STUDY GUIDE 2

(DIFFERENT TYPES OF POLLUTION)

Submitted to:
Mr. Paul John D. Tiangco, LPT

Submitted by:

GROUP # 6

SAYAMAN, PATRICIA V.
PELAYO, MALAIKA FATIMA S.
OLIVA, KYLE ANDREI P.
ARMONIO, RON DEXTER
SOBREO, REIVEN ROSE A.
AQUINO, JANIELLE DENNISE
PILI, MARVIN JOY
OBANE, BHEA
BETECET- 3A NS

05/17/2023

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I. Objectives
At the end of this activity, you should be able to:
a. investigates the various types of pollution experienced in both local and global setting;
b. analyzes the contributing factors and proposed solutions related to the identified pollution;
and
c. explains how the types of pollution are related to one another and Earth’s subsystems.

II. Activity Proper

Instructions: Analyze two case studies (local and international) related to your group’s assigned
topic. Similarly, share a case study in our other country to provide a global perspective on the
other assigned pollution to your group. Summarize the each case studies. (20 sentences)

Answer the following guide questions in five sentences.

Guide Question
1. What is the context of the two studies? Provide the setting of the problem (place and
occurrence of the identified pollution).
2. What are the different contributing factors related to the identified pollution?
3. What are the mitigation strategies and/or proposed solutions to the identified pollution?
4. How can you relate one type of pollution to other types of pollution and to the Earth’s
subsystem? (Note: You may relate the pollution to the other type of pollution not assigned to
your cluster.)

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 Effects of Environmental Radioactive Pollution on the Cardiovascular
Systems of Ural Region Residents: A Comparative Study

The study of health effects of radioactive contamination of the Techa River is of great interest
due to the necessity of estimating the effects of long-term low-dose radiation exposure to the
body. Individuals exposed to ionizing radiation suffer from different types of diseases and
multiple diseases more frequently than unexposed individuals. In recent years, cardiovascular
diseases have ranked first among non-communicable diseases in the Russian Federation.
Previous studies of residents in the radioactively contaminated Techa riverside villages have
shown similar results. Ionizing radiation exposure can either increase the effects of generally
recognized risk factors for cardiovascular diseases or be an independent cause of pathology.
This study analyzes the impact of radioactive contamination of river water on the prevalence of
cardiovascular pathologies among the population, taking into account confounding factors
(gender, age, overweight, sleep disturbance, and meteosensitivity). This approach allows us to
identify the most vulnerable groups of the population, enabling targeted prevention and
treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.

Two territories in the Ural region have been studied to compare the role of low-dose exposure to
ionizing radiation in the development of cardiovascular pathologies. The case territory has been
exposed to chronic ionizing radiation due to radioactive incidents from 1949 to 1956. The main
dose-forming radionuclides are 90Sr and 137Cs, which have a half-life of 28.8 years and 30.2
years respectively.
The Techa River residents have been exposed to long-term combined external and internal
exposure due to the use of river water and contaminated food products. The average annual
volumetric activity of the 90Sr isotope in the water of the river in 2015 was 6.07-6.46 Bq/l, 1.2-
1.3 times higher than the population intervention level and three orders of magnitude higher
than the background levels of rivers in Russia. As controlled territory, we selected settlements
near the river that have not been exposed to ionizing radiation.
This study examined the cardiovascular systems of the inhabitants of two analyzed territories,
using the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases as a health indicator. Hemodynamic
parameters such as heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure,
and systemic vascular resistance were measured. The electrocardiogram signal was registered
in the supine position. An expert estimated the condition of the cardiovascular system and
categorized it as either CCS=0 (no pathology) or CCS=1 (clear signs of pathology). Additionally,
indicators of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), weather reactions, and sleep disorders were
compiled. The relationship between these parameters and cardiovascular status of patients was
confirmed by several studies.

We discovered that the prevalence of cardiovascular system diseases was significantly

influenced by radioactive pollution in the Ural area following accounting After controlling for
confounding variables, the odds ratio for the influence of radiation on the prevalence of
cardiovascular system diseases dropped to 1.58 95%.

