Industrial production processes etc. lead to a range of different emissions to atmosphere and water and the emissions lead in turn to a range of different environmental impacts.
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Global warming is caused by gaseous compounds such as carbon dioxide and methane that when present in the atmosphere, absorb infrared light and trap heat radiation from earth. Possible consequences of global warming are rising sea levels resulting in loss of land area, salt intrusion in groundwater reservoirs, increased risk of droughts, flooding, soil erosion and storms.
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Acidification of the environment is due to emissions acids and compounds which are converted into acids in the environment such as sulphur and ammonia. The consequences of acidification are degradation of some materials such as metals, limestone and concrete, and damage to trees and life in lakes and rivers.
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Nutrient enrichment: Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous are wanted in agricultural land because they make plants grow faster and lead to increased yield. But they have adverse effects in many lakes, rivers and coastal zones because they make algae grow (algae bloom). Airborne nutrients can furthermore spoil nutrient poor eco-systems on land.
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Smog formation is caused by atmospheric emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (known from e.g. the smell of gasoline or paint). The consequences of photochemical smog are harm to human health, degradation of many materials, and reduced yield of crops in agriculture. Smog can be seen as a red-brownish haze over many cities. |