochemical smog.
