What is pollution?

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse
change.[1] Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as
radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollution can reduce the health of ecosystems by harming or
even causing death to the living things that call those ecosystems home. The negative effects of
pollution can range in severity depending on what the pollutant is, the characteristics of the
pollutant, and where the pollutant is located. Pollution is most often composed of synthetic, or
human-made substances (like plastic, for example), although even natural substances like
sediment, nutrients, and carbon dioxide can become pollutants when they exceed a particular level.
If natural substances exceed healthy levels, however, it is very likely the result of human activities.
The way in which pollution is categorized, studied, and managed depends on what Earth system
is affected. Parts of Earth’s systems that can be affected by pollution include land, waterways (such
as ground-water, rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans), air, and climate.
Different Types of Pollution
The different types of pollution are Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. Other types
of pollution are thermal pollution, light pollution, and radioactive pollution. Radioactive pollution
is the deadliest as it is a result of the release of dangerous radioactive substances during nuclear
explosions, nuclear weapons production, testing of nuclear weapons, etc.

Air Pollution
The release of harmful contaminants including toxic gases, particulates, biological molecules,
chemicals, etc. into the environment is called air pollution. Gaseous pollutants for damaging the
atmosphere include carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen
oxides that are produced by industry and motor vehicles. Air pollution causes harmful effects that
can be detrimental to health. The causes of pollution in the air can be many and some of the
common causes are briefly explained-
• Combustion of fossil fuels that causes the release of Carbon Dioxide and formation of smog
• Mining activities like underground and surface mining generate irrespirable dust due to
emissions of particulates and gases including methane and oxides of nitrogen etc.
• Factories and vehicles that harm the ozone layer due to the generation of smog and
industrial air conditioners causing the release of destructive gases

Water Pollution
Water pollution is one of the types of environmental pollution that has harmful effects widely. It
is caused when water bodies like rivers, seas, and lakes get polluted with toxic matter. The
particulates and unwanted contaminants are generally introduced by humans via activities such as
oil spills, disposal of industrial waste into water, and sewage treatment. Other reasons may be
natural processes like algae blooms, volcanoes, floods, animal waste, storms, etc.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is also one of the causes of land pollution or both can be interchangeably used. It is
land degradation that is caused by chemicals or other changes in the natural soil environment.
Certain industrial activities, agricultural chemicals and improper waste disposal are some of the
major factors contributing to soil pollution. Other reasons for land pollution include deforestation,
garbage accumulation, low soil fertility, reforestation, climatic changes, etc.

Nitrogen oxides:-
Scientists estimate that nature produces between 20 and 90 million tons of nitrogen oxides on Earth
each year. Natural sources include volcanoes, oceans, biological decay, and lightning strikes.
Human activities add another 24 million tons of nitrogen oxides to our atmosphere annually.
A natural source of nitrogen oxides occurs from a lightning stroke. The very high temperature in
the vicinity of a lightning bolt causes the gases oxygen and nitrogen in the air to react to form nitric
oxide.
N2+O2→NO
The nitric oxide very quickly reacts with more oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide.
NO+O2→NO2

Man-made sources of nitrogen oxides:

a. Combustion Processes: Automobiles: Internal combustion engines in cars, trucks, and other
vehicles are major sources of NOx emissions. NOx is formed during the combustion of fossil fuels
in the presence of atmospheric nitrogen. Modern vehicles are equipped with emission control
systems like catalytic converters to reduce NOx emissions, but older or poorly maintained vehicles
can still emit substantial amounts.

b. Power Plants: Fossil fuel power plants, including coal, natural gas, and oil-fired plants, release
NOx when burning these fuels to generate electricity. Some power plants have pollution control
technologies like selective catalytic reduction (SCR) or selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR)
systems to reduce NOx emissions.

c. Industrial Processes: Various industrial activities such as manufacturing, metal production, and
chemical processing can generate NOx emissions. These emissions may occur as a result of
combustion in industrial boilers, furnaces, or as byproducts of chemical reactions.

