ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION:

KINDS, CAUSES AND EFFECTS

By Asst. Prof. Shital Keskar,

Modern Law College, Pune
 What is Environment?
Definition under Environment Protection Act,
1986-
S.2 (a)- Environment includes water, air and
land and interrelationship which exists
among and between water, air and land and
human beings, other living creatures, plants,
micro-organism and property.
 Environmental Pollution:
Meaning and definition
Environmental Pollution- ‘it means the
presence in the environment of any
environmental pollutant.’- S.2 (c) of EPA,
1986.
Environmental Pollutant- ‘it means any solid,
liquid or gaseous substance present in such
concentration as may be or tend to be
injurious to environment.’- S.2 (b) of EPA,
1986.
 Causes of Pollution

1. Population Growth

2. Industrialization
 Classification of Pollution
A. When it takes place due to natural forces or
human activities.
1. Natural pollution: Sources are natural
factors like earthquakes, flood, drought,
cyclone, etc.
2. Artificial Pollution: Is caused due to human
activities, industrial or any other activity.
Contd..
B. Classification on the basis of objects
polluted.
1. Air pollution
2. Water pollution
3. Land pollution
4. Food pollution
5. Noise pollution
6. Radioactive pollution
 1. Air pollution
Composition: Air is a mixture of gases like
1. Nitrogen- 78.08%
2. Oxygen- 20.95%
3. Carbon Dioxide- 0.03%

It also contains also small quantities of ozone

and other gases
 Causes of air pollution and
air pollutants
1. Carbon Monoxide (CO):
❑ Sources: Automobile engines, kerosene
stoves, cigarette smoking
❑ Effects- Respiratory system, binds with Hb
in blood which reduces O2 level, headache,
fatigue, dizziness
Contd...
2. Sulphur oxides-
❑ Sources: Volcanic eruptions, combustion of
fuels such as coal, oil, petroleum
❑ Effects on:

a. Respiratory system affecting alveoli, reduce

surface area leading to poor O2
transportation and ultimately difficulty in
breathing
b. Mucous membranes of eyes causing
irritation and damge
3. Nitrogen oxide: NO, NO2
❑ Sources:

a. Industrial processes- when fuels are burnt in

internal combustion engines
b. Vehicular traffic in urban areas
c. Cigarette smoke
❑ Effects on:
a. Res. System- Res. diseases
4. Particulates:
e.g. Dust, ashes, smoke, pollen, fluorides, lead, cement klin,
agricultural chemicals, etc.
❑ Sources: industries
❑ Effects:
1. Flourosis due to deposition of fluoride particles leading
to weakening of bones- lameness
2. Due to lead, disorders affecting development and
maturation of RBCs are caused. It also affects muscular,
circulatory, nervous system, GIT, Liver, Kidney,
Reproductive system.
3. Cement Kiln from stone crushers, quarries affects res.
System
4. Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides
environment as well as health.
Contd....
5. Hydrocarbons: like gasoline, methane,
ethylene, butane, pentane, propane, etc.
❑ Sources: Manufacturing industries (Union
Carbide Co.- Bhopal Gas Tragedy)
❑ Effects:

1. Res. System- irritation mucus

mem.-bronchial constriction
2. Eyes-mucus mem.
6. Photochemical oxidants-smog= smoke+fog
❑ Effects:

1. Eye irritation
2. Respiratory irritation
3. Emphysema- breakdown of lung alveoli-
difficulty in breathing
 2. Water Pollution and water
pollutants
1. Organic: e.g. Phenol, PCBs(Polychlorinated
Biphenyls)
❑ Sources: industries
❑ Effects:
a. Slow degradation affecting ecosystem
b. Cancer
c. Affects aquatic animals like fish and other
organisms
2. Inorganic water pollutants: like metals,
acids, salts toxic in nature
❑ Sources: Industries manufacturing such
substances
❑ Effects:
1. Methyl mercury- Numbness of limb, lips,
tongue, loss of muscle control
2. Deafness, blurring of vision, mental
derangement
3. Nitrates reduce O2 carrying capacity by
combining with Hb
3. Sediments: By- product of silviculture, agri.
Ranching(grazing for cattle and other
animals), mining, road and building
construction, etc.
❑ Effects: on aquatic life

4. Infectious agents: like bacteria, viruses,

parasites, etc.
❑ Sources:

1. Sewage
2. Animal wastes, etc.
 3. LAND POLLUTION
❑ Sources:
1. Solid wastes like household refuse, commercial rubbish,
industrial wastes, garbage, trash, automobile, tyres,
cans, waste paper, plastic components
2. Chemicals like pesticides, biocides, artificial fertilizers.
3. Agricultural operations, mining operations, felling of
trees, construction of big dams and water reservoirs.
4. Urbanization
5. Industries like paper mills, oil refineries, power and
heating plants, chemicals and fertilizers manufacturing
units, iron and steel plants create soil pollutants.
❑ Effects:
1. Quality of soil
2. Contamination of food ultimately affecting health
 4. FOOD POLLUTION
❑ Sources:
1. Chemical used from seeds to plants, fruits,
vegetables
2. It gets polluted during processing, storage,
transportation and retailing.
❑ Effects:
1. Health of human beings, animals
 5. Noise pollution
It means unwanted/ unpleasant sound
❑ Sources:
1. Blowing horns, sound from factories
2. Radio, television, tape recorder, loud speaker
3. Bursting of crackers
❑ Effects:
1. Loss of hearing
2. Mental health
3. Digestive system
4. Infertility
5. Blood pressure
6. Property damage due to actual vibrations
6. RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION
❑ Sources:
1. Radiations- from nucleus of radioactive
substances of alpha, beta and gamma
particles/rays
2. Atomic explosions
3. Nuclear power plants
4. Testing of atomic bombs
❑ Effects:
1. Can cause cancer, tumours/cataract
2. Shortens life span