Examples of problems which have been addressed by atmospheric chemistry include

Atmospheric chemistry is a branch of atmospheric science that investigates the chemistry of the Earth’s and other planets’ atmospheres. Environmental chemistry, physics, meteorology, computer modeling, oceanography, geology, and volcanology, among other disciplines, are all used in this research. Research is increasingly connected with other areas of study such as climatology. The composition and chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere is of importance for several reasons, but primarily because of the interactions between the atmosphere and living organisms. 

The composition of the Earth’s atmosphere changes as a result of natural processes such as volcano emissions, lightning and bombardment by solar particles. It has also been changed by human activity and some of these changes are harmful to humans. Acid rain, ozone depletion, photochemical smog, greenhouse gases, and global warming are examples of problems that have been handled via atmospheric chemistry. Atmospheric chemists are trying to figure out what is causing these issues so that the alternative solution may be explored and the effects of the changes in governments policy can be assessed.

The focus has shifted again in the twenty-first century. Atmospheric chemistry is being investigated more and more as a component of the Earth system. Rather than focusing on atmospheric chemistry in isolation, scientists are now looking at it as part of a larger system.

Acid rain 

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions combine with water molecules in the atmosphere to form acids, resulting in acid rain. Since the 1970s, certain governments have worked to minimise the amount of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide released into the environment. Due to widespread research on acid rain beginning in the 1960s and widely broadcast information on its hazardous consequences, these efforts have had beneficial results. Acid rain is mostly caused by anthropogenic sulphur and nitrogen compounds, but nitrogen oxides can also be formed naturally by lightning strikes, and sulphur dioxide is produced by volcanic eruptions. 

Forests, freshwaters, soils, microorganisms, insects, and aquatic life-forms have all been found to be negatively affected by acid rain. 

In the context of ecosystems. Acid rain degrades tree bark, making vegetation more vulnerable to environmental stresses like drought, heat, and cold, as well as pest infestation. Acid rain can also harm soil composition by depleting elements like calcium and magnesium, which are important for plant growth and soil health.

Acid rain damages human infrastructure by peeling paint, corroding steel structures such as bridges, and weathering stone buildings and monuments, as well as affecting human health.

Ozone depletion 

• Produced chemicals, particularly manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam-blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons), are the principal causes of ozone depletion and the ozone hole (ODS). 
• Once in the stratosphere, photodissociation releases atoms from the halogen group, catalysing the breakdown of ozone (O₃) into oxygen (O₂). As halocarbon emissions grew, both types of ozone depletion were shown to increase.
• The ozone hole and ozone depletion have sparked widespread concern about increasing cancer risks and other negative consequences. The ozone layer blocks harmful ultraviolet (UVB) light wavelengths from flowing through the Earth’s atmosphere.
  
• The Montreal Protocol, which prohibits the manufacture of CFCs, halons, and other ozone-depleting compounds, was adopted in 1987 in response to these concerns.
• The prohibition was enacted in 1989. By the mid-1990s, ozone level’s had stabilised and were beginning to rebound in the 2000s.

Photochemical Smog

Photochemical smog, often known as “summer smog,” is the result of a chemical interaction in the atmosphere between sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which produces airborne particles and ground-level ozone. Primary pollutants, as well as the creation of secondary pollutants, play a role in photochemical haze. Nitrogen oxides, particularly nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), as well as volatile organic compounds, are among the principal pollutants.

Peroxylacyl nitrates (PAN), tropospheric ozone, and aldehydes are examples of secondary pollutants. Ozone, which is created when hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) interact in the presence of sunlight; nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which is formed when nitric oxide (NO) reacts with oxygen (O₂) in the air, is a significant secondary pollutant for photochemical smog. Furthermore, when SO₂ and NO_x are released, they eventually combine into nitric acid and sulfuric acid in the troposphere, which, when combined with water, create the major components of acid rain All of these harsh compounds are oxidising and highly reactive. As a result, photochemical smog is regarded as an issue of modern industrialisation.

Conclusion

Atmospheric chemistry is a branch of atmospheric science that investigates the chemistry of the Earth’s and other planets’ atmospheres. The composition and chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere is of importance for several reasons, but primarily because of the interactions between the atmosphere and living organisms. Acid rain Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions combine with water molecules in the atmosphere to form acids, resulting in acid rain. Ozone depletion Produced chemicals, particularly manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam-blowing agents, HCFCs, halons), are the principal causes of ozone depletion and the ozone hole.