Lecture 8:

Environmental Pollution
(Part 1 to 7)

Engr Bonifacio B. Magtibay, PhD 1

Introduction to Environmental
Pollution

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The introduction of impurities to the
environment by human activities or
natural processes that interrupts
ecological balance

The introduction of contaminants into

the environment that cause harm or
What is
discomfort to humans or other living
organisms, or that damage the
Environmental
environment Pollution?

The contamination of the physical and

biological (biotic/abiotic) components of
the earth/atmosphere system to such an
extent that normal environmental
processes are adversely affected

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 General Characteristics of
Environmental Pollutants
➢ Pollutants don't recognize boundaries,
i.e. they are transboundary;
➢ Many of them can't be degraded by
living organisms and therefore stay in
the environment for many years
➢ They destroy biota and habitat
➢ They affect the health and life of living
organisms

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Categories of Pollutants

(a) Biodegradable pollutants - Broken down

by the activity of micro-organisms and enter
into the biogeochemical cycles. Examples of
such pollutants are domestic waste
products, urine and fecal matter, sewage,
agricultural residue, paper, wood and cloth
etc.

(b) Non- Biodegradable pollutants - With

stronger chemical bondage and do not
break down into simpler and harmless
products. These include various insecticides
and other pesticides, mercury, lead, arsenic,
aluminum, plastics, radioactive waste etc.

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Why pollution occurs?

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Drivers, Causes and Sources

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Primary and Secondary Causes

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Sources

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Sources

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Sources

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Sources

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Major Types of Pollution

• Water pollution
• Solid/toxic/hazardous waste pollution
• Air pollution
• Soil/land pollution
• Noise pollution
• Other types

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Part 1 - Water Pollution

❖ Any chemical, physical or

biological change in the quality of
water that has a harmful effect on
any living thing that uses or lives in
it and make it unsuitable for the
desired use

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Water in the HUMAN BODY

Source: usgs.gov
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 Source: usgs.gov
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Estimate of Global Water Volume

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Composition of Global Water

1.4 billion cu. km 35 M cu. km (3 %)

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 Key Properties of water

• Water is a polar molecule with adhesion property

- attracts other molecule
- dissolve many substances (universal solvent)
- allows water to mix with other liquids

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Composition of Pure Water

Natural Water

Universal
Solvent

Polluted Water

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Water pollution

* Natural water may contain other chemicals within

tolerable limits depending on its intended use.
Pollutants

• Acids
• Alkalies
• Toxic heavy metals and
chemicals
Polluted • Oil
Water • Grease
• Pesticides
• Radioactive materials
• Pathogenic microbes

* Intended use: Drinking, cooking, hygiene, washing,

recreation, fishing, agriculture, industry

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Major sources of water pollution
• Discharge of untreated raw sewage from
households, factories and hospitals
• Indiscriminate dumping of hazardous chemical
wastes from factories and other industries
• Toxic fertilizer and pesticides as part of run-offs
that make their way into rivers and streams and
groundwater sources
• Improper disposal of solid wastes from
households to bodies of water
• Uncollected solid wastes carried by floods
• Human littering in rivers, oceans, lakes and other
bodies of water which includes plastics,
aluminum, glass, styrofoams, etc
• Oil spills and marine dumping of solid/liquid
wastes

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Causes of Water Pollution

• Factors that contribute to water

pollution can be categorized
into two different groups
• Point sources
• Non-point sources
▪ Point sources are the easiest to
identify and control
▪ Non-point sources are
ambiguously defined and
harder to control

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Point Sources

• Point sources of water pollution

include
• Waste products from factories
• Waste from households
• Waste from sewage system
• Waste from power plants
• Waste from underground coalmines
• Waste from oil wells
• They are called point sources because
they are direct sources of water
pollution and can be reduced and
monitored

