UNIT-2

ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION

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1.1 What is Pollution?

 Pollution is an undesirable change in physical, chemical and biological

characteristics of our land, air or water caused by the Substances which
cause pollution.

 Pollution is “an undesirable change in the characteristics of air, water and

land that harmfully affect the life and also create health problems for all
living organisms on the globe”.

TYPES OF POLLUTION:

 Basically the Pollution is of two types

(1) Natural Pollution:

This type of pollution is limited in its occurrence generally from natural
hazards like volcanic eruptions, emissions of natural gas, soil erosion,
ultraviolet rays, cosmic rays etc.

(2) Manmade Pollution:

Most of the pollution is man made only. However, Pollution is usually
categorized as Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Thermal Pollution; Noise
Pollution; Land & soil Pollution; Radio Active Pollution and Marine
Pollution.

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1. AIR POLLUTION

 Introduction / Definition:
• “Air pollution is define as the composition of air is disturbed due to
presence of gas, smoke, dust, chemical particulate etc., which are injurious
to human being, plant and animal.”
• Degradation of air quality and natural atmospheric condition constitute air
pollution. The air pollutant may be a gas or particulate matter.

 Types of Air pollutant:

i) Primary pollutant:
Pollutants that are emitted directly from the human or natural activities are
known as primary pollutant. For example, CO2, SO2, NOx, particulate
matter, hydrocarbons etc.

ii) Secondary pollutant:

When primary pollutants are react with atmospheric moisture content then a
new category of pollutants is form, known as secondary pollutant. For
example, carbonic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid etc.

 Sources/Causes of Air pollution:

• Urbanization
• Population
• Deforestation
• Industrialization
• Vehicle emission
• Automobile pollution
• Burning of garbage
• Decayed plants and animals
• Indoor air pollution
• Industrial air pollution
• Radioactive elements.

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 Major Air Pollutants and their Effects:
• Particulate matter :
It comprises of small suspended particles such as soot, dust, pesticides, etc.,
and biological agents such as spores, pollen and dust mites. It causes
respiratory ailments such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.

• Carbon monoxide:
It is a product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in automobiles. It is
highly poisonous to most animals. When inhaled, carbon monoxide reduces
the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

• Hydrocarbons:
Hydrocarbons such as methane, are evolved from soil microbes
(methanogens) in flooded rice fields and swamps. They are also generated
during the burning of coal and petroleum products.

• Sulphur dioxide:
It is released from oil refineries and ore smelters which use the Sulphur
containing fuels. It causes harmful effects on plants and animals. It causes
chlorosis (loss of chlorophyll) and necrosis (localized death of tissues). In
human, it causes health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and
emphysema.

• Nitrogen oxides:
It causes reddish brown haze (brown air) in traffic congested city air
which contributes to heart and lung problems.

 How to Control Air Pollution?

1. The particulates emitted by industries should be controlled by devices such
as scrubbers, precipitators and filters.
2. Use of unleaded or low sulphur fuel is to be encouraged.
3. Shifting to non-conventional sources of energy (e.g. solar energy, hydel
energy, tidal energy, etc.,) in order to reduce the dependence of
conventional sources.
4. Smoking in public places should be prohibited, because the cigarette smoke
contains carcinogens such as benzo pyrene. An average smoker runs the
risk of developing heart and lung diseases.
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5. Planting of trees along the road sides and around industrial areas.
6. Encouraging people to use public transport, walk or use a cycle as opposed
to private vehicles.
7. Plant trees along busy streets as they remove particulates, carbon dioxide
and absorb noise.

 Mitigation Strategies:

 Install air quality monitoring systems to track pollution levels and identify
sources.
 Invest in air purification technologies like electrostatic precipitators and
scrubbers.
 Enforce laws against open burning of waste and agricultural residues.
 Educate the public about the health risks of air pollution and ways to
minimize exposure.

 Impact / Effect of Air Pollution:

1. Human Health Effects:

 Respiratory Issues such as asthma, bronchitis.

 Cardiovascular Diseases such as heart attack, stroke.
 Cancer such as lung cancer etc.
 Neurological Effects such as Alzheimer.

2. Environmental Effects:

 Climate Change: These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to

global warming, altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, and other
environmental changes.
 Ecosystem Damage: Air pollutants can also harm plants, reduce crop
yields, and disrupt ecological balance.

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2. WATER POLLUTION
 Introduction / Definition:
Water pollution is defined as the adding of unwanted substances or the
change of physical and chemical characteristics of water in any way which
makes it unfit for human consumption. It is caused by waste products of
industries (effluents), domestic sewage, oil spillage, agricultural and
industrial run off etc.

