AN ECOSYSTEM SERVICE IS ANY POSITIVE BENEFIT THAT WILDLIFE OR

ECOSYSTEMS PROVIDE TO PEOPLE. THE BENEFITS CAN BE DIRECT OR

INDIRECT—SMALL OR LARGE.
 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Environmental Pollution can be defined as any undesirable change in physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of any
component of the environment i.e. air, water, and soil which can cause harmful effects on various forms of life or property.

❑ Types of Pollution- a) Air Pollution

b) Water Pollution

c) Land Pollution/ Soil Pollution

d) Sound Pollution/ Noise Pollution

❑Generally, Substances that cause pollution are called pollutants.

❑ Types of Pollutants –

Depending on origin- a) Persistent & non-Persistent

Depending on the nature of the disposable- b) Degradable or Non-Degradable

Depending on source c) Point source and non-point source

❑ Generally, Substances that causes pollution is called as Pollutant.
❑ Pollutants are basically two types –a) Persistent pollutants: pesticides, nuclear wastes, and
plastics etc.
b) Non-Persistent pollutants: plant debris, animal debris, etc.
❑ From another perspective, pollutants can be classified as follows:
According to origin- Man-made pollutant (pesticides, fungicides) and natural pollutant
(dust)
According to nature- Primary pollutant (CO, NOx, dust) and Secondary pollutant (Ozone,
Smog, PAN)
According to decomposition nature- Degradable (plant debris) and Non-Degradable
pollutant (plastic,
D.D.T)
According to origin- Point source pollutants (iron, zinc) and Non-point sources (rural
sanitation, mining)
 AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that
cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural
environment or built environment, into the atmosphere.
The air pollution definition says that when any physical, chemical, or biological change takes
place in the air and contaminates it, then it is called air pollution. The contamination of air can
be caused by many factors such as poisonous or harmful gases, smoke, fog, smog, dust, etc.
A substance in the air that can cause harm to humans and the environment is known as an air
pollutant.
Natural sources
Volcanic eruptions
Forest Fires
Bio pollutants- Foul odors emitted by the decay and decomposition of organic material
Strong winds or storms

Man-made sources
Burning of Fossil fuels- CO, CO2, Particulate matter, hydrocarbons and metallic traces
Automobiles- CO, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulfur compounds, NH3, Organic acids
Steel plants- CO, CO2, SO2, Fluorine and dust
Thermal power plants- SO2, dust, in the form of fly ash.
Textiles Industries- Cotton dust, nitrogen oxides, chlorine, SO2, smoke, vapours of naptha, etc.
Fertilizer Industries- Oxides of Sulphur, ammonia, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons
 Criteria Air Pollutants
pollutant common sources environmental risks human health risks
exacerbates symptoms of heart
disease, such as chest pain; may cause
carbon automobile emissions, fires, industrial
contributes to smog formation vision problems and reduce physical
monoxide (CO) processes
and mental capabilities in healthy
people
nitrogen oxides automobile emissions, electricity generation, inflammation and irritation of
damage to foliage; contributes to smog formation
(NO and NO2) industrial processes breathing passages
major cause of haze; contributes to acid rain
sulfur dioxide electricity generation, fossil-fuel combustion, formation, which subsequently damages foliage, breathing difficulties, particularly for
(SO2) industrial processes, automobile emissions buildings, and monuments; reacts to form people with asthma and heart disease
particulate matter
nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic interferes with the ability of certain plants to
compounds (VOCs) from industrial and respire, leading to increased susceptibility to reduced lung function; irritation and
ozone (O3)
automobile emissions, gasoline vapours, other environmental stressors (e.g., disease, harsh inflammation of breathing passages
chemical solvents, and electrical utilities weather)

sources of primary particles include fires,

smokestacks, construction sites, and unpaved contributes to formation of haze as well as acid irritation of breathing passages,
particulate
roads; sources of secondary particles include rain, which changes the pH balance of waterways aggravation of asthma, irregular
matter
reactions between gaseous chemicals emitted and damages foliage, buildings, and monuments heartbeat
by power plants and automobiles

adverse effects upon multiple bodily

metal processing, waste incineration, fossil-fuel loss of biodiversity, decreased reproduction, systems; may contribute to learning
lead (Pb)
combustion neurological problems in vertebrates disabilities when young children are
exposed; cardiovascular effects in ad
 THE HAZARDOUS EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON THE
ENVIRONMENT INCLUDE:
Diseases

Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. The cases of lung cancer
have increased in the last few decades. Children living near polluted areas are more prone to pneumonia and asthma.
Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects of air pollution.

Global Warming

Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air. This has led to
an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s temperature is known as global warming. This has
resulted in the melting of glaciers and an increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.

Acid Rain

The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air. The water
droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which damages human, animal and plant
life.
Ozone Layer Depletion

The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the

major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful
ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.

