Our atmosphere has been taken for granted in the past. In the last few decades, scientists and the general public began to realise the adverse effects of pollutants on the air we breathe. It is now recognised that pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulates released into the atmosphere as a result of energy generation and increased use of motor vehicles, have serious health and environmental consequences.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Composition of Air:

Earth's atmosphere is made up of only five gases:
- Nitrogen, N2 (79%)
- Oxygen, O2 (20%)
- Noble gases mainly argon, Ar (1%)
- Carbon dioxide, CO2 and other gases (0.03%)
- Water vapor (the amount varies)

Air composition without the water vapour is called dry air.

The role of the components:
- Nitrogen is the most important for plant nutrients, diluting oxygen and stabilizing the atmosphere
- Oxygen that is responsible for respiration and combustion

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