UNIT 2

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Introduction
Pollution may be defined as an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological
characteristics of air, water and land that may be harmful to human life and other animals, living
conditions, industrial processes and cultural assets. Pollution can be natural or manmade.
Pollutants
The agents that pollute are called
pollutants. Classification of Pollutants
Pollutants are of two types:
1. Non-degradable pollutants:
These are the pollutants, which degrade at a very slow pace by the natural biological
processes. These are inorganic compounds such as salts (chlorides), metallic oxides waste
producing materials and materials like, aluminum cans, mercuric salts and even DDT.
2. Biodegradable pollutants:
These include domestic sewage that easily decomposes under natural processes and can be
rapidly decomposed by natural/ artificial methods. These cause serious problems when
accumulated in large amounts as the pace of deposition exceeds the pace of decomposition of
disposal.
Types of
pollution

1.Air pollution
Air Pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the
contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and
humans drastically.

Types of Air Pollutants

There are two types of air pollutants:
1. Primary Pollutants
The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants. Sulphur-
dioxide emitted from factories is a primary pollutant.
2. Secondary Pollutants
The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as
secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary
pollutant.
Causes of Air pollution:
Following are the important causes of air pollution:
1. Burning of Fossil Fuels
 The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of Sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide
released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.
2. Automobiles
The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment.
These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among individuals.
3. Agricultural Activities
Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The
insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and
contaminate it.
4. Factories and Industries
Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds,
hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its quality.

5. Mining Activities
In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of
equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but
also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.
6. Domestic Sources
The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air.
The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. It
not only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.
Effects of Air Pollution
The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydro chlorofluorocarbons 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.
5. Effect on Animals
The air pollutants suspend on the water bodies and affect the 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
Following are the measures one should adopt, to control air pollution:
 Avoid Using Vehicles
People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public
modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only prevents pollution, but
also conserves energy.
 Energy Conservation
A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do not forget to switch
off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save the environment at the
individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such CFLs also controls pollution to a greater
level.
 Use of Clean Energy Resources
 The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger level. Various
countries, including India, have implemented the use of these resources as a step towards a
cleaner environment. Other air pollution control measures include:
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
3. Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution.
4. The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree plantation.

2. water pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (like oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, aquifers,
and groundwater) usually caused due to human activities. Water pollution is any change in the
physical, chemical or biological properties of water that will have a detrimental consequence of
any living organism.

Drinking water, also called Potable Water, is the water that is considered safe enough for human
and animal consumption. This is water that is generally used for drinking, cooking, washing,
crop irrigation, etc. These days chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants are even affecting our
drinking water.

Sources of Water Pollution

Some of the most commonly occurring water pollutants are
• Domestic Waste
• Industrial effluents
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Detergents and Fertilizers
Some of the water pollution that is caused is by Direct Sources, such as factories, waste
management facilities. refineries etc, that directly release waste and harmful by-products into the
nearest water source without treating them. Indirect sources include pollutants that enter the
water bodies via groundwater or soil or via the atmosphere as acid rain.

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.
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.
Prevention
The best way to prevent large-scale water pollution is to try and reduce its harmful
effects. There are various small changes we can make to protect ourselves from a scary future
where water is scarce.
1. Save Water: Conserving water is our first aim. Water wastage is a major problem globally
and we are only now waking up to the issue. Simply small changes you can make domestically
 will make a huge difference.
2. Better treatment of sewage: So, treating waste products before disposing of it in a water
body helps reduce water pollution on a large scale. Agriculture or other industries can reuse
this wastewater by reducing its toxic contents.
3. Use environmentally friendly products: By using soluble products that do not go on to
become pollutants, we can reduce the amount of water pollution caused by a household.

3.Soil pollution
Soil pollution is defined as, “contamination of soil by human and natural activities which may
cause harmful effect on living organisms”.

Causes of Soil Pollution

1. Industrial wastes:- – Disposal of Industrial wastes is the major problem for soil pollution.
This has probably been the biggest contributor in the last century, especially from mining and
manufacturing, as the by-products are often contaminated, and not disposed of properly.
2. Urban wastes –– Urban wastes comprise of both commercial and domestic wastes consisting of
garbage and rubbish materials like plastics, glasses, metallic cans, fibers, paper, rubbers etc. Urban
wastes, can be dangerous. This happens because they are not easily degraded.
3. Agricultural practices –Modern agricultural practices pollute the soil to a large extent. With the
advancing agro-technology, huge quantities of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and weedicides are
added to increase the crop yield. They are full of chemicals that are not produced in nature and
cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep into the ground after they mix with water and
slowly reduce the fertility of the soil.
4. Radioactive pollutants/ - Radioactive substances resulting from explosions of nuclear testing

laboratories and industries giving rise to nuclear dust radioactive wastes, penetrate the soil and
accumulate giving rise to land/soil pollution.
5.Accidental Oil Spills-Oil leaks can happen during the storage and transport of chemicals. This can
be seen at most of the fuel stations. The chemicals present in the fuel deteriorates the quality of soil
and make them unsuitable for cultivation.
6. Acid Rain- when there are pollutants in the air, and it starts to rain, they mix and fall back to
the ground, causing acid rain. This pollution can then dissolve important nutrients, changing the
structure of the soil.
7. Biological agents – Soil gets a large amount of human, animal and bird excreta which constitute
a major source of land pollution by biological agents.

Effects of Soil Pollution on Human Beings

Crops and plants that are grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then pass these on
to us. This could explain the sudden surge in small and terminal illnesses. Long term exposure to
such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the body, causing chronic health problems that cannot be
cured easily. In fact, it can cause food poisoning over a long period of time.

Effects on Plants and Animals

Since soil pollution is often accompanied by a decrease in the availability of nutrients, plant life
ceases to thrive in such soils. Soils contaminated with inorganic aluminum can prove toxic to plants.
Also, this type of pollution often increases the salinity of the soil, making it inhospitable for the
growth of plant life.
 Effects on the Ecosystem
Since the volatile contaminants in the soil can be carried away into the atmosphere by winds or can
seep into underground water reserves, soil pollution can be a direct contributor to air and water
pollution.
It can also contribute towards acid rain (by releasing huge quantities of ammonia into the
atmosphere). Crop yield is greatly affected by this form of pollution. In China, over 12 million tons
of grain (worth approximately 2.6 billion USD) is found to be unfit for human consumption due to
contamination with heavy metals (as per studies conducted by the China Dialogue).

Control measures of soil pollution:

1. Soil erosion can be controlled by a variety of forestry and farm practices. Ex: Planting trees
on barren slopes. Contour cultivation and strip cropping may be practiced instead of shifting
cultivation.
2. Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and animals pose a disposal
problem. Open dumping is the most commonly practiced technique. Nowadays, controlled tipping
is followed for solid waste disposal. The surface so obtained is used for housing or sports field.
3. Production of natural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical
pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in place of synthesized chemical fertilizers. Ex:
Organic wastes in animal dung may be used to prepare compost manure instead of throwing them
wastefully and polluting the soil.
4. Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding sanitary habits. Ex: Lavatories
should be equipped with quick and effective disposal methods.
5. Public awareness: Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted to
educate people on health hazards by environmental education.
6. Recycling and Reuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper,
plastics, metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc should be
recycled and reused.

7. Ban on Toxic chemicals: Ban should be imposed on chemicals and pesticides like DDT,
BHC, etc which are fatal to plants and animals

4. Marine Pollution

The discharge of waste substances in to the sea resulting in harm to the living resources, hazards to
the human health hindrances to the fishery and impairment of quality use of sea water.
Causes
1. Dumping the wastes: Dumping of untreated wastes and sewages in the oceans by
coastal towns, cities and industries. Rivers on the way to sea carry huge amount of sewage
garbage agricultural discharge pesticide heavy metals. Huge quantity of plastic dumped in
to the sea.

2. Oil: This is discharged in to the sea as crude oil and as separate fraction. Oil and it’s
fractions are used in houses automobiles and industries. This causes devastation of marine
environment
3. Radioactive materials enter the ocean from nuclear weapon testing.
 4. Toxics: Toxic waste is the most harmful form of marine pollution. Once toxic wastes
affects an organism it quickly passes along the food chain and as sea food which causes
various problems.
5. Marine Debris: Garbage like plastic bags, ropes helium balloons

Effects of marine pollution

1. Heavy metals and organic pollutants damages birds by thinning of egg shells and tissue damage
of egg.
2. Oil pollution causes damage to marine animals and plants including algae bird, fish etc.
3. Oil spilling in the sea causes abnormal low body temperature in birds resulting in hypothermia.
During Exxon Valdez accident 150 rare species of bald eagles are affected by ingested oil.
4. Oil films are able to retard the rate of oxygen uptake by water.
5. 5. Hydrocarbon and benzopyrene accumulate in food chain and consumption of fish by man
may cause cancer.
6. Many marine birds ingest plastic that causes gastrointestinal disorders.
7. Oil spills inhibit photosynthesis and the growth of planktons. All aquatic animals depend either
directly of indirectly on planktons the basis of tropic chain.

Control of marine pollution

The industrial unit on the coastal lines should be equipped with pollution control instrument.
Methods of removal of oil by skimming the oil off the surface with suction device or Chemical
methods like dispersion , emulsification etc.
Municipal and industrial waste should be treated before disposing in to sea
2. Coastal waste are periodically analyzed for detecting pollution level
3. Soil erosion in the coastal land should be arrested be suitable techniques
4. Recreation beaches should be maintained to meet hygienic and aesthetic standard.

5. Noise Pollution.

Following are the three types of

pollution: Transport Noise
Neighborhood Noise
Industrial Noise
Transport Noise
It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the
number of vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older people, headache,
hypertension, etc.
Neighborhood Noise
The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources are musical
instruments, transistors, loudspeakers etc.
Industrial Noise
It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines. According to many researches,
industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around 20%.

Causes and Sources of Noise Pollution

 Following are the causes and sources of noise pollution:
Industrialization: Industrialization has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of
heavy machinery such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are used, resulting in the
production of unwanted noise.
Vehicles: Increased number of vehicles on the roads are the second reason for noise
pollution. Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting
in the production of unwanted noise in the neighborhood.
Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc add to the noise pollution.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health

Noise pollution can be hazardous to human health in the following ways:

Hypertension: It is a direct result of noise pollution which is caused due to elevated blood
levels for a longer duration.
Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise that are beyond the range of
sound that human ears can withstand damages the eardrums resulting in loss of hearing.
Sleeping disorders: Lack of sleep might result in fatigue and low energy level throughout
day affecting everyday activities. Noise pollution hampers the sleep cycles leading to
irritation and uncomfortable state of mind.
Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure level, stress, and
cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal person .

Control measures:
There are four fundamental ways in which noise can be controlled: Reduce noise at the source,
block the path of noise, increase the path length and protect the recipient. In general, the
best control method is to reduce noise levels at the source.
Source reduction can be done by effectively muffling vehicles and machinery to reduce the
noise. one of the best methods of noise source reduction is regular and thorough maintenance
of operating machinery. Noise levels at construction sites can be controlled using proper
construction planning and scheduling techniques.
The path of traffic noise can also be blocked by construction of vertical barriers alongside thehighway.
Planting of trees around houses can also act as effective noise barriers.
Increasing the path length between the source and the recipient offers a passive means of
control. Use of earplugs and earmuffs can protect individuals effectively from excessive noise
levels.

Preventive measures
1. Prescribing noise limits for vehicular traffic
2. Ban on honking (usage of horns) in certain areas
3. Creation of silence zones near schools and hospitals
4. Redesigning buildings to make them noise proof.
5. Reduction of traffic density in residential areas
6. Giving preference to mass public transport system.
6.Nuclear Hazards

Nuclear pollution is the physical pollution of air, water and soil by radioactive materials.
Nuclear energy can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the way in which it is used.
Approximately 17 % of the electrical energy generated in the world comes from nuclear
power plants. However, on the other hand it is impossible to forget the destruction that
nuclear bombs caused the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The radioactive wastes from
nuclear energy have caused serious environmental damage.

CAUSES

Nuclear accidents from nuclear energy generation plants: In the postmodern world, various forms
of energy are being discovered. Among them is nuclear energy, which is touted to be the most potent
source of energy due to its high latent power. Reports indicate that the high latent power is due to its
high level of radiation.

The use of nuclear weapons: The use of nuclear missiles and atomic bombs, a form of nuclear
energy, in the Second World War not only explains cause but also the damaging nature of radioactive
pollution or contamination.

Use of radio isotopes: Radio isotopes are used to make detectors and in other industrial activities.
Isotopes such as uranium have high concentrations of radiation in them. On the other hand, common
Isotopes such as carbon containing radioactive material are easily found in water ways through
sewage lines.

Cosmic rays: These come from outer space to our planet with intense radiation as their nature,
therefore, causing radioactive pollution. Gamma rays, for example, are said to have the highest level
of radiation and yet, depending on their intensity.

Effects
Effects of nuclear hazards: All organisms are affected from radiation pollution, and the effects are
extremely dangerous. The effects may be somatic (individual exposed is affected) or genetic (future
generations) damage. the effects are cancer, shortening of life span and genetic effects or mutations.
Some of the possible effects are listed as under:
 Break DNA in cells
 Man do not die, but suffer from fatigue, nausea, vomiting and loss of hair
 Bone marrow is affected & blood cells are reduced.
 Kill organism by damaging the tissue of heart and brain.
 Develops different types of cancer
  Through food chain also, radioactivity effects are experienced by man But the most
significant effect of radioactivity is that it causes long range effects, affecting the future of
man and hence the future of our civilizations.

Control Measures
I. Laboratory generated nuclear wastes should be disposed off safely and scientifically.
II. Leakage of radioactive elements from nuclear reactors, careless use of radioactive elements
as fuel and careless handling of radioactive isotopes must be prevented.
III. Safety measure against accidental release of radioactive elements must be ensured in
nuclear plants.
IV. Unless absolutely necessary, one should not frequently go for diagnosis by x-rays.
V. Regular monitoring of the presence of radioactive substance in high-risk area should be
ensured
VI. Among the many options for waste disposal, the scientists prefer to bury the waste in
hundreds of meters deep in the earth’s crust is considered to be the best safety long term
option.

7.E-Waste Pollution.

E-waste pollution is defined as harmful environmental impact due to the improper disposal,
recycling, and management of electronic waste.
Toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium are released into the environment when
electronic devices or waste is not properly disposed of, reused, or recycled.

Causes of E-Waste Pollution

1. Rapid Innovation in Technology: Today one of the main causes of E-waste pollution is the rapid
increase in the development of technology. Due to the increase in technological and industrial
demand new electronic devices have developed that result in unwanted and unused devices. These
unused devices are not used and properly disposed of which leads to e-waste pollution.
2. Rising demand for electronic products: Nowadays every work is carried out digitally and every
digital user needs an electronic device which results in a rise in demand for electronic devices. The
rise in new electronic products indirectly leads to an increase in e-waste pollution.
3. Lack of Reparability: Electronic devices go through many damages and breaks. The device
becomes of no use in the future if not repaired or not replaced by the new one. The devices that
are not reparable need to be changed with new ones. This property of lack of reparability results
in e-waste pollution.
4. Illegal E-waste Trade: Illegal trade of e-waste is increasing e-waste pollution. Many business
companies and traders export and import e-waste from and to the countries and the same e-
waste is being reused and recycled again by using unsafe and illegal processes.
5. Lack of Awareness: Many citizens using electronic products are still not aware and well-
educated regarding the harmful impacts of e-waste. The uneducated or unaware users do not
 dispose of them properly and carefully which then leads to many environmental and health-
related problems.

Electronic Gadgets that cause E-waste

E-waste pollution is caused due to improper disposal and recycling of electronic gadgets such as:
 Smart phones
 Computers and Laptops
 Printers
 Televisions
 Peripheral devices such as mouse, keyboards
 Speakers and headphones
 Electronic toys
 Batteries and cells
 Washing machines, Refrigerators
 MRI Scanners and X-ray machines
 Cameras
 Pen drives and DVDs
 Chargers

Harmful Effects of E-waste

1. Soil Pollution: All electronic waste contains heavy and harmful metals such as mercury, lead, and
arsenic. If this electronic waste is decomposed or disposed of into the soil it can contaminate and
degrade the soil, affect adversely plant lifecycle and growth, reduce crop yield, and contaminate the
food produced by the plants.
2. Water Pollution: The toxic elements that are present in electronic devices can contaminate the
water. This can adversely affect aquatic life and water resources, human life can be in danger if such
contaminated water is used for drinking and cooking purposes.
3. Air Pollution: Many harmful gases are released into the air during the disposal of electronic waste
and recycling it. These harmful gases that are released increase air pollution and contamination of
the air. Inhalation of such contaminated air can result in respiratory disorders for all living beings.
4. Health Effects: Coming in contact with e-waste disposal and exposure to it can cause serious health
issues for all living beings. This e-waste can cause diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders,
reproductive problems, skin irritation, and many more.
5. Climate Change: E-waste pollution also affects the environment which affects the climatic conditions
and the environmental life cycle that results in ozone layer depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Control E-waste Pollution

1. Reduce and Reuse: The most effective and easiest way is to reduce and reuse. This can include
reducing the purchase of non-usable electronic devices and gadgets. Reducing and reusing can be
achieved by repairing the existing devices instead of purchasing new ones and donating the previously
used ones to someone who needs it rather than disposing of it.
2. Recycling: Recycling is another way of reducing e-waste pollution. Electronic devices contain many
other materials that can be used later on. Proper Recycling of electronic devices ensures that no toxic
chemicals are emitted into the environment.
3. E-waste Collection Drives: E-waste collection drives can be arranged by organizations and
governments in order to properly dispose of their electronic waste gadgets. The collection of proper e-
waste can reduce e-waste pollution so that it can be reused and recycled properly.
4. Regulations and Policies: Government should apply strict regulations and laws for the management of
e-waste that is generated. Government can take many initiatives for proper disposal.