ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Environmental pollution consists of five basic types of pollution, namely, air, water, soil, non and light. harmful form
Air pollution cause by the injurious smoke emitted by cars, buses, trucks, trains and factories, namely such dioxide,
carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Even smoke from burning leaves and cigarettes a harmful to the environment
causing a lot of damage to man and the atmosphere.
Meaning of Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution is any discharge of material or energy into water, land, or air that causes or may cause acute
(short-term) or chronic (long-term) detriment to the Earth's ecological balance or that lowers the quality of life.
Pollutants may cause primary damage, with direct identifiable impact on the environment or secondary damage in the
form of minor perturbations in the delicate balance of the biological food web that are detectable only over long time
periods
SOURCES AND CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
The sources and causes of environmental pollution includes the following:
1.Industrial activities: The pall of smoke, the swirling gases, industrial effluents and the fall-out of scientific
experiments became constant heath hazards, polluting and contaminating both air and water. The improper disposal of
industrial wastes are the sources of soil and water pollution. Chemical waste resulting from industry can pollute lakes,
rivers and seas and soil too as well as releasing fumes.
2.Dumping solid waste: Household and commercial waste pollutes the environment when not disposed of properly
3.Vehicles: The smoke emitted by vehicles using petrol and diesel and the cooking coal also pollutes the environment.
The multiplication of vehicles, emitting black smoke that, being free and unfettered, spreads out and mixes with the air
we breathe. The harmful smoke of these vehicles causes air pollution..
4.Rapid urbanization and Industrialization: The urbanization and the rapid growth of industrialization are causing
through environmental pollution the greatest harm to the plant life, which in tum causing harm to the animal kingdom
and the human lives.
5.Population overgrowth: Due to the increase in population, particularly in developing countries, there has been surge
in demand for basic food, occupation and shelter. The world has witnessed massive deforestation to expand absorb the
growing population and their demands.
6.Combustion of fossil fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels pollutes the air, the soil and the water with noxious gases
such as CO2 and CO.
7.Agricultural waste: Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture are key causes of environments pollution.
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
1.Environmental pollution has negatively affected the life of both human-beings and animals. Even our flora and fauna
were found to be threatened with extinction.
2.The environmental pollution is not caused by the fall-out from nuclear tests or industries alone. The smoke left behind
the automobiles and other vehicular traffic, the increasing use of synthetic detergents, nitrogen fertilizers and insecticides
contaminate both air and water.
3.The water we drink the vegetables are all contaminated to-day. As a result of this contamination our world is afflicted
with a quite a number of incurable diseases. Environmental pollution affects water sources which mean that there is less
fresh water available for drinking, washing, cooking and irrigating crops.
4.Nothing in this world is immune, no life is safe and the future of this world is bleak.
5.Besides causing immense disturbances, there are increasing case of pulmonary tuberculosis and thrombosis and
various sorts of brain and heart complications.

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6. Air-pollution may cause severe lungs-diseases, asthma, brain-disorder diseases, etc

7. Soil-pollution may have negative effect on farm output ratio. It can also contaminate the ground water.
8. Noise-pollution have negative effects on hearing or auditory sense organs. It can also cause deafness, tiredness and
mental losses.
SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Electric and hybrid vehicles and public transportation systems: Gas emission pollution is being mitigated in a variety
of ways with car emission control, electric and hybrid vehicles and public transportation systems.
1.Ecological friendly power technology :apparent and the days of coal power plants are nearly dead. The radiation is a
serious issue. Radioactive leakage from power plants and nuclear testing have already contaminated oceanic life to such
a degree that it will take hundreds of years to return to normal. More radiation solutions are in the works with various
ecologically friendly power technologies being built every day.
2.Solar power is a fantastic solution: Now that solar radiation is at a climactic peak, we can reap power from the sun
using solar panel systems. These range from home systems to larger scale systems powering entire communities and
cities.
3.Wind power is coming into play: By building wind turbines to harvest natural wind energy, electricity is produced.
Wind turbine power and solar power are both powerful forces against fossil fuel power and radioactive power.
4.Electromagnetic radiation (ER) reduction: Once major manufacturers of computers and electronic devices realized
the blatant potential for huge ER emissions directly into the eyes an brains of users, they started to implement hardware
protocols to minimize risks and reduce ER production significantly
AIR POLLUTION
(Air pollution is basically harmful chemicals in our atmosphere. When air contains things like dust, gas and fumes air
pollution occurs. Air pollution occurs when the air contains gases, dust, fumes or smell in harmful amounts.
The substances that cause air pollution are called pollutants. Pollutants that are pumped into our atmosphere and directly
pollute the air are called primary pollutants. Primary pollutant examples include carbon monoxide from car exhausts
and sulfur dioxide from the combustion of coal,
Further pollution can arise if primary pollutants in the atmosphere undergo chemical reactions. The resulting compounds
are called secondary pollutants. Eg :Photochemical smog
TYPES OF AIR POLLUTION
The types of Air Pollution are:
1. Sulphur oxides (SOX) : SO2 is produced by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum
often contain Sulphur compounds, their combustion generates Sulphur dioxide. Further oxidation of SO2, usually in the
presence of a catalyst such as NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus acid rain.
2. Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Especially nitrogen dioxide are emitted from high temperature combustion. Nitrogen dioxide
is the chemical compound with the formula N02. It is responsible for photochemical smog, acid rain etc.