 Sources of water pollution and Effects of water pollution:

1. Industrial wastes:
The industrial effluents containing heavy metals and chemicals such as
arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, mercury, zinc, nickel, etc. Are
directly released into the water bodies such as lakes, ponds and rivers
without proper treatment. These wastes contaminate the water bodies and
make them unsuitable for human consumption. Many industries use water
as a coolant for the machinery and release of hot waste water into the water
bodies causing thermal pollution which affect both the plant and animal
life.

2. The surface run off:

The surface run off from agricultural land is contaminated with pesticides
and residues of inorganic fertilizers. The run off from urban and industrial
are rich in organic and inorganic compounds. These pollutants contaminate
both surface and ground water resources.

3. Oil spills:
An oil spill is an accidental discharge of petroleum products in oceans and
estuaries from capsized oil tankers, offshore drilling a n d exploration
operations. It can cause drastic damage to the marine and coastal bio
diversity.

4. Domestic Sewage:
It is rich in organic matter and detergents. Decomposition of organic matter
increases the nutrient content of the water bodies. Availability of excess
nutrients results in algal bloom on the surface of water resulting in the
deficiency of oxygen content (BOD – Biological Oxygen Demand). This in

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 turn leads to the death of aquatic organisms. This process is known as
Eutrophication.

 Control measure for preventing water pollution:

1. Sewage treatment plants should be installed to treat sewage before
releasing into water bodies.
2. Excessive use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers should be avoided.
3. Biological control of insect pests and organic farming is to be followed in
order to reduce the dependence on pesticides and inorganic fertilizers.
4. By legislation and strict enforcement.
5. By creating social awareness among people about the water pollution and
the need for pure water.

 Mitigation Strategies for Water pollution:

 Invest in advanced water treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis

and UV disinfection.
 Conduct regular monitoring of water quality and take prompt action against
polluters.
 Restore damaged ecosystems through wetland restoration and
reforestation projects.
 Implement watershed management plans to address pollution at its source.
 Impact / Effect of Air Pollution:
1. Human Health Effects
 Waterborne Diseases: Polluted water spreads diseases like cholera and
typhoid.
 Toxicity: Contaminants like heavy metals and chemicals harm human
health, causing long-term effects such as cancer and neurological damage.
2. Environmental Impact:
 Ecosystem Disruption: Pollutants harm aquatic life, disrupt food chains, and
reduce biodiversity.
 Eutrophication: Excess nutrients cause harmful algae blooms, depleting
oxygen and creating dead zones.

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3. SOIL POLLUTION

 Introduction / Definition:

Soil pollution is the unfavorable alteration of soil by the addition or

removal of substances which decrease soil productivity and ground water
quality. It usually results from different human activities like dumping of
waste, use of agro chemicals, mining operations and urbanization.

 Causes of Soil Pollution:

A. Soil erosion:
Removal or movement of top soil from one place to another place is known
as soil erosion, it is a natural process. But the erosion enhances by human
activities like mining, construction, new land for agricultural practices,
deforestation, overgrazing etc. Due to erosion, soil become less fertile and
erosion also reduce the soil water holding capacity.

B. Excess use of fertilizers:

Essential micronutrients like N, P, K are supplied by chemical fertilizer to
increase the crop yield or productivity. The microorganism present in the
soil converts nitrogen into nitrate ions; enter into food chain from soil
disturbing the biochemical process.

C. Acid Rain:
Acid rain increases the acidity of soil which reduces the crop yield.
D. Salinity of water:
Due to excessive irrigation, concentration of soluble salt increase in soil,
then productivity and quality of soil decrease. These salts deposit on the
surface then diffusion of oxygen and drainage of water in soil does not
occur therefore growth of plant is slow down.

E. Industrial waste:
Various pollutants present in the environment from industrial waste.
Discharge from chemical industries, fertilizer and pharmaceutical
companies are highly polluting.
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 Effect of Soil pollution:
 Salinity and water logging reduce the fertility of soil and crop yield.
 Toxic chemical present in the soil also affect the plant growth and
human life.
 Soil pollution contaminated the underground water.
 The radioa ctive waste from nuclear power plants and nuclear
explosions also contaminate the soil.
 Fly ash contains fine particulates which are released from thermal
power plants. It settle on the ground and cause pollution.
 The domestic waste is rich in organic matter and undergo
decomposition.
 The hospital waste contains a variety of pathogens that can seriously affect
human health.

 Control measures for preventing soil pollution:

i) Soil erosion must be prevented by proper tree plantation.

ii) Waste from industry and domestic must be treated before dumping.
iii)Replace synthetic fertilizers with organic fertilizers.
iv) Toxic and non-degradable materials must be banned.
v) Recycling and reuse of waste materials.
vi) Public awareness.

