Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide (SOx) and Nitrogen dioxide (NOx) are considered emissions that are originated from the combustion of generated power such as air conditioning, power plants, generated heat, etc. and the processing of paper development chemicals such as pulping chemicals. According to the National Council for Air and Improvement, Electric utilities are the leading sector of SOx and NOx emissions. Sulfur oxide emissions are mainly produced by stationary sources, mainly electric utilities, and Nitrogen oxides emissions are mainly related to transportation-related sources, or mobile sources. Sulfur oxide in the United States has steadily decreased in-between 1980-2005, even though the production of paper products have steadily increased by 67% over this period of time.

SOx and NOx emissions measured in tons.

https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/Corporate/CRR2011/clean-energy/reducing-power-plant-emissions/proposed-reductions.html

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nitrogen dioxide and Sulfur dioxide in the air can damage the leaves of plants, decrease their ability to preform photosynthesis, making them unable to produce food and energy, and decreasing their ability to grow. In 2011, the EPA proposed existing secondary standards for NOx and SOx to directly protect plants from the dangerous first-hand effects of these air pollutants. Also, when these pollutants are deposited on land and in small bodies of water, they can acidify and over fertilize plants with harmful, indirect effects on the plants themselves and the soil, water quality, and the wildlife surrounding.

NOx and SOx emissions from ship.
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Obtaining NOx and SOx is extremely dangerous for the health and well-being of plants, the effects on humans is dangerous as well. The Environmental Protection Agency AIRTrends 1995 Summary, Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and can lower the resistance of respiratory infections such as the flu. There is no clear answer of what the short-term exposures of Nitrogen dioxide are, but frequent and high exposure to this air pollutant is known to cause acute respiratory illness in small children. Sulfur dioxide exposure in high amounts is known to cause noticeable effects on breathing, respiratory illness, and aggravation of pre-existing cardiovascular disease.  Children, the elderly, people with asthma, and people with cardiovascular disease or chronic lung disease are the most susceptible to the health effects of SOx.

Because of the exposure of NOx and SOx, lichens obtain adverse effects. According to the National Lichens and Air Quality Database, lichens physiological responses to these air pollutants are affecting the growth and distribution within the ecosystem. With exposure to SOx specifically, lichens are not able to survive if they are exposed for an extended period of time. Nitrogen dioxide on the other hand, does not have sufficient exposure thresholds for exposure to lichens, but other compounds of nitrogen are usually components of acid rain. The National Lichens and Air Quality Database also states that Sulfur dioxide exposure causes reduced photosynthesis, reduced respiration, decreased chlorophyll content, increased electrolyte leakage and decrease in potassium levels, and reduced nitrogen fixation. Sulfur dioxide is to be considered more damaging to the lichen than Nitrogen dioxide.

Candelaria conclor located on a tree trunk located in Castalia Quarry in Erie County, Ohio.

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