4.11: 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: Fossil Fuels will Burn to Produce Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur Dioxide will Dissolve in Water Droplets in Clouds, Forming Dilute Sulfuric Acid, Causing Acid Rain	EXPLANATION: Poisonous Gas that is Produced when Fossil Fuels Burn in Limited Amount of Air (Incomplete Combustion) Binds Irreversibly to Haemoglobin and Reduces the Capacity of Oxygen Carried in Red Blood Cells
CONSEQUENCES: Leaches Minerals and Nutrients Out of the Soil and cause Plants and Trees to Die Damages Waxy Layer of Leaves, Making it Difficult for Trees to Absorb Mineral Ions they Need for Growth Makes Rivers and Lakes Too Acidic, Resulting in Aquatic Organisms to Die Corrodes Metals (Steel) and Limestone in Buildings	CONSEQUENCES: Reduces Capacity of Oxygen Carried in Blood so will cause Tiredness, Unconsciousness and Even Death Less Oxygen for Aerobic Respiration so can cause Emphysema If Pregnant, Insufficient Oxygen so Less Aerobic Respiration to Release Energy for Growth of Fetus