3. Carbon monoxide: It is a colorless, odorless, non-irritating but very poisonous gas. It is a product by incomplete
combustion of fuel such as natural gas, coal or wood Vehicular exhaust is a major source of carbon monoxide
4. Carbon dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas emitted from combustion but is also a gas vital to living organisms. It is a
natural gas in the atmosphere.
5. Volatile organic compounds: VOCs are an important outdoor air pollutant.. Methane is an extremely efficient
greenhouse gas which contributes to enhanced global warming hydrocarbon VOCs are also significant greenhouse gases
via their role in creating ozone and in prolonging the life of methane in the atmosphere, although the effect varies
depending on local air quality.
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6. Particulate matter: Particulates, alternatively referred to as (particulate matter (PM) or fine particles, are tiny particles
of solid or liquid suspended in a gas in contrast, aerosol refers to particles and the gas together .Sources of particulate
matter can be manmade or natural
CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION
The causes of air pollution include: manufacturing, burning of fossil fuels, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and other natural
process. The burning of fossil fuels is the main cause of air pollution. The air pollution is caused by both natural and
man-made activities, Air pollutants consist of gaseous pollutants, odours and SPM, (suspended particulate matter) such
as dust, fumes, mist and smoke.
1. Natural Sources:
Dust storms cause air pollution by adding large quantities of dust into the atmosphere Pollen grains, march gases,
cosmic dust, fungal spores etc. are also the natural sources which ac as pollutants.
2. Man made (Anthropogenic) Sources
The largest sources of human-created air pollution are:
a) Industries: Industrial establishments such as textile, paper and pulp, distillery, refiner pharmaceutical, fertilizer etc.
emits gaseous and particulate pollutants into the atmosphere causing pollution Gases like Sulphur dioxide, oxides of
nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide etc. and the suspended particulate matter such as fly ash, heavy metals radioactive elements
and dust a emitted into the atmosphere.
b) Agriculture Open burning of agricultural residues and chemical spraying cause air pollution Carbon monoxide,
volatile organic compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, suspended particular matter etc.
c) Mining and quarrying.: Mining to extract minerals, crude oil and natural gas/emits Sulphur dioxide oxides of
nitrogen, volatile organic compounds and suspended particulate matter to cause air Environmental Studies pollution.
d) Power generation: Combustion of domestic fuels (firewood, kerosene and LPG) and coal in the thermal power plants
to generate electricity is the major air polluting activities . e.g. : Sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide
and volatile organic compound causing air pollution Burning of domestic fuels cause indoor air pollution.
e) Transportation: Combustion engines in the vehicles produces suspended particulate matter Sulphur dioxide, oxides
of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and lead, which is released into the air.
f) Community services: Municipal incinerators are used to burn the municipal waste. While incinerating the waste,
suspended particulate matter, like, Sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds
and lead are produced and released into the atmosphere. This radioactive fallouts cause air pollution.
h) Others: Using spray paints, solvent and cleaning agents emits air pollutants like volatile organic compounds.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
Since air pollutants are generally concentrated in and around urban areas, the outdoor urban pollution levels are far
higher than in rural area. These pollutants are also deposited on plants, soil and in the water, deteriorating its quality Air
pollution causes acid rain, global warming and photochemical smog. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.6
million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution.
1. Effect of air pollution on human health : Indoor air pollution can be particularly hazardous to health as it is released
in close proximity to people. The main pollutant in this environment is the SPM. In fact, death due to indoor air pollution,
mainly particulate matters, in the rural areas of India is one of the highest in the world. Many of the deaths are due to
acute respiratory infections in children; others are due to cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory
diseases in adults if emissions are high and ventilation is poor, household use of coal and biomass can severely affect
the indoor air quality
2. Effect of air pollution on economy : Ecosystems in national park areas provide goods and services, such as air
purification, nutrient cycling, and recreational experiences, that are vital to human health and livelihood. These goods
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and services are known as ecosystem services. Air pollutants including ground-level ozone, nitrogen, oxides, ammonia,
and Sulphur dioxide can all have negative impacts on ecosystem services.
3. Effect of air pollution on plants : Chemicals such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, fluorides and Peroxyacyl nitrate damage
the leaves of plants. If enough leaves are damaged, the entire plant will die. Sulfur dioxide, a by-product of burning
fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gasoline, causes changes in the colors of leaf tissue, which may turn white, brown.
Ozone damage on leaves appears as mottled spots, which may be yellow, black or brown. If the damage by ozone is
severe enough, the plant will drop its leaves altogether. Fluoride damages the edges of plants and causes them to turn
brown or black. Peroxyacyl nitrate causes a condition known as silver leaf, in which the underside of the leaves tum
silvery white or bronze.
4. Effect of air pollution on animals :
Air pollution consists of gases, solid particles and aerosols that change the natural composition of the atmosphere. Air
pollution is harmful to human health and also can harm pets and wildlife
Pets : pets suffer an increased risk of tumors when exposed to polluted air over an extended period of time. (Particulate
matter in the air has been linked to cardiac arrest dogs and veterinarians sometimes attribute pet deaths to the effects of
air pollution
Birds : Birds are affected directly by coal power production exhaust, which can damage birds respiratory systems.
Fish : Acid rain falling in rivers and streams causes pH levels to rise, killing fish that are sensitive to pH fluctuations
Acidic rivers and streams can cause respiratory distress in fish. Acidic water is generally clearer, causing a temperature
and light increase in the water, resulting in the relocation of native fish that need a cooler and darker habitat in order to
survive.
