Atmospheric Pollutants

This lesson covers atmospheric pollutants produced by burning fossil fuels as required by the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification (1SC0). You need to understand the sources and effects of particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as how catalytic converters help reduce pollution.

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Where Do Atmospheric Pollutants Come From?

Most atmospheric pollutants are produced by burning fossil fuels, particularly in:

• Vehicle engines (cars, lorries, buses, aircraft)
• Power stations (burning coal, oil or gas)
• Industrial processes (factories, refineries)
• Domestic heating (gas boilers, open fires)

When fuels burn, they can release a range of harmful substances depending on the conditions of combustion and the impurities in the fuel.

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The Main Pollutants

1. Particulates (Soot / Carbon Particles)

Particulates are tiny solid particles released during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, especially diesel.