ASSIGNMENT- 1

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND LAW

MEASURES FOR CONTROL OF

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

SUBMITTED BY- PRAGYA AGRAHARI

ENROLLMENT NO.- A8111120106

COURSE – BALLB(Hons.)

SEMESTER – 1

SECTION - B

SUBMITTED TO- DR. TARU MISHRA

INTRODUCTION

“The gentle showers of earth’s mercy have nourished and nurtured the human existence on
this planet. Like the pampered sons, we have received unidirectional blessings from nature.
Our Mother Earth presented us with plenty of resources and reserves which is immortal.” *
But our unmindful exploitation of natural resources has tested the generation limits of our
planet. We exploited every facet of the richness of nature- land, water, biodiversity, and
sources of energy till nature bled and exhausted the supply of mercy. The lungs of our
planet- the very symbols of life, our forests, became the victims of the blatant exploitative
greed of humanity. These reserves were enriching our soils and ameliorating our climate as
a faithful friend. But the expansionist drive saw the blades run down rich reserves of food,
fuel, and fodder. The growing number of vehicles in the urban jungle has added layers of
toxic, choking us and the atmosphere.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Environmental pollution is defined as "the contamination of the physical and biological

components of the earth/atmosphere system to such an extent that normal environmental
processes are adversely affected." It is the contamination of the ecosystem and the surrounding
atmosphere by different forms of pollutants. It is the unfavorable alteration of our surroundings,
wholly or largely as a consequence of human actions, through direct or indirect effects. It is the
tainting of the physical and organic segments of the earth/air framework to such a degree, that
ordinary natural procedures are antagonistically influenced.

Pollution is the introduction of pollutants into the environment that can cause harm or
uneasiness to mankind or other living creatures and can also adversely affect the usefulness of
the resources of the earth. Pollutants can be synthetic substances, or energy, for example, noise,
heat, or light.

Environmental pollution is one of the major global problems, for which everyone is concerned,
whether it is developed or developing countries and whether it is a scientist or a common
person. There are growing risks of vegetation loss, loss of biological diversity, the introduction
of excessive chemicals in our surroundings, and food grains, and various threats to life support
systems such as rivers, wetlands, air, trees, etc.

*lines taken from “Our Future on the This Planet”, Essay, by Pulkit Khare(IAS).
• Definition: https://www.omicsonline.org/environment-pollution-climate-change.php
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Environmental pollution is of various types:

1. Air pollution: Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air. Car
emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen, and mold spores may be suspended
as particles. Ozone, a gas, is a major part of air pollution in cities. These pollutants
may result in allergies, threats to other life forms, and even deaths. Air pollution may
even damage the natural or built environment, animals, plants, and crops. It may arise
from both natural and human-generated activities.
2. Water pollution: Water pollution occurs when harmful substances often chemicals
or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of
water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.
Aquatic life forms mainly suffer because of water pollution.
3. Soil or land pollution: Land pollution is a result of dumping garbage, waste, and other
toxins making the land contaminated or polluted. The source of land pollution comes
from the human element such as littering and waste that is washed ashore from boats,
oil rigs, and sewage outlets.
4. Noise pollution: Noise pollution is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated
sound levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms. The
source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport, and
propagation systems.
5. Light pollution: Light pollution is excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial
(usually outdoor) light. Too much light pollution has consequences, like, it washes out
starlight in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, disrupts ecosystems,
has adverse health effects, and wastes energy.
6. Thermal pollution: Thermal pollution is defined as a sudden increase or decrease in
temperature of a natural body of water, which may be an ocean, lake, river, or pond by
human influence. This normally occurs when a plant or facility takes in water from a
natural resource and puts it back with an altered temperature.
7. Radioactive pollution: Radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of
living organisms and their environment as a result of the release of radioactive
substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear
weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning, mining of radioactive ores,
handling and disposal of radioactive waste, and accidents at nuclear power plants.

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/environmental-pollution
 8. Visual pollution: Visual pollution is an aesthetic issue and refers to the impacts of
pollution that impair one's ability to enjoy a pleasant view. Visual pollution disturbs the
visual areas of people by creating harmful changes in the natural environment.
9. Plastic pollution: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles
(e.g. plastic bottles, bags, and microbeads) in the Earth's environment that adversely
affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. Plastics that act as pollutants are
categorized into micro-, meso-, or macro debris, based on size.

CAUSES

The causes of pollution are not just limited to fossil fuels and carbon emissions. There are many
other types of pollution including chemical pollution into bodies of water and soil through
improper disposal practices and agricultural activities, and noise and light pollution created by
cities and urbanization as a result of population growth.

The burning of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity produces both primary and
secondary pollutants and is one of the biggest sources of air pollution. The fumes from car
exhausts contain dangerous gases and particulates including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides,
and carbon monoxide. These gases rise into the atmosphere and react with other atmospheric
gases creating even more toxic gases. The heavy use of fertilizer for agriculture is a major
contributor to fine-particulate air pollution.