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4. NOISE POLLUTION

 Introduction / Definition:
Noise may be defined as an unwanted and unpleasant sound that may have
adverse effects on animals and humans. The unit of sound level is decibels
(dB). Noise level above 120 dB is considered harmful to human beings.

 Sources / Causes of Noise pollution:

 The factories' machines generate whistling, grinding, and thundering
sounds.
 Exploding rocks and earth, drilling tube wells, heavy earth-moving
machinery, and ventilation fans at construction locations cause this type
of pollution.
 Other causes of this environmental pollution are the sound of
automobile horns and the high sound of loudspeakers.
 industrial machinery
 road, rail and air transport
 loudspeakers
 construction equipment
 household appliances
 crackers
 Effects of Noise pollution:
 Noise seriously affects heartbeat, breathing, and can cause
constriction of blood vessels.
 It can cause headache, sleeplessness, irritability and may seriously affect
the productive performance of human.
 Loud noises (above 130 dB) can cause damage to the ear drum, hair cells
of cochlea (organ of hearing) and thereby resulting in temporary or
permanent loss of hearing.
 It can also seriously affect the concentration of students while
learning.
 Rise in blood pressure
 Cause serious mental disorders.
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 Control Measures of Noise pollution:
 Implement zoning regulations to separate industrial and residential areas
and limit noise exposure.
 Design buildings and infrastructure with soundproofing materials to reduce
noise transmission.
 Enforce restrictions on noisy activities during nighttime hours to minimize
disturbance to residents.
 Promote the use of quieter technologies and machinery in transportation
and construction.

Mitigation Strategies for Noise pollution:

 Install noise barriers along highways and railways to reduce sound levels in
nearby communities.
 Plant vegetation to act as natural buffers and absorb sound waves.
 Encourage the use of ear protection devices in noisy workplaces and
recreational areas.
 Raise public awareness about the health effects of noise pollution and
advocate for sound management policies.

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5. LIGHT POLLUTION

 Introduction / Definition:
The extra light in the night sky causes light pollution, also known as photo
pollution, and is commonly witnessed in urban settlements.
This type of environmental pollution makes it problematic to distinguish
between day and night as it destroys the ecosystem.

 Causes of Light pollution:

 It is caused by artificial indoor or outdoor light,
 street lighting,
 advertisement and exhibition lighting,
 Luminous sporting platforms, etc.
 Effects of Light pollution:
 Environmental pollution of Light can affect the rhythmic patterns of
wildlife
 increases the amount of carbon dioxide
 cause irritability in the sleep cycle
 Blur the appearance of stars in the night sky.
 Light pollution washes out starlight in the night sky, interrupts
astronomical analysis, interferes with ecosystems, wastes a tremendous
amount of energy, and has damaging health effects on living organisms.

 Control Measures of Light pollution:

• Lights should be turned off whenever unused, especially at night.
• The overutilization of indoor lights should be minimized.
• Lights should be pointed towards the ground whenever you are going
outside your home.

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6. RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION

 Introduction to Radioactive Pollution:

Radioactive pollution, also known as nuclear pollution, refers to the
presence of radioactive substances in the environment, which emit harmful
ionizing radiation.
These substances have unstable nuclei that decay over time, releasing
radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Radioactive pollution poses serious health risks to living organisms and can
have long-lasting environmental consequences.

 Sources or Causes of Radioactive Pollution:

A. Nuclear Power Plants: The operation and accidents in nuclear power
plants can release radioactive materials into the air, water, and soil.
B. Nuclear Accidents: Catastrophic events like the Chernobyl and
Fukushima disasters release large amounts of radioactive materials into
the environment.
C. Mining and Processing: Mining and processing of radioactive ores such
as uranium can lead to the release of radioactive pollutants into the
environment.
D. Medical and Research Facilities: Improper disposal of radioactive
materials from medical treatments, research laboratories, and industrial
applications can contaminate soil and water.
E. Nuclear Weapons Testing: Historical nuclear weapons testing has
released significant amounts of radioactive fallout into the atmosphere
and oceans.
F. Radioactive Waste: Improper storage, handling, and disposal of
radioactive waste from various industries can result in contamination of
land and water resources.

 Effects of Radioactive Pollution:

A. Health Impacts: Exposure to radioactive pollution can cause
radiation sickness, cancer, genetic mutations, and other serious health
disorders in humans and wildlife.

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B. Environmental Damage: Radioactive pollution can disrupt ecosystems,
harm biodiversity, and contaminate food chains, leading to long-term
ecological imbalances.
C. Genetic Damage: Radioactive substances can induce genetic mutations in
organisms, affecting their reproductive success and the health of future
generations.
D. Water Contamination: Radioactive pollutants can contaminate water
bodies, affecting aquatic life and posing risks to human populations that
rely on these water sources for drinking and irrigation.

