Difference between the primary and secondary air pollutants
Answers
A primary pollutant is emitted from a single source into the air, where it may contaminate natural habitats and concentrate exponentially over time. Some of the most common primary pollutants include: carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, mercury, and particulate matter. These emissions make their way into the atmosphere by natural causes, like volcanic eruptions, and by human activity, like the manufacturing industry. The main contributor of primary pollutants to the atmosphere, however, is motor vehicle emissions. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel in combustion engines results in significant exhaust emissions.
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a secondary pollutant is not a direct emission from a single source. Instead, these pollutants are formed when 2 or more primary pollutants react with each other in the atmosphere. An example of this can be seen when nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons react with sunlight, resulting in ozone. Another example of a secondary pollutant occurs when nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide react with water in the atmosphere, creating acid rain. Other secondary pollutants include: smog, nitrogen dioxide, peroxyacyl nitrates, and sulfuric acid.
The creation of secondary pollutants is influenced by a number of factors, including: particle sizes, concentration levels, UV strength, and external weather conditions. Many experts report that secondary pollutants can cause much greater damage to the environment than primary pollutants. Additionally, these substances are of particular concern given their variability and propensity to form from a wide range of primary pollutants.