Nutrient pollution is caused by wastewater, sewage, and fertilizers. The high levels of nutrients
in these sources end up in bodies of water and promote algae and weed growth, which can
make the water undrinkable and depleted oxygen causing aquatic organisms to die. Pesticides
and herbicides applied to crops and residential areas concentrate in the soil and are carried to
the groundwater by rainwater and runoff. Industrial waste is one of the main causes of water
pollution, by creating primary and secondary pollutants including sulphur, lead and mercury,
nitrates and phosphates, and oil spills. In developing countries around 70% of their solid waste
is dumped directly into the ocean or sea.

One-third of the topsoil in the world is already degraded, and with the current rate of soil
degradation caused by improper agricultural and industrial practices, and deforestation, most
of the

• Causes: https://ecavo.com/pollution-causes-effects/
EFFECTS

1. Acid rain: Acid rain contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids that are created by
oxides and sulfur oxides released into the air by the burning of fossil fuels. Acid rain
damages trees and acidifies soils and water bodies, making the water too acidic for fish
and other aquatic life.
2. A threat to aquatic life: The biggest consequence of water pollution is the death of
aquatic creatures, which can disrupt the entire food chain. Pollutants such as cadmium,
mercury, and lead are eaten by tiny aquatic organisms that are then eaten by fish and
shellfish, becoming more concentrated with each step up the food chain and causing
serious problems in humans and wildlife. Aquatic life forms mainly suffer because of
water pollution because of the loss of enough amount of fresh dissolved oxygen in water
bodies due to the raised volume of toxicity in water. Toxicity which is a result of water
pollution leads to the death of aquatic life forms.
3. Global Warming: Global warming is the expansion of earth's normal surface
temperature because of the impact of greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide
outflows from smoldering fossil powers or from deforestation, which trap heat that
would some way or the other escape from earth.
4. Logging: Logging, is the expulsion of a forest, woodland, or stand of trees where the
area is from that point changed over to a non-timberland use. The case of deforestation
incorporates change of forestland to ranches, farms, or urban use.
5. Ozone layer depletion: The ozone layer in the stratosphere forms a protective layer
that reflects harmful ultraviolet rays into space that would otherwise destroy animal and
plant life. The release of man-made compounds including hydrochlorofluorocarbons,
chlorofluorocarbons, and halons formerly used as coolants, foaming agents, pesticides,
solvents, aerosol propellants, and fire-extinguishers are depleting the ozone. Ozone
depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons gases formerly found in
aerosol spray cans and refrigerants are released into the atmosphere.
6. Various health problems: 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 cause worsening of existing heart problems, asthma,
and other lung complications. Noise pollution can cause stress, anxiety, headaches,
irritability, hearing loss, and sleep loss resulting in decreased productivity. Too much
light causes eye strain and stress, harming our eyes and decreasing our quality of life.

• Effects: https://ecavo.com/pollution-causes-effects/
• https://www.omicsonline.org/environment-pollution-climate-change.php
 Direct exposure to toxic alga present in water bodies causes serious health problems in
humans including neurological effects, respiratory problems, stomach and liver illness,
and rashes.

MEASURES TO CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

We can control pollution by controlling emissions and effluents into air, water, or soil and by
regulating pollution control measures by a strong legal framework. Moreover, we can adopt
many practices, methods, and pollution control devices to fight the evil of environmental
pollution.

Some of the common practices to control environmental pollution are as follows:

1. Recycling: Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would
otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. There are many
benefits of recycling such as-
Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals
Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
Saves energy

Recycling includes the three steps, which create a continuous loop, Collection, and
Processing, Manufacturing, and Purchasing of recycled goods.

2. Reusing: Reusing is the act of taking old items that you might consider throwing away
and finding a new use for them. Reusers, with little or no processing, keep materials
out of the waste stream by passing the goods they collect on to others. Reuse provides
an excellent, environmentally-preferred alternative to other waste management
methods because it reduces air, water, and land pollution and limits the need for new
natural resources, such as timber, petroleum, fibers, and other materials.
3. Waste Management: Waste management includes the activities and actions required
to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. This includes the collection,
transport, treatment, and disposal of waste, together with monitoring and regulation of
the waste management process.
4. Waste minimization: Waste Minimization is a waste management approach that
focuses on reducing the amount and toxicity of hazardous waste generated. By reducing
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution
• For more information about recycling, visit https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics
 or eliminating the generation of harmful and persistent wastes, waste minimization
supports efforts to promote a more sustainable society.
5. Compost: Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow.
Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28 percent of what
we throw away and should be composted instead. Making compost keeps these
materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent
greenhouse gas. All composting requires three basic ingredients:
Browns - This includes materials such as dead leaves, branches, and twigs.
Greens - This includes materials such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps,
and coffee grounds.
Water - Having the right amount of water, is important for compost development.

The brown provide carbon for your compost, the green materials provide nitrogen, and the
water provides moisture to help break down the organic matter.