 Control Measures for Radioactive Pollution:

A. Regulations and Monitoring: Stringent regulations should be enforced
to control the production, handling, and disposal of radioactive
materials. Regular monitoring of radiation levels in the environment is
essential.
B. Safe Nuclear Practices: Implementing advanced technologies and
safety measures in nuclear power plants to prevent accidents and
minimize the release of radioactive pollutants.
C. Waste Management: Develop secure methods for the storage, treatment,
and disposal of radioactive waste to prevent leakage and contamination of
the environment.
D. Public Awareness: Educating the public about the risks associated with
radioactive pollution and promoting responsible usage of radioactive
materials in industries and medical facilities.
E. Cleanup and Remediation: Implementing strategies for the cleanup and
remediation of areas contaminated by radioactive pollutants, including
soil and water decontamination efforts.

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7. MARINE POLLUTION

 Introduction / Definition:
Marine pollution defined as contamination of oceans or seas, due to
presence of unwanted materials or pollutants. The most common pollutants
include chemicals, oils, toxic bio-matter, plastics etc.

 Cause of Marine pollution:

i) Rivers receive huge amount of sewage, garbage, pesticides, toxic chemical
from industries ends up in the sea.
ii) Dumping of radioactive elements, discharge of oils and petroleum
product into the sea also causes marine pollution.
iii)Large amount of plastic bags dumped into sea also causes marine pollution.
iv) The waste material from container ships like gases, chemicals, and
sewage also causes marine pollution.
v) Greenhouse gases releases from burning of fossil fuel, dissolve in the sea
water and making sea water more acidic. Deep sea mining also causes
marine pollution.

 Effect of marine pollution:

A. Dumping of sewage, chemicals, organic matters into ocean can results in
depletion of oxygen. Due to depletion of oxygen, it is hard to survive
aquatic plants and animals.
B. Discharge of oil and petroleum products into the ocean, can block the
sunlight which is used by aquatic plants for photosynthesis.
C. Many aquatic animals and marine birds ingest small piece of plastic,
causes gastro-intestinal disorder and damage the tissue of eggs.
D. When greenhouse gas like CO2 when dissolve, increase the acidity of sea
water ad affect the aquatic plant and animal.

 Control measure for marine pollution:

i) Waste water must be treated before dumping.
ii) Reduce the use of single use plastic.
iii)To minimize the greenhouse gases use alternative energy resources.
iv) Chemical fertilizers may be replacing by organic fertilizers.
v) Proper monitoring of sea water.
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8. PLASTIC POLLUTION

1. Introduction to Plastic Pollution:

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem caused by the
accumulation of plastic waste in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Plastics
are synthetic polymers that persist in the environment for hundreds to
thousands of years, leading to widespread contamination and ecosystem
degradation.

2. Sources or Causes of Plastic Pollution:

 Single-Use Plastics: Plastic bags, bottles, straws, packaging materials.
 Littering and Improper Waste Management: Illegal dumping, inadequate
recycling infrastructure, lack of proper disposal facilities.
 Micro plastics: Breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal
care products, synthetic fibers released during washing.
 Industrial Production: Plastic resin pellets (nurdles), industrial runoff, and
plastic pre-production pellets.

3. Effects of Plastic Pollution:

A. Wildlife Impact: Marine animals, birds, and terrestrial wildlife often
ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injuries,
suffocation, digestive blockages, and death.
B. Ecosystem Disruption: Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by altering
habitats, affecting species interactions, and introducing harmful chemicals
into the environment.
C. Human Health Risks: Plastics contain toxic additives and can act as
vectors for harmful pollutants, posing risks to human health through
contaminated food and water sources.
D. Economic Costs: Plastic pollution imposes economic burdens on
industries such as tourism, fishing, and shipping due to cleanup efforts,
damage to infrastructure, and loss of revenue from affected ecosystems.

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Preventive Measures for plastic pollution:
 Implement bans or restrictions on single-use plastics such as bags, straws,
and utensils.
 Promote the use of biodegradable and compostable alternatives to
conventional plastics.
 Establish extended producer responsibility programs to incentivize
manufacturers to reduce plastic packaging and improve recyclability.
 Educate consumers about the importance of reducing plastic consumption
and proper waste management practices.

Mitigation Strategies for plastic pollution:

 Implement effective waste collection and recycling programs to prevent
plastic litter from entering waterways and ecosystems.
 Support community clean-up efforts to remove plastic debris from beaches,
rivers, and oceans.
 Invest in innovative technologies for plastic recycling and upcycling, such as
chemical recycling and 3D printing.
 Advocate for policies to reduce plastic pollution at the local, national, and
international levels.

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