d.Agriculture: Fertilizer Use: Farmers use nitrogen-based fertilizers to enhance crop growth.
When these fertilizers break down in the soil, they release ammonia (NH3) and other nitrogen
compounds into the atmosphere. These compounds can later contribute to NOx formation when
they react with other atmospheric components.

e. Animal Agriculture: Livestock, such as cows and pigs, produce ammonia as a byproduct of
digestion and waste. This ammonia can eventually lead to the formation of NOx in the atmosphere.
f.Aviation: a. Aircraft Engines: Jet engines used in aviation produce NOx during the combustion
of aviation fuels. This is a significant source of NOx emissions, especially around airports and in
flight corridors.

g.Shipping: a. Marine Engines: Diesel engines used in ships emit NOx as a result of fuel
combustion. Shipping is a major source of NOx emissions, particularly in coastal areas and near
busy ports.

h.Waste Incineration: The incineration of municipal solid waste or hazardous waste in waste-to-
energy facilities can release NOx into the atmosphere, particularly if the combustion process is not
adequately controlled.

i.Construction and Demolition Equipment: Heavy machinery used in construction and demolition
activities, such as bulldozers, excavators, and backhoes, are powered by diesel engines that
produce NOx emissions.

j.Residential Heating and Cooking: In some regions, residential heating and cooking using fossil
fuels (e.g., natural gas) can contribute to local NOx emissions.

f.Recreational Vehicles and Small Engines: Recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and small engines
(e.g., lawnmowers, generators) with gasoline or diesel engines can also emit NOx.

Health Effects of NOx

The most direct negative effect of nitrogen oxides is its impact on human health. NOx does
significant damage to the respiratory system over time. In areas affected by smog, symptoms
including coughing and throat and chest irritation commonly develop. People begin to find it hard
to breath due to permanent damage to their lungs caused by chronically inflamed tissue. People
who suffer from asthma also find that smoggy environments exacerbate their asthma symptoms
because their bronchial passages become inflamed and hyperactive. The rate of asthma diagnosis
in children has climbed for years. Though it’s still an issue being studied, there is high confidence
that pollutants irritate the respiratory system and are at the root of this increase. Asthma rates are
higher in industrial areas, such as cities, further connecting pollutants with the higher incidence of
asthma.
NOx has also been theorized to increase lung cancer risk in those exposed to high levels of
pollutants from fuel burning. All of these—asthma, allergies, and cancer—are some of the more
understood health risks. There are also ways NOx damages natural life.

Natural Effects of NOx

One prominent effect of excessive nitrogen oxides is acid rain. Acid rain is the product of a
chemical reaction between sulphur dioxide (SO2), NOx, water, and oxygen to form sulphuric acid
and nitric acid. These reactants come together as industrial plants, cars, and generators release
NOx and SO2 into the air. These chemical products come back to the earth in an acidic and
corrosive form, typically around 4 on the pH scale. This acid rain flows into bodies of water, often
pulling aluminum from clay as it enters. Aluminum and acid harms fish and water vegetation,
which causes some fish eggs to not hatch. On land, aluminum is also pulled from clay and is
similarly dangerous to plants and animals. Trees and other plants are hurt when they lose sunlight-
catching foliage and cannot support further growth and fruit development. When one element of
an ecosystem becomes thrown off-kilter, many more facets will unbalance as well. Even if acid
rain doesn’t harm an animal directly, it impacts them when the fruit they eat or the trees they nest
in cannot sustain them.
Acid rain also decreases crop yields because the soil becomes acidic, and existing crops can’t
flourish. Acidic products can even deposit without water’s involvement—buildings experience
gradual deterioration due to the buildup of acid on their surfaces. These agricultural and
architectural effects impact the economy at large, costing farmers or businesses respectively,
illustrating how NOx has more wide-ranging effects than just human health concerns.

