Environment & Ecology

UNIT - 3 Pollution

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Syllabus 2022-23
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 Unit 3 Syllabus

Pollution and their Effects;

Public Health Aspects of Environmental;
Water Pollution,
Air Pollution, Soil Pollution,
Noise Pollution, Solid waste management.

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 Pollution

Pollution:
 Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or
contaminants into the environment, resulting in adverse effects on
living organisms, ecosystems, and the overall environment.

 It is the presence or occurrence of pollutants in the environment

beyond natural levels, which leads to degradation, disruption, or
imbalance of ecological systems.

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 Pollutant

Pollutant:
 A pollutant is a substance or agent that is introduced into the
environment and causes pollution.

 It can be a solid, liquid, or gaseous form that has harmful effects on

the environment, living organisms, and human health.

 Pollutants can come from natural sources or result from human

activities.

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 Pollutant

The main types of pollutants:

1. Particulate Matter (PM): Solid or liquid particles suspended in the
air, such as dust, soot, smoke, and aerosols.

2. Gaseous Pollutants: CO, CO2, SO2, Nitrogen Oxides, Ozone (O3),

3. Pesticides and Herbicides: Chemicals used in agriculture to control

pests, insects, and weeds.

4. Radioactive Substances: Uranium, radon, cesium, and plutonium

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 Classifications of Pollution:

Pollution can also be classified based on different bases or

criteria:
1. Based on Source

2. Based on Persistence

3. Based on Impact

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 Classifications of Pollution:

Based on Source:
1. Point Source Pollution: Pollution that originates from a single
identifiable source, such as a factory chimney or a wastewater
discharge pipe.

2. Non-Point Source Pollution: Pollution that comes from diffuse and

scattered sources, such as agricultural runoff or urban stormwater
runoff. It is challenging to trace back non-point source pollution to
specific origins.

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 Classifications of Pollution:

Based on Persistence:
1. Biodegradable Pollution: Pollution that can be broken down and
decomposed by natural processes over time. For example, organic
waste can be degraded by bacteria and other microorganisms.

2. Non-Biodegradable Pollution: Pollution that persists in the

environment for an extended period and cannot be easily broken
down by natural processes. Plastics and heavy metals are examples
of non-biodegradable pollutants.

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 Classifications of Pollution:

Based on Impact:
I. Primary Pollution: Primary pollution refers to the direct release of
pollutants into the environment in a harmful or toxic form. These
pollutants are emitted directly from identifiable sources. Examples
of primary pollutants include:

a. Carbon monoxide (CO) from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, Sulfur
dioxide
b. (SO2) released from burning fossil fuels, particularly in power plants and
industrial processes,

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 Classifications of Pollution:

c. Particulate matter (PM) such as dust, smoke, and soot emitted from construction
sites, factories, and fires.

d. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced by vehicle engines and combustion processes

e. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from chemical solvents, paints,
and industrial processes.

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 Classifications of Pollution

Based on Impact:
II. Secondary Pollution: Secondary pollution refers to the formation of
pollutants through chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving
primary pollutants and other atmospheric components.

These pollutants are not emitted directly but are formed when
primary pollutants undergo various transformations in the presence
of sunlight, water vapor, and other reactive substances.

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 Classifications of Pollution

Examples of secondary pollutants include:

• Ozone (O3) formed through the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight

• Acid rain, which is formed when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides
(NOx) react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere

• Smog, which is a mixture of primary pollutants (such as nitrogen oxides and

volatile organic compounds) reacting with sunlight and atmospheric
conditions

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 Types of Pollution

Pollution can be classified into several types based on the medium or source.
Some common types of pollution:

1. Air Pollution: Contamination of the air by harmful substances, such as

gases, particulate matter, and chemicals, caused by industrial emissions,
vehicle exhaust, burning of fossil fuels, and other sources.

2. Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies, including rivers, lakes,

oceans, and groundwater, due to the discharge of pollutants like
chemicals, sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.

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 Types of Pollution

3. Soil Pollution: Contamination of the soil by toxic substances, including

pesticides, heavy metals, industrial waste, and improper waste disposal
practices, which can affect soil fertility and harm plants, animals, and
ecosystems.

4. Noise Pollution: Excessive or disturbing noise that disrupts the

environment and causes discomfort or harm to human health. Sources
include traffic noise, construction activities, industrial machinery, and loud
music.