Amphibians : Ozone impairs immune systems in human beings and studies show it affects toads in a similar way.
CONTROLS OF AIR POLLUTION
1.The air-fuel ratio in the automobiles need to be adjusted for complete combustion of the fuel. The Sulphur content in
the fuels should be removed before burning it or use low-level Sulphur containing fuels.
2.Two-stage combustion process is suggested to remove the oxides of nitrogen from the emitting source. The NOx
formation can be removed by catalytic decomposition.
3. Techniques like incineration, absorption, adsorption and condensation can be utilized as method for removal, recovery
and destruction of volatile organic compounds.
4.Alternate chemical substances to the chlorofluoro carbons should be used.
5. Tall stacks or chimney is essential for industries along with "intermittent controls", a term used to describe the practice
of cutting back production when weather conditions threaten to raise local pollution levels above ambient air standards.
6. Lobby for much stricter clean air laws and enforcement and development of international treaties to reduce ozone
depletion and slow global warming.
WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution occurs when a body of water is adversely affected due to the addition of large amounts of materials to
the water. The sources of water pollution are categorized as being a point source or a non-source point of pollution Point
sources of pollution occur when the polluting substance is emitted directly into the waterways .A non-point source
occurs when there is runoff of pollutants into a waterway, for instance when fertilizer from a field is carried into a stream
by surface runoff.
Meaning of Water Pollution
Water pollution is the process of alteration of physical, chemical and biological characteristic of water on addition of
excess of undesirable substances, which cause harmful effects on the aquatic biota, terrestrial animal and plants and
human health.)
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TYPES OF WATER POLLUTION

The greatest contributors to toxic pollution are herbicides, pesticides and Industrial compounds
1. Organic Substance :
Organic pollution occurs when an excess of organic matter, such as manure or sewage, enters the water When organic
matter increases in a pond, the number of decomposers will increase. These decomposers grow rapidly and use a great
deal of oxygen during their growth .
A type of organic pollution can occur when inorganic pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphates accumulate in aquatic
ecosystems High levels of these nutrients cause an overgrowth of plants and algae As the plants and algae. die, they
become organic material in the water. The enormous decay of this plant matter, in turn, lowers the oxygen level The
process of rapid plant growth followed by increased activity by decomposers and a depletion of the oxygen level is
called eutrophication.
2. Thermal Pollution:
Thermal pollution can occur when water is used as a coolant near a power or industrial plant and then is returned to the
aquatic environment at a higher temperature) than it was originally. Thermal pollution can lead to a decrease in the
dissolved oxygen level in the water while also Increasing the biological demand of aquatic organisms for oxygen
3. Ecological Pollution :
Ecological pollution takes place when chemical pollution, organic pollution or thermal pollution is caused by nature
rather than by human activity.
SOURCE OF WATER POLLUTION
Various Source of water pollution are: )
Industrial Waste : 1 Industrial waste' is the waste produced by industrial activity .Toxic waste, chemical waste, Industrial
solid waste and municipal solid waste are designations of industrial wastes. Industrial wastes containing toxic pollutants
require specialized treatment systems. (See Industrial wastewater treatment). Municipal Waste
Municipal waste : The bulk of the waste stream originates from households, though similar wastes from sources such
as commerce, offices, public institutions and selected municipal services are also included. It also includes.
III) Agricultural Waste : Agricultural waste, which includes both natural (organic) and non-natural wastes, is a general
term used to describe waste produced on a farm through various farming activities.. It has variously been estimated that
these wastes can account for over 30% of worldwide agricultural productivity. The boundaries to accommodate
agricultural waste derived from animal agriculture and farming activities are identified in this book.
iv) Radioactive Waste : Radioactive waste is waste that contains radioactive material. Radioactive waste is usually a
by- product of nuclear power generation and other applications of nuclear fission or nuclear technology, such as research
and medicine.
v) Petroleum Waste : Petroleum refinery waste management and minimization. September 2014. Optimized, effective
waste management is integral to petroleum refinery operations. It helps minimize risk to both people and the
environment, enhances resource utilization, and reduces costs.
vi) Pharmaceutical Waste: Hazardous waste pharmaceutical" means a "non-viable".
CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION
1. Natural Cause :
Although natural phenomena such as volcanoes, storms, earthquakes etc. also cause major changes in water quality and
the ecological status of water, these are not considered to be pollution.
2. Anthropogenic Causes : Some of the human activities, which are releasing various substances into the water
bodies in excess are :
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a) Industrial effluents : Chemical wastes are released into the wat water bodies as a result of various processes in
industries such as sugar, pharmaceutical, paper and pulp, tanneries, plain, textile, distilleries, dairy .Power plants release
warm water into the water bodies causing thermal pollution Asst is a pollutant because increased temperature result in
the death of many aquatic organisms
b) Municipality sewage: Waste water released due to domestic activities from households, schools, hotels, commercial
establishments, slaughter house and hospitals constitute the municipal sewage.
c) agricultural activity : Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the major constituents of the fertilizer Pesticides such
as DOT, BHC etc. are the most common ones used to kill pests. Excess of these chemicals present in soil is washed
away by runoff water when rains, discharging them into the water bodies causing pollution.
d) Mining: /Fissures appear through which water drains into the mine from many surface areas This water containing
the harmful pollutants is eventually discharged into surface streams, either naturally or through man-made processes
Water is sprinkled to settle down the dust while mining.,
e) Oil spills: Petroleum often pollutes water bodies in the form of all, resulting from oil spills . It is estimated that one
tom of oil is spilled for every million tons of oil transported.
f) Radioactive substances: are produced in the form of waste from nuclear power plants and from the industrial, medical
and scientific use of radioactive materials Specific forms of waste are uranium and thorium mining and refining
EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION
Pathogens : Drinking water contaminated with sewage cause water borne diseases like cholera, amoebic dysentery,
typhoid and poliomyelitis. External body contact with such polluted water causes skin diseases. Srabies, leprosy etc.