Sulphur oxides:-
It has been estimated that on a global basis, natural sources, such as volcanoes, contribute about
as the same amount of sulphur oxides to the atmosphere as human industrial activities. This
amounts to 75-100 million tons from each source per year. However, in industrial countries such
as in Europe and North America, human activities contribute 95 % of the sulphur oxides and
natural sources only 5 %. In the Western States, natural sources of sulphur oxides may be more
important.
Human Sources of Sulphur Oxides
In 1980, emissions of sulphur dioxide totaled 24.1 million tons in the United States. Of this total
66 % came from electric power companies. Electric power companies that burn coal are a major
source of sulphur oxides. Other industrial plants contributed about 22 %. Smelting of metals such
as copper, zinc, lead, and nickel can produce large amounts of sulphur dioxide. In Canada, 45% of
the emissions are from smelting operations, compared to only 6 % in the United States.
Coal contains mainly carbon with some hydrogen. When coal is burned it reacts with oxygen in
the air to produce carbon dioxide and water and large amounts of heat.
C+O2→CO2
In addition, coal may contain from 1-4 % of the element, sulphur. When the coal is burned with
oxygen in the air, the sulphur is reacted to form sulphur dioxide.
S+O2→SO2
HEALTH EFFECTS OF SULPHUR OXIDES
Respiratory Problems: Sulphur oxides are notorious for causing respiratory issues. When SO2 is
inhaled, it reacts with moisture in the respiratory system to form sulphuric acid. This acid irritates
the mucous membranes, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged
exposure can worsen conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
1.Cardiovascular Effects: Research has shown a link between sulphur oxide exposure and
cardiovascular problems. It can contribute to the development of heart diseases, increase the risk
of heart attacks, and disrupt the normal functioning of the circulatory system.
2.Environmental Damage: Sulphur oxides contribute to acid rain, which can harm ecosystems.
Acid rain lowers the pH of water bodies, making them inhospitable to aquatic life. It also damages
forests, erodes buildings and monuments, and corrodes infrastructure.
3.Particulate Matter Formation: SO2 can react with other pollutants to form fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled. PM2.5 is associated with a range of
health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
4.Global Warming: While not a primary greenhouse gas, sulphur oxides indirectly contribute to
climate change. Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere can form sulphate aerosols, which have a
cooling effect by reflecting sunlight back into space. However, this cooling effect is temporary,
and the long-term consequences of sulphur oxide emissions include contributing to climate
instability.
5.Agricultural Impact: Sulphur oxides can harm crops and reduce agricultural yields. They damage
plant tissues, interfere with photosynthesis, and impair nutrient absorption, affecting food
production,

To reduce pollution from nitrogen and sulphur oxides, several measures can be
implemented:

1.Cleaner Energy Sources: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources like natural gas, renewables,
and nuclear power can significantly reduce emissions of both nitrogen and sulphur oxides during
electricity generation.

2. Emission Control Technologies: Installing and upgrading emission control technologies, such
as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and flue gas desulphurization (FGD), in industrial and power
plant facilities can effectively reduce these pollutants.

3. Fuel Quality Improvement: Implementing regulations to limit sulphur content in fuels and
promoting low-sulphur and low-nitrogen fuels for vehicles and industrial processes can reduce
emissions.

4. Transportation Measures: Encouraging public transportation, electric vehicles, and promoting

stricter vehicle emission standards helps minimize nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles.

5.Environmental Regulations: Enforcing and enhancing environmental regulations on emissions

from industrial sources is essential for controlling these pollutants effectively.
GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants
collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have
bounced off the earth’s surface. Normally this radiation would escape into
space, but these pollutants, which can last for years to centuries in the
atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the planet to get hotter. These heat-
trapping pollutants—specifically carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
water vapor, and synthetic fluorinated gases—are known as greenhouse
gases, and their impact is called the greenhouse effect.

