Tuesday, 10 May 2016

4.11 understand the biological consequences of pollution of air by sulfur dioxide and by carbon monoxide

Sulfur dioxide
When fossil fuels are burnt, sulfur dioxide is released (from sulfur impurities in the fuel). When it mixes with rain clouds is forms acid rain (dilute sulfuric acid). This kills fish and trees as it causes lakes to become more acidic and can damage leaves and release toxic substances from the soil, meaning it is hard for the tree to take up nutrients from the soil.

Carbon monoxide
When fossil fuels are not burnt with enough air (incomplete combustion), carbon monoxide is produced. this is a poisonous gas and binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing the red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen to your muscles.

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