Sulfur Dioxide in the Atmosphere

This lecture by the instructor covers the historical presence of SO2 in the atmosphere, starting from the 14th century when King Edward I attempted to ban coal usage in London to the effects of SO2 on human health and the environment. It delves into the sources, fluxes, and effects of SO2, including its impact on human health, forest decline, acidification of lakes and soils, and global cooling. The lecture also discusses the formation of H2SO4 from SO2, regional effects of acid rain, and the influence of acid rain on critical loads for acidification. Furthermore, it explores the emissions of SO2 from metal smelters, the impact of SO2 emissions from China and India, and the measures taken to reduce SO2 emissions from coal-fueled power plants and refineries.