Though natural cycles and fluctuations have caused the earth’s climate to
change several times over the last 800,000 years, our current era of global
warming is directly attributable to human activity—specifically to our
burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas, which
results in the greenhouse effect.
Curbing dangerous climate change requires very deep cuts in emissions, as
well as the use of alternatives to fossil fuels worldwide. The good news is
that countries around the globe have formally committed—as part of
the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement—to lower their emissions by setting new
standards and crafting new policies to meet or even exceed those
standards. The not-so-good news is that we’re not working fast enough. To
avoid the worst impacts of climate change, scientists tell us that we need
to reduce global carbon emissions by as much as 40 percent by 2030. For
that to happen, the global community must take immediate, concrete
steps: to decarbonize electricity generation by equitably transitioning from
fossil fuel–based production to renewable energy sources like wind and
solar; to electrify our cars and trucks; and to maximize energy efficiency in
our buildings, appliances, and industries.

Each year scientists learn more about the consequences of global warming,
and each year we also gain new evidence of its devastating impact on
people and the planet. As the heat waves, droughts, and floods associated
with climate change become more frequent and more intense, communities
suffer and death tolls rise. If we’re unable to reduce our
emissions, scientists believe that climate change could lead to the deaths
of more than 250,000 people around the globe every year and force 100
million people into poverty by 2030.

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

• Disappearing glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause

more dramatic water shortages and continue to increase the risk of
wildfires .
• Rising sea levels will lead to even more coastal flooding on the coastal
areas.
• Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat
waves, heavy downpours, and increased flooding. All of these can
damage or destroy agriculture and fisheries.
• Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and alpine meadows could
drive many plant and animal species to extinction.
• Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more
common due to increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher
levels of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to
pathogens and mosquitoes.
Though everyone is affected by climate change, not everyone is affected
equally. Indigenous people, people of color, and the economically
marginalized are typically hit the hardest. Inequities built into
our housing, health care, and labor systems make these communities more
vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate change—even though these same
communities have done the least to contribute to it.

HOW TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING??

Save energy at home

Much of our electricity and heat are powered by coal, oil, and gas. Use less energy by lowering
your heating and cooling, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances,
washing your laundry with cold water, or hanging things to dry instead of using a dryer.Learn
more about saving energy at home

Walk, cycle, or take public transport

The world’s roads are clogged with vehicles, most of them burning diesel or petrol. Walking or
riding a bike instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and help your health and
fitness. For longer distances, consider taking a train or bus. And carpool whenever possible.Learn
more about walking, cycling, or taking public transport

Eat more vegetables

Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and less meat and dairy, can
significantly lower your environmental impact. Producing plant-based foods generally results in
fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land, and water.Learn more about eating
more vegetables

Consider your travel

Aeroplanes burn large amounts of fossil fuels, producing significant greenhouse gas emissions.
That makes taking fewer flights one of the fastest ways to reduce your environmental impact.
When you can, meet virtually, take a train, or skip that long-distance trip altogether.

Throw away less food

When you throw food away, you're also wasting the resources and energy that were used to grow,
produce, package, and transport it. And when food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a
powerful greenhouse gas. So use what you buy and compost any leftovers.

Reduce, reuse, repair & recycle

Electronics, clothes, and other items we buy cause carbon emissions at each point in production,
from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing and transporting goods to market. To protect
our climate, buy fewer things, shop second-hand, repair what you can, and recycle

Change your home's source of energy

Ask your utility company if your home energy comes from oil, coal, or gas. If possible, see if you
can switch to renewable sources such as wind or solar. Or install solar panels on your roof to
generate energy for your home.

Switch to an electric vehicle

If you plan to buy a car, consider going electric, with more and cheaper models coming on the
market. Even if they still run on electricity produced from fossil fuels, electric cars help reduce air
pollution and cause significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel-powered
vehicles.

Bibliography
www.greenfacts.org
www.chem.libretexts.org
www.environment.govt.nz
www.open.edu
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101#causes
www.un.org