INTRODUCTION Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change . Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. The combustion of fossil fuels pollutes the air, the soil and the water with noxious gases such as CO2 and CO. Agricultural waste: Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture are key causes of environmental pollution.
DEFINITION & CAUS ES Pollution is the contamination of the environment by introduction of contaminants that can cause damage to environment and harm or discomfort to humans or other living species. Smokes from the industries, house chimneys, vehicles, and fuels causes air pollution. Wasted industrial solvents, plastics, and other wastes, sewage etc., causes water pollution. Use of pesticides and deforestation are the major causes of soil pollution.
AIR POLLUTION Air pollution is a mixture of natural and man-made substances in the air we breathe. Air pollution is caused by solid and liquid particles and certain gases that are suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes and wildfires. High levels of air pollution can cause an increased risk of heart attack, wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Air pollution can also cause worsening of existing heart problems, asthma, and other lung complications Air pollution can be significantly reduced by expanding access to clean household fuels and technologies, as well as prioritizing: rapid urban transit, walking and cycling networks; energy-efficient buildings and urban design; improved waste management; and electricity production from renewable power sources.
WATER POLLUTION Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities. Water bodies include for example lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater. Water pollution results when contaminants are introduced into the natural environment . Domestic sewage- These wastes are generated from household activities. Industrial wastewater- These are wastewater generated through industrial processing. Agricultural waste- These include pesticide, chemical fertilizer, manure, etc. Acid rain. Water pollution may not damage our health immediately but can be harmful after long term exposure. Different forms of pollutants affect the health of animals in different ways Microbial pollutants from sewage often result in infectious diseases that infect aquatic life and terrestrial life through drinking water . Ensure minimal use of bleach or detergents, Reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, Proper sewage treatment and management.
SOIL POLLUTION Soil pollution is defined as the buildup in soils of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease-causing agents, which have adverse effects on plant growth and animal health . Industrial waste,Deforestation , Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides,Garbage pollution,Climate change,Loss of soil fertility,deforestation . soil pollution increase the salinity of the soil making it unfit for vegetation, thus making it useless and barren . Soil pollution can have a number of harmful effects on ecosystems and human, plants and animal health. ... Soil pollution can also cause neuromuscular blockage as well as depression of the central nervous system, headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation and skin rash . The best way to reduce the use of these chemicals and reduce soil pollution is by organic farming. In organic farming in place of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and weeds, bacterial fertilizer nutrients Contribute less waste to help prevent soil pollution. Purchase glass and other reusable containers instead of throwing away plastic or paper regularly.
NOISE POLLUTION Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise with harmful impact on the activity of human or a Noise pollution can come from a variety of sources, but the three most damaging sources are industrial machinery, vehicles, and construction occurrence of aggressive behavior, disturbance of sleep, constant stress, fatigue, and hypertension can be linked to excessive noise levels . Turn off Appliances at Home and offices ,Use Earplugs , Lower the volume, Stay away from Noisy area,Follow the Limits of Noise level,Control Noise level near sensitive ar eas.
THERMAL POLLUTION Thermal pollution is the harmful release of heated liquid into a body of water or heat released into the air as a waste product of a business. Water as Cooling Agent in Power, Manufacturing and Industrial plants ,Soil Erosion, Deforestation,Runoff from Paved Surfaces . Thermal pollution damages water ecosystems and reduces animal populations. Plant species, algae, bacteria, and multi-celled animals all respond differently to significant temperature changes. Cooling towers and artificial lakes, Use of alternative cooling agents- other than water, Release heated water in less vulnerable regions,Circular plowing to prevent erosion,Reuse of heated water,Tree planting along the shorelines.
RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION The radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production. Mining for nuclear fuel, nuclear waste, nuclear power plant mishaps and nuclear weapons are all possible sources of radioactive pollution. Improperly handled material used in nuclear medicine is also another possible radioactive pollutant. Acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness"). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease . Radiation Pollution can be controlled and prevented at various levels, including the handling and treatment of radiation waste, control and mitigation of nuclear accidents, as well as the control and minimization of personal exposure to radiation at an individual level.
CONCLUSION Much is being done to control, monitor and rectify damage done by pollutants. The problems are diverse and some are only being recognised but it is important to keep a close control over pollutants so that we can maintain the environment in an acceptable condition for future generations.