Benefits of compost:

Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic
matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

Some of the methods to control environmental pollution are as follows:

a. Methods of controlling gaseous pollutants

(i) Combustion This technique is used when the pollutants are in the form of organic gases
or vapors. During flame combustion or catalytic process, these organic pollutants are converted
into water vapor and relatively less harmful products, such as CO2.

(ii) Absorption In this technique, the gaseous effluents are passed through scrubbers or
absorbers. These contain a suitable liquid absorbent, which removes or modifies one or more
of the pollutants present in the gaseous effluents.

• For more elaborative composting methods refer: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

(iii) Adsorption The gaseous effluents are passed through porous solid adsorbents kept in
suitable containers. The organic and inorganic constituents of the effluent gases are trapped at
the interface of the solid adsorbent by a physical adsorbent.

b.Methods to control particulate emissions:

(i) Gravity: In this process, the particles settle down by gravitational force.

(ii) Sudden change in direction of the gas flow. This causes the particles to separate due to
greater momentum.

Some of the pollution control devices to control environmental pollution are as follows:

1. Fabric Filters: The gases containing dust are passed through a porous medium. These
porous media may be woven or filled fabrics. The particles present in the gas are trapped
and collected in the filters. The gases freed from the particles are discharged.
2. Wet Scrubbers: Wet scrubbers are used in chemical, mining, and metallurgical
industries to trap SO2, NH3, metal fumes, etc.
3. Electrostatic Precipitators: When a gas or an air stream containing aerosols in the form
of dust, fumes, or mist, is passed between two electrodes, then, the aerosol particles get
precipitated on the electrode.
4. Baghouse filter: It is an air pollution control device and dust collector that removes
particulates or gas released from commercial processes out of the air.

Some of the legal acts* in India to cope with the problem of environmental pollution are as
follows:

1. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

2. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
3. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
4. The Environment Protection Act, 1986
5. The Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, etc
6. E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

• http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Pollution_prevention,_detection_and_mitigation
• For more details about various legal acts refer: https://www.mondaq.com/india/waste-
management/624836/environment-laws-in-india
STEPS TO CONTROL POLLUTION

1. Waste food material, paper, decaying vegetables, and plastics should not be thrown into
open drains.
2. Effluents from distilleries and solid wastes containing organic matter should be sent to
biogas plants for the generation of energy.
3. Extensive afforestation practices to be carried out. Plant trees and encourage others to
plant trees as well. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and
filter out air pollution. During warmer days, trees provide cool air, unnecessary use of
energy on air conditioning is avoided, hence the air pollution.
4. Try to stop smoking; at home, at the office, or at outside. Tobacco smoking not only
deteriorates our health conditions but it also affects others' health too.
5. The creation of green cover adjacent to municipal roads and in mines is the way to
mitigate noise pollution.
6. Redesigning industrial equipment, shock mounting assemblies, and physical barriers in
the workplace and constructing noise barriers on highways can reduce the exposure of
unwanted noise.
7. Judicious use of fertilizers, intensive cropping, proper drainage, and irrigation.
8. Treatment of sewage, so that it does not pollute the rivers and other water bodies.
9. Composting organic solid waste for use as manure.
10. National parks and conservation forests should be established by the government.
11. Harvesting of rainwater.
12. Dispose of the waste after separating them into biodegradable and non-biodegradable
waste material.
13. Never put any leftover chemicals, used oils down the drain, toilet, or dump them on the
ground or in water or burn them in the garden. If you do so, it will cause pollution.
14. Don’t burn any waste, especially plastics, for the smoke may contain polluting
gases.
15. Use unleaded petrol and alternate sources of energy, and keep the engine properly tuned
and serviced and the tyres inflated to the right pressure, so that vehicle runs efficiently.
16. Avoid fast starts and sudden braking of automobiles.
17. Walk or cycle where it is safe to do so walking is free; cycling can help to keep you
fit.
18. Use public transport wherever you can, or form a carpool for everyday travel.

• Steps to control pollution: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-

sciences/pollution-control-measure
 19. Send your waste oil, old batteries, and used tyres to a garage for recycling or safe
disposal; all these can cause serious pollution.
20. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar energy, ocean currents, should fulfill
energy needs.
21. Tall chimneys should be installed for vertical dispersion of pollutants.

CONCLUSION

Pollution needs to be dramatically reduced because it is destroying the environment we live in,
contaminating our food and water, causing diseases and cancers in humans and wildlife, and
destroying the air we breathe and the atmosphere that protects us from harmful ultra-violet
radiation. It is the responsibility of every person to protect the environment. Protecting the
environment is a long and daunting task. It requires continuous planning, governmental
policies, and public and industrial participation. However, the result of ignoring the problem
will be catastrophic and life as we know it will begin to end.

By decreasing waste, implementing recycling policies, banning dangerous agricultural

chemicals, and developing safe renewable energy we can significantly reduce the amount of
pollution going into the environment annually and increase our quality of living.

Everyone is entitled to clean air to breathe, water to drink, and public lands to enjoy.