Effects of Air Pollution on the Atmosphere

Effects of Air Pollution on the Atmosphere

A Brief Description of Air Pollution and the Threat It Posses

Air pollution is a profound global issue causing extensive implications both on human and environmental health. Air pollution in the 21^st century has escalated through greenhouse gases as a result of increased human actions such as industrialization, burning of fossil fuels, and manufacturing (Sun & Zhu, 2019). The gas released into the atmosphere over the decades comprises of tiny aerosol particles that are harmful to the atmosphere. This prompts the damaging of the ozone layer, i.e., ozone depletion at the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) of the earth,exposing humans to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) raysfrom the sun (Kumar & Katoria, 2013). Beyond the enormous human health effects, the environmental effects caused by air pollution are vast, with extensive implications. Such include causing acid rain, which comprises precipitation of harmful quantities of sulfuric and nitric acids. Acid rains causewater bodies and soil to acidify,leading to an unsuitable environment essential to support wild and marine life, as well as plants.

Additionally, the formation of eutrophication whereby water bodies are concentrated with high amounts of nutrients that stimulate the blooming of algae. This is caused by air emissions from cars, power plants, trucks, among other sources that release nitrogen oxides to the atmosphere (Huang & Gui, 2014).The accumulation of toxic pollutants in the air, which in turn are deposited into water and soil bodies, affect the general ecosystem of growth of plants and support of the wildlife. Air pollution is a major cause of global climate change, which poses the most profound threat to the world and the atmosphere (Barwise & Kumar, 2020). This is caused by the increase of carbon (IV) oxide and methane gases into the atmosphere,causing imbalance to the natural order. Thus, as a result, there has been an increase in global warming, causing water levels to rise that threaten to submerge islands, coastal cities, wildfires, among other climate change effects.

Sorrels and Walton (2017), in the analysis of the cost estimations and budget allocations for air pollution mitigation measures, notes that it costs the world billions of dollars on programs and policies focused towards environmental protection. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasis on the extensive costs and the profound nature of threat caused by air pollution to the biosphere as a justification to commit such high costs. The increased emissions of CO₂, NO₂, Methane, and other acidifying gases possess a major threat to the sustainability of the atmosphere. Thus, induces long-term impacts that threaten the health of both human and the environment.

Current/Future Possible Methods for Remediation

Over the year’s different government and international organizations tasked with environmental protection responsibility such as the United Nations Environmental Protection (UNEP) advance various measures for the remediation of air pollution (Sorrels & Walton, 2017). As a major cause of environmental pollution, air pollution has seen different governments pass restrictions on the amounts of emissions manufacturing, and industrial plants should release to the atmosphere. The industrial emissions ought to be controlled or treated at the source through procedures such as diluting of air pollutants. This is in line to minimize gas emissions to the atmosphere. Also, banning the use of old cars and trucks emitting high amounts of gases to the environment (Sun & Zhu, 2019). Countries have the limit of years to which cars should be used and importation. Furthermore, the most effective way to provide long-term mitigation measures of air pollution comprises of tree plantation in large magnitude. Trees are effective in leveling the extreme impact of the pollutions.

Long-term Impacts on the Health of the Biosphere

The effects resulting from air pollution are experienced through the weakening of the ozone layer. There is no repair for the ozone layer once depleted, leaving humans exposed to harmful UV rays coming from the sun. The health of the biosphere is eroded with continued exhaustion of the ozone through the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons (Barwise & Kumar, 2020). Also, global warming has long-term effects on the health of the biosphere. Greenhouse gases emissions in the atmosphere cause the imbalance of the natural order of global warming, causing temperatures to rise. This posits a high magnitude threat to the health of the biosphere and the earth’s environment.

Potential Impact of Research in the Field and Benefits to Society

Research in the field of air pollution, control, economical, and cost impacts analysis, among other aspects of environmental protection, is fundamental to the future of the world. The conduct of extensive research is essential to identify new effective approaches to protect the environment (Sun & Zhu, 2019). Also, research creates profound knowledge to induce awareness of the effects of greenhouse emissions (Barwise & Kumar, 2020). The availability of extensive understanding of the biosphere and the gases emitted to the atmosphere is essential to provide alternative approaches and preparedness should the levels become unsustainable (Huang & Gui, 2014). Thus, extensive studies and research are necessary for the safety and health of the biosphere and protection of earth for future generations.

References

Barwise, Y., & Kumar, P. (2020). Designing vegetation barriers for urban air pollution abatement: a practical review for appropriate plant species selection. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 3(1), 1-19.

Huang, L. H., & Gui, B. (2014). Discussion on air pollution and its control measures. In Advanced materials research (Vol. 1010, pp. 839-842). Trans Tech Publications Ltd.

Kumar, S., & Katoria, D. (2013). Air Pollution and its Control Measures. International Journal of Environmental Engineering and Management, 4(5), 445-450.

Sorrels, J.L., & Walton, T.G. (2017). Cost Estimation: Concepts and Methodology. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-12/documents/epaccmcostestimationmethodchapter_7thedition_2017.pdf

Sun, Z., & Zhu, D. (2019). Exposure to outdoor air pollution and its human health outcomes: A scoping review. PloS one, 14(5), e0216550.