Effect on Animals

The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution also compels the
animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place. This renders them stray and has also led to
the extinction of a large number of animal species.
 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
1.By minimizing and reducing the use of fire and fire products.
2.Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the pollutants can be controlled or treated at the
source itself to reduce its effects. For example, if the reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw
materials can be substituted with other less polluting materials.
3.Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India, petrol and diesel are being replaced by
CNG – Compressed Natural Gas fueled vehicles. These are mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully operating with ideal
emission engines.
4.Although there are many practices in India, which focus on repairing the quality of air, most of them are either forgotten
or not being enforced properly. There are still a lot of vehicles on roads which haven’t been tested for vehicle emissions.
5.Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and maintain existing pieces of equipment so
that the emission of pollutants is minimized.
6.Sometimes controlling pollutants at the source is not possible. In that case, we can have process control equipment to
control the pollution.
7.A very effective way of controlling air pollution is by diluting the air pollutants.
8.The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree plantation. Plants and trees reduce a large
number of pollutants in the air. Ideally, planting trees in areas of high pollution levels will be extremely effective.
 WATER POLLUTION
➢ Water Pollution can be defined as alteration in physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of water through natural or human activities and making it unsuitable for its
designated use.
➢Physical characteristic refres to colour, taste, turbidity and smell of water.
➢Chemical characteristic refers to- pH, TDS, DO, COD, BOD.
➢Biological characteristic refers to- presence of biological components i.e. bacteria,
fungi, etc.
➢On Earth, only 1/3th part of available water from ice and groundwater is pure, the rest is
contaminated
THE CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION
1. Industrial Waste

Industries and industrial sites across the world are a major contributor to water pollution. Many industrial sites produce waste
in the form of toxic chemicals and pollutants, and though regulated, some still do not have proper waste management systems
in place. In those rare cases, industrial waste is dumped into nearby freshwater systems. When industrial waste is not treated
properly (or worse, not treated at all), it can very easily pollute the freshwater systems that it comes into contact with.

Industrial waste from agricultural sites, mines, and manufacturing plants can make its way into rivers, streams and other bodies
of water that lead directly to the sea. The toxic chemicals in the waste produced by these industries not only have the potential
to make water unsafe for human consumption, they can also cause the temperature in freshwater systems to change, making
them dangerous for many water-dwelling organisms.

2. Marine Dumping

The process of marine dumping is exactly what it sounds like, dumping garbage into the waters of the ocean. It might seem
crazy, but household garbage is still collected and dumped into oceans by many countries across the world. Most of these items
can take anywhere from two to 200 years to decompose completely.
3. Sewage and Wastewater
Harmful chemicals, bacteria, and pathogens can be found in sewage and wastewater even when
it’s been treated. Sewage and wastewater from each household is released into the sea with
fresh water. The pathogens and bacteria found in that wastewater breed disease, and therefore
are a cause of health-related issues in humans and animals alike.
4. Oil Leaks and Spills
The age-old phrase “like water and oil” is used when describing two things that do not mix easily
or at all. Just as the saying states, water and oil do not mix, and oil does not dissolve in water.
Large oil spills and oil leaks, while often accidental, are a major cause of water pollution. Leaks
and spills often are caused by oil drilling operations in the ocean or ships that transport
oil. wildlife.
5. Agriculture
In order to protect their crops from bacteria and insects, farmers often use chemicals and
pesticides. When these substances seep into the groundwater, they can harm animals, plants and
humans. Additionally, when it rains, the chemicals mix with rainwater, which then flows into
rivers and streams that filter into the ocean, causing further water pollution.
6. Global Warming
Rising temperatures due to global warming are a major concern in terms of
water pollution. Global warming causes water temperatures to rise, which can
kill water-dwelling animals. When large die-offs occur, it further pollutes the
water supply, exacerbating the issue.
7. Radioactive Waste
Radioactive waste from facilities that create nuclear energy can be extremely
hazardous to the environment and must be disposed of properly. This is
because uranium, the element used in the creation of nuclear energy, is a
highly toxic chemical.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is the amount of Oxygen gas dissolved in a liquid, such as water. It is an
essential component for aquatic life, as it is required for the respiration of fish, plants, and other
organisms. The higher the water temperature, the lower the rate of O2 dissolution. Thus, the
discharge of hot wastewater lowers the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) refers to the amount of Oxygen required by aerobic decomposers
for the biochemical degradation of biodegradable organic materials in water. The higher the Biological
Oxygen Demand (BOD), the lower the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) refers to the amount of Oxygen equivalent to the requirement for
oxidation of total organic matter (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) in water. The higher the
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), the lower the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level.
 EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION
Health Effects
Contaminated water is a major source of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and
dysentery. Exposure to toxic chemicals in polluted water can lead to serious health conditions, including
cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues.

Environmental Effects
Water pollution can disrupt reproductive processes, cause fish kills, and alter aquatic habitats. All these lead
to the loss of biodiversity. Excess nutrients from agricultural runoff can cause eutrophication, leading to algal
blooms that deplete oxygen levels in water. This process can result in “dead zones” where aquatic life cannot
survive.