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Non-point Sources
• The term non-point source encompasses a
large range of sources such as:
• when rain moves through the ground and
picks up pollutants as it moves towards a major
body of water
• the runoff of fertilizers from farm animals and
crop land
• air pollutants getting washed or deposited to
earth
• storm water drainage from lawns, parking lots,
and streets

Non-point sources are indirect

sources of water pollution and is
difficult to monitor on its origin

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 Effects on Health

Thru direct contact, ingestion or inhalation

❑ Waterborne diseases
❑ Birth defects
❑ Cancer
❑ Immune suppression
❑ Reproductive failure
❑ Acute poisoning

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Effects on the Environment

❑ Deaths of fish
❑ Destruction of crops
❑ Destruction of potential food that
is being grown;
❑ Destruction of trees and plants
that are planted in the area.

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Part 2 - Solid/Toxic/Hazardous
Waste Pollution

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Causes of Increase in Solid Waste

• Population growth
• Increase in industrial manufacturing
• Urbanization
• Modernization
Public Health Issue

Solid waste may contain:

-human pathogens- e.g. diapers

-animal pathogens – waste from pets
-soil pathogens – garden waste

Pathogens: organisms that can cause

disease such as viruses, bacteria,
protozoa and helminths
Environmental Issue

• Uncontrolled disposal of solid

wastes in bodies of water
• Uncontrolled disposal of solid
wastes in drainage
• Clogging of drainage leading to
flooding or stagnant water
• Solid waste decomposition
Exposed Population

• Populations in areas where there is no proper waste treatment

method
• Children
• Waste workers
• Populations living close to waste dump
• Animals
Points of Contact to Living Organisms

There are number of points by which solid waste may come in contact
with living organism such as:
• Soil adsorption, storage and biodegradation
• Plant uptake
• Ventilation
• Leaching
• Insects, birds, rats, flies and animals
• Direct dumping of untreated waste in seas, rivers and lakes results in
the plants and animals that feed on it
Impacts of Solid Waste on Living Organisms

• Direct human health risks to solid waste workers and other

population who are in contact with toxic/hazardous/infectious
wastes
▪ Low birth weight
▪ Cancer
▪ Congenital malformations
▪ Neurological disease
▪ Nausea and vomiting
▪ Chemical poisoning through chemical inhalation

• Indirect human health risks from the breeding of disease vectors,

primarily flies, mosquitoes and rats
Impacts of Solid Waste on Living Organisms

• Traffic accidents can result from toxic spilled wastes

• Danger of concentration of heavy metals in the food chain
-Mercury toxicity from eating fish with high levels of mercury
• Uncollected solid waste also increases risk of injury, and infection
• Plastic found in oceans ingested by birds, fish and other marine
organisms
• Resulted in high algal population in rivers and sea
Occupational hazards associated with waste
handling

Infections
• Skin and blood infections resulting from direct contact with waste, and
from infected wounds.
• Eye and respiratory infections resulting from exposure to infected dust,
especially during landfill operations.
• Different diseases that results from the bites of animals feeding on the
waste.
• Intestinal infections that are transmitted by flies feeding on the waste.

Chronic diseases
• Incineration operators are at risk of chronic respiratory diseases, including
cancers resulting from exposure to dust and hazardous compounds
Occupational hazards associated with waste
handling
Accidents
• Bone and muscle disorders resulting from the handling of heavy containers.
• Infecting wounds resulting from contact with sharp objects.
• Poisoning and chemical burns resulting from contact with small amounts of
hazardous chemical waste mixed with general waste.
• Burns and other injuries resulting from occupational accidents at waste disposal
sites or from methane gas explosion at landfill sites.
• Rag pickers and others who are involved in scavenging in the waste dumps for
items that can be recycled, may sustain injuries and come into direct contact
with infectious items.

• Source - Adapted from UNEP report, 1996

Vector-borne diseases associated with
municipal waste
Impacts of Solid Waste on Environment

❑ Gases and leachate generated by decomposing garbage threaten

environmental quality
• Methane is a by-product of the anaerobic respiration of
bacteria, and these bacteria thrive in landfills with high amounts
of moisture
• Methane concentrations can reach up to 50% of the
composition of landfill gas at maximum anaerobic
decomposition (Cointreau-Levine, 1997)
• Methane is a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change
• Leachate poses a threat to local surface and ground water
systems
❑ Uncollected waste can obstruct the storm water runoff resulting in
flood or stagnant water
Impact of Solid Wastes on Environment

• Surface water contamination by the run-off from the waste dump

• Bad odor, pests, rodents and wind-blown litter in and around the
waste dump
• Generation of inflammable gas (e.g. methane) within the waste
dump
• Bird menace above the waste dump which affects flight of aircraft
• Fires within the waste dump
• Erosion and stability problems relating to slopes of the waste dump
• Epidemics through stray animals
• Acidity to surrounding soil
Part 3 - Air Pollution

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Air Pollution

▪contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment

by any chemical, physical or biological agent that
modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere
(WHO)

▪introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals,

particulates, or biological materials that cause
discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage other
living organisms or damage the natural environment or
built environment.

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Air Composition

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Air composition

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Air Pollution

Air
pollutants

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Sources of Air Pollution
Anthropogenic Natural
Stationary sources (power plants, Volcanic activity (sulfur, chlorine, ash
incinerators, factories) particulates)

Mobile sources (vehicles, vessels, Food digestion (methane)

aircraft)
Agriculture and forestry mgt Radioactive decay (radon)
(chemicals)
Fumes (paint, hair spray, varnish) Forest fires (smoke, carbon monoxide)

Dump sites/landfills (methane) Dry land (Dust)

Military (nuclear weapon, rocketry, Vegetation (VOCs)
toxic gases)

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Air pollutants

Criteria pollutants with

health/environmental effects
- Fine particulates (PM 10, PM 2.5)
-Carbon monoxide (CO)
-Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
-Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
-Ozone (O3)
-Lead (Pb)

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Criteria air pollutants and sources

Air pollutants Sources

Fine particulates Industry, wood stoves, dust, construction, street sand
application, open burning
CO Industrial combustion sources., mobile sources (autos, trucks,
buses), wood stoves, open burning
SO2 Fossil fuel power plants, non-ferrous smelters, pulp production

NO2 Industry, fossil fuel power, mobile sources, explosives

manufacturing, fertilizer manufacturing.
O3 Motor vehicles, electric utilities, factories, landfills, industrial
solvents, and miscellaneous small sources such as gas stations,
lawn equipment, etc.
Pb Leaded gasoline, smelting, battery manufacturing and recycling

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 Air Pollution is a major risk to health
Scientific evidence showing that particles smaller than
2.5um in diameter penetrate deep into the lungs and effect
the body more systematically leading to diseases like stroke,
heart disease, in addition to the cancers, COPD and
pneumonia.

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 Composition of PM 2.5

• Residual matter
• Ammoniated
sulfate
• Crustal materials
• Equivalent black
carbon
• Water
• Ammonium nitrate
• Sea salt
• Trace element
oxides

Source: Snider, et al, 2016. Variation in global chemical composition of PM2.5: emerging results
from Surface Particulate Matter Network (SPARTAN)

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Effects on Health

Air pollutants Effects on Health

Fine particulates Aggravates ailments such as bronchitis and emphysema; especially bad for
those with chronic heart and lung disease, as well as the very young and old,
and pregnant women.
CO Deprives the body of oxygen by reducing the blood’s capacity to carry
oxygen; causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, listlessness and in high doses,
may cause death
SO2 Increases symptoms in asthmatic patients; irritates respiratory system.
NO2 Harmful to lungs, irritates bronchial and respiratory systems; increases
symptoms in asthmatic patients
O3 Irritates eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system; especially bad for those
with chronic heart and lung disease, as well as the very young and old, and
pregnant women.
Pb Affects motor function and reflexes and learning; causes damage to the
central nervous system, kidneys and brain. Children are affected more than
adults.

