Types of Environmental Pollution

Most people are unaware that more than 90% of the world’s population breathes dirty air, according to the World Health Organization. This terrifying figure has an impact on everyone, especially children, the elderly, and asthmatics.  Water that is one octillion litres in volume makes up two-thirds of our globe. Water makes about 70 percent of the human body. It is an all-purpose solvent. It is the only substance on the earth that occurs in all three forms of matter. Water is now recognised as a core human right by the United Nations, as well as an economic commodity.

What is the definition of air pollution?

According to the definition of air pollution, it occurs when any physical, chemical, or biological change occurs in the air and contaminates it. Many factors can pollute the air, including dangerous or harmful gases, smoke, fog, smog, dust, and so on. Air pollution has an impact on both plants and animals.

Pollutants in the Air

Primary and secondary pollutants are the two types of air pollutants. Pollutants are compounds that produce pollution in the air.

• Pollutants in the first tier:

The principal contaminants that produce air pollution are those that create pollution directly. Hazardous gases from manufacturers, such as sulphur dioxide, are among them. The pollutants that are formed as a direct result of the process are known as primary pollutants. A famous example of a main pollutant is sulphur dioxide, which is produced by factories.

• Secondary Pollutants (Secondary Pollutants):

The process of intermixing or intermingling of primary pollutants produces secondary pollutants. Smog is a secondary pollutant that is a mixture of fog and smoke.

Air pollution is caused by a variety of factors.

To reduce air pollution in the surrounding area, you must first comprehend the sources of air pollution. The key reasons for this are:

• Fossil Fuels: What Happens When They’re Burned?

Fossil fuels release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Sulphur dioxide, which is emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum for energy in power plants, and other industrial combustibles, is one of the most significant sources of air pollution.

• Automobiles:

Excessive use of autos results in the release of hazardous gases.

• Agriculture and activities:

Agricultural activities result in the release of ammonia, as well as the misuse of insecticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Ammonia is a common agricultural waste and one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere. Insecticides, pesticides, and fertilisers have all grown more widely used in agriculture. They pollute water and discharge harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

• Factories and Industries:

Increased industrial activity results in the release of hazardous gases and chemicals into the atmosphere. Manufacturing firms release a lot of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air, which degrades air quality.

• Activities in the Mining Industry:

Mining activities are increasing dangerous chemical emissions. Mining is the process of extracting minerals from under the earth’s surface with the help of heavy gear. Throughout the process, dust and chemicals are released into the air, leading to severe air pollution.

• Resources in the United States:

Effects of residential sources such as the abuse of air conditioners and the usage of chemical paints. Hazardous chemicals are released into the air by household cleaning goods and painting supplies, damaging the environment.

Air pollution-related diseases include:

In humans, air pollution can lead to an increase in diseases such as throat infections and lung cancer. Air pollution-related diseases kill and hospitalise millions of people every year. According to World Health Organization estimates, air pollution is responsible for one out of every eight deaths worldwide. The development of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses has been linked to both outdoor and indoor air pollution, according to new studies. 

Air Pollution’s Consequences:

The data on air pollution reveals that increased pollution has negative consequences for plants, animals, and humans.

• Warming of the planet

Because the earth’s temperature continues to rise as a result of hazardous gas emissions, air pollution can exacerbate global warming. An impending crisis has already been warned by rising global temperatures, rising sea levels, melting ice from colder locations and icebergs, relocation, and habitat destruction if preservation and normalisation measures are not taken quickly.

• Rainfall that is acidic

Acid rain occurs when water droplets interact with toxic chemicals and contaminants. Harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides are released into the environment when fossil fuels are burned. 

• Depletion of the ozone layer

All of this will eventually result in the ozone layer, which protects humans from dangerous UV sun rays, being depleted. The ozone layer on Earth is being degraded by the presence of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.

• Animal Reactions

Increasing air pollution has an impact on animals and aquatic life, causing them to wander and stray in search of food. As a result, many animals are on the verge of extinction

• Avoid Using Automobiles

Taking public transportation will reduce CO emissions into the atmosphere. Carpools can help reduce the number of automobiles on the road, which cuts pollution. To go around, I prefer to walk or ride my bike to various locations.

