Lecture 7,8 & 9
Lecture 7,8 & 9
By Chirag Bhargava
What is Pollution?
Definition: Pollution is the act of contaminating or polluting the environment by
introducing (intentionally or accidentally) unwanted substances or factors that cause
harmful effects on:
Nature
Humans
Plants
Animals
It is an undesirable state of the natural environment, where contamination occurs due
to human activities.
Pollutants
Substances (solid, liquid, gas) present in quantities greater than natural levels due to
human activity.
Types of Pollutants:
Degradable/Non-persistent: Break down quickly (e.g., domestic sewage,
vegetable waste).
Slowly degradable/Persistent: Degrade slowly (e.g., DDT, plastics).
Non-degradable: Do not degrade (e.g., lead, mercury).
What is a Pollutant?
Even small quantities can be harmful
Human needs: 12 kg of fresh air daily – 12-15 times more than food.
Exposure to pollutants, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health issues.
Air Pollution
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Definition
The release of harmful natural or synthetic materials into the atmosphere due to
human activity (OECD).
Atmosphere Composition
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
1% CO₂, water vapor, and other gases
Historical Milestones
Bans on coal use in medieval England (1272–1422)
“Fumifugium” by John Evelyn (1661)
Rise of pollution post-industrial revolution (1784 onwards)
Key US Regulations:
1955: Federal Air Pollution Control Act
1963: Clean Air Act
1967–1970: Emission and performance standards (NAAQS, NSPS)
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Particulates
PM1: ≤1 μm, affects alveoli
PM2.5: ≤2.5 μm, affects trachea
PM10: ≤10 μm, affects nasal cavity
BAP (Benzo[a]pyrene) and PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) are toxic organic
pollutants formed during incomplete combustion of organic matter. They are carcinogenic,
persistent in the environment, and can contaminate air, water, and soil, posing serious health
and ecological risks.
Health Effects
Respiratory illnesses (COPD, lung cancer)
Cardiovascular diseases
Carcinogens like BAP: exposure equivalent to 20 cigarette packs/day (from wood
cooking)
Government Interventions
21-point Winter Action Plan
Closure of coal power plants, promotion of gas-based ones
BS-VI vehicle norm enforcement
Bans on firecrackers (except for religious occasions)
Incentives for EVs, old vehicle phase-out
Real-time monitoring systems
Hotspot identification: 13 major areas targeted for intensive action
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Water Composition
Pure water (H₂O) is never found in nature; always contains:
Chemical (nutrients/toxins)
Microbial (beneficial/harmful)
Pollution Indicators
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand): Amount of oxygen used by microbes to break
down organic matter.
Measured as BOD₅ (5 days at 20°C)
The typical range of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is:
Unpolluted water: 1–2 mg/L
Moderately polluted water: 3–5 mg/L
Heavily polluted water: >5 mg/L
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
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Phase I of GAP
Launched: June 1985
States Involved: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
Completion: Year 2000
Initial Objective: Improve water quality by preventing pollution load from reaching the
river.
Revised Objective (1987): Restore water quality to ‘Bathing Class’ standards, as
decided by the Monitoring Committee chaired by Prof. M. G. K. Menon.
Phase II of GAP
Started: In stages between 1993 & 1996
States Covered: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Delhi,
Haryana
Aims:
Improve Ganga’s water quality
Serve as a model for improving other polluted rivers
Cover left-out works from Class I cities, and include Class II and III towns
Include major tributaries like Yamuna, Gomati, and Damodar
Funding Structure:
Initially: 50:50 Centre-State
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Weaknesses:
Opportunities:
Threats:
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Soil Fertility
Factors Influencing Fertility:
Quote: “Fertilizers are not a substitute for fertile soil” – Donald Worster
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Soil Pollution
Definition:
Contamination by chemicals or substances that negatively impact organisms and ecological
functions.
Causes:
Example:
Consequences:
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Degraded fertility
Groundwater contamination
Disruption of microbial and nutrient cycles
Decreased water retention
Soil Erosion
Definition: Removal of topsoil by agents like water, wind, and ice
Natural and Anthropogenic Causes: Includes urban development, deforestation,
improper agriculture
Radioactive Pollution
Historical Event:
6–9 August 1945: Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings by the U.S. during WWII
Bombs Used:
"Little Boy" – Uranium gun-type
"Fat Man" – Plutonium implosion
Impact:
120,000 to 140,000 people killed instantly
Long-term effects include radiation sickness and cancers
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