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 Types of Pollution

5. Light Pollution: Excessive or misdirected artificial lighting that causes

unwanted illumination and affects ecosystems, wildlife behavior, human
sleep patterns, and astronomical observations.

6. Thermal Pollution: Increase in water or air temperature due to the release

of heated effluents from industrial processes, power plants, or other
sources. It can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and affect biodiversity.

7. Radioactive Pollution: Contamination of the environment by radioactive

substances, often from nuclear accidents, improper handling of
radioactive materials, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.

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 Cause of Pollution

Pollution is primarily caused by human activities, although natural events can also
contribute to certain types of pollution. Some of the main causes of pollution:
1. Industrial Emissions: Industries, such as manufacturing plants, power plants,
and refineries, release a significant amount of pollutants into the air, water, and
soil. These emissions include toxic gases, particulate matter, and chemical
waste.
 2. Vehicle Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, including cars,
trucks, and airplanes, releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen
oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Vehicle exhaust contributes to air
pollution, especially in urban areas with high traffic congestion.
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 Cause of Pollution

3. Fossil Fuel Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels and natural gas for energy
production, heating, purposes is a major source of air pollution. It releases
greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
4. Improper Waste Management: Inadequate waste disposal and management
practices can lead to pollution of water bodies, soil, and air. Dumping of untreated
sewage, improper disposal of solid waste, and release of hazardous chemicals
contribute to water and soil pollution.
5. Agricultural Practices: Agricultural activities, including the use of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, can contaminate water sources and soil.
Runoff from agricultural lands can carry these pollutants into rivers, lakes, and
groundwater.
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 Cause of Pollution

6. Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging

contributes to air and soil pollution. Deforestation disrupts ecosystems, reduces
carbon sequestration, and increases greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Mining Activities: Mining operations release pollutants into the environment,
including heavy metals, acid mine drainage, and particulate matter. These
pollutants can contaminate water bodies, soil, and air.
8. Construction Activities: Construction projects generate dust, emissions from
machinery and equipment, and noise pollution. Improper construction waste
disposal can lead to soil and water pollution.

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 Cause of Pollution

9. Natural Events: Natural events like volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and dust
storms can release large amounts of pollutants into the air and contribute to air
pollution. While these events are natural, their frequency and intensity can be
influenced by human-induced climate change.
10. Population Growth and Urbanization: Rapid population growth and
urbanization lead to increased energy consumption, transportation needs, and
waste generation. These factors contribute to pollution levels, especially in
densely populated areas.

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 Effects on the Environment

Pollution has a wide range of detrimental effects on the environment. Here are
some key effects of pollution:
Climate Change:
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Pollution from the burning of fossil fuels and industrial
processes releases greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate change.
• Melting of Ice Caps: Rising temperatures caused by pollution contribute to the melting
of glaciers and ice caps, leading to rising sea levels and the loss of polar habitats.
• Altered Weather Patterns: Climate change can result in more frequent and severe
extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, impacting
ecosystems and human communities.

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 Effects on the Environment

Biodiversity Loss:
• Habitat Destruction: Pollution, along with other human activities like deforestation
and urbanization, destroys habitats and reduces the availability of suitable living
spaces for plants and animals.
• Species Extinction: Pollution can contribute to the decline and extinction of plant
and animal species, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
• Disruption of Ecological Balance: Pollutants can disrupt the delicate balance of
ecosystems, affecting the interactions between species, the availability of
resources, and the stability of food chains and webs.

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 Effects on Public Health

Pollution has significant effects on human health, posing risks to public

health. Some key impacts of pollution on human health:
1. Respiratory Problems: Exposure to air pollution, including fine particulate
matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), can cause or worsen
respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also lead to respiratory infections and reduce
lung function.

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 Effects on Public Health

2. Cardiovascular Diseases: Pollutants can enter the bloodstream and damage

blood vessels, leading to inflammation and clot formation.
3. Cancer: Prolonged exposure ofpollutants, often found in industrial emissions and
vehicle exhaust, can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer,
including lung, bladder, and skin cancer.
4. Neurological Effects: Some pollutants, such as lead, mercury, and certain
pesticides, can have neurotoxic effects, particularly on children. Exposure to these
pollutants can impair cognitive development, cause learning disabilities, and
contribute to behavioral problems..
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 Effects on Public Health

5. Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Some pollution can affect

reproductive health and development. It can lead to fertility problems, birth defects,
developmental delays, and complications during pregnancy.
6. Allergies and Asthma: Air pollution, including particulate matter and airborne
allergens, can trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. It can
increase the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
7. Mental Health Impacts: Studies have found associations between exposure to
pollution and adverse mental health outcomes.

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 Water Pollution

Water pollution:
Water pollution refers to the contamination or degradation of water bodies,
such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, and even sources of drinking
water.
It occurs when harmful substances or pollutants are introduced into these
water sources, making them unsuitable for their intended uses and posing
risks to the environment, aquatic life, and human health.

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 Water Pollution

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 Cause of Water Pollution

Water pollution can be caused by various sources and activities,

including:
1. Domestic Wastewater: Improperly treated or untreated sewage and
wastewater from households, commercial establishments, and urban areas can
contaminate water sources. It can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, pathogens,
nutrients, and chemicals, posing risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
2. Industrial Activities: Industrial processes can release pollutants such as
heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and wastewater into water bodies. Industrial
discharges may contain harmful substances that can persist in the environment.

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 Cause of Water Pollution

3. Agricultural Practices: Agricultural activities contribute to water pollution

through the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can enter
water bodies through runoff and leaching, leading to the contamination of surface
water and groundwater.
4. Mining Operations: Mining activities can introduce pollutants into water bodies
through the discharge of wastewater.
5. Oil Spills: Accidental or deliberate oil spills from ships, offshore drilling, and
transportation can result in significant water pollution.

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 Effects of Pollution of Water

Following are the effects of Pollution of Water

1. Diseases: In humans, drinking or consuming polluted water in any way
has many disastrous effects on our health. It causes typhoid, cholera,
hepatitis and various other diseases.

2. Destruction of Ecosystems: Ecosystems are extremely dynamic and

respond to even small changes in the environment. Water pollution can
cause an entire ecosystem to collapse if left unchecked.

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 Effects of Pollution of Water

3. Eutrophication: Chemicals in a water body, encourage the growth of

algae. These algae form a layer on top of the pond or lake. Bacteria feed on
this algae and this decreases the amount of oxygen in the water body,
severely affecting the aquatic life there.

4. Effects the food chain: Disruption in food chains happens when toxins
and pollutants in the water are consumed by aquatic animals (fish, shellfish
etc) which are then consumed by humans.

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 Control of Water Pollution

a. Regulatory Measures: Governments enact laws and regulations to

control pollution sources, set wastewater treatment standards, and
enforce penalties for non-compliance.
b. Waste Management: Proper waste disposal, recycling, and treatment
facilities help prevent pollutants from entering water bodies.
c. Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing responsible farming practices,
such as precision irrigation, reduced pesticide use, and soil conservation
techniques, minimizes chemical runoff.

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 Control of Water Pollution

d. Public Awareness and Education: Informing communities about the

importance of water conservation, responsible water use, and pollution
prevention encourages individual action.
e. Treatment Technologies: Advanced water treatment methods, including
filtration, chemical treatment, and wastewater treatment plants, are crucial for
purifying polluted water.

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 Wastewater Treatment

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 Wastewater Treatment

Physical Treatment:
• Sedimentation: Allowing water to sit undisturbed to settle suspended
solids by gravity, followed by removal of settled solids.
• Filtration: Passing water through filter media, such as sand or activated
carbon, to remove suspended particles and impurities.
• Screening: Using screens or mesh to remove large debris and objects
from water.

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 Wastewater Treatment

Chemical Treatment:
• Coagulation and Flocculation: Adding coagulants to destabilize and
aggregate suspended particles, followed by gentle mixing to encourage
the formation of larger particles (flocs) that can be more easily removed.
• Disinfection: Adding chemicals like chlorine or using UV light or ozone to
destroy or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms.

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 Wastewater Treatment

Biological Treatment:
• Activated Sludge Process: Wastewater is mixed with a culture of
microorganisms (activated sludge) that consume organic matter and
pollutants, reducing their concentration.
• Constructed Wetlands: Using natural processes involving plants,
microbes, and soil layers to treat wastewater and remove pollutants.
• Biological Filtration: Employing biofilters filled with microorganisms to
break down and remove pollutants.