Rotting organic waste: Substances when disposed into water bodies stimulate algal growth. The condition of excess
nutrient in the water body is called eutrophication Oxygen demanding water pollutants are decomposed by oxygen
requiring bacteria.
Toxic compounds: Water-soluble inorganic pollutants, such as acids, salts and toxic metals and organic compounds will
make water unfit.
Radioactive substances: Radioactive substances are lethal at relatively low concentrations and in minute amounts may
be carcinogenic and mutagenic causing birth defects.
Pesticides: The pesticides like DDT, aldrin and dieldrin etc., are most dangerous chemicals, which are toxic to aquatic
organisms.
Oil spills: Oil as pollutant reduces the amount of light penetration into water. In the absence of sunlight rat of
photosynthesis by plants is reduced, which in turn results in a decreased oxygen level in the water body.
PREVENTION OF WATER POLLUTION
1. Water treatment processes
Clean, safe water is vital for everyday Efe. Water is essential for health, hygiene and the productivity of our community.
The water treatment process may vary slightly at different locations, depending on the technology of the plant and the
water it needs to process but the basic principles are largely the same. This section describes standard water treatment
processes.
1) Coagulation/Flocculation : During coagulation, liquid aluminum sulfate (alum) and/or polymer is added to untreated
raw water When mixed with the water, this causes the tiny particles of dirt in the water to stick together are coagulate.
Next, groups of dirt particles stick together to form larger, heavier particles called flocs which are easier to remove by
settling or filtration.
2) Sedimentation As the water and the floc particles progress through the treatment process, they move into
sedimentation basins where the water moves slowly, causing the heavy floc particles to settle to the bottom. Floc which
collects on the bottom of the basin is called sludge and is piped to drying lagoons.
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3) Filtration : Water flows through a filter designed to remove particles in the water. The filters are made of layers of
sand and gravel, and in some cases, crushed anthracite. Filtration collects the suspended impurities in water and enhances
the effectiveness of disinfection.
4) Disinfection : Water is disinfected before it enters the distribution system to ensure that any disease-causing bacteria,
viruses, and parasites are destroyed. Chlorine is used because it is a very effective disinfectant and residual
concentrations can be maintained to guard against possible biological contamination in the water distribution system.
5) Sludge Drying : Solids that are collected and settled out of the water by sedimentation and filtration are removed to
drying lagoons.
6) Fluoridation : Water fluoridation is the treatment of community water supplies for the purpose of adjusting the
concentration of the free fluoride ion to the optimum level sufficient to reduce dental caries. Hunter Water is required to
fluoridate water in accordance with the NSW Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957
7) pH Correction : Lime is added to the filtered water to adjust the pH and stabilize the naturally soft water in order to
minimize corrosion in the distribution system and within customers' plumbing.
2. Sewage treatment : Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater, primarily from
household sewage. It includes physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove these contaminants and produce
environmentally safe treated wastewater (or treated effluent) A by-product of sewage treatment is usually a semi-solid
waste or slurry, called sewage sludge, that has to undergo further treatment before being suitable for disposal or land
application.
CONTROLS OF WATER POLLUTION
1. The industrial effluents are treated to recover the inorganic and organic chemical substances and reuse them. Effluent
is subjected to physical, chemical and biological treatment to reduce the concentration of different parameters to the
prescribed levels.
2.The municipal sewage is treated in oxidation ponds or stabilization ponds to degrade the biodegradable organic
substances. This will remove suspended matter in the water.
3.Natural plant extracts are to be encouraged as alternative pesticides to synthetic ones to reduce the effects. .
4.Advisory bodies like Central and State Pollution Control Boards and water related policies take preventive measures
of water pollution.
5. Public participation in water related awareness programmes, seminars, advertisements and research would effectively
mitigate water pollution.
SOIL POLLUTION
Soil pollution is defined as the build-up in soils of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials or
disease causing agents. With the rise of concrete buildings and roads, one part of the Earth that we rarely see is the soll.
It has many different names, such as dirt, mud and ground.
MEANING OF SOIL POLLUTION
Soil pollution is defined as the build-up in soils of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials or
disease causing agents, which have adverse effects on plant growth and animal health .
TYPES OF SOIL POLLUTION
The various types of soil pollution:
Soil pollution may be any chemicals or contaminants that harm living organisms. Pollutants decrease soil quality and
also disturb the soil's natural composition and also lead to erosion of soil.
1. Agricultural Pollution
a. Agricultural processes contribute to soil pollution.
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b. Fertilizers increase crop yield and also cause pollution that impacts soil quality
c. Pesticides also harm plants and animals by contaminating the soil.
d. These chemicals get deep inside the soil and poison the ground water system.
E. Runoff of these chemicals by rain and irrigation also contaminate the local water system and is deposited at other
locations.
