Unit 2: Environmental Pollution

Definition , causes, effects and control measures of : Air pollution, Water

pollution(thermal and marine pollution), Land pollution, Radiation pollution and Nuclear
hazard, Noise pollution.
Pollution may be defined as addition of undesirable material into the environment as a
result of human activities. The agents which cause environmental pollution are called
pollutants. Pollution is the effect of undesirable changes in our surroundings that have
harmful effects on plants, animals and human beings. The addition of unwanted substances
in a concentration that has an adverse effect on organisms and environment, is called
pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION may be defined as any undesirable change in
the physical, chemical or biological characteristics environment which can cause
undesirable effects on various forms of life or property.

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION:

Majorly, 7 types of environmental pollution can occur on the Earth. A detailed
illustration can be extracted from the types of pollution PDF for better understanding. The
given pollution types have specific causes, effects, and control measures indicated further
in this article.
1. Air pollution
2. Water pollution
3. Soil pollution
4. Thermal Pollution
5. Noise pollution
6. Radiation Pollution
7. Land Pollution.
1. AIR POLLUTION
• Definition: Air Pollution may be defined as presence in the atmosphere of one or
more air contaminants or combinations of thereof in such concentrations and of
such duration that are or may tend to be injurious to plant, animal, human kingdom
or may unreasonably interfere with comfortable enjoyment of life.

• CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION:

1. Vehicle Emissions: Cars, trucks, and buses release pollutants like nitrogen
oxides and carbon monoxide from their exhaust systems.
 2. Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides, and particulate matter from burning fossil fuels and manufacturing
processes.
3. Burning of Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas combustion releases
various pollutants, including carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
4. Agricultural Practices: Livestock produce methane, and the use of fertilizers
and pesticides releases ammonia and other chemicals into the air.
5. Waste Disposal: Landfills and incinerators release methane and other harmful
gases.
6. Construction and Mining: These activities generate dust and particulate
matter.
7. Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms can release
large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION

1) Effects on Human Health
• Sulphur Oxides: Irritate eyes, nose, and throat; damage lungs; cause asthma,
bronchitis, and emphysema.

• Carbon Monoxide: Causes headaches, dizziness, vision problems, poor

coordination, and severe risks for unborn babies.

• Photochemical Smog: Leads to respiratory issues and eye irritation.

• Dust Particles: Cause stuffy noses, sinusitis, sore throats, dry cough, burning eyes,
chest pain, worsen asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

• Lead and Mercury: Leads to nervous disorders, insomnia, memory loss,

irritability, tremors, and Minamata disease.

2) Effects on Plants

• General Air Pollutants: Enter plants through stomata, damage chlorophyll, cause
leaf discoloration (yellowing or curling), and lead to leaf drop.
 • Ozone: Causes leaf spots, premature aging, necrosis, and bleaching.

3) Effects on Materials

• Acid Rain: Damages buildings, monuments, and statues by reacting with pollutants
and moisture.

• Ozone: Leads to rubber cracking.

• Aquatic Life: Acid rain and other pollutants harm fish and aquatic environments.

CONTROL MEASURES :
1. Emission Standards: Implementing and enforcing strict emission standards for
industries, vehicles, and power plants to limit the amount of pollutants released into the
air.
2. Monitoring and Reporting: Regular monitoring of air quality and requiring industries
to report emissions can help ensure compliance with regulations and identify sources of
pollution.
3. Pollution Control Devices: Installing equipment like scrubbers, filters, and catalytic
converters in factories, power plants, and vehicles to capture or reduce pollutants before
they are released into the air.
4. Green Infrastructure: Creating green spaces and urban forests to absorb pollutants
and improve air quality in cities.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the sources and effects of air
pollution and ways to reduce personal contributions to pollution.

2. WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution can be defined as the contamination of water bodies. Water pollution is
caused when water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater and aquifers get
contaminated with industrial and agricultural effluents.
• Causes:
The sources of water pollution include farming methodologies with excess fertilizers
and pesticides that also degrade the water bodies.
Environmental Pollution of water has the following causes:
1. Industrial waste
Industries produce a huge amount of waste which contains toxic chemicals and pollutants
which can cause air pollution and damage to us and our environment. They contain
pollutants such as lead, mercury, sulfur, asbestos, nitrates, and many other harmful
chemicals. Many industries do not have a proper waste management system and drain the
waste in the fresh water which goes into rivers, canals and later into the sea.
2. Sewage and waste water
The sewage and wastewater that is produced by each household is chemically treated and
released into the sea with fresh water. The sewage water carries harmful bacteria and
chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Pathogens are known as a common
water pollutant; The sewers of cities house several pathogens and thereby diseases.
3. Mining activities
Mining is the process of crushing the rock and extracting coal and other minerals from
underground. These elements when extracted in the raw form contains harmful chemicals
and can increase the number of toxic elements when mixed up with water which may
result in health problems.
4. Accidental oil leakage
Oil spill poses a huge concern as a large amount of oil enters into the sea and does not
dissolve with water; thereby opens problem for local marine wildlife such as fish, birds
and sea otters. For e.g.: a ship carrying a large quantity of oil may spill oil if met with an
accident and can cause varying damage to species in the ocean depending on the quantity
of oil spill, size of the ocean, the toxicity of pollutant.
5. The burning of fossil fuels
Fossil fuels like coal and oil when burnt produce a substantial amount of ash in the
atmosphere. The particles which contain toxic chemicals when mixed with water vapor
result in acid rain. Also, carbon dioxide is released from the burning of fossil fuels which
result in global warming.
6. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used by farmers to protect crops from insects and
bacteria. They are useful for the plant’s growth. However, when these chemicals are mixed
up with water produce harmful for plants and animals. Also, when it rains, the chemicals
mix up with rainwater and flow down into rivers and canals which pose serious damages
for aquatic animals.
7. Urban development
As the population has grown, so has the demand for housing, food, and cloth. As more
cities and towns are developed, they have resulted in increasing use of fertilizers to
produce more food, soil erosion due to deforestation, increase in construction activities,
inadequate sewer collection, and treatment, landfills as more garbage is produced, increase
in chemicals from industries to produce more materials.

• Effects of Water Pollution

Pollution of water affects both humans and aquatic life. Most water sources close
to cities and urban centres are polluted by garbage and dumping of chemicals,
legally or illegally. Below are some of the common as well as adverse effects of
polluting water bodies.

1. Effects on Human Beings Life is a cycle, and humanity’s irresponsible behaviour

often comes back to haunt it. Adding contaminants to water bodies has affected the
human family in several ways. According to a 2017 WHO report, 2.1 billion people
do not have access to safe water. In 2019, it stated that 785 million people lack
access to essential drinking water.
2. Death of Aquatic Life Animals and plants that depend on water for life are the most
affected by polluted water. Statistics from the Centre for Biological Diversity on
the effects of the Deep Horizon spill provides a useful glimpse of the impact of
pollution on aquatic life.
3. Food Chain Disruption Pollution disrupts the food chain by moving the toxins from
one level in the chain to higher levels. In some cases, pollution can wipe out an
entire part of the food chain. Such affect the other organisms by either causing
excessive growth, in case the predator dies or death.
4. Destruction of Ecosystems The introduction or elimination of certain
microorganisms distorts the ecosystem. Nutrient pollution, for example, leads to an
increase in algae, which depletes the water of oxygen, thereby leading to the death
of fish and other aquatic life.

CONTROL MEASURES :
1. The sewage pollutants are required to be treated in sewage treatment
plants before their discharge into natural water bodies. It changes them
into non-toxic substances or makes them less toxic.
2. Water pollution due to organic insecticides and pesticides can be reduced
 by the use of very specific and less stable chemicals in the manufacture
of insecticides/pesticides. Moreover, the use of bio-fertilizers should be
promoted.
3. Oxidation ponds can be useful in removing a low level of radioactive
waste.
4. Hot water should not be disposed of directly into the river, as it adversely
affects the life of aquatic organisms.
5. Domestic and industrial wastewaters should be treated properly in
wastewater treatment plants, before being discharged into the natural
aquatic systems.
6. Strict implementation of legislation for water treatment should be done.
7. Suitable strict legislation should be enacted to make it obligatory for the
industries to treat the wastewater before being discharged into rivers or
seas.
8. No solid waste should be dumped into water bodies.
9. Dead bodies of animals/humans should not be floated in water sources.
10.Setting up effluent treatment plans to treat waste.

