Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

• Combustion of fuels


  Major source of atmospheric pollutants
• Composition of most fuels

  • Carbon
  • Hydrogen
  • Sulfur
• Combustion of fuels


  1. Releases carbon dioxide

  2. Releases water (vapour)

  3. Releases carbon monoxide

  4. Releases oxides of nitrogen
• Incomplete/partial combustion


  • Releases solid particles of soot (carbon)
  • Releases carbon monoxide
  • Releases unburnt fuel
• Combustion of hydrocarbons releases energy
• During combustion, carbon and hydrogen in fuels are oxidised to form carbon dioxide and water
• Carbon monoxide


  Toxic gas, colourless and odourless
• Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

  • Cause acid rain
  • Cause respiratory problems in humans
• Particulates


  • Cause global dimming
  • Cause human health problems