What is the difference between primary and secondary pollutants

As temperatures increase in warmer regions, rainfall decreases. These increased instances of drought often result in desertification. One of the results of this is eutrophication, which is a higher than average concentration of nitrogen in the water. This nitrogen content creates the perfect environment for algae, which soon begins to take over the marine habitat.

As algae grows thicker, it blocks the sunlight from entering the water, which prevents the growth of other oxygen-creating marine plants. With less plants in the waters, fish and other marine species are unable to obtain all of their dietary needs.

Eventually, eutrophication results in decreased marine animal life as well. Given that private transportation is one of the main contributors of primary pollutants to the atmosphere, reducing the use of combustion engine vehicles is one of the principal means of preventing air pollution.

Experts suggest increasing the use of public transportation or to ride to work in carpools, anything to reduce the number of automobiles on the road. Other ways to prevent primary pollutants from entering the atmosphere and resulting in secondary pollutants is by investing in renewable energy. Showing support for and demanding renewable energies could prompt more governments around the world to invest in solar, wind, and hydro infrastructure to meet energy needs.

Where this is not available, concerned individuals can reduce their use of energy by taking some simple steps throughout their day, like turning off the lights and other electronic appliances when not in use.

Staying informed and urging governments and private organizations to take steps to reduce primary pollutant emissions is one of the best ways to fight air pollution and climate change. Motor vehicle emissions are a type of primary pollutant. Amber Pariona August 28 in Environment. While both these pollutants contaminate the atmosphere, there are certain differences between them. The main difference between them is their source.

While the former is emitted directly into the air, the latter is a product of two primary pollutants or a primary pollutant and any atmospheric particle. Other differences involve their effect, form, examples and how to control them. No matter how many differences, it is important to take adequate measures to keep both the pollutants in check and to keep our environment clean!

Skip to content Pollution is one trouble that almost all countries are facing in different intensities. Secondary pollutants are pollutants formed either due to a reaction between primary pollutants themselves or between a primary pollutant and any other atmospheric particle.

Primary pollutants affect both directly and indirectly, through impacting the atmosphere and through the secondary pollutants respectively. Secondary pollutants might have a limited effect, except in case of ozone, where it is highly reactive.

Controlling secondary pollutants is quite complicated since it involves studying the process of its creation. Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are a few examples of primary pollutants.

Ozone is one of the secondary pollutants. It is formed from hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide in the presence of sunlight. Secondary pollutants cause problems like photochemical smog. Primary pollutants are directly emitted into the air by the source. In contrast, secondary pollutants are produced by the reactions between primary pollutants and other molecules. Primary pollutants are released due to human activities or naturally.

However, secondary pollutants are often, made naturally. Controlling the release of primary pollutants is easier than controlling the ways of secondary pollutant synthesizing. Your email address will not be published. Comments thanx, its a nyce explanation. Humans and animals exposed to sulfur dioxide display severe respiratory problems. Sulfur dioxide can interact with water in the atmosphere to form harmful acid rain. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas emitted by the incomplete combustion of fuel.

The main sources for atmospheric carbon monoxide are gasoline or diesel-powered engines and biomass burning forest fires and biomass fuels. Carbon monoxide is very toxic and is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Exposure to high levels of CO may lead to unconsciousness or even death. Fossil fuel combustion gasoline and diesel engines is the main source for nitrogen oxides in urban areas, while microbial activity in the soil and agricultural practices such as the use of synthetic fertilizers are its main sources in rural areas.

Exposure to nitric oxides may cause an inflammation of the respiratory tracts. Particulate matter is a term referring to solid particles and liquid droplets found in the atmospheric air. Primary particles may be natural, originating from soil dust and sea spray. They can be industrial and transportation-related as well when their sources are metallurgical processes or exhausts and tire breaks. A secondary pollutant is an air pollutant formed in the atmosphere as a result of the chemical or the physical interactions between the primary pollutants themselves or between the primary pollutants and other atmospheric components.

Major examples of secondary pollutants are photochemical oxidants and secondary particulate matter. Photochemical oxidants result from the photochemical reactions involving sunlight with nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, or volatile organic compounds. They include acids, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur trioxide, and ozone.

Ozone is considered a highly dangerous air pollutant.