ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light

Types of Pollution

Air Pollution

• Air pollution refers to the release of harmful contaminants (chemicals, toxic gases, particulates, biological molecules, etc.) into the earth’s atmosphere. These contaminants are quite detrimental and in some cases, pose serious health issues.

Some causes that contribute to air pollution are:

• Burning fossil fuels

• Mining operations

• Exhaust gases from industries and factories

The effects of air pollution vary based on the kind of pollutant. But generally, the impact of air pollution ranges from:

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• Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems

• Increased risk of skin diseases

• May increase the risk of cancer

• Global warming

• Acid rain

• Ozone depletion

• Hazards to wildlife

Water Pollution

• Water pollution is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced into water bodies such as lakes, rivers and seas. These contaminants are generally introduced by human activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills. However, even natural processes such as eutrophication can cause water pollution

Other significant causes of water pollution include:

• Dumping solid wastes in water bodies

• Disposing untreated industrial sewage into water bodies

• Human and animal wastes

• Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers

Soil/Land Pollution

• Soil pollution, also called soil contamination, refers to the degradation of land due to the presence of chemicals or other man-made substances in the soil. The xenobiotic substances alter the natural composition of soil and affect it negatively. These can drastically impact life directly or indirectly.

• For instance, any toxic chemicals present in the soil will get absorbed by the plants. Since plants are producers in an environment, it gets passed up through the food chain. Compared to the other types of pollution, the effects of soil pollution are a little more obscured, but their implications are very noticeable.

Some of the common causes of soil pollution are:

• Improper industrial waste disposal

• Oil Spills

• Acid rain which is caused by air pollution

• Mining activities

• Intensive farming and agrochemicals (like fertilisers and pesticides)

• Industrial accidents

Noise Pollution

• Noise pollution refers to the excessive amount of noise in the surrounding that disrupts the natural balance. Usually, it is man-made, though certain natural calamities like volcanoes can contribute to noise pollution

• In general, any sound which is over 85 decibels is considered to be detrimental. Also, the duration an individual is exposed plays an impact on their health. For perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 decibels, and a jet taking off is around 15o decibels. Consequently, noise pollution is more obvious than the other types of pollution.

Noise pollution has now become very common due to dense urbanisation and industrialisation. Noise pollution can bring about adverse effects such as :

• Hearing loss

• Tinnitus

• Sleeping disorders

• Hypertension (high BP)

• Communication problems

Noise pollution has several contributors, which include:

• Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.

• Transportation noises from vehicles, aeroplanes, etc.

• Construction noises

• Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)

• Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)