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 Air Pollution

Air pollution
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances and pollutants in the
Earth's atmosphere. These pollutants can be natural or human-made and have
adverse effects on human health, the environment, and climate.
Sources of Air Pollution:
• Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, dust storms, wildfires, and pollen release
natural pollutants into the air.
• Anthropogenic Sources: Industrial activities, vehicle emissions, power
generation, agriculture, construction, and burning of fossil fuels are major
human-made sources of air pollution.

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 Air Polution

Types of Air Pollutants: Air pollutants can be categorized into several types:
• Particulate Matter (PM):
• Ground-Level Ozone (O3):
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx):
• Sulfur Oxides (SOx):
• Carbon Monoxide (CO):
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
• Heavy Metals:

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 Air Pollution

Health and Environmental Impacts: Air pollution has various adverse effects:
• Respiratory Problems:
• Cardiovascular Effects:
• Environmental Impact:
• Climate Change:

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 Air Pollution

Prevention and Control: Efforts to reduce and control air pollution include:
• Emission Standards: Implementing and enforcing regulations on vehicle emissions, industrial
emissions, and power plant emissions.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Promoting the use of clean and renewable energy sources like
solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Sustainable Transport: Encouraging public transportation, promoting electric vehicles, and
improving fuel efficiency to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Industrial Best Practices: Implementing cleaner production techniques, adopting
technologies that minimize emissions, and treating industrial waste appropriately.
• Waste Management: Proper management and disposal of solid waste and hazardous
materials to prevent open burning and release of pollutants.

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 Air Pollution

Prevention and Control: Efforts to reduce and control air pollution include:
• Emission Standards: Implementing and enforcing regulations on vehicle emissions, industrial
emissions, and power plant emissions.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Promoting the use of clean and renewable energy sources like
solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Sustainable Transport: Encouraging public transportation, promoting electric vehicles, and
improving fuel efficiency to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Industrial Best Practices: Implementing cleaner production techniques, adopting
technologies that minimize emissions, and treating industrial waste appropriately.
• Waste Management: Proper management and disposal of solid waste and hazardous
materials to prevent open burning and release of pollutants.

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 Soil Pollution

Soil Pollution
• Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil by harmful substances,
chemicals, or pollutants that adversely affect its quality and fertility. It occurs due
to various human activities, industrial processes, improper waste disposal, and
agricultural practices. Sources of Soil Pollution: Soil pollution can arise from
multiple sources:
• Industrial Activities:
• Agricultural Practices:
• Accidental Spills:

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 Soil Pollution

• Impacts of Soil Pollution: Soil pollution has significant consequences for the
environment, agriculture, and human health:
• Soil Degradation:
• Crop Contamination:
• Groundwater Contamination:
• Biodiversity Loss:
• Health Risks:

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 Noise Pollution

• Noise pollution refers to the presence of excessive or unwanted sounds in the

environment that can have detrimental effects on human health, well-being, and
the overall quality of life. It is primarily caused by human activities and can occur
in various settings, including urban areas, industrial sites, transportation
systems, and even recreational spaces. Sources of Noise Pollution:
• Transportation:
• Industrial Activities:
• Urbanization:
• Recreational Activities: Loud music, concerts,, and outdoor activities

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 Noise Pollution

• Effects of Noise Pollution: Excessive noise can have adverse effects on

human health and the environment:
• Health Impacts: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to stress,
sleep disturbances, hearing loss, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and
impaired cognitive function.
• Communication Interference: Excessive noise can hinder effective
communication, leading to misunderstandings and reduced productivity.
• Psychological Effects: Noise pollution can cause irritability, anxiety,
• Impact on Wildlife: Animals and birds in urban areas can be affected by noise
pollution,
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 Solid Waste Management

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 Solid Waste Management

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 Solid Waste Management

• Solid waste management refers to the collection, transportation, disposal, and

recycling of solid waste generated by human activities. Effective solid waste
management is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. solid
waste management steps:
• Waste Generation
• Waste Collection and Transportation
• Segregation
• Transportation to disposal facilities
• Waste Treatment and Disposal
• Waste Reduction and Resource Management
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 Solid Waste Management

Advantages • Disadvantages
• Environmental Protection: • Cost and Infrastructure
• Health and Sanitation: Requirements
• Resource Conservation: • Land Use and Space Constraints
• Energy Generation: • Environmental Impact of Landfills
• Economic Opportunities: • Public Opposition due to smell from
plant

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