Pollution Terms and Definitions

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Air Pollution

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Contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances such as gases, particulate matter, or biological materials, which can harm living organisms or the environment.

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Water Pollution

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Degradation of water quality due to pollutants such as chemicals, waste, or microorganisms, making it harmful for drinking, aquatic life, and other uses.

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Soil Pollution

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The presence of toxic chemicals or other contaminants in the soil that degrade its quality and affect plant growth and ecosystems.

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Noise Pollution

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Harmful or annoying levels of noise in the environment, often caused by industrial activity, transportation, or urban development.

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Light Pollution

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Excessive or misdirected artificial light that disrupts ecosystems, affects human health, and obscures the night sky.

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Thermal Pollution

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The increase in water temperature due to industrial processes, such as the discharge of heated water from power plants, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

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Plastic Pollution

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Accumulation of plastic products in the environment, adversely affecting wildlife, habitats, and humans.

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Carbon Footprint

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The total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product.

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Eutrophication

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The process in which excessive nutrients, often from fertilizers or sewage, enter water bodies, causing algae blooms and reducing oxygen levels, leading to aquatic life depletion.

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Particulate Matter (PM)

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A mixture of tiny particles and droplets in the air, such as dust, soot, and smoke, that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems.