Pre-Lab Questions
Earth’s atmosphere is composed of approximately ___ percent oxygen.
93.5
78.0
21.0
5.0
Name three of the six common air pollutants that the EPA has identified as being threatening to human health and the environment.
Classify each pollutant listed below as either primary or secondary.
Dust
Ozone (O3)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Name two anthropogenic sources of pollution and two natural sources of pollution.
Anthropogenic:
Natural:
Smog is formed through a reaction with sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, producing ___.
Exercise 1: Particulates in the air
Data Sheet
Hypothesis:
Table 3. Collector #1:
Quadrant # Number of Particulates Type/Description of Particulates
1
2
3
4
Total:
Table 4. Collector #2:
Quadrant # Number of Particulates Type/Description of Particulates
1
2
3
4
Total:
Table 5. Control:
Quadrant # Number of Particulates Type/Description of Particulates
1
2
3
4
Total:
Exercise 1 Post-Lab Questions
What was the purpose of the control in this experiment?
Did your hypothesis match your results? Explain.
Describe the two locations you chose to place collectors.
Which location showed the greatest number of particulates? Does this result make sense based on your description of the location? Why or why not?
What are some of the possible sources for the particulates in your collectors? Are they natural or anthropocentric?
Exercise 2: Effect of Air Pollution on Germination
Data Sheet
Table 6. Seed Germination Data
Sample Number of Seeds Germinated Percent Germination (%)
Control
Ammonia
Exercise 2 Post-Lab Questions
How did the ammonia influence seed germination in your experiment?
Why do you think the seeds that did not germinate could not do so?
Using the internet, search for an example where air pollution caused the death of plants or crops. Summarize the cause, effect, and outcome of the event.
Besides primary producers, what other components of an ecosystem could be affected by air pollution?