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Engr Bonifacio B. Magtibay, PhD
Effects on the Environment
Air pollutants Effects on the Environment
Fine particulates Corrosion, soiling, damage to vegetation and reduced visibility.

CO Affects the concentrations of methane (a greenhouse gas) and

ozone in the atmosphere.

SO2 Forms acid aerosols and sulfuric acid, which are associated with
acidification of lakes and streams, accelerated corrosion of
buildings and monuments, and reduced visibility
NO2 Can adversely affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through
regional transport and deposition.

O3 Can reduce yield of agricultural crops and damages forests and

other vegetation
Pb Can harm wildlife through deposition onto leaves which are a food
source for grazing animals.

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Greenhouse gases

Secondary impact on health and

major impact on the environment
by the ff GHG:
• carbon dioxide (CO2)
• methane (CH4)
• nitrous oxide (N2O)
• flourinated gases
-hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
- sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
-water vapor

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 Effects on health

❑ Higher temperatures and more frequent and severe extreme

weather events may increase the risk of deaths from dehydration
and heat stroke, and of injuries from intense local weather changes.
❑ There may be a greater risk of respiratory and cardiovascular
problems and certain types of cancers, as temperatures rise and
exacerbate air pollution.
❑ The risk of water-, food-, vector- and rodent-borne diseases may
increase

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 Effects on the environment

❑Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and

fluorinated gases all help trap heat in the Earth's
atmosphere as part of the greenhouse effect
❑Main effect of increased greenhouse gas emissions is
global warming and climate change leading to:
➢ Desertification
➢ Increased melting of snow and ice
➢ Sea level rise and flooding low level/coastal
areas
➢ Stronger storms and extreme events
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Effects on the environment

❑Ocean acidification due to increased CO2 in the

atmosphere
❑Changes to plant growth and nutrition levels
(other plant nutrients are not increasing to match
increased CO2 uptake of plants)
❑Ozone layer depletion due to NO, NO2 (not CFC
only)

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Part 4 - Soil Pollution

❑ The build-up in soils of persistent

toxic compounds, chemicals, salts,
radioactive materials, or disease
causing agents, which have adverse
effects on plant growth and
animal/human health

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What is soil?

❑ The physical material that covers most of the earth’s land surface
❑ Generally composed of sand, silt and clay particles, organic matter,
water and air spaces

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 Functions of Soil

Healthy soil gives us clean air and water, bountiful

crops and forests, productive rangeland, diverse
wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. Soil does all this by
performing five essential functions:
➢ Regulating water
➢ Sustaining plant and animal life
➢ Filtering potential pollutants
➢ Cycling nutrients
➢ Supporting buildings and other structures

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Soil composition

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Engr Bonifacio B. Magtibay, PhD
Soil Pollution

Pollutants
• Pesticides
• Oils
• Heavy metals
• Radioactive materials
• Disease causing agents

Sources
-Oil industry
-Agriculture
-Health care
-Manufacturing
-Commercial establishments
-Landfill leachate

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Sources of Soil/Land Pollution

❖ Hazardous waste/sewage oil spills

❖ Improper disposal of solid wastes
❖ Transfer of air pollutants to land
❖ Transfer of water pollutants to land

❖ Soil contamination can lead to

poor growth and reduced crop
yields, loss of wildlife habitat, water
and visual pollution, soil erosion,
and desertification.

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Soil/land Pollution

❖ Spills deposit pollutants to soil

❖ Solid wastes not properly disposed make
the soil/land unsuitable for its intended
use
❖ Air pollutants emitted in the atmosphere
will eventually be deposited in the soil
❖ Water pollutants traversing land areas
have the tendency to be absorbed by soil

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Effects on Health

❑ Thru direct contact, inhalation or

ingestion of contaminants
❑ Chronic exposure to chemicals, e.g .
chromium, lead, solvents, pesticides
❑ Cancer, congenital disorders,
neurological problems, tissue damage
and irritation

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Effects on the Environment

❖ Toxic substances may cause the deaths

of helpful microorganisms that are useful
for natural processes
❖ Some pollutants will favor the increase
of harmful organisms
❖ Salinization and heavy metals affect
plant growth

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Part 5 – Noise Pollution

• Unwanted sound

Healthy level
-below 85 dB for duration of a
maximum of eight hours

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Engr Bonifacio B. Magtibay, PhD
Sources of Noise

➢ Traffic
➢ Airports
➢ Railroads
➢ Manufacturing plants
➢ Construction or demolition
➢ Concerts/entertainment

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Health Effects of Noise

❑ sleep disturbance
❑ cardiovascular effects
❑ damage to work and school
performance
❑ hearing impairment including
tinnitus.

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 Effects of Noise on Animals
• Animals rely on sounds for communication, especially in relation to reproduction,
hunting and navigation. High sound levels will interfere with their communication and
can induces fear, which can force species to abandon their habitat. In loud places,
studies have found that:
• High intensity sound induces fear, forcing animals to abandon their habitat.
• Some birds must sing at higher frequencies because of higher environmental sounds.
Birds that make sound at lower frequencies for communication bear maximum impact
of the higher sound levels. The high noise levels camouflage their sound, making male
birds difficult to draw attention of female birds. Some male birds tend to sing at a
higher pitch during higher sound levels. This change in vocalization is far from
melodious and seldom successfully attracts a receptive mate.
• Bats and owls can have trouble finding prey in high sound levels.
• Insectivores lose habitat by avoiding areas with high noise.
• Frogs can struggle to find mates
• Various species experiencing hearing loss.
• High sounds levels can decrease a cow's capacity of milk production. These animals
require a calm and relaxed environment to provide a better milk yield.
• In high sound levels chicken egg production drops. High sound levels can also result in
stunted growth

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Effects of Noise on Plants
• The effect of high sound levels on animals has far reaching ripple
effects on long-lived plants and trees that can last for decades even
after the sources of noise subside.
• Many plants and trees rely on birds and other animals to deliver
pollen from one flower or tree to the next, or to disperse their seeds,
but many animals are adapting to the noise by changing their
behavior or moving to quieter locales.
• Consequently, noise pollution is altering the landscape of plants and
trees, which depend on noise-affected animals to pollinate them and
spread their seeds.

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Effects of Pollution on Health

❑ Adverse air quality can kill many

organisms including humans.
Ozone pollution can cause
respiratory disease, cardiovascular
disease, throat inflammation,
chest pain, and congestion
❑ Water pollution causes
approximately 14,000 deaths per
day, mostly due to contamination
of drinking water by untreated
sewage in developing countries

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Effects of Pollution on Health

• Oil spills can cause skin irritations

and rashes
• Noise pollution induces hearing
loss, high blood pressure, stress,
and sleep disturbance
• Soil pollution can generate
chemicals and microbes that can
lead to diseases such as chemical
poisoning or intestinal parasitism

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 Part 6- Other types of pollution (Thermal
pollution)
- the degradation of water quality by any process
that changes ambient water temperature
- a common cause of thermal pollution is the use
of water as a coolant by power plants and
industrial manufacturers
- Elevated temperature typically decreases the
level of dissolved oxygen which can harm aquatic
animals such as fish, amphibians and other
aquatic organisms.
- may also increase the metabolic rate of aquatic
animals, as enzyme activity, resulting in these
organisms consuming more food in a shorter
time than if their environment were not changed

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 Part 7- Other types of pollution (Radiological
Pollution)
-occurs when there is presence or
depositions of radioactive materials in the
atmosphere or environment
-causes include nuclear power plant
disasters, use of nuclear weapons, spillage of
radioactive chemicals, use of radio isotopes,
radioactive tests in hospitals, cosmic rays
-effects include genetic mutation, diseases
(e.g. cancer), cell destruction, destruction of
nutrients in soil, burns

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