Environmental Pollution - Air Pollution Pollution Pollution is the introduction of harmful contaminants into the natural environment. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light.
Pollutants include solid, liquid, or gaseous materials present in greater than
natural abundance and produced due to human activity, which have a negative impact on our environment. The nature and concentration of a pollutant determines the severity of harmful effects on human health.
The major kinds of pollutions are,
1. Air pollution 2. Water pollution 3. Land/Soil pollution
Modern society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as
noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution. Pollution of all kinds can have negative effects on the environment and wildlife and often impacts human health and well-being. Air Pollution Air pollution occurs due to the presence of undesirable solid or gaseous particles in the air in quantities that are harmful to human health. Air may be polluted by natural causes such as volcanoes, which release ash, dust, sulphur and other gases, or by forest fires that are occasionally naturally caused by lightning. However, unlike pollutants from human activity, naturally occurring pollutants tend to remain in the atmosphere for a short time and do not lead to permanent atmospheric change.
On an average, a human requires about 12 kg of air each day, which is nearly 12 to 15
times greater than the amount of food we eat. Thus, even a small concentration of pollutants in the air becomes more significant in comparison to the similar levels present in food. Air pollution is further categorised into Primary and Secondary pollutants:
1. A primary pollutant is a harmful substance that is emitted directly into the
atmosphere from an identifiable source. Eg: emissions from vehicles, industries, dust storms, volcanic eruptions etc. 2. Secondary pollutants are pollutants that are produced in the atmosphere when certain chemical reactions take place among the primary pollutants. e.g., sulfuric acid, nitric acid, photochemical smog, etc. Ozone Depletion The upper stratosphere consists of considerable amounts of ozone, which works as an effective screen for ultraviolet light. This region, called the ozone layer, extends up to 60 kilometers above the surface of the earth.
Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms instead of two. It is produced
naturally from the photodissociation of oxygen gas molecules in the atmosphere. The ozone thus formed is constantly broken down by naturally occurring processes that maintain its balance in the ozone layer. In the absence of pollutants, the creation and breakdown of ozone are purely governed by natural forces, but the presence of certain pollutants can accelerate the breakdown of ozone.
Despite the fact that ozone concentration changes can occasionally be
accompanied by a small amount of ozone depletion, the large-scale breakdown of ozone—also known as the Ozone Hole—did not come to light until British researchers released observations regarding the ozone layer in 1985. Soon after these discoveries, more emphasis was placed on ozone layer studies, which conclusively demonstrated that CFCs (chloro-fluoro-carbons) were the primary cause of the ozone layer depletion. Effects of Ozone Depletion Changes in the ozone layer have serious implications for mankind.
1. Negative effects include increases in certain types
of skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune deficiency disorders. 2. UV radiation affects aquatic ecosystems, altering growth, food chains, and biochemical cycles. Aquatic life just below the water’s surface like algae is the basis of the food chain and is adversely affected by high UV levels. 3. UV radiation also affects terrestrial ecosystems by impacting plant growth, which lowers agricultural production, leading to food shortages. The signs of global warming are everywhere, and are more Global Warming complex than just climbing temperatures. Global warming refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. It is a major aspect of climate change. Global warming is mainly caused by greenhouse gases and is also known as the "Greenhouse Effect".
The phenomenon is similar to what happens in a greenhouse. The glass in
a greenhouse allows solar radiation to enter, which is absorbed by the objects inside. These objects radiate heat in the form of terrestrial radiation, which does not pass through the glass. The heat is therefore trapped in the greenhouse, increasing the temperature inside.
In addition to crop failure due to unpredictable weather like drought and
heavy rains, melting permafrost can release significant amounts of methane gases that were trapped under the ice, which can hasten the process of global warming. Rising sea levels causing floods in coastal areas and loss of natural habitats due to climate change. Acid Rain
Acid rain is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid, that falls to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail, or even dust that is acidic.
● Acid rain can cause damage to fish and other aquatic animals. ● Some microbes found in the soil are unable to tolerate changes in pH and are killed. ● The particulates responsible for acid rain in the air contribute to heart and lung problems, including asthma and bronchitis in humans. ● Acid rain has been shown to have an adverse effect, causing damage to buildings. Causes of Acid Rain What causes acid rain?
Acid rain results when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.
The major sources of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the
atmosphere are: ● Power plants - Sulphur dioxide and the nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere are produced by electric power plants that burn fossil fuels like coal and diesel. ● Vehicles and heavy equipment ● Industries, and oil refineries
Winds can blow sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides over long distances and across borders, making acid rain a problem for everyone and not just those who live close to these sources. Ways to Improve Air Quality Carpooling: Carpooling reduces traffic jams, traffic-based air pollution, saves money on fuel, and is good for the environment. Use bicycles: Riding a bicycle will reduce carbon emissions, which are responsible for global warming. It also minimises our dependence on fossil fuels. Public transport: public transportation inherently benefits the environment because it reduces the number of people driving single-occupancy vehicles. By increasing ridership on public transit, more fuel is conserved, air pollution decreases, and traffic jams are reduced. CNG vehicles: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is one of the cleanest fuels for our environment. CNG can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30% and toxic pollutants by up to 90%. Stop burning: The burning of leaves, old tyres, and garbage is a major cause of air pollution. We should try to convert leaves and other organic matter into compost, recycle or reduce garbage by using eco-friendly alternatives. Renewable energy: Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels can reduce air pollution. diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuel. Planting trees: As trees grow, they help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Odour Pollution Odour pollution can be defined as the "perception of smell", whether pleasant or unpleasant. Odours are induced by inhaling airborne volatile organic or inorganic substances. An odour can be defined as a smell that is detectable. Odour is subjective. What is offensive to one person may be acceptable to another.
Sources of odour pollution are animal rearing, landfills, sewage
treatment plants, oil palm and rubber mills, industries, and dumpsites.
Effects of Odour Pollution
● Toxic stimulants of odour may cause ill health and respiratory
symptoms. ● Secondary effects, in some, may be nausea, insomnia, and discomfort. ● Very strong odours can result in nasal irritation and trigger symptoms in individuals with breathing problems or asthma. Question Part A
1. Define pollution. What are the different types of pollutions?
2. Define Pollutants. What are primary pollutant and secondary pollutant? 3. Write a short note on acid rain. 4. What causes acid rain? 5. Define odour pollution. List the effect of odour pollution on human beings.
Part B
1. List the various health hazards caused by air pollution.
2. List any five steps that can be taken to improve the air quality. 3. What is the Ozone layer? What is the effects of Ozone depletion? 4. What is Global warming? What are the adverse effects of global warming? 5. What is acid rain? How does acid rain harm the environment?
Part C
1. Write an essay on air pollution and its effect on our environment.