• Conservation of energy

At the workplace and at home, use energy-efficient electrical devices. When your lights are not in use, you can turn them off. Electrical equipment should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that conservation is not harmed.

Water Pollution Sources

Let us investigate the origins of water contamination now that we have a better knowledge of what constitutes water pollution. Water pollution comes from a variety of causes. Surface water makes up the majority of freshwater. It can be contaminated by dangerous chemicals seeping in from the surface. When it comes to the source of contamination, there are two basic sources. The first is ‘point’ source pollution, which refers to pollution that emanates from a specific location. The other type of pollution is referred to as ‘nonpoint’ pollution, which refers to contamination caused by diffuse options. Contamination that crosses national borders has the potential to spread to neighbouring countries. Urbanization, heavy use of detergents, pesticides, and fertilisers, and deforestation are all typical causes of water pollution. 

Let’s look at some examples of additional current forms of water contamination.

A Modern Epidemic of Water Pollution

The majority of water contamination is caused by human activities and waste products. Water contamination can come from a variety of sources, however the following are some of the most common in today’s world:

Waste from Industry

Many common industrial processes emit massive amounts of hazardous substances including lead and mercury. When humans consume these contaminated goods on a daily basis, they spread to other living creatures. It also has an impact on the water body’s biodiversity.

Waste and Sewage

Thousands of tonnes of sewage waste are dumped into bodies of water. This not only pollutes the environment, but it also releases microorganisms that cause sickness.

Activities in Agriculture

The use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and other runoffs into water bodies during irrigation. In a short period of time, these pollutants pollute water sources.

Wastes that are radioactive

After being used for nuclear weapons or as an energy source, radioactive materials are typically deposited into bodies of water or glaciers, where they will quickly mix with water as the temperature rises.

Population Growth and Urbanization

Cities are unable to meet the demands of an ever-increasing population for water. Due to overuse, this has resulted in contamination and water loss.

Water Pollution’s Consequences

People’s health is one of the most diverse effects of water pollution on humans. The principal effect of water pollution is the disruption of aquatic life. Many disease-causing factors, such as bacteria and viruses, can be found in contaminated water, producing diseases like cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Chronic diseases such as hormone imbalances, hepatitis, impaired brain function, and cancer can all result from it. These water-borne infections are extremely dangerous to a pregnant woman. Swimming in contaminated water is also dangerous since it causes skin and eye allergies.

Ganges River Pollution

India’s Ganges is the world’s sixth most polluted river (Ganga). Cremation of human remains, as well as other religious rites, resulted in tainted water entering the river. Cholera and typhoid are very common diseases spread by this river.

Even the river’s fauna has suffered, with famous examples including the Ganges River Dolphin and Ganges River Shark. In India, about 1000 children die each year as a result of water pollution. There are now a few efforts being done to get away from this point and effectively address these issues.

Water Pollution Control Measures

Now that we’ve grasped the notion of water contamination, let’s look at some of the measures employed to combat it. Water contamination can be prevented and controlled in a variety of ways. To begin, more trees should be planted around water bodies because they naturally help to ingest and recycle contaminants. A few key points are mentioned below.

• A plant called ‘Water Hyacinth’ absorbs dissolved hazardous compounds like cadmium and mercury from water bodies, thereby eliminating contaminants from the environment.

• It is critical to properly dispose of waste and not to dump it directly into water bodies without first treating it.

• Before directly disposing of chemicals and other items into water bodies, industries should handle their wastes carefully. Industries develop sewage treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants to treat the water utilised so that it can be safely mixed into river streams. It also makes water recycling possible.

• Coagulation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and other chemical procedures will significantly reduce water contamination.

Finally, to reduce overall pollution, it is preferable to reduce water use in our regular activities and reuse water whenever possible.

Conclusion

Air pollution occurs when any physical, chemical, or biological change occurs in the air and contaminates it. Many factors can pollute the air, including dangerous or harmful gases, smoke, fog, smog, dust, and so on. Air pollution has an impact on both plants and animals.

The data on air pollution reveals that increased pollution has negative consequences for plants, animals, and humans. The majority of water contamination is caused by human activities and waste products. Urbanization, heavy use of detergents, pesticides, and fertilisers, and deforestation are typical causes.