13. EFFECT OF HYDRO CARBON ON ENVIRONMENT
The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2),
as well as other greenhouse gases that contribute to atmospheric
pollution and climate change. Unlike fossil fuel impurities that result in
byproduct emissions, CO2 is an unavoidable result of hydrocarbon
combustion.
Unburnt hydrocarbons react with sunlight and other pollutants, such as
nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, to form ozone (O3) which is a main
component of photochemical smog. In the reaction, heat from ultraviolet
light provides the activation energy required to initiate the reaction.
14. EFFECTS ON PLANTS
Plant transpiration, respiration and photosynthetic rates are affected by
hydrocarbon pollution (Baker, 1970). The effects of hydrocarbons in plants
reduce plant transpiration rates. On the other hand, plant respiration may either
decrease or increase depending on the plant species or the oil type.
EFFECT ON SOIL
Soils contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons can affect soil health. And it can
do so at much lower concentrations compared to the effects on human
health. They can harm soil microorganisms, reducing their number and
activity. Soil microbes help make nutrients available to plants
15. EFFECT ON HUMAN HEALTH
Some hydrocarbons can cause other effects, including coma, seizures,
irregular heart rhythms or damage to the kidneys or liver. Examples of
products that contain dangerous hydrocarbons include some solvents used in
paints and dry cleaning and household cleaning chemicals.