2. Industrial Waste :
a About 90% of pil pollution is caused by industrial waste products.
B Improper disposal of waste contaminates the soil with harmful chemicals. These pollutants affect plant and animal
species and local water supplies and drinking water.
Toxic fumes from the regulated landfills contain chemicals that can fall back to the earth in the form of acid rain and
can damage the soil profile.
3. Urban Activities :
a)Human activities can lead to soil pollution directly and indirectly.
b) Improper drainage and increase run-off contaminates the nearby land areas or streams.
c) Decomposition by bacteria generates methane gas contributing to global warming and poor air quality. It also creates
foul odors and can impact quality of life.
SOURCE OF SOIL POLLUTION
1) Industrial waste :
Industrial wastes Disposal of Industrial wastes is the major problem for soil pollution Effect: These pollutants affect
and alter the chemical and biological properties of soil. As a result, hazardous chemicals can enter into human food
chain from the soil or water, disturb the biochemical process and finally lead to serious effects on living organisms.
2)Disposal of human & animal excreta : Human waste also known as human excreta, is a waste type usually used to
3) chemical fertilizer : is defined as any inorganic material of wholly or partially synthetic origin that is added to the
soil to sustain plant growth. Many artificial fertilizers contain acids, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, which
tend to increase the acidity of the soil, reduce the soil's beneficial organism population and interfere with plant growth.
4) Pesticide : Pesticides are substances meant for attracting, seducing, and then destroying any pest.
5) Fly ash : Fly ash also known as "pulverised fuel ash in the United Kingdom, is one of the coal combustion products,
composed of the fine particles that are driven out of the boiler with the flue gases
6) Radioactive waste : Radioactive waste is waste that contains radioactive material. Radioactive waste is usually a
by- product of nuclear power generation and other applications of nuclear fission or nuclear technology. such as research
and medicine.
7) Municipal waste : Municipal solid waste (MSW) consists of household waste, construction and demolition debris,
sanitation residue, and waste from streets. With rising urbanization and change in lifestyle and food habits, the amount
of municipal solid waste has been increasing rapidly and its composition changing
CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION
Industrial Activity especially since the amount of mining and manufacturing has increased As a result the industrial
waste lingers in the soil surface for a long time and makes it unsuitable for use.
Agricultural Activities: As a result, they seep into the ground after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility
of the soil. Plants absorb many of these pesticides and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution since they become
a part of the land.
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Waste Disposal: . While Industrial waste, is sure to cause contamination, there is another way in which we are adding
to the pollution. Every human produces a certain amount of personal waste products by way or urine and feces.
Accidental Oil Spills: oil leaks can happen during storage and transport of chemicals This can be seen at most of the
fuel stations .These chemicals can enter into the groundwater through soil and make the water undrinkable.
Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused when pollutants present in the air mixes up with the rain and fall back on the ground.
EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION
1. Effect on Health of Humans: Crops and plants grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then pass
these on to us. This could explain the sudden surge in small and terminal illnesses. Long term exposure to such soil can
affect the genetic make-up of the body, causing congenital illnesses and chronic health problems that cannot be cured
easily.
2. Effect on Growth of Plants: Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the soil changes so radically in a
short period of time. Fungi and bacteria found in the soil that bind it together begin to decline, which creates an additional
problem of soil erosion.
3. Toxic Dust: The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the environment and causes serious effects
on health of some people. The unpleasant smell causes inconvenience to other people.
4. Changes in Soil Structure: The death of many soil organisms (e.g. earthworms) in the soil can lead to alteration in
soil structure. Apart from that, it could also force other predators to move to other places in search of food.
CONTROLS OF SOIL POLLUTION
1.Soil pollutants, present in the domestic sewage can be readily decomposed by the natural processes Le., by the action
of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbes. The industrial effluents and the domestic
sewage should not be allowed to contaminate soil.
2.Proper treatment process should be adopted to treat and degrade the waste materials before its
3. (The solid waste landfill operation is a biological method of treatment and involves the depositingof refuse,
compacting and covering it with a soil.
4. The agricultural residues contain protein, facts, carbohydrates etc., which can be extracted and used Biodegradable
solid wastes are used to generate energy, such as biogas, electricity etc.
NOISE POLLUTION
Noise pollution refers to a type of energy pollution in which distracting, imitating or damaging sounds are freely audible.
Industries, automobiles and some entertainment joints are some of the sources of noise pollution.
Noise pollution is the disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. The
source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines and transportation systems, motor vehicles,
aircraft, and trains Outdoor noise is summarized by the word environmental noise
Indoor noise is caused by machines, building activities, music performances, and especially in some workplaces.
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in blood pressure, and an increase in stress
and vasoconstriction, and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease in animals, noise can increase the risk of
death by altering predator or pray detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation and contribute to
permanent hearing loss.
TYPES OF NOISE POLLUTION
Various types of noise are:
1. Industrial Noise : It is sound with a high intensity sound caused by industry machines. Sources of such noise pollution
are caused by machines from machines in various factories, Industries and mills .
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2. Transport Noise : Transport noise mainly consists of traffic noise from road, rail and aircraft. Noise levels in most
residential areas, in metropolitan cities are hovering around the border line due to increased vehicular noise pollution
This high level of noise pollution leads to deafening in the elderly.
3. Neighborhood noise : This type of noise includes disturbance from household gadgets and community. Common
sources being musical instruments, TV, VCR, Radios, Transistors, Telephones and loudspeakers etc.
CAUSES OF NOISE POLLUTION
Noise pollution is caused by some of the noise producing sources. These are:
1. Industry and machinery : High intensity sound or noise pollution is caused by many machines man has invented
during his technological advances Different machines of numerous factories, Industries and mills produce noise, causing
pollution Mining activity involves blasting of rocks and drilling causing noise pollution to the employee, Welding
activity also cause noise pollution.
Transportation Noise pollution caused by transportation, which includes road traffic, rail traffic and aircraft noise
Neighborhood ; Common noisemakers are musical instruments, TV radio, telephones, washing machines, vacuum
cleaners, fans, mixers, coolers, loud speakers etc. Loudspeakers, bursting of crackers .
.Defense and war: Nuclear tests and explosions
EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION
The effects of noise pollution depend on the intensity, duration and frequency of the sound. Some of the effects of noise
pollution are as follows:
1. Noise pollution cause auditory effects. The threshold of hearing is 0 dB. When sound levels reach 100-120 dB, the
listener describes the sound as uncomfortable and at 130-140 dB actual pain results Exposure to continuous sound of
150 dB may lead to deafness while a sound of (180 dB can even cause death At sound levels below 90 dB, no adverse
effects are observed
2. Noise pollution affects physiological functions, such as, it increases blood pressure hypertension), increased heart
beat rate, neurosis, anxiety, insomnia, cardio-vascular diseases etc.
4. It causes muscle contraction leading to nervous break down, tension and even insanity. It may cause damage to heart,
brain, liver and kidney and it may also produce emotional Disturbances
5. Noise cause interference in speech communication and annoyance
6. It is also injurious to the health of pregnant women and foetus.
7. Noise causes Imitation, dissatisfaction, disinterest, and affects the work performance.
CONTROLS OF NOISE POLLUTION
Measures to control noise can be aimed at one or more of the following stages:
1. Eliminate the sound at the source.
2. Modify the path along, which the sound energy is transmitted.
3.The source-path-receiver forms a linkage system with which we can make attempts at controlling the noise
(a) Controlling unwanted sounds
.(b) Controlling unwanted sounds at receiver
NUCLEAR HAZARDS AND HUMAN HEALTH RISKS
Nuclear pollution is pollution caused by nuclear waste. Nuclear waste consists of radioactive waste from the unusable
radioactive byproducts from the military, scientific and industrial fields.
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Radiation pollution is any form of ionizing or nonionizing radiation that results from human activities .Increased
exposure to medical X rays and to radiation emissions from microwave ovens and other household appliances, although
of considerably less magnitude, all constitute sources of environmental radiation.
CAUSES OF NUCLEAR POLLUTION
1. Nature Source :
Radioactive elements occur naturally in the environment from the weathering of atomic minerals. The natural radiations
include cosmic radiations that are shot from outer space at high velocity, strike the earth continually and penetrate deeply
into the surface. Other type of radiation includes terrestrial radiation from natural isotopes (Uranium, U-238, thorium,
Th-232 and potassium, K-40), which are present in the earth's crust.
2. Man-made Source
Man-made radiations is produced by artificial disintegration of heavy radionuclides. Huge doses of radiations produced
by fission-fusion reactions and other numerous sources add to the natural radiation pollution in the environment
(a) Medical X-rays (Diagnostic and Radiotherapeutic): X-rays are highly penetrating like the gamma rays. On
exposure in the body creates chronic defects in the internal organs and genetic damage
(b) Biomedical wastes : This type of waste originates from hospitals, clinics, research and testing laboratories and drug
companies. These include pathological and surgical wastes, experimental animals and cadavers, discarded bandages,
liners and other infectious wastes, disposable syringes, needles and surgical instruments, contaminated equipment, food
and other waste materials.
(c) Mining and refining: Uranium is recovered as a by-product from gold mining operations. Refining of uranium ore
is an important source of radioactive waste producing radionuclides of radium, bismuth etc..
(d)Nuclear power plants: These plants use radioactive substances as fuel and the waste materials generated has
sufficient power to emit radiation. The fuel fabrications such as pressing, sintering and grinding produce small amount
of uranium oxide waste. This fabrication results in the production of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes as radioactive
pollutants. (0
(e) Nuclear explosion: The radioactive dust that falls to the earth after atomic explosion is known as radioactive fallout
These are the important source of environmental radiation pollution.
EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR POLLUTION
1.Environmental Contamination: Radioactive materials released into the environment can contaminate soil, water
bodies, and air. This contamination can persist for long periods, leading to long-term environmental degradation.
2.Health Risks: Exposure to radioactive substances can have severe health consequences. The extent of damage depends
on the type of radioactive material, the level of exposure, and the duration of exposure. Short-term exposure can cause
acute radiation sickness, while long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other chronic
health issues.
3.Ecological Impact: Nuclear pollution can disrupt entire ecosystems. It can harm plants, animals, and other organisms,
affecting their reproduction, growth, and overall survival. Some species may be more sensitive to radiation and face a
higher risk of extinction.
4.Contaminated Food Chain: Radioactive substances can enter the food chain through contaminated soil and water.
Plants and animals can absorb these substances, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Humans can then
consume these contaminated plants and animals, posing additional health risks.
5.Agricultural and Economic Impact: Radioactive contamination of agricultural land can lead to reduced crop yields
and livestock productivity. This, in turn, can affect food supplies and cause economic losses for farmers and
communities.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NUCLEAR POLLUTION
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Radioactive wastes require royal disposal methods. Proper disposal methods have to be adopted depending on the
toxicity of radionuclides.
These methods are:
1. Dilute and Disperse method: In this method the radioactive wastes can be disposed off by dilution with inert
materials Gases and wastes are diluted to accepted limits and discharged into the atmosphere or water body.
2.Delay and Decay methods : This method is generally employed for medium activity wastes where 2. slow movement
through soil allows time for radio waste to decay
3.Concentrate and Contain method: This method is generally employed for medium activity wastes where slow
movement through soil allows time for radio waste to decay.
4.Reclamation method: The radioactive wastes can also be reclaimed and converted into useful products
5.Immobilization: The waste contaminated b radionuclides can be collected and immobilized by heating, In-tank
solidification, using zeolites and calcinations.
6.. Vitrification: The radioactive substances are stored in underground stainless steel with strict surveillance over
radiation leakage, off gas release and temperature increase.
SOLID WASTE
Solid waste means any garbage, refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant or air
pollution control facility and other discarded materials including solid, liquid, semi-solid or contained gaseous material,
resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations and from community activities
a)Household hazardous waste (HHW): sometimes called retail hazardous waste or "home generated special materials,
is post-consumer waste which qualifies as hazardous waste when discarded.
b) Hospital Waste : Hospital waste is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or
animals or in research activities in these fields or in the production or testing of biologicals. It may include wastes like
sharps, soiled waste, disposables, anatomical waste, cultures, discarded medicines, chemical wastes etc.
c) Insecticide, pesticide, fungicide (from agriculture) :
Pesticide is biological, physical, or chemical agent used to kill plants or animals that are harmful to people; in practice,
the term pesticide is often applied only to chemical agents, Various pesticides are known as Insecticides, nematicides,
fungicides, herbicides, and rodenticides, i.e.. agents primarily effective against insects, nematodes (or roundworms),
fungi, weeds and rodents, respectively.
d) Biomedical :
e) animal and human excreta : These resources which are contained in wastewater, excreta and greywater have
traditionally been reused in agriculture in many countries and are still being reused in agriculture to this day, but the
practice is often carried out in an unregulated and unsafe manner for example in many developing countries (e.g. Mexico,
India, Bangladesh, Ghana.
f) Sediments : Sediment is a naturally occurring material that is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion
and is subsequently transported by the action of wind, water, or ice and/or by the force of gravity acting on the particles.
g) E-waste :
Electronic waste or E-waste, is a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non- working or obsolete and
have essentially reached the end of their useful life
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid wastes are materials which have been rejected from further use
a) Open dumping
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a sanitary landfill, garbage is spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered with clay or plastic foam. In the modem
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
b) Incineration : The term incinerates means to burn something until nothing is left but ashes. An incinerator is a unit
or facility used to bum trash and other types of waste until it is reduced to ash . This process reduces the volumes of
solid waste to 20 to 30 per cent of the original volume.
Incineration and other high temperature waste treatment systems are sometimes described as "thermal treatment.
Incinerators convert waste materials into heat, gas, steam and ash.)
c) Re-use, reclamation, recycle : While recycling is a term generally applied to aluminum cans, glass bottles and
newspapers, water can be recycled as well. Water recycling is reusing treated wastewater for beneficial purposes such
as agricultural and landscape irrigation, Industrial processes, toilet flushing, and replenishing a ground water basin
(referred to as ground water recharge).
d) Composting :
Composting is a biological process in which micro-organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria, convert degradable organic
waste into humus like substance. This finished product, which looks like soll, is high in carbon and nitrogen and is
anexcellent medium for growing plants.

CAUSES OF SOLID WASTE

1. Urban waste
2. industrial waste
3. Agricultural Wastes:
4. E-waste or electronic waste:
5.Ash
6.Other hazardous wastes:
EFFECTS OF SOLID WASTES
1.Environmental pollution: Improper disposal and management of solid waste can lead to environmental pollution.
When waste is not properly contained or treated, it can contaminate soil, water bodies, and air. This pollution can harm
wildlife, aquatic life, and ecosystems.

2.Soil contamination: Solid waste, especially hazardous waste, can contain chemicals and toxins that seep into the soil,
making it unsuitable for agriculture and posing risks to human health if the contaminated soil is used for farming or
living areas.
3.Water pollution: Solid waste can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, polluting water sources. Plastics and other non-
biodegradable materials can take hundreds of years to break down, causing long-term pollution of aquatic environments.
4.Air pollution: Open burning of solid waste and the release of methane gas from landfills contribute to air pollution.
This can result in the release of harmful gases and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory problems and other
health issues for nearby residents.
5.Public health hazards: Improperly managed solid waste can attract pests and rodents, creating breeding grounds for
diseases. It can also lead to the contamination of food and water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne and foodborne
illnesses.
6.Habitat destruction: The disposal of solid waste in natural habitats or the expansion of landfills can lead to the
destruction of ecosystems and displacement of wildlife.
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7.Climate change: Solid waste, particularly organic waste in landfills, generates methane gas during decomposition.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change.
8.Aesthetic and tourism impacts: Accumulation of solid waste in public spaces, along roadsides, and in natural areas
can negatively impact the aesthetics of an area and discourage tourism.
9.Economic costs: Managing and disposing of solid waste can be expensive for local governments and municipalities.
Additionally, the negative environmental and health effects of poorly managed waste can result in increased healthcare
costs and reduced productivity.
CONTROL MEASURES OF URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes, especially of hazardous wastes causes adverse environmental effects. The main
objective of solid waste management is to minimize these adverse effects before it becomes too difficult to rectify in the
future. Solid waste management is a manifold task involving many activities like:
(1) Collection of Solid Wastes
(i) Disposal of Solid Wastes
(i) Waste Utilization
(1) Collection of Solid Wastes :
Collection includes all the activities associated with the gathering of solid wastes and the hauling of the wastes collected
to the location from where the collection vehicle will ultimately transport it to the site of disposal. There are three basic
methods of collection.
(a) Community Storage Point: The municipal refuse is taken to fixed storage bins and stored till the waste collection
agency collects it daily for dis-posal in a vehicle.
(b) Kerbside Collection: In advance of the collection time, the refuse is brought in containers and placed on the footway
from where it is collected by the waste collection agency.
(c) Block Collection: Individuals bring the waste in containers and hand it over to the collection staff
who empties it into the waiting vehicle and re-turns the container to the individuals..
2)Disposal of Solid Wastes
Before the solid waste is ultimately disposed of it is processed in order to im-prove the efficiency of solid waste disposal
system and to recover usable re-sources out of the solid wastes The processing techniques such as compaction Le.
mechanical volume reduction or incineration L thermal volume reduction and manual component sepa-ration Le. manual
sorting of the waste are employed to increase the efficiency of solid waste management.
Due to heterogeneity of the city refuse it is important to select the most appropriate solid waste disposal method keeping
in view the following objectives:
(a) It should be economically viable i.e. the operation and maintenance costs must be carefully assessed.
(b) It should not create a health hazard.
(c) It should not cause adverse environmental effects.
(d) It should not be aesthetically unpleasant Le. it should not result in offend-ing sights, odours and noises.
(e) It should preferably provide opportunities for recycling of materials.
The commonly used methods of disposal are:
(1) Salvage or Manual Component Separation: Before ultimate disposal, the manual separation of solid waste
components is accomplished to achieve the recovery and reuse of materials. Cardboard, news-print, high quality paper,
glass, metals, wood and aluminum cans etc. are Manu-ally sorted out or salvaged either for recycling or for resale.
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(2) Compaction or Mechanical Volume Reduction: After separation of reusable or disposable articles, compacters are
used to com-press the waste materials directly into large containers or to form bales that can be then placed in large
containers. Compaction Increases the useful life of landfills.
(3) Incineration or Thermal Volume Reduction: Highly combustible wastes like plastics, cardboard, paper, rubber and
combustible wastes like cartons, wood scrap, floor sweepings, food wastes etc. are subjected to incineration L.e. burning
at very high temperatures. Incineration results in air pollution and so proper control equipment needs to be installed to
avoid contamination of environment.
In order to make this method economical, the heat generated during incineration is usefully utilized by generating steam
or by putting a waste heat boiler on the incinerator thereby partly recovering the cost of waste collection and disposal.
(4) Open Dumping: Open dumping of solid wastes is done in low lying areas and outskirts of the towns and cities.
Being comparatively cheaper, this method of disposal is used extensively in India.
(5) Sanitary Landing rolled Tipping: Sanitary landfilling involves the disposal of municipal wastes on or in the upper
layers of the earth's mantle especially in degraded areas in need of restoration. In landfilling, the solid wastes are
compacted and spread in thin layers each layer being uniformly covered by a layer of soil. The final layer is covered by
a final cover of about one meter of earth to prevent rodents from
(6) Pyrolysis or Destructive Distillation: In this disposal method, the solid wastes are heated under anaerobic conditions
(i.e. burning without oxygen). The organic components of the solid wastes split up into gaseous liquid and gaseous
fractions (CO, CO2, CH4, tar, charred carbon). Unlike the highly exothermic process of combustion, pyrolysis is a
highly endothermic process and that is why it is also called destructive distillation.
(7) Land farming: In this waste disposal method, the biodegradable industrial wastes are treated by the biological,
physical and chemical processes occurring in the surface of the soil. The organic wastes are either applied on top of the
land or injected below the soil surface with suitable equipment, where they undergo bacterial and chemi-cal
decomposition. At frequent intervals, the land farming sites can be reused without any adverse effects provided the land
farming site is properly managed.
(8) Composting or Biodegradation: Bacterial decomposition of the organic components of the municipal solid wastes
result in formation of humus or compost and the process is known as composting. In this process a compost pile is
constructed by making alternate layers of or-ganic matter and soil (source of micro-organisms).
(e) Waste utilization : helps to generate many useful products which are the basic necessities of life. Resource recovery
or waste utilization is achieved by three techniques: (1) Reuse Le. a given material has multiple uses. (2) Reclamation
Le a component of the waste is recovered for use in a man-ner different from its original use.
(3) Recycling Le, isolating the material from which a given product was made and reintroducing it into the production
cycle for production of the same product.
CAUSES OF SOLID WASTE POLLUTION
Different human activities generate solid wastes. Solid wastes can be broadly classified into the following three
categories depending upon the sources from which solid waste is generated. These are:
1. Urban wastes:.
2.Industrial wastes:
3.Agricultural wastes
4.infectious waste .
5. E-waste or electronic waste:
6. Ash:
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