Air and Water Quality IGCSE Chemistry: Complete Guide

🌍 Understanding Environmental Chemistry in IGCSE

Air and water quality are crucial environmental issues. This guide covers pollution sources, effects, and treatment methods.

🧠 Memory Tips

Air Pollutants: “Carbon Sulfur Nitrogen Particles”

• Carbon monoxide/dioxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen oxides
• Particulates

Water Treatment: “Screen Settle Filter Chlorinate”

• Screening removes large debris
• Settling removes particles
• Filtration removes fine particles
• Chlorination kills bacteria

📚 Key Concepts

Air Pollution

• Sources: Vehicles, industry, power plants
• Pollutants: CO, CO₂, SO₂, NOₓ, particulates
• Effects: Acid rain, greenhouse effect, smog
• Solutions: Catalytic converters, scrubbers, renewable energy

Water Pollution

• Sources: Industrial waste, sewage, agriculture
• Pollutants: Heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria
• Effects: Eutrophication, disease, ecosystem damage
• Solutions: Treatment plants, regulations, recycling

Greenhouse Effect

• Natural process: Keeps Earth warm
• Enhanced effect: Human activities increase greenhouse gases
• Gases: CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, CFCs
• Consequences: Global warming, climate change

Acid Rain

• Causes: SO₂ and NOₓ emissions
• Formation: Gases react with water in atmosphere
• Effects: Damage to buildings, forests, aquatic life
• Prevention: Reduce emissions, use scrubbers

🎯 Exam Focus

Common Questions:

1. Describe causes and effects of acid rain (6 marks)
2. Explain water treatment processes (5 marks)
3. Discuss greenhouse effect (4 marks)
4. Compare pollution sources (4 marks)

Key Processes:

• Formation of acid rain
• Water purification steps
• Greenhouse gas effects

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