In environmental analysis, scientists monitor pollutants that can harm human health, ecosystems, or the climate. The key pollutants are usually classified by type and medium.
1. Air Pollutants
- Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀): Tiny dust or soot particles harmful to lungs.
- Gaseous Pollutants:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
- Ozone (O₃)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Greenhouse Gases: CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, fluorinated gases
2. Water Pollutants
- Heavy Metals: Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd)
- Organic Pollutants: Pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents
- Nutrients: Nitrates, phosphates (cause eutrophication)
- Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa
- Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) / Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): Indirect indicators of organic pollution
3. Soil Pollutants
- Heavy Metals: Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr
- Pesticides and Herbicides
- Industrial Waste Residues
- Radioactive Contaminants
4. Other Pollutants
- Noise and Thermal Pollution affecting ecosystems and human health.
- Plastics and Microplastics in water and soil.
In short:
Environmental analysis focuses on air, water, and soil pollutants, especially heavy metals, organic compounds, nutrients, greenhouse gases, and particulate matter, to monitor pollution and protect ecosystems and human health.