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 Environmental Justice Case Study
Marcropper in the Philippines

The Marcopper mining disaster in the Philippines, which occurred in 1996, was a significant
environmental justice case study characterized by the unequal distribution of environmental
impacts and the subsequent struggle for justice. The disaster involved the release of more than
2 million cubic meters of toxic mine tailings into the Boac River, resulting in severe
environmental and health consequences for the affected communities. Environmental Impacts
Over 2 million cubic meters of toxic mine tailings were discharged into the Boac River,
contaminating the water and sediment. Heavy metals such as mercury and copper were present
in the tailings, causing significant pollution and long-term damage to the river ecosystem. The
contamination led to the decline of fish populations, affecting the local fishing industry and food
security. Agricultural lands were also affected, resulting in reduced crop yields and economic
losses for farmers.

Health Impacts the toxic materials in the river had adverse health effects on the residents. Local
communities experienced symptoms such as skin rashes, respiratory problems, and
gastrointestinal illnesses due to exposure to contaminated water and air, Socio-economic
Impacts the fishing industry, a significant source of income for local communities, was severely
impacted by the decline in fish populations. Agricultural productivity decreased, leading to
economic losses for farmers and reduced food availability. The overall socio-economic well-
being of the affected communities was negatively affected, exacerbating existing inequalities
and poverty.
Environmental Justice Issues the affected communities, consisting primarily of marginalized and
economically disadvantaged individuals, suffered the brunt of the environmental and health
impacts. The mining company responsible for the disaster faced limited accountability and legal
challenges, hindering the pursuit of justice and compensation for the affected communities.
Unequal distribution of environmental harms and benefits became a central issue, highlighting
the need for fair and equitable treatment of all individuals and communities in environmental
matters.
The case study of the Marcopper mining disaster emphasizes the importance of environmental
justice in addressing environmental inequalities and ensuring that affected communities receive
adequate support, compensation, and inclusion in decision-making processes. It underscores
the need for stronger regulations, accountability mechanisms, and the prioritization of
community well-being to prevent similar environmental disasters and promote a more just and
sustainable future.
Year before the disaster, the Philippine Mining Act was enacted to push for the liberalization of
the country's mining industry. The Marcopper mining disaster led to significant changes in the
government's mining policies. The disaster prompted government to revise the rules of the
Mining Act to focus more on the protection of the environment and address social issues. Higher
standards for rehabilitation were set and stronger provisions on no-go areas were put into place.
Consultations with local governments and indigenous communities also became a priority.

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Guide Question

1. What is the context of the two studies? Provide the setting of the problem (place and
occurrence of the identified pollution).
LOCAL
The context of the environmental justice case study on Marcopper in the Philippines
involves the mining activities of the Marcopper Mining Corporation on Marinduque
Island. The setting of the problem is the municipality of Boac, which experienced a
significant pollution incident. The identified pollution occurred in 1996 when the mine's
waste containment system failed, leading to the release of mine tailings into the Boac
River and its surrounding areas. The pollution had severe consequences for the local
environment, including the river ecosystem and the communities relying on it for water,
agriculture, and livelihoods.

INTERNATIONAL
The context of the study on the effects of environmental radioactive pollution on the
cardiovascular systems of Ural Region residents is focused on investigating the impact
of radioactive pollution on human health. The setting of the problem is the Ural Region, a
geographical region located in Russia. The identified pollution in this case is
environmental radioactive contamination, which has occurred due to various industrial
activities and incidents in the Ural Region. The study aims to compare the
cardiovascular health of residents living in areas with varying degrees of radioactive
pollution to understand the potential health effects of exposure to such pollution.

2. What are the different contributing factors related to the identified pollution?
LOCAL
The identified pollution in the Marcopper mine disaster can be attributed to contributing
factors. Firstly, the failure of the tailings dam played a significant role. The dam, which
was responsible for containing the mine waste, experienced a failure due to poor design,
construction, maintenance, or monitoring. As a result, the failure of the tailings dam led
to the uncontrolled release of toxic mine waste into the Boac River. Secondly, improper
waste management practices within the mining operation contributed to the pollution.
This included inadequate containment or treatment systems for mine tailings or
wastewater. The lack of effective measures allowed for the release of heavy metals,
toxins, and other contaminants into nearby water bodies. These factors highlight the
importance of proper dam design and maintenance, as well as robust waste
management practices, to prevent such pollution incidents and protect the surrounding
environment.