Economic Effects
Water pollution can have significant economic costs, including increased healthcare expenses, loss of tourism
revenue, and reduced agricultural productivity. Water pollution affects fish populations, reducing catches and
economic losses for the fishing industry. Cleaning up polluted water bodies and restoring affected ecosystems
can cause substantial costs.

Other Effects
Water Pollution can render freshwater sources unusable, reducing the availability of clean water for drinking,
irrigation, and industrial use.
Effects of Toxic Chemicals on Human Health

Chemicals Health Impacts

Mercury Minamata Disease—Mercury is converted into Methyl Mercury by bacterial action, which
causes numbness of limbs, lips, and tongue, deafness, blurring of vision, and mental
derangement.
Cadmium Itai-itai disease (ouch-ouch disease) – a painful disease of bones and joints.Cancer of the
liver and lung
Nitrate Methahaemoglobinemia or Blue-baby Syndrome – Nitrate reacts with haemoglobin and
forms non-functional methaemoglobin that impairs Oxygen transport.
Fluoride Skeletal fluorosis – hardened bones and stiff and painful joints.Teeth deformity
Arsenic Black-Foot Disease DiarrhoeaPeripheral Neuritis Hyperkeratosis Lung and skin cancers
Lead Symptoms of Lead exposure: persistent fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, constipation,
insomnia.Effects in Children: damage to brain and nervous system, behavioural problems,
anaemia, liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, dev delays.Effects in Adults: poor muscle
coordination, nerve damage, high BP, hearing and vision impairment, reproductive
problems, and low fetal development.
 SUGGESTED MEASURES TO TACKLE WATER POLLUTION

➢Strengthening Environmental Regulations: Effective implementation and enforcement of

laws such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment
Protection Act, 1986, are crucial. Regulatory bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) must ensure compliance and take action
against violators.
➢Monitoring and Compliance: Regular water quality monitoring and strict compliance with
discharge standards can help prevent and mitigate pollution. Advanced technologies and data
analytics can be used for real-time monitoring and early pollution detection.
➢Wastewater Treatment: Investing in modern wastewater treatment facilities is essential to
reduce the discharge of pollutants into water bodies.
➢Use of Biotechnology: With the help of biotechnology, we can engineer microorganisms to
neutralize the harmful pollutant in water. E.g. oil zapper and oilivorous-s, etc.
➢Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices,
such as organic farming and integrated pest management, can minimize the use of
harmful chemicals and reduce agricultural runoff.
➢Industrial Pollution Control: Implementing strict regulations and enforcement
mechanisms to control industrial pollution can help prevent the discharge of
harmful substances into water bodies.
➢Solid Waste Management: Improving waste management practices, including
proper disposal and recycling, can reduce the risk of pollution from landfills and
dumpsites.
➢Public Awareness and Education: It is crucial to raise public awareness about
water conservation's importance and pollution's consequences. Educating
communities about the proper use and management of water resources can foster
a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable practices.
SOIL POLLUTION
Soil pollution is the “contamination
of soil by human and natural
activities which may cause harmful
effects on living organisms”.
The sources of soil pollution can be seen as follows:
➢Soil pollution arises from various sources, primarily due to human activities. Industrial
waste is a major contributor, as factories directly discharge toxic chemicals and heavy
metals into the soil.
➢Agricultural practices also play a significant role, with the overuse of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides contaminating the soil over time.
➢Improper waste disposal, including plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste, leads to
harmful substances leaching the ground.
➢Mining activities disturb the soil and release toxic materials, while oil spills from
transportation and drilling operations add further pollutants.
➢Additionally, urbanization and deforestation contribute to the degradation of soil
quality, altering its structure and composition.
PREVENTION OF SOIL POLLUTION
➢Proper Dumping of Unwanted Materials: Waste, if not disposed of well, can create problems for the
environment, so it is a must to manage human and animal waste well. Nowadays, the control tipping method is
used to manage solid waste, and the surface is then used for constructing houses or sports grounds.
➢Production of Natural Fertilizers: Instead of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, use bio-pesticides and organic
fertilizers.
➢Control of Soil Erosion: Soil erosion should be controlled through measures like afforestation and a variety of
forestry and farm practices, like covering barren slopes by planting trees, contour cultivation, and strip farming
instead of shifting cultivation.
➢Public Awareness: Formal or informal public awareness campaigns should be executed to increase awareness
about the harmful effects of soil pollution and measures to be taken to control it.
➢Proper Hygienic Conditions: People should be trained to follow proper sanitation habits instead of open
defection and throwing human and animal waste in the open.
➢Recycling and Reuse of Waste: Reusing paper, plastics, glasses, organics, and petroleum products can help control
soil pollution.
➢Ban on Toxic Chemicals: The use of harsh chemicals like DDT, BHC, etc., which have harmful impacts on animals
and plants, should be banned.