Pollution is also called as environmental pollution means the addition of any substance

(solid, liquid or gas) or any form of energy (such as heat, sound, or radioactivity) to
the environment at a faster rate. The major kinds of pollution, usually classified by environment,
are air pollution, soil pollution and water pollution. Modern society is also concerned about
specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution. Pollution
of all kinds can have negative effects on the environment and wildlife and often impacts human
health and well-being.

Pollutant: A pollutant is an undesirable substance added to the environment, naturally or by

human activity. Primary pollutants are emitted directly into the environment, while secondary
pollutants are formed from primary pollutants and external factors.

Soil pollution
Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil with anomalous concentrations of toxic
substances. It is important to understand that all soils contain compounds that are harmful/toxic to
human beings and other living organisms. However, the concentration of such substances in
unpolluted soil is low enough that they do not pose any threat to the surrounding ecosystem. When
the concentration of one or more such toxic substances is high enough to cause damage to living
organisms, the soil is said to be contaminated.
The root cause of soil pollution is often one of the following:

 Agriculture (excessive/improper use of pesticides)

 Excessive industrial activity
 Poor management or inefficient disposal of waste.
Types of Soil Pollution
 Agriculture soil pollution is caused due to the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides.
 Soil Pollution by industrial discharges of chemicals from mining and manufacturing of
goods.
 Solid waste soil pollution/ Poor management or inefficient disposal of waste.
 Soil Pollution due to urban activities. etc.

Causes of soil pollution

Soil pollution can be broadly classified into two categories –
 Naturally caused soil pollution
 Anthropogenic soil pollution (caused by human activity)
Natural Pollution of Soil
In some extremely rare processes, some pollutants are naturally accumulated in soils. This can
occur due to the differential deposition of soil by the atmosphere. Another manner in which this
type of soil pollution can occur is via the transportation of soil pollutants with precipitation water.

Anthropogenic soil pollution

Almost all cases of soil pollution are anthropogenic in nature. A variety of human activities can
lead to the contamination of soil. Some such processes are listed below.
  The demolition of old buildings can involve the contamination of nearby soil with asbestos.
 Usage of lead-based paint during construction activities can also pollute the soil with
hazardous concentrations of lead.
 Spillage of petrol and diesel during transportation can contaminate soils with the
hydrocarbons found in petroleum.
 Activities associated with metal casting factories (foundries) often cause the dispersion of
metallic contaminants into the nearby soils.
 Underground mining activities can cause the contamination of land with heavy metals.
 Improper disposal of highly toxic industrial/chemical waste can severely pollute the soil.
For example, the storage of toxic wastes in landfills can result in the seepage of the waste
into the soil. This waste can go on to pollute groundwater as well.
 Chemical pesticides contain several hazardous substances. Excessive and inefficient use of
chemical pesticides can result in severe soil pollution.
 Sewage produced in urbanized areas can also contaminate soil (if not disposed of
correctly). These wastes may also contain several carcinogenic substances.
Other forms of waste that can pollute soil include nuclear waste, e-waste, and coal ash.

Some common causes of soil pollution are listed below:

 Improper disposal of industrial waste: industries are believed to be one of the leading
causes of soil pollution due to improper management and disposal of the toxic wastes
generated during industrial activities.
 Excessive and inefficient usage of pesticides and fertilizers: the agriculture industry makes
extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for the growth and maintenance of
crops. However, excessive and inefficient use of these toxic chemicals can seriously
contaminate the soil.
 Petroleum or diesel spills: leaks in fuel transportation pipes can cause fuel spills. These
fuels are known to contain toxic hydrocarbons which can cause soil contamination.
Effects of soil pollution
1. Effects on Human Beings
Soil contaminants can exist in all three phases (solid, liquid, and gaseous). Therefore, these
contaminants can find their way into the human body via several channels such as direct contact
with the skin or through the inhalation of contaminated soil dust.
The short term effects of human exposure to polluted soil include

 Headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

 Coughing, pain in the chest, and wheezing.
 Irritation of the skin and the eyes.
 Fatigue and weakness.
A variety of long-term ailments have been linked to soil pollution. Some such diseases are listed
below.

 Exposure to high levels of lead can result in permanent damage to the nervous system.
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead.
 Depression of the CNS (Central Nervous System).
 Damage to vital organs such as the kidney and the liver.
 Higher risk of developing cancer.
It can be noted that many soil pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons and industrial solvents
have been linked to congenital disorders in humans. Thus, soil pollution can have several negative
effects on human health.
2. Effects on Plants and Animals
Since soil pollution is often accompanied by a decrease in the availability of nutrients, plant life
ceases to thrive in such soils. Soils contaminated with inorganic aluminum can prove toxic to
plants. Also, this type of pollution often increases the salinity of the soil, making it inhospitable
for the growth of plant life.
Plants that are grown in polluted soil may accumulate high concentrations of soil pollutants
through a process known as bioaccumulation. When these plants are consumed by herbivores, all
the accumulated pollutants are passed up the food chain. This can result in the loss/extinction of
many desirable animal species. Also, these pollutants can eventually make their way to the top of
the food chain and manifest as diseases in human beings.
3. Effects on the Ecosystem

 Since the volatile contaminants in the soil can be carried away into the atmosphere by
winds or can seep into underground water reserves, soil pollution can be a direct contributor
to air and water pollution.
 It can also contribute to acid rain (by releasing huge quantities of ammonia into the
atmosphere).
  Acidic soils are inhospitable to several microorganisms that improve soil texture and help
in the decomposition of organic matter. Thus, the negative effects of soil pollution also
impact soil quality and texture.
 Crop yield is greatly affected by this form of pollution. In China, over 12 million tons of
grain (worth approximately 2.6 billion USD) is found to be unfit for human consumption
due to contamination with heavy metals (as per studies conducted by the China Dialogue).
Control of soil pollution
Several technologies have been developed to tackle soil remediation. Some important strategies
followed for the decontamination of polluted soil are listed below.

 Excavation and subsequent transportation of polluted soils to remote, uninhabited

locations.
 Extraction of pollutants via thermal remediation – the temperature is raised in order to force
the contaminants into the vapour phase, after which they can be collected through vapour
extraction.
 Bioremediation or phytoremediation involves the use of microorganisms and plants for the
decontamination of soil.
 Mycoremediation involves the use of fungi for the accumulation of heavy metal
contaminants.
 Air Pollution
“Air Pollution is the release of pollutants such as gases, particles, biological molecules, etc. into
the air that is harmful to human health and the environment.”
OR
Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the contamination
of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically.
There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An increase or decrease in the
composition of these gases is harmful to survival. This imbalance in the gaseous composition has
resulted in an increase in earth’s temperature, which is known as global warming.
Types of Air Pollutants: There are two types of air pollutants:
Primary Pollutants: The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary
pollutants. Sulphur-dioxide emitted from factories is a primary pollutant.
Secondary Pollutants: The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary
pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and
fog, is a secondary pollutant.
Sources of Air Pollution
Pollution enters the Earth's atmosphere in many different ways. Most air pollution is created by
people, taking the form of emissions from factories, cars, planes, or aerosol cans. Second-
hand cigarette smoke is also considered air pollution. These man-made sources of pollution are
called anthropogenic sources.

Some types of air pollution, such as smoke from wildfires or ash from volcanoes, occur naturally.
These are called natural sources.

Causes of Air Pollution

Following are the important causes of air pollution:
Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide.
Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.
Automobiles: The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the
environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among
individuals.
Agricultural Activities: Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural
activities. The insecticides, pesticides and fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and
contaminate it.
Factories and Industries: Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide,
organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its
quality.
Mining Activities: In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large
pieces of equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air,
but also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.
Domestic Sources: The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are
released in the air. The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in
the paints. It not only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.
Effects of Air Pollution
The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:
Diseases: Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among
humans. The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few decades. Children living near
polluted areas are more prone to pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the
direct or indirect effects of air pollution.
Global Warming: Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous
composition of the air. This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in
earth’s temperature is known as global warming. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and
an increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.
Acid Rain: The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur
oxides in the air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid
rain which damages human, animal and plant life.
Ozone Layer Depletion: The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydro
chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The
depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes
skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.
Effect on Animals: The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution
also compels the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place. This renders them stray
and has also led to the extinction of a large number of animal species.
Control of Air Pollution
Following are the measures one should adopt, to control air pollution:
Avoid Using Vehicles: People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they
should prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only prevents
pollution, but also conserves energy.
Energy Conservation: A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore,
do not forget to switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save the
environment at the individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such as CFLs also controls
pollution to a greater level.
Use of Clean Energy Resources: The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air
pollution at a larger level. Various countries, including India, have implemented the use of these
resources as a step towards a cleaner environment.
Other air pollution control measures include:

1. By minimizing and reducing the use of fire and fire products.

2. Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the pollutants can
be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects. For example, if the reactions
of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw materials can be substituted with
other less polluting materials.
3. Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India, petrol
and diesel are being replaced by CNG – Compressed Natural Gas fueled vehicles. These
are mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully operating with ideal emission engines.
4. Although there are many practices in India, which focus on repairing the quality of air,
most of them are either forgotten or not being enforced properly. There are still a lot of
vehicles on roads which haven’t been tested for vehicle emissions.
5. Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and maintain
existing pieces of equipment so that the emission of pollutants is minimized.
6. Sometimes controlling pollutants at the source is not possible. In that case, we can have
process control equipment to control the pollution.
7. A very effective way of controlling air pollution is by diluting the air pollutants.
8. The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree plantation. Plants
and trees reduce a large number of pollutants in the air. Ideally, planting trees in areas of
high pollution levels will be extremely effective.
 Water pollution
Water pollution can be defined as the contamination of water bodies. Water pollution is caused
when water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater and aquifers get contaminated with
industrial and agricultural effluents.
When water gets polluted, it adversely affects all lifeforms that directly or indirectly depend on
this source. The effects of water contamination can be felt for years to come.
Sources of Water Pollution
The key causative of water pollution in India are:

 Urbanization.
 Deforestation.
 Industrial effluents.
 Social and Religious Practices.
 Use of Detergents and Fertilizers.
 Agricultural run-offs- Use of insecticides and pesticides
One of the primary causes of water pollution is the contamination of water bodies by toxic
chemicals. As seen in the example mentioned above, the dumped plastic bottles, tins, water cans
and other wastes pollute the water bodies. These result in water pollution, which harms not just
humans, but the whole ecosystem. Toxins drained from these pollutants, travel up to the food chain
and eventually affect humans. In most cases, the outcome is destructive to only the local population
and species, but it can have an impact on a global scale too.
Nearly 6 billion kilograms of garbage is dumped every year in the oceans. Apart from industrial
effluents and untreated sewage, other forms of unwanted materials are dumped into various water
bodies. These can range from nuclear waste to oil spills – the latter of which can render vast areas
uninhabitable.
The main causes of water pollution are attributed to

 Industrial activities
 Urbanization
 Religious and social practices
 Agricultural runoff
 Accidents (such as oil spills, nuclear fallouts etc.)
Effects of Water Pollution: The effect of water pollution depends upon the type of pollutants and
their concentration. Also, the location of water bodies is an important factor to determine the levels
of pollution. Several effects of water pollution are:

Destruction of biodiversity, Contamination of the food chain, Lack of potable water and
Disease.
  Water bodies in the vicinity of urban areas are extremely polluted. This is the result of
dumping garbage and toxic chemicals by industrial and commercial establishments.
 Water pollution drastically affects aquatic life. It affects their metabolism, and behaviour,
and causes illness and eventual death. Dioxin is a chemical that causes a lot of problems
from reproduction to uncontrolled cell growth or cancer. This chemical is bio accumulated
in fish, chicken and meat. Chemicals such as this travel up the food chain before entering
the human body.
 The effect of water pollution can have a huge impact on the food chain. It disrupts the food
chain. Cadmium and lead are some toxic substances, these pollutants upon entering the
food chain through animals (fish when consumed by animals, humans) can continue to
disrupt at higher levels.
 Humans are affected by pollution and can contract diseases such as hepatitis through faecal
matter in water sources. Poor drinking water treatment and unfit water can always cause
an outbreak of infectious diseases such as cholera, etc.
 The ecosystem can be critically affected, modified and de-structured because of water
pollution.

Control Measures of Water Pollution

Water pollution, to a larger extent, can be controlled by a variety of methods. Rather than releasing
sewage waste into water bodies, it is better to treat them before discharge. Practicing this can
reduce the initial toxicity and the remaining substances can be degraded and rendered harmless by
the water body itself. If the secondary treatment of water has been carried out, then this can be
reused in sanitary systems and agricultural fields.
A very special plant, the Water Hyacinth can absorb dissolved toxic chemicals such as cadmium
and other such elements. Establishing these in regions prone to such kinds of pollutants will reduce
the adverse effects to a large extent.
Some chemical methods that help in the control of water pollution are precipitation, the ion
exchange process, reverse osmosis, and coagulation. As an individual, reusing, reducing, and
recycling wherever possible will advance a long way in overcoming the effects of water pollution.
 Noise pollution
The word noise is derived from the Latin word ‘Nausea’, which means sickness in which one feels
the need to vomit. Noise is the unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in
human beings. The intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The faintest sound that the
human ear can hear is 1 Db. Due to increasing noise around the civilizations, noise pollution has
become a matter of concern. Some of its major causes are vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines,
loudspeakers, crackers, etc. When used at high volume, some other appliances also contribute to
noise pollution, like television, transistor, radio, etc.
Types of Noise Pollution: Following are the three types of pollution:

 Transport Noise
 Neighborhood Noise
 Industrial Noise

Transport Noise: It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the
increase in the number of vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older
people, headache, hypertension, etc.
Neighbourhood Noise: The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources
are musical instruments, transistors, loudspeakers, etc.
Industrial Noise: It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines.
According to many researches, industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around
20%.
Causes and Sources of Noise Pollution: Following are the causes and sources of noise pollution:

 Industrialization: industrialization has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of

heavy machinery such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are used, resulting in the
production of unwanted noise.
 Vehicles: Increased number of vehicles on the roads are the second reason for noise
pollution.
 Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting in the
production of unwanted noise in the neighbourhood.
 Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc. add to the noise pollution.
 Noise Pollution Examples
Following are the examples of noise pollution:

 Unnecessary usage of horns

 Using loudspeakers either for religious functions or for political purposes
 Unnecessary usage of fireworks
 Industrial noise
 Construction noise
 Noise from transportation such as railway and aircraft
Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health
Noise pollution can be hazardous to human health in the following ways:

 Hypertension: It is a direct result of noise pollution which is caused due to elevated blood
levels for a longer duration.
 Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise that are beyond the range of
sound that human ears can withstand damages the eardrums, resulting in loss of hearing.
 Sleeping disorders: Lack of sleep might result in fatigue and low energy level throughout
the day affecting everyday activities. Noise pollution hampers the sleep cycles leading to
irritation and an uncomfortable state of mind.
 Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure level, stress and
cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal person and a person suffering from any
of these diseases might feel a sudden shoot up in the level.
 Child development. Children appear to be more sensitive to noise pollution, and a number
of noise-pollution-related diseases and dysfunctions are known to affect children, from
hearing impairment to psychological and physical effects. Also, children who regularly use
music players at high volumes are at risk of developing hearing dysfunctions. In 2001, it
was estimated that 12.5% of American children between the ages of 6 to 19 years had
impaired hearing in one or both ears,

Effects of Noise Pollution on Wildlife and Marine Life

Our oceans are no longer quiet. Thousands of oil drills, sonars, seismic survey devices, coastal
recreational watercraft and shipping vessels are now populating our waters, and that is a serious
cause of noise pollution for marine life. Whales are among the most affected, as their hearing helps
them orient themselves, feed and communicate. Noise pollution thus interferes with cetaceans’
(whales and dolphins) feeding habits, reproductive patterns and migration routes, and can even
cause hemorrhage and death.
Other than marine life, land animals are also affected by noise pollution in the form of traffic,
firecrackers etc., and birds are especially affected by the increased air traffic.

Prevention of Noise Pollution

Some noise pollution preventive measures are provided in the points below.

 Honking in public places like teaching institutes, hospitals, etc. should be banned.
 In commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings, adequate soundproof systems should be
installed.
 Musical instruments’ sound should be controlled to desirable limits.
 Dense tree cover is useful in noise pollution prevention.
 Explosives should not be used in forest, mountainous and mining areas.
 Solid waste management

Solid-waste management is the process of collecting, treating, and disposing of solid material that
is discarded because it has served its purpose or is no longer useful. Improper disposal of
municipal solid waste can create unsanitary conditions, and these conditions in turn can lead
to pollution of the environment and to outbreaks of vector-borne disease. The tasks of solid-waste
management present complex technical challenges. They also pose a wide variety of
administrative, economic, and social problems that must be managed.

The sources of solid waste include residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial
activities.

Sources of Solid Wastes

 Solid domestic garbage.

 Solid waste material from various industries.
 Solid agricultural waste.
 Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc.
 Medical waste.
 Construction waste, sewage sludge

Hazardous waste: Certain types of wastes that cause immediate danger to exposed individuals
or environment.

Municipal solid waste (MSW)/refuse: All nonhazardous solid waste from a community that
requires collection and transport to a processing or disposal site. Municipal solid waste can further
be divided into biodegradable, recyclable and hazardous domestic wastes. The biodegradable
waste includes rotten food, vegetable peel and mostly wet kitchen waste. Recyclable waste
includes plastic and hazardous wastes include, bulb, batteries, etc.

Types of Solid Waste Management

1. Landfill: It involves burying the waste in vacant locations around the city. The dumping site
should be covered with soil to prevent contamination.
Benefits: A sanitary disposal method if managed effectively.
Limitations: A reasonably large area is required.

2. Incineration: It is the controlled oxidation (burning/thermal treatment) of mostly organic

compounds at high temperatures to produce thermal energy, CO2, and water.
Benefits: Burning significantly reduces the volume of combustible waste.
Limitations: Smoke and fire hazards may exist.

3. Composting: It is a natural process of recycling organic matter like leaves and food scraps into
beneficial fertilizers that can benefit both soil and plants.
 Benefits: It is beneficial for crops and is an environment-friendly method.
Limitations: Requires high-skilled labour for large-scale operation.

4. Recycling: It is a process of converting waste material into new material. Examples: wood
recycling, paper recycling, and glass recycling.
Benefits: It is environment-friendly.
Limitations: It is expensive to set up and not reliable in case of an emergency.

5. Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a bio-conversion technique that is commonly used to

handle solid waste. Earthworms feed on organic waste to reproduce and multiply in number,
vermicompost, and vermiwash as products in this bio-conversion process.
Benefits: It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and enhances plant growth.

Limitations: It is time-consuming, cost-ineffective, and requires extra care.

Control measures of urban and industrial wastes:

An integrated waste management strategy includes three main components:
1. Source reduction
2. Recycling
3. Disposal

Reduction in use of raw materials: Reduction in the use of raw materials will correspondingly
decrease the production of waste. Reduced demand for any metallic product will decrease the
mining of their metal and cause less production of waste.

Reuse of waste materials: The refillable containers which are discarded after use can be reused.
Villagers make casseroles and silos from waste paper and other waste materials. Making rubber
rings from the discarded cycle tubes which are used by the newspaper vendors, instead of rubber
bands, reduces the waste generation during manufacturing of rubber bands. Because of financial
constraints poor people reuse their materials to the maximum.

Recycling of materials: Recycling is the reprocessing of discarded materials into new useful
products. For e.g. formation of some old type products e.g. old aluminum cans and glass bottles
are melted and recast into new cans and bottles. Formation of new products: Preparation of
cellulose insulation from paper, preparation of fuel pellets from kitchen waste. Preparation of
automobiles and construction materials from steel cans. The process of reducing, reusing and
recycling saves money, energy, raw materials, land space and also reduces pollution. Recycling of
paper will reduce cutting of trees for making fresh paper.

Disposal: It include various methods like

Sanitary landfill: In a sanitary landfill, garbage is spread out in thin layers, compacted and
covered with clay or plastic foam. In the modern landfills the bottom is covered with an
impermeable liner, usually several layers of clay, thick plastic and sand. The liner protects the
ground water from being contaminated due to percolation of leachate. Leachate from bottom is
pumped and sent for treatment. When landfill is full it is covered with clay, sand, gravel and top
soil to prevent seepage of water. Several wells are drilled near the landfill site to monitor if any
leakage is contaminating ground water. Methane produced by anaerobic decomposition is
collected and burnt to produce electricity or heat.

Composting: Due to shortage of space for landfill in bigger cities, the biodegradable yard waste
(kept separate from the municipal waste) is allowed to degrade or decompose in an oxygen rich
medium. A good quality nutrient rich and environmental friendly manure is formed which
improves the soil conditions and fertility.

Incineration: Incinerators are burning plants capable of burning a large amount of materials at
high temperature generally more than 900°C.
Global warming: Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s surface due to human
activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in
Earth’s atmosphere.

Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants collect in the
atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off the earth’s surface.
Normally this radiation would escape into space, but these pollutants, which can last for years to
centuries in the atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the planet to get hotter. These heat-trapping
pollutants specifically carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor are known as
greenhouse gases, and their impact is called the greenhouse effect.

Effects of Global warming:

 Disappearing glaciers early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more dramatic water
shortages and continue to increase the risk of wildfires in the American West.

 Rising sea levels will lead to even more coastal flooding.

 Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat waves, heavy downpours,
and increased flooding. All of these can damage or destroy agriculture and fisheries.

 Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and alpine meadows could drive many plant and
animal species to extinction.

 Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more common due to
increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher levels of air pollution and the spread
of conditions favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes.

Climate change: Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have
come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates.

When energy from the sun is reflected off the earth and back into space or when the earth’s
atmosphere releases energy, the planet cools. When the earth absorbs the sun’s energy, or when
atmospheric gases prevent heat released by the earth from radiating into space (the greenhouse
effect), the planet warms. A variety of factors, both natural and human, can influence the earth’s
climate system.

Natural causes of climate change: The earth has gone through warming and cooling phases in
the past, long before humans were around. Forces that can contribute to climate change include
the sun’s intensity, volcanic eruptions, and changes in naturally occurring greenhouse gas
concentrations.
Anthropogenic causes of climate change
Humans more specifically, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that human activity generates are
the leading cause of the earth’s rapidly changing climate today. Greenhouse gases play an
important role in keeping the planet warm enough to inhabit. But the amount of these gases in our
atmosphere has increased in recent decades. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas for
electricity, heat, and transportation is the primary source of human-generated emissions. A second
major source is deforestation, which releases sequestered (or stored) carbon into the air. It’s
estimated that logging, clearcutting, fires, and other forms of forest degradation release an average
of 8.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, accounting for more than 20 percent of all
global CO2 emissions. Other human activities that generate air pollution include fertilizer use,
livestock production and certain industrial processes that release fluorinated gases. Activities like
agriculture and road construction can also change the reflectivity of the earth’s surface, leading to
local warming or cooling.

The Effects of Global Climate Change

Extreme weather
Dirty air include air pollution
Health risks
Rising seas
Warmer, more acidic oceans
Destroyed ecosystems

Acid rain: Acid rain is made up of highly acidic water droplets due to air emissions, most
specifically the disproportionate levels of sulphur and nitrogen emitted by vehicles and
manufacturing processes. The acidic deposition takes place in two ways: wet and dry. Wet
deposition is any form of precipitation which removes acids from the atmosphere and places them
on the surface of the earth. In the absence of precipitation, dry deposition of polluting particles and
gases sticks to the ground through dust and smoke.
Causes of Acid Rain
The causes of acid rain are Sulphur and Nitrogen particles which get mixed with the wet
components of rain. Sulphur and Nitrogen particles which get mixed with water are found in two
ways either man-made i.e. as the emissions that are given out from industries or by natural causes
like lightning strike in the atmosphere releasing nitrogen oxides and volcanic eruptions releasing
sulphur oxide.
According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, which considers him the “father of acid rain,” the
word acid rain was invented in 1852 by Scottish chemist Robert Angus Smith. Smith decided on
the word while studying rainwater chemistry near industrial towns in England and Scotland. The
regular clean rain we experience, even though it is not clean i.e. water and carbon dioxide react
together to form weak carbonic acid which essentially by itself is not extremely harmful. The
reaction occurring is:
H2O (l) + CO2 (g) ⇌ H2CO3 (aqueous)
The pH value of regular rainwater is around 5.7, giving it an acidic nature. The oxides of
nitrogen and sulphur are blown away by the wind along with the dust particles. They settle on the
earth’s surface after coming down in the form of precipitation. Acid rain is essentially a by-product
of human activities which emit oxides of nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere. Example – the
burning of fossil fuels, unethical waste emission disposal techniques.
Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide undergo oxidation, and then they react with water resulting
in the formation of sulphuric acid and nitric acid, respectively. The following reaction will clarify
the acid formation reaction:
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) + 2H2O (l) → 2H2SO4 (aqueous)
4NO2 (g) + O2 (g) + 2H2O (l) → 4HNO3 (aqueous)
Effects of Acid Rain

 Acid rain is very harmful to agriculture, plants, and animals. It washes away all nutrients
which are required for the growth and survival of plants. Acid rain affects agriculture by
the way it alters the composition of the soil.
 It causes respiratory issues in animals and humans.
 When acid rain falls down and flows into the rivers and ponds it affects the aquatic
ecosystem. It alters the chemical composition of the water, to a form which is actually
harmful to the aquatic ecosystem to survive and causes water pollution.
 Acid rain also causes the corrosion of water pipes, which further results in leaching of
heavy metals such as iron, lead and copper into drinking water.
 It damages the buildings and monuments made up of stones and metals.
Prevention of Acid Rain

 The only precaution that we can take against acid rain is having a check at the emission of
oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.
 Acid rain is harmful to animals, plants and the monuments.
 Being responsible citizens, one should be aware of the harmful effects they cause and of
the industries which give out nitrogen and sulphur compound wastes unethically.

Ozone layer: “The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that contains high
concentrations of ozone and protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.”
The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the earth’s atmosphere. It has the potential
to absorb around 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun that can
damage life on earth. If the ozone layer was absent, millions of people would develop skin diseases
and may have weakened immune systems.
However, scientists have discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. This has focused
their concern on various environmental issues and steps to control them. The main reasons for the
ozone hole are chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and hydro
chlorofluorocarbons.
Ozone layer Depletion: “Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere caused due to the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous
bromine or chlorine from industries or other human activities.”
Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. This
happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and
destroy the ozone molecules. One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed
more quickly than it is created.

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS): Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure
to high ultraviolet light, which then contributes to ozone layer depletion. Such compounds are
known as ODS. The ozone-depleting substances that contain chlorine include chlorofluorocarbon,
carbon tetrachloride, hydro chlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform. Whereas, the ozone-
depleting substances that contain bromine are halons, methyl bromide, and hydro bromo fluoro
carbons.
Chlorofluorocarbons are the most abundant ozone-depleting substance. It is only when the chlorine
atom reacts with some other molecule, it does not react with ozone.
Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and import of ozone-depleting
substances and minimize their concentration in the atmosphere to protect the ozone layer of the
earth.
Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion: Ozone layer depletion is a major concern and is associated
with a number of factors. The main causes responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are
listed below:
Chlorofluorocarbons: Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion.
These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc.
The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by ultraviolet radiations
and release chlorine atoms. These atoms react with ozone and destroy it.
Unregulated Rocket Launches: Researchers say that the unregulated launching of rockets results
in much more depletion of the ozone layer than the CFCs do. If not controlled, this might result in
a huge loss of the ozone layer by the year 2050.

Nitrogenous Compounds: The nitrogenous compounds such as NO2, NO, N2O are highly
responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

Natural Causes: The ozone layer has been found to be depleted by certain natural processes such
as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But it does not cause more than 1-2% of the ozone layer
depletion.
The volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion: The depletion of the ozone layer has harmful effects on the
environment. Let us see the major effects of ozone layer depletion on man and environment.

Effects on Human Health: Humans will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiation
of the sun due to the depletion of the ozone layer. This might result in serious health issues among
humans, such as skin diseases, cancer, sunburns, cataract, quick ageing and weak immune system.

Effects on Animals: Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer in
animals.
Effects on the Environment: Strong ultraviolet rays may lead to minimal growth, flowering and
photosynthesis in plants. The forests also have to bear the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays.

Effects on Marine Life: Planktons are greatly affected by the exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.
These are higher in the aquatic food chain. If the planktons are destroyed, the organisms present
in the food chain are also affected.

Solutions to Ozone Layer Depletion: The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious issue and
various programmes have been launched by the government of various countries to prevent it.
However, steps should be taken at the individual level as well to prevent the depletion of the ozone
layer.
Following are some points that would help in preventing this problem at a global level:
Avoid Using ODS: Reduce the use of ozone depleting substances. E.g. avoid the use of CFCs in
refrigerators and air conditioners, replacing the halon based fire extinguishers, etc.
Minimize the Use of Vehicles: The vehicles emit a large amount of greenhouse gases that lead to
global warming as well as ozone depletion. Therefore, the use of vehicles should be minimized as
much as possible.
Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products: Most of the cleaning products have chlorine and bromine
releasing chemicals that find a way into the atmosphere and affect the ozone layer. These should
be substituted with natural products to protect the environment.
Use of Nitrous Oxide should be prohibited: The government should take actions and prohibit
the use of harmful nitrous oxide that is adversely affecting the ozone layer. People should be made
aware of the harmful effects of nitrous oxide and the products emitting the gas so that its use is
minimized at the individual level as well.
ENVIRONMENT LAWS
Environment Protection Act, 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in the year 1986. It was enacted with the main
objective to provide the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters connected
therewith.
India’s original Constitution did not contain any provision for the protection of the natural
environment. However, the Fundamental Duties, which were added by the 42nd Amendment to
the Constitution, prescribed the protection of the environment including forests, lakes, rivers and
wildlife as a duty of the citizens of the country. These developments were a result of the United
Nations Conference on Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. First, the Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972 was enacted. Then, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974 was passed, followed by the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981.
The Act covers all forms of pollution; air, water, soil and noise. It provides the safe standards for
the presence of various pollutants in the environment. It prohibits the use of hazardous material
unless prior permission is taken from the Central Government. The objective of EPA is to protect
and improve the environment and environmental conditions. It also implements the decisions made
at the UN Conference on Human Environment that was held in Stockholm in the year 1972. To
take strict actions against all those who harm the environment.
Aims and Objectives of the EPA
The chief aims and objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 are listed below.

1. Implementing the decisions made at the United Nations Conference on Human

Environment held in Stockholm.
2. Creation of a government authority to regulate industry that can issue direct orders
including closure orders.
3. Coordinating activities of different agencies that are operating under the existing laws.
 4. Enacting regular laws for the protection of the environment.
5. Imposing punishments and penalties on those who endanger the environment, safety and
health. For each failure or contravention, the punishment includes a prison term of up to
five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both. This can also be extended for up to seven
years in cases.
6. Engaging in the sustainable development of the environment.
7. Attaining protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, or the Air Act, in short, was a law
passed by the Parliament of India to prevent and control the harmful effects of air pollution in
India. This act is seen as the first concrete step taken by the government of India to combat air
pollution.
The effects of climate change caused by all forms of pollution became all too apparent in the early
1970s. To mitigate their harmful effects it was believed that nations would need to pass their own
laws. Thus during the United Nations General Assembly on Human Environment held in
Stockholm in June 1972, a resolution was passed which implored the nations of the world to
preserve natural resources such as air.
India itself had issues regarding air pollution due to a wide variety of factors such as stubble
burning, improper industrial practices, environmental factors etc. To combat these factors a special
law was enacted under the Constitution of India, which was the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act of 1981.
The following are the definitions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

 Section 2(a) defines an ‘air pollutants' as any solid liquid or gaseous substance which may
cause harm or damage the environment, humans, plants, animals or even damage property.
A 1987 amendment to the act also added ‘noise’ in the list of harmful substances.
 The air act defines ‘air pollution’ as the presence of any dangerous pollutant that makes
the air unbreathable

Penalties and Procedure under the Air Act

The failure to comply with the Central Pollution Control Board directives would result in
imprisonment of 1 year. It can be extended to 6 years with a fine with the additional fine of 5000
Rs. per day added provided the directives are still not met.
The act aims to control and prevent air pollution in India. It got amended in 1987.
• Its main objectives are as follows:
To provide for prevention, control and abatement of the air pollution.
To provide for the establishment of the boards at the central and state levels with a view to
implementing the Act (Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board),
To confer on the Boards the powers and duties to implement the provisions of the act.
The states should prescribe emission standards for industry and automobiles after consulting the
central board and seeing its ambient air quality standards.
It states that the sources of air pollution such as internal combustion engine, industry, vehicles,
power plants, etc., are not permitted to release particulate matter, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxic substances beyond a
predetermined limit.
It also empowers the State Government to designate air pollution areas. They have to prescribe the
type of fuel to be used in these designated areas.
According to it, it is required the consent of the State Board to operate certain types of industries
including the asbestos, cement, fertilizer and petroleum industries.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974
Its objective is to provide prevention and control of water pollution o maintaining or restoring of
wholesomeness and purity of water in the various sources of water.
It vests regulatory authority in Centre Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) and State Pollution
Control Boards (SPCB).
It empowers CPCB and SPCB to establish and enforce effluent standards for factories discharging
pollutants into water bodies.
CPCB performs these same functions for Union Territories. It also formulates policies related to
the prevention of water pollution and coordinates activities of different State Boards.
SPCB control sewage and industrial effluent discharge by approving, rejecting or impose
conditions while granting consent to discharge.
Salient features of Water Act 1974:
 The purpose of the 1974 Water Act is to prevent and regulate water contamination.
 The Act ensures that the quality of all forms of surface and groundwater is maintained and
restored.
 It establishes pollution control boards at the national and state levels. These Boards are given
authorities and responsibilities to control pollution under the Act.
 The Central and State Pollution Control Boards are granted broad authority to advice,
coordinate, and offer technical help for water pollution prevention and control.
 The Act contains provisions for the Central and State Pollution Control Boards’ money,
budgets, accounting, and audit.
 The Water Act of 1974 prohibits the discharge of sewage or pollutants into water bodies,
including lakes, and it is the responsibility of the state pollution control board to intervene
and stop such conduct.
 The Act prohibits the discharge of any poisonous, noxious, or polluting material into a
stream’s flow of water. Dumping any material into a stream for the sake of land reclamation,
on the other hand, is not regarded as a crime.
  Violations of the Act are subject to serious and deterrent penalties, including fines and
imprisonment. Anyone who breaks the legislation is subject to imprisonment under Sections
24 and 43 for a period ranging from one year and six months to six years, as well as monetary
fines.
The main aim of this act are as follows:
 To prevent and regulate water contamination is the major goal of this act.
 To retain the “wholesomeness” of water, that is, to keep its properties so that it can be
consumed and used by living creatures.
 To establish State Boards for pollution prevention and control, which was superseded by the
Air Act of 1981.
 To give the Boards more authority over pollution prevention and control. To impose penalties
for violating the requirements of this Act’s rules.
 To establish state-run water testing labs and develop protocols for them.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972

The Indian Parliament enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972, which provides for the
safeguard and protection of the wildlife (flora and fauna) in the country. This Act provides for the
protection of the country’s wild animals, birds, and plant species, in order to ensure environmental
and ecological security. Among other things, the Act lays down restrictions on hunting many
animal species. The Act was last amended in the year 2006. An Amendment bill was introduced
in the Rajya Sabha in 2013 and referred to a Standing Committee, but it was withdrawn in 2015.
The Wild Life Act provides for:
Centre and state wildlife advisory boards.
Regulations for hunting wild animals and birds.
Establishment of the national parks.
Sanctuaries and regulations for trade in wild animals, animal products and trophies.
Judicially imposed penalties for violating the Act.
It was amended in 1982 to permit the capture and transportation of wild animals for scientific
research & management.
Hunting of Species (endangered) listed in Schedule 1 of the Act is prohibited throughout India.
This act provides for the regulation of species, like those requiring special protection (Schedule
II), big game (Schedule III), and small game (Schedule IV) through licensing.
A few species in Schedule V known as vermin which may be hunted.
This act administered by the Wildlife wardens and their staff.
The Indian government has also started some conservation projects under it for individual
endangered species like project Hungal (1970), project Tiger (1973), Project Crocodiles (1974),
project vulture, Brown-antlered Deer (1981).
Constitutional Provisions for the Wildlife Act
Article 48A of the Constitution of India directs the State to protect and improve the environment
and safeguard wildlife and forests. This article was added to the Constitution by the 42nd
Amendment in 1976.
Article 51A imposes certain fundamental duties for the people of India. One of them is to protect
and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have
compassion for living creatures.
Need for the Wildlife Protection Act
Wildlife is a part of ‘forests’ and this was a state subject until the Parliament passed this law in
1972. Now it is Concurrent List. Reasons for a nationwide law in the domain of environment
particularly wildlife include the following:

1. India is a treasure-trove of varied flora and fauna. Many species were seeing a rapid decline
in numbers. For instance, it was mentioned by Edward Pritchard Gee (A naturalist), that at
the turn of the 20th century, India was home to close to 40000 tigers. But, a census in 1972
showed this number drastically reduced to about 1827.
2. A drastic decrease in the flora and fauna can cause ecological imbalance, which affects
many aspects of climate and the ecosystem.
3. The most recent Act passed during the British era in this regard was the Wild Birds and
Animals Protection, 1935. This needed to be upgraded as the punishments awarded to
poachers and traders of wildlife products were disproportionate to the huge financial
benefits that accrue to them.
4. There were only five national parks in India prior to the enactment of this Act.

Salient Features of Wildlife Protection Act

This Act provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds, and plants, and also for
the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.

 The Act provides for the formation of wildlife advisory boards, wildlife wardens, specifies
their powers and duties, etc.
 It helped India become a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
 CITES is a multilateral treaty with the objective of protecting endangered animals
and plants.
 It is also known as the Washington Convention and was adopted as a result of a
meeting of IUCN members.
 For the first time, a comprehensive list of the endangered wildlife of the country was
prepared.
 The Act prohibited the hunting of endangered species.
 Scheduled animals are prohibited from being traded as per the Act’s provisions.
 The Act provides for licenses for the sale, transfer, and possession of some wildlife species.
 It provides for the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, etc.
 Its provisions paved the way for the formation of the Central Zoo Authority. This is the
central body responsible for the oversight of zoos in India. It was established in 1992.
 The Act created six schedules which gave varying degrees of protection to classes of flora
and fauna.
 Schedule I and Schedule II (Part II) get absolute protection, and offences under
these schedules attract the maximum penalties.
 The schedules also include species that may be hunted.
 The National Board for Wildlife was constituted as a statutory organization under the
provisions of this Act.
 This is an advisory board that offers advice to the central government on issues of
wildlife conservation in India.
 It is also the apex body to review and approve all matters related to wildlife, projects
of national parks, sanctuaries, etc.
 The chief function of the Board is to promote the conservation and development of
wildlife and forests.
 It is chaired by the Prime Minister.
 The Act also provided for the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation
Authority.
 It is a statutory body of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
with an overall supervisory and coordination part, performing capacities as given
in the Act.
 Its mandate is to strengthen tiger conservation in India.
 It gives statutory authority to Project Tiger which was launched in 1973 and has
put the endangered tiger on a guaranteed path of revival by protecting it from
extinction.
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 (FCA, 1980) is an act by the Parliament of India which
ensures conservation of forest and its resources. It was enacted by the Parliament of India in order
to control the ongoing deforestation of the forests of India. It came into force on October 25, 1980
containing five sections.
 In 1927, the first Forest Act was enacted to serve the purpose of British rule. It recognizes
4 categories of the forests, namely reserved forests, village forests, protected forests and
private forests.
 Subsequently, in 1980, the Forest (Conservation) Act was promulgated to make certain
reforms over the preceding Act of 1927. It was due to alarming India’s rapid deforestation
that resulting in environmental degradation.
 It was enacted to consolidate the laws related to forest, the transit of forest produce and the
duty livable on timber and other forest produce.
 It empowered the State to declare forest lands or wastelands as reserved forest and it can
sell the produce from these forests.
 It ensured the preservation of protected forests through rules, licenses and criminal
prosecutions. Forest officers and their staffs administer the Forest Act.
 As per the provisions of this Act, prior approval of the Central Government is required for
diversion of forestlands for non-forest purposes. For this, guidelines for compensatory land
on the basis of net present value is made under CAMPA act.

The purpose of this Act is to foster recognition of the forest as a common heritage and promote
sustainable forest development in order to meet the economic, environmental and social needs of
present and future generations while giving proper consideration to other potential uses of the
territory.

Need for Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Forests are an important resource that nature can bestow upon mankind. Therefore, it is the duty
of every citizen to preserve the ecosystems of forests. But due to rapid deforestation, the cycle of
nature is itself being disrupted. Therefore, the need to bring about a law to ensure the preservation
of forest was needed.
One of the first legal drafts to protect forest tracts was the Indian Forest Act, 1865 replaced by a
1927 version of the same act. However, it was more geared towards protecting the commercial
interests of the British Empire in India.
The act gave authority to the British to restrict tribal activities by levying taxes on timber and forest
services. In other words, it mainly regulated the cutting of timber and flow of raw materials rather
than protecting forests.
Upon independence, the President of India enforced the Forest (Conservation) Ordinance in 1980
which was later repealed by virtue of Section 5 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Under the
1980 Act, the restriction was made on the use of the forests for non-forest purposes.
Objectives of the Forest Conservation Act 1980
The aim of the Forest is to preserve the forest ecosystem of India by fulfilling the following
objectives:

1. Protect the forest along with its flora, fauna and other diverse ecological components while
preserving the integrity and territory of the forests.
2. Arrest the loss of forest biodiversity
3. Prevent forest lands being converted into agricultural, grazing or for any other commercial
purposes and intentions.

Features of the Forest Conservation Act 1980

The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 come with the following features:

1. The Act restricts the state government and other authorities to take decisions first without
permission from the central government.
2. The Forest Conservation Act gives complete authority to the Central government to carry
out the objectives of the act.
3. The Act levies penalties in case of violations of the provisions of FCA.
4. The Forest Conservation Act will have an advisory committee which will help the Central
government with regard to forest conservation.