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 INTERNATIONAL
The identified pollution in the study "Effects of Environmental Radioactive Pollution on
the Cardiovascular Systems of Ural Region Residents: A Comparative Study" is primarily
related to the release of radioactive isotopes into the environment because of industrial
activities such as nuclear fuel processing, mining, and metal production. Number one is
industrial activities: The Ural region is home to several industrial plants that have been
implicated in the release of radioactive materials into the environment. Second is nuclear
accidents: The region has experienced several nuclear accidents, including the Kyshtym
disaster in 1957 and the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Third is Atmospheric testing: The
Soviet Union conducted numerous atmospheric nuclear tests in the region between
1949 and 1962 and lastly, Poor waste management: Poor waste management practices
in the region have led to the accumulation of radioactive waste in the soil and water.
Overall, the identified pollution in the study is a result of multiple factors, including
industrial activities, nuclear accidents, atmospheric testing, and poor waste management
practices.

3. What are the mitigation strategies and/or proposed solutions to the identified pollution?
LOCAL
Mitigation strategies and proposed solutions to address the identified pollution from the
Marcopper mine disaster involve the implementation of key measures. Firstly,
conducting thorough environmental impact assessments before and during mining
operations is crucial. These assessments enable the identification of potential risks and
the development of mitigation measures to minimize environmental damage.
Specifically, evaluating the stability and safety of tailings dams plays a vital role in
preventing dam failures and subsequent pollution incidents. Additionally, implementing
proper waste management systems is essential to mitigate contamination risks.
Furthermore, the adoption of best practices and stringent environmental regulations is
necessary to prevent and minimize mining pollution. By enforcing comprehensive
regulations that outline specific requirements for waste management, water treatment,
monitoring, and reporting, mining operations can uphold responsible environmental
practices. Compliance with industry best practices ensures the use of effective and
environmentally sound approaches to mitigate pollution risks.

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 INTERNATIONAL

In the study, mitigation strategies and proposals are disclosed. However, in general
some possible strategies to mitigate the effects of environmental radioactive pollution
includes: First, Containment and clean-up of contaminated areas. The contaminated
areas can be identified and then contained, and the radioactive material can be removed
through clean-up efforts. Second is Implementation of better waste management
practices. To prevent the accumulation of radioactive waste in the environment, better
waste management practices can be implemented, including the safe disposal and
storage of radioactive materials. Third, improved industrial process. Industrial processes
that contribute to radioactive pollution can be improved or modified to reduce the release
of radioactive materials into the environment. Next is, Increased monitoring and
regulation. Increased monitoring of the environment and the regulation of industrial
activities can help prevent radioactive pollution and ensure that radioactive materials are
handled and disposed of safely. Lastly, Health monitoring and medical treatment.
Regular health monitoring and medical treatment can help identify and mitigate the
effects of exposure to radioactive materials on the cardiovascular system and other
organs. Overall, mitigating the effects of environmental radioactive pollution is a complex
and challenging task that requires a combination of scientific, technological, and social
measures.

4. How can you relate one type of pollution to other types of pollution and to the Earth’s
subsystem? (Note: You may relate the pollution to the other type of pollution not
assigned to your cluster.)

- Radioactive pollution is a specific type of pollution that involves the release of

radioactive materials into the environment, which can have severe impacts on
human health and the environment. It can be related to other types of pollution such
as air, water, and soil pollution, as radioactive materials can become suspended in
the air, contaminate water sources, and accumulate in soil. Burning fossil fuels can
also create additional pollutants that can interact with radioactive materials. In
conclusion, radioactive pollution can interact with and be affected by other types of
pollution. It is important to consider the impacts of radioactive pollution in the broader
context of environmental pollution.