Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Control

Assignment – 3
V sai rohith – vp22mgmt0100105
1) **Environmental Standards: **

Environmental standards are regulations or guidelines set by governments or regulatory agencies

to establish acceptable levels of pollutants and other environmental parameters in order to protect
human health and the environment. Two examples of environmental standards include:

a) **Air Quality Standards: ** These standards specify acceptable concentrations of pollutants in

the air. For instance, the Ambient Air Quality Standards in the United States set limits for pollutants
like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO),
and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to ensure air quality that is safe for human health.

b) **Water Quality Standards: ** Water quality standards dictate water bodies' allowable levels of
contaminants. For example, the Clean Water Act in the U.S. establishes criteria for parameters such
as dissolved oxygen, pH, and the concentration of specific pollutants like lead, mercury, and bacteria
in rivers, lakes, and streams.

2) **Assessment of Pollution in Air and Water: **

Pollution assessment involves monitoring and measuring pollutant levels in the air and water. In the
case of air pollution, this can be done through air quality monitoring stations that measure
concentrations of various air pollutants. Water pollution assessment typically involves water
sampling and laboratory analysis to determine the presence and concentration of contaminants in
surface waters or groundwater. The assessment helps regulatory authorities identify pollution
sources, assess compliance with environmental standards, and develop pollution control and
mitigation strategies.

3) **Assessment of Soil and Radioactive Pollution: **

Assessing soil pollution involves sampling and analysing soil samples to identify and quantify
pollutants. Common contaminants in soil include heavy metals, pesticides, and organic chemicals.
Radioactive pollution assessment measures the environment's presence and concentration of
radioactive isotopes. This is done through radiological surveys, sampling, and laboratory analysis to
determine the extent of contamination and potential risks. Geophysical methods may also be used to
assess soil and radioactive pollution.

4) **Role of Biotechnology in Pollution Control: **

 Biotechnology plays a crucial role in pollution control by offering innovative solutions for the
treatment and remediation of polluted environments. Biotechnological approaches use
microorganisms, enzymes, or genetically modified organisms to degrade or detoxify pollutants. For
instance, bioremediation employs naturally occurring microorganisms to break down or remove
contaminants in soil and water. Biotechnology can also be used to develop biofilters, biodegradable
materials, and microbial sensors for pollution monitoring and control.