1372 POLLUTION Compressed

INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT KOLKATA
POLLUTION
For normal and healthy living a conducive environment is required by all the living beings,
including humans, livestock, plants, microorganisms and the wildlife. The favourable
unpolluted environment has a specific composition. When this composition gets changed by
addition of harmful substances, the environment is called polluted environment and the
substances polluting it are called pollutants.
DEFINITION:
Pollution may be defined as an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological
characteristics of air, water and land that may be harmful to human life and other animals,
living conditions, industrial processes and cultural assets. Pollution can be natural or
manmade. The agents that pollute are called pollutants.
Pollutants
Pollutants are by-products of man’s action. The important pollutants are summarised below:
• Deposited matter—Soot, smoke, tar or dust and domestic wastes.
• Gases—CO, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, halogens (chlorine, bromine and iodine).
• Metals—Lead, zinc, iron and chromium.
• Industrial pollutants—Benzene, ether, acetic acid etc., and cyanide compounds.
• Agriculture pollutants—Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers.
• Photochemical pollutants—Ozone, oxides of nitrogen, aldehydes, ethylene, photochemical
smog and proxy acetyl nitrate.
• Radiation pollutants—Radioactive substances and radioactive fall-outs of the nuclear test.
CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL MEASURES OF POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution can, therefore, be defined as any undesirable change in the physical, chemical
or biological characteristics of air, which can cause harmful effects on various forms of life or
property.
Sources of Air Pollution

The sources of air pollution are natural and man-made (anthropogenic).
Course- B.Sc in H&HA Page 1 of 23

Semester 1(EVS); Lesson: Pollution
Natural Sources: The natural sources of air pollution are volcanic eruptions, forest fires, sea
salt sprays, biological decay, photochemical oxidation of terpenes, marshes, extra-terrestrial
bodies, pollen grains of flowers, spores etc. Radioactive minerals present in the earth crust
are the sources of radioactivity in the atmosphere
Man-made sources: Man made sources include thermal power plants, industrial units,
vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning, agricultural activities etc. Thermal power plants have
become the major sources for generating electricity in India as the nuclear power plants could
not be installed as planned. The main pollutants emitted are fly ash and SO2. Metallurgical
plants also consume coal and produce similar pollutants. Fertilizer plants, smelters, textile
mills, tanneries, refineries, chemical industries, paper and pulp mills are other sources of air
pollution.
Automobile exhaust is another major source of air pollution. Automobiles release gases such
as carbon monoxide (about 77%), oxides of nitrogen (about 8%) and hydrocarbons
(about 14%). Heavy duty diesel vehicles spew more NOx and suspended particulate matter
(SPM) than petrol vehicles which produce more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Term Meaning Examples
Aerosol general term for particles suspended in air Sprays from pressurized
cans
Mist Aerosol consisting of liquid droplets Sulfuric acid mist
Dust Aerosol consisting of solid particles that are blown into Dust storm
the air or are produced from larger particles by
grinding them down
Smoke Aerosol consisting of solid particles or a mixture of solid Cigarette smoke,

smoke
and liquid particles produced by chemical
reaction such from burning garbage as fires
Fume Generally means the same as smoke but often applies Zinc/lead fumes
specifically, to aerosols produced by condensation of
hot vapors of metals.
Plume Geometrical shape or form of the smoke coming out of

a chimney
Fog Aerosol consisting of water droplets
Smog Term used to describe a mixture of smoke and fog
Effects of air pollution:

Effect on Plants
(i) SO2 causes chlorosis and also results in the death of cells and tissues.
(ii) Fluorides and PAN damage leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.
(iii) Oxides of nitrogen and fluorides reduce crop yield.
(iv) Smog bleaches and blaze foliage of important leafy plants.
(v) Hydrocarbons cause premature yellowing, fall of leave and flower buds, discoloration and
curling of sepals and petals.
(vi) Smoke and dust cover the leaf surface and reduce photosynthetic capacity of plants.
(vii) Ozone damages cereals, fruits, and cotton crop.

Effect on Man
The effect of pollutants on animals and man are as follows-
(i) Ozone causes dryness of mucous membranes, changes eye vision, causes headache,
pulmonary congestion, and oedema.
(ii) Ozone has been reported to produce chromosomal aberrations.
(iii) SO2 causes drying of mouth, scratchy throat, smarting eyes and disorders of respiratory
tract.
(iv) SO3, CO and NO2 diffuse into blood stream and reduce oxygen transport. CO damages
cardiovascular system. Hydrocarbons and other pollutants act, as carcinogens and lead to
different cancers.
(v) Cotton dust leads to respiratory disorders e.g. bronchitis and asthma.
(vi) Smoking of tobacco causes cancerous growth in lungs
Change in Climate
CO2 content of air is increasing due to deforestation and combustion of fuel. This increase is
affecting the composition and balance of gases in the atmosphere. Increase in CO2
concentration may increase the atmospheric temperature, producing green-house effect A rise
of global temperature by more than 2-3 degrees may melt glaciers and polar ice. This would
lead to a rise in ocean level and consequent flooding and submergence of coastal areas.
Rainfall pattern may also change, affecting agricultural output in various regions of’ the
world. Aerosols deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere. Thinning of ozone layer would
permit more of the harmful ultraviolet rays to reach the earth. This may cause, sunburn,
blindness and inactivation of proteins, RNA, DNA and plant pigments.
Aesthetic Loss
Dust and smoke spoils the beauty of nature. Especially the mountain environments, which
serve as a great attraction for tourists. Foul odours emitted by industries, automobiles dirty
drains and garbage heaps in cities are a great nuisance.
Control of Air Pollution:
Following measures have been suggested to control air pollution-
(i) Some gases, which are more soluble in a particular liquid than air, for example, ammonia
in water, can be separated by dissolving in it
(ii) Particles larger than 50 mm are separated in gravity settling tanks. Using cyclone
collectors or electrostatic precipitators separates fine particles.
(iii) The height of chimneys should .be increased to the highest possible level to reduce
pollution at the ground level.
(iv) SO2 pollution can be controlled by extracting sulphur from the fuel before use.
(v) Pollution control laws should be enforced strictly.
(vi) Trees should be planted on the roadside, riverbanks, parks and’ open places as they keep
the environment fresh.
(vii) Population growth, which is the main cause of pollution should be checked.
(viii) Nuclear explosions should be restricted
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WATER POLLUTION
Any physical, biological or chemical change that degrades the water quality results in water
pollution. Water being a universal solvent can dissolve various types of substances in it. For
this property, contamination of water becomes inevitable.
Sources of Water Pollution
(i) Domestic sewage This includes household’s wastes like food wastes, synthetic
detergents used for washing clothes and cleaning bathrooms and latrines and
water-based paints.

