The Impact of Criteria Air Pollutants on Soil and Water: A Review

Abstract

In the past few years, air pollution has become of growing concern around the world. The effect of criteria pollutants which include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone, particulate matter, sulphur oxide and lead are being studied to understand the effects of air pollution. Usually, the effects on human health are addressed and studied in great details. Nevertheless, the effect of air pollution on the environment is of paramount importance and is not adequately discussed. Therefore, this paper conducts literature review on the effect of criteria pollutants on soil and water. It sheds light on how particulate matter affects the quality of crops and marine productivity. The various impacts of tropospheric ozone on plants such as decreased photosynthesis and decreased metabolism are also discussed. The effect of sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide is presented mostly in terms of the issues being caused due to acid rain. Acid rain is known to hamper productivity in marine organisms in addition to reducing soil fertility which further reduces plant productivity. The effect of carbon monoxide on soil and water is less explored; however, soil is known to be a significant sink for the gas. To this end, the impact of Lead and other heavy metals on plants and marine life is as well presented.