3. LAND POLLUTION
Land pollution occurs when trash, compost, and other toxins are dumped on the land,
contaminating or polluting it. Land pollution is caused by human activities such as
littering and waste washed ashore from boats, oil rigs, and sewage treatment plants.
The degradation of the earth’s land surfaces, both above and below ground level, is
referred to as land pollution.

Causes of Land Pollution

1. Deforestation and soil erosion
When forests are cleared for development and to meet the demand for wood supply,
the soil is loosened in the process. Without the protection of the trees, the land becomes
barren over time and starts to erode.
 2. Agricultural chemicals
Part of the farming process often involves the use of harmful pesticides and
insecticides to protect crops. However, the chemicals can cause the land to become
barren.
3. Industrialization
The Industrial Revolution may have resulted in significant positive changes to the
economy and society, but it also led to significant pollution of the land. Through unsafe
disposal practices for chemicals used in manufacturing, poor regulation, and the
overwhelming number of industries and factories that are polluting the land daily,
4. Mining
The mining process can lead to the creation of large open spaces beneath the surface
of the earth. This can result in the land caving in, which compromises the integrity of
the land. Mining also results in harmful chemicals, such as uranium, being disturbed
and released into the environment.
5. Landfills
The garbage found at landfills is filled with toxins that eventually seep into the earth.
During rains, the toxins are washed into other areas and the pollution is spread. As the
population grows, the amount of garbage filling landfills also grows.
6. Construction activities
Due to urbanization, a large number of construction activities are taking place which
has resulted in large waste articles like wood, metal, bricks, plastic that can be seen by
naked eyes outside any building or office which is under construction.
7. Nuclear waste
Nuclear plants can produce a huge amount of energy through nuclear fission and
fusion. The left over radioactive material contains harmful and toxic chemicals that
can affect human health. They are dumped beneath the earth to avoid any casualty.

Effects of Land Pollution

1. Ground water poisoning
Depending on the soil and whether the chemicals were improperly disposed of on the
land, the chemicals could end up in the ground water. The process is known as
leaching. It can occur on farms, industrial sites, and landfills.
2. Soil pollution
Soil pollution is another form of land pollution, where the upper layer of the soil is
damaged. This is caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, soil erosion caused by
running water and other pest control measures; this leads to loss of fertile land for
agriculture, forest cover, fodder patches for grazing, etc.
3. Air pollution
Landfills across the city keep on growing due to an increase in waste and are later
burned which leads to air pollution. They become home for rodents, mice, etc which
in turn transmit diseases.
4. Distraction for tourists
The city loses its attraction as a tourist destination as landfills do not look good when
you move around the city. It leads to a loss of revenue for the state government.
5. Effect on wildlife
Animals face a serious threat with regards to the loss of habitat and natural
environment. The constant human activity on land, is leaving it polluted; forcing these
species to move further away and adapt to new regions or die trying to adjust. Other
issues that we face include increased temperature, unseasonal weather activity, acid
rains, etc.
6. Effects of Land Pollution on Humans
Some of the potential consequences include birth defects, the development of
breathing disorders, skin diseases, and cancer. Most of these develop after exposure to
waste from water poisoning and soil contamination.

Remedies to Land Pollution

• Proper waste disposal that focuses on treating waste and disposing it in the safest
manner possible.
• Reusing materials to reduce the need for harvesting of resources. Products that are
not reusable can likely be recycled.
• Reducing the usage of non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic shopping bags.
The simple act of switching to a reusable cloth bag for groceries can help cut down
on the need for nonbiodegradable materials.
• Organic gardening can reduce the usage of pesticides and insecticides. Non-
gardeners can help by buying organic food.
• Create dumping ground away from residential areas.

RADIATION POLLUTION AND NUCLEAR HAZARD;

Radiation pollution refers to the presence of radioactive substances in the
environment that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the ecosystem.
Nuclear hazards refer to the risks associated with the use of nuclear technology, such
as nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.

Definition of Radiation Pollution and Nuclear Hazards

Radiation pollution is defined as the presence of radioactive substances in the
environment that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the ecosystem. These
substances can be found in various forms, including solid, liquid, and
gas. Exposure to radiation pollution can cause a range of health problems, including
cancer, genetic mutations, and radiation sickness. Nuclear hazards refer to the risks
associated with the use of nuclear technology, such as nuclear power plants and
nuclear weapons. These hazards can result in the release of radioactive substances
into the environment, which can cause harm to humans, animals, and the
ecosystem. Nuclear hazards can also result in accidents, such as meltdowns,
which can have severe consequences.
Causes of Radiation Pollution and Nuclear Hazards
1. Nuclear Power Plants: Radioactive waste and accidents at these facilities can
cause significant radiation leaks.
2. Medical Procedures: X-rays, CT scans, and radiation therapy expose patients to
ionizing radiation, with risks from improper use.
3. Industrial Applications: Use of radioactive materials in various industries can lead
to accidental exposure.
4. Natural Sources: Cosmic rays, radon gas, and terrestrial radiation contribute to
natural background radiation.
5. Radioactive Waste Disposal: Improper disposal and storage of radioactive waste
can lead to contamination and long-term environmental hazards.
6. Mining Activities: Mining for uranium and other radioactive materials can release
harmful substances.
7. Weapons Testing and Use: Testing and deploying nuclear weapons release harmful
radiation.
8. Transportation Accidents: Accidents during the transport of radioactive materials
can cause exposure.
9. Sabotage or Terrorism: Attacks on nuclear facilities can result in radiation
releases.
10.Decommissioning: Safely dismantling old reactors and facilities presents
significant challenges and risks

Effects of Radiation Pollution and Nuclear Hazard

• Effects on Human Health
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): High doses of radiation can cause immediate
symptoms like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and in severe cases, death.
Cancer: Long-term exposure to radiation increases the risk of various cancers,
including thyroid cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer.
Reproductive Issues: Radiation can affect fertility and increase the risk of birth
defects.
 Cardiovascular Disease: Some studies suggest a link between radiation exposure
and cardiovascular problems.
• Effects on the Environment
Soil Contamination: Radioactive waste can contaminate soil, making it infertile and
unsuitable for agriculture.
Water Contamination: Radiation can seep into water bodies, affecting aquatic life
and making the water unsafe for consumption.
Air Pollution: Radioactive materials released into the atmosphere can spread over
vast distances, causing widespread contamination.
Nuclear Hazards : Nuclear hazards, such as accidents or attacks on nuclear facilities,
can have catastrophic consequences:
Massive Releases of Radiation: A nuclear accident or attack can release large
amounts of radiation into the environment, leading to widespread contamination.

CONTROL MEASURES:
▪ Proper Waste Management: Radioactive waste should be stored and
disposed of safely to prevent contamination.
▪ Nuclear Safety: Strict safety measures must be in place at nuclear facilities to
prevent accidents.
▪ Emergency Preparedness: Governments and communities should have plans
in place to respond to nuclear emergencies.
▪ International Cooperation: Global cooperation is essential for addressing the
challenges of nuclear proliferation and waste management.

