POLLUTION

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land.

TYPES OF POLLUTION :-

Air pollution  

    refers to the release of harmful contaminants (chemicals, toxic gases, particulates, biological molecules, etc.) into the earth’s atmosphere. These contaminants are quite detrimental and in some cases, pose serious health issues. Some causes that contribute to air pollution are:

          Burning fossil fuels

          Mining operations

          Exhaust gases from industries and factories

·     Water pollution

       Humans need water to survive. That is a fact. However, trash and chemicals can get thrown into the ocean and lakes. This is called WATER POLLUTION. Not only can they affect fish and other marine life, when pollutants get into the water, they have a devastating effect on the WATER CYCLE. Natural causes of water pollution include algae blooms and volcanos. However, humans also cause water pollution through trash and wastewater from factories.

             LAND pollution 

      the DEPOSITION of solid or liquid waste materials on land or underground in a manner that can contaminate the SOIL and GROUNDWATER, threaten PUBLIC HEALTH and cause unsightly conditions and nuisances.

·        Noise pollution 

      also known as environmental noise

or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise with ranging impacts on the activity of human or animal life, most of them harmful to a degree. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport, and propagation systems.

·     Light pollution

       is excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial (usually outdoor) light. Too much light pollution has consequences: it washes out starlight in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, disrupts ecosystems, has adverse health effects and wastes energy.

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

Environment Degradation

The environment is the first casualty for the increase in POLLUTION weather in air or water. The increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere leads to smog which can restrict sunlight from reaching the earth.

This very scenario affects the process of photosynthesis in plants, thereby hindering their growth. Gases like Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can also cause acid rain. Again, water pollution in terms of the oil spill may lead to the death of several wildlife species.

Human Health

The decrease in the quality of air leads to several respiratory problems including asthma or lung cancer. Chest pain, congestion, throat inflammation, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease are some of the diseases that can be caused by air pollution.

 Global Warming

The emission of greenhouse gases particularly CO2 is leading to global warming. Every other day new industries are being set up, new vehicles come on roads and trees are cut to make way for new homes.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer is the thin shield high up in the sky that stops ultraviolet rays from reaching the earth. As a result of human activities, chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are released into the atmosphere thereby contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.

 Infertile Land

Due to the constant use of insecticides and pesticides, the soil may become infertile. Plants may not be able to grow properly. Various forms of chemicals produced from industrial waste are released into the flowing water which also affects the quality of the soil.