Topic 1.5 Pollution ESS

The addition of a substance or an agent to an environment through human activity, at a rate greater than that at which it can be rendered harmless by the environment, and which has an appreciable effect on the organisms in the environment

• Biodiversity

• Over Population

• Deforestation

• Pollution

Pollutants may be in the form of:

• organic or inorganic substances

• light, sound or thermal energy

• biological agents or invasive species

• All of the above

This type of pollution releases greenhouse gases, can contribute to respiratory problems and acid rain

• Fossil Fuels

• Domestic Waste

• industrial Waste

• Agricultural Waste

This type of pollution includes food waste, sewage, rubbish (glass, plastics, paper, wood, metals)

• Agricultural waste

• Industrial Waste

• Domestic Waste

• Fossil Fuels

This type of pollution includes heavy metals, heat (in air and/or water), acids

• Domestic Waste

• Industrial waste

• Agricultural Waste

• Fossil Fuels

This type of pollution includes fertilizers, animal waste, and pesticides contaminate water sources.

• Agricultural Waste

• Fossil Fuels

• Domestic Waste

• Industrial Waste

Pollution that can be traced back to a single origin or source (ex. sewage treatment plant discharge).. 

• Fossil Fuels

• non-point source

• point source

• biodegradable

Pollution which cannot be traced back to a single origin or source (ex. storm water runoff, water runoff from urban areas and failed septic systems).

• point source

• non-point source

• biodegradable

• fossil fuels

Pollutants that are active upon emission.

• Primary pollutants

• Secondary pollutants

• point source

• non-point source

Pollutants arising from primary pollutants undergoing physical or chemical change.

• Point source

• Primary pollutants

• Secondary Pollutants

• Non-point source