(ii) Industrial effluents The industrial wastes are discharged in the adjoining rivers
and streams through flush lines of factories. The textiles, sugar and fertilizers
factories, oil refineries, drugs manufacture, rubber, and rayon fibers, the paper
industries and the chemical factories all produce Chemical pollution.
(iii) Agricultural source Increased use of fertilizers has become essential for high
yielding crop plants. Excess of nitrates used as fertilizers seep into ground water is
carried into lakes and pond. On entering the drinking water supply system these
create several health problems.
(iv) Pesticides These include insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, rodenticides,
herbicides and soil fumigants. These contain chlorinated hydrocarbons,
organophosphates, metallic salts, carbonates, acetic acid derivatives etc. many
pesticides are non-degradable. They pass through the food chains and accumulate
in fatty tissues thus causing several health hazards.
(v) Thermal pollution Power plants and nuclear power stations are the main sources
of thermal pollution of water where water is used for cooling and becomes hot.
The hot water on entering the main water body raises its temperature, which kills
fishes and other aquatic animals and increases the rate of respiration in aquatic
plants.
(vi) Pathogenic organisms Sewage and domestic waste from houses introduces
pathogenic organisms viz., protozoa, worms-eggs and bacteria into water. This
contaminated water if consumed causes jaundice, typhoid, dysentery, cholera,
tuberculosis etc.
(vii) Mineral oils Oil from oil spills and washings of automobiles finds way into river
water through sewers.
(viii) Underground water pollution Underground water particularly in cities and
industrial areas is no purer and safer. The sources of underground water pollution
are sewage, seepage, pits, industrial effluents, septic tanks, fertilizers and
pesticides, garbage etc.
(ix) Marine water pollution River and stream network sources of water ultimately
end up ocean and seas. Thus, these acts as the sink of all natural and man-made
water-based pollutants. The main sources of oceanic pollution are discharges of
oil, greases, petroleum products, detergents, sewage and garbage including
radioactive wastes

Effect of Water Pollutants

The main effects of water pollutants are:
1. Compounds of mercury, arsenic and lead are poisonous and chemically harmful as
they even affect water treatment plants e.g. organic sulphur compounds interfere with
nitrification.
2. Mercury when dissolved in water is absorbed by aquatic plants and enters the food
chain. Lead impairs metabolism and brings about congenital deformities, anaemia etc.
3. Cadmium damages kidneys and liver.
4. Inorganic nitrates and phosphates promote growth of oxygen-consuming algae, which
result in the death of fishes and other aquatic animals.
5. Presence of dyes and compounds in the discharged water changes the color of water.
6. Soap, detergents and, alkalis result in foam formation.
7. Industrial effluents containing iron, free chlorine, phenol, manganese, oils,
hydrocarbons, ammonia, algae and microorganisms impair the taste and odours of
water.
8. The nitrates and phosphates dissolved in water accelerate the growth of
microorganisms, which consume much of the dissolved oxygen depriving fish and
other aquatic life (Eutrophication).
9. Biomagnifications is the increase of toxic materials at each tropic level of a food
chain
Control of water pollution

(i) Separate ponds and tanks to be used for cattle and animals.
(ii) Use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers should be done judiciously. Rapid
biodegradable substitutes for pesticides should be employed.

(iii) In towns where sewage facilities are not available, septic tanks should be made in the
houses.
(iv) Rivers and lakes should not be used for bathing or washing as it contaminates water.
(v) Domestic sewage and industrial wastes should be treated before discharging them into
drains.
Treatment of waste Water

Domestic sewage and industrial wastes should be properly treated before these are drained in
the mainstream water. Treatment involves the following two steps:
(i) Sewage treatment: It involves following steps:
Primary treatment. It involves physical processing of sedimentation, flotation and filtration
where sewage water is passed through screens to remove larger particles and then through
grinding mechanism to reduce the larger particles to smaller size. The sewage is finally
passed through settling tanks to remove suspended impurities.
Secondary treatment. Sewage obtained after primary treatment is sent to aeration tank
where it is mixed with air and sludge laden with bacteria and algae. The algae provide
oxygen to the bacteria and decompose organic matter into simple compounds. Chlorination is
finally done to remove bacteria. Tertiary treatment. In the third and last step water is passed
through ion exchangers to remove dissolved salts.
(ii)Treatment of industrial effluents Treatment of industrial effluents involves

neutralization of acids and bases, removal of toxic compounds, coagulation of colloidal
impurities, precipitation of metallic compounds and reducing the temperature of effluents to
decrease thