Organic Pollutants Definition

Organic pollutants are organic substances that emit pollutants into the atmosphere. Excessive amounts of organic pollutants have a negative effect on human health and the environment, according to the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Resource Management.

Sources

Organic pollutants are released by various sources, such as horse or cow manure, emissions from cars, cigarette smoke, sewage and the solvents used in dry-cleaning chemicals and household cleaning agents.

Chemistry

According to Chemgaroo's ChemgaPedia, organic pollutants are derived from living organisms and are, therefore, subject to bacterial decay. When the organic pollutants enter a body of water, such as oceans or ponds, the decomposers increase and deplete the surrounding ecosystem of its oxygen supply, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. This phenomenon commonly occurs near residences, when home sewage mixes with waterways nearby.

Concentrations

To measure levels of organic pollutants, scientists use differential optical absorption spectroscopy. DOAS instruments determine the concentration of gases in the atmosphere using light technology, which tells scientists how polluted particular areas in the atmosphere are.

Effects

Trace concentrations of organic pollutants can be found in drinking water or inhaled from the air people breathe. Low levels of pollutants do not pose an imminent health or safety threat to individuals.

References

• Queensland Government, Department of Environment and Resource Management: Organic Pollutants
• Chemgaroo's ChemgaPedia: Organic Pollution
• Professor Jochen Stutz: Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS)
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Water Pollution