1. Identify and discuss five types of pollution and its causes and effects and it should be prevented.

a) 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:

CAUSES:
 Burning fossil fuels
 Mining operations
 Exhaust gases from industries and factories

EFFECTS:
 Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems
 Increased risk of skin diseases
 May increase the risk of cancer
 Global warming
 Acid rain
 Ozone depletion
 Hazards to wildlife

PREVENTIONS:
 Renewable fuel and clean energy production. The most basic solution for air
pollution is to move away from fossil fuels, replacing them with alternative
energies like solar, wind and geothermal.
 Energy conservation and efficiency.
 Eco-friendly transportation.
 Green building.
b) Water pollution is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are
introduced into water bodies such as lakes, rivers and seas. These contaminants are
generally introduced by human activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills.
However, even natural processes such as eutrophication can cause water pollution.

CAUSES:
 Dumping solid wastes in water bodies
 Disposing untreated industrial sewage into water bodies
 Human and animal wastes
 Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers

EFFECTS:
 Disruption of the ecosystem
 Threats to marine life
 Increased risk of water-borne diseases
 Increases toxic chemicals (such as mercury) in water bodies
 Eutrophication

PREVENTIONS:
 Avoid using a garbage disposal. Keep solid wastes solid. Make a compost pile
from vegetable scraps.
 Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers. DO NOT dispose of these
chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm
sewer systems. Both of them end at the river.
c) Soil pollution, also called soil contamination, refers to the degradation of land due to
the presence of chemicals or other man-made substances in the soil. The xenobiotic
substances alter the natural composition of soil and affect it negatively. These can
drastically impact life directly or indirectly. For instance, any toxic chemicals present in
the soil will get absorbed by the plants. Since plants are producers in an environment, it
gets passed up through the food chain. Compared to the other types of pollution, the
effects of soil pollution are a little more obscured, but their implications are very
noticeable.

CAUSES:
 Improper industrial waste disposal
 Oil Spills
 Acid rain which is caused by air pollution
 Mining activities
 Intensive farming and agrochemicals (like fertilizers and pesticides)
 Industrial accidents

EFFECTS:
 Loss of soil nutrients, which renders the soil unfit for agriculture
 Impacts the natural flora and fauna residing in the soil
 Degrades vegetation due to the increase of salinity of the soil
 Toxic dust (such as silica dust) can cause respiratory problems or even lung
cancer

PREVENTIONS:
 Get a better understanding of the soil environment quality baseline
 Develop necessary legislation on soil pollution control
 Strictly control the pollution of new soil
 Strengthen policies that manage pollution sources
 Transfer treatment and remediation costs to polluting companies
d) Noise pollution refers to the excessive amount of noise in the surrounding that disrupts
the natural balance. Usually, it is man-made, though certain natural calamities like
volcanoes can contribute to noise pollution.
In general, any sound which is over 85 decibels is considered to be detrimental. Also, the
duration an individual is exposed plays an impact on their health. For perspective, a
normal conversation is around 60 decibels, and a jet taking off is around 15o decibels.
Consequently, noise pollution is more obvious than the other types of pollution.

CAUSES:
 Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.
 Transportation noises from vehicles, airplanes, etc.
 Construction noises
 Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)
 Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)

EFFECTS:
 Hearing loss
 Tinnitus
 Sleeping disorders
 Hypertension (high BP)
 Communication problems

PREVENTIONS:
 Turn off Appliances at Home and offices
 Shut the Door when using noisy Machines
 Use Earplugs
 Lower the volume
 Stay away from Noisy area
 Follow the Limits of Noise level
 Control Noise level near sensitive areas

e) Radioactive pollution occurs when there is a presence or depositions of radioactive

materials in the atmosphere or environment, especially where their presence is
 accidental and when it presents an environmental threat due to radioactive decay. The
destruction caused by the radioactive materials is because of the emissions of
hazardous ionizing radiation (radioactive decay) like beta or alpha particles, gamma rays
or neurons in the environment where they exist.
CAUSES:
 Nuclear Accidents From Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
 The Use of Nuclear Weapons as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
 Use of Radioisotopes
 Mining
 Spillage of Radioactive Chemicals
 Tests on Radiation
 Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources
 Nuclear Waste Handling and Disposal
 Defensive Weapon Production

EFFETCS:
 Genetic Mutations
 Diseases
 Soil Infertility
 Cell Destruction
 Burns
 Effects on Wildlife
 Effects on Plants
 Effects on Marine life

PREVENTIONS:
 Proper Method of Disposing of Radioactive Waste
 Proper Labeling
 Banning of Nuclear Tests
 Alternative Energy Sources
 Proper Storage
 Reusing
 Precautions at the Personal Level

2. Based on the current issue on Manila Bay renovation, are the dolomites used in Manila Bay
helpful to the environment? Justify
  No. Manila Bay has already been beset by long-standing environmental problems, such
as pollution and resource exploitation. Environmental group Oceana Philippines warned
that since the sand does not naturally occur at the bay, the government could be
destroying both the natural ecosystem of Manila Bay as well as the source of the
synthetic sand. Marine scientist Diovanie de Jesus said the dolomite could cause hazards
to creatures in and around the water. Sediments in the water could make it turbid, or
opaque. The polluted water can also make it "stressful" for the bodies of sardines,
mackerel, anchovies, and other fish. Lehigh Hanson had the same finding – allowing the
sand into water can increase total suspended particulate (TSP) levels, which can be
harmful to aquatic life.

The sand from the baywalk area could also transfer to other areas of the bay where
there are mangrove trees, beaches, and mudflats. De Jesus said if the dolomite polluted
these – where shellfish, crabs, and fish nurseries thrive – they would become less
habitable. Worms live here, too, which serve as food for birds.

3. Except for air pollution, what other pollution was improved during this pandemic. Justify
 Water Pollution – The improper disposal of facemask, rapid test kit and PPE sometimes
found in river, lakes and oceans.

 Soil Pollution – The improper disposal of facemask, rapid test kit and PPE through
burying in land.