Explain how the oxides of sulphur pollute the atmospheric air. Give its haririful eflects.

Question

Explain how the oxides of sulphur pollute the atmospheric air. Give its harmful effects.

Answer 1

• Sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide are produced by burning sulphur containing fossil fuels and by roasting of sulphide ores.
• SO₂ is a poisonous gas for both animals and plants. SO₂ causes eye irritation, coughing and respiratory disease like asthma, bronchitis.
• SO₂ is  oxidiesed to more harmful So₃ gas in the presence of particulate matter present in the polluted air :

2SO₂ \(\overset {Particulate}{\longrightarrow}\) 2SO₃

• SO₂ combines with atmospheric water vapour to form H₂SO₄ which comes down along with rain in the form of acid rain:
• Acid rain causes stone leprosy. affect aquatic ecosystem, corrode water pipes and causes respiratory ailment in humans and animals.