NOISE POLLUTION:
The word noise is derived from Latin word ‘‘Nausea’’ implying ‘‘unwanted sound’’ or
sound that is loud, unpleasant or unexpected. It can be defined as wrong sound, in the
wrong place and at the wrong time. Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise
or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise with ranging impacts on the activity of
human or animal life, most of them harmful to a degree. Due to exposure of noise people
are suffering from difference kinds of diseases like hearing impairment, interference with
spoken communication, Sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disturbances, annoyance etc.
CAUSES
1. Industrial sources:
Progress in technology (industrialization) has resulted in creating noise pollution. Textile
mills, printing presses, engineering establishments and metal works etc. contribute heavily
towards noise pollution. Textile mills, printing presses, engineering establishments and
metal works etc. contribute heavily towards noise pollution.
2. Transport Vehicles
Automobile revolution in urban centres has proved to be a big source of noise pollution.
Noise from airplanes constitutes an increasing serious problem in big cities like Delhi &
Mumbai. Heavy trucks, buses trains, jet-planes, motor-cycles, scooters, mopeds, jeeps—
the list of vehicles is endless but the outcome is same — noise pollution.
3. Household
The household is an industry in itself and is a source of many indoor noises such as the
banging of doors, noise of playing children, crying of infants, moving of furniture, loud
conversation of the inhabitants etc. Domestic gadgets like the mixer-grinders, pressure
cookers, desert coolers, air- conditioners, exhaust fans, vacuum cleaners, sewing and
washing machines are all indoor sources of noise pollution
4. Loud Public Address Systems
In India people need only the slightest of an excuse for using loud speakers. The reason
may be a religious function, birth, death, marriage, elections, dem-onstration, or just
commercial advertising. Public system, therefore, contributes in its own way towards
noise pollution.
5. Agricultural Machines
Tractors, thrashers, harvesters, tube wells, powered tillers etc. have all made agriculture
highly mechanical but at the same time highly noisy. Noise level 90 dB to 98 dB due to
running of farm machines have been recorded in the state of Punjab.
6.Defence Equipment
A lot of noise pollution is added to the atmosphere by artillery, tanks, launching of
rockets, explosions, exercising of military airplanes and shooting practices. Screams of jet
engines and sonic booms have a 13 deafening impact on the ears and in extreme cases
have been known to shatter the window panes and old dilapidated buildings.
7.Miscellaneous Sources The automobile repair shops, construction-works, blasting,
bulldozing, stone crushing etc. are other sources of noise pollution.
EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION:
1.Repeated Interference with sleep: In a social survey carried out amongst people living
in the vicinity of London Airport, some 22 per cent said that they sometimes found
difficulty in getting to sleep because of airport noises. In areas where the noise level was
particularly high, up to 50 per cent complained about the noise. An even higher percentage
said they were awakened by high intensity noises, usually early a night when sleep was
not yet deep.
2. Effect on hearing or deafness: These effects only become of real importance if the
sounds are exceptionally loud. Continuous exposure to noise levels much above 100 dB
has an adverse effect on hearing ability within a fairly short time. Many workers who are
exposed to the noise of jet aircraft or very noisy workshops for even moderate periods
soon develop detectable hearing defects.
3. Effect on Communication or Speech Interference: External sounds can interfere
with conversation and use of the telephone, and well as the enjoyment of radio and
television programmes and like pastimes. The maximum accepted level of noise under
such conditions in 55 dB. 70 dB is considered very noisy and serious interference with
verbal communications is inevitable.
4. Mental or Physiological Effects: Many people complain that noise makes them
mentally ill. Experiments have been performed to attempt to confirm or disprove these
claims. Fire crackers and other excessive and continuous explosives become physically
painful giving rise to neurosis, mental illness, cardiovascular diseases, stomach ulcers and
respiratory disorders reducing human life.
6. Effects on other animals and other living things: The effect caused by industries,
railways, crackers, explosions and commotion in the cities, aircrafts etc., 18 can be felt on
animals, birds, mice, fishes and domestic animals for they are susceptible to various effects
of due to exposure noise levels change their places. Birds avoid migrating to places where
noise level is above 100 dB. The noise emissions caused by supersonic aircraft, railway
noise emissions etc., may cause miscarriage in mammals and fishes as well as birds are
observed to have stopped laying eggs. Thus to sum up animals and other living things
become upset more than human beings and in the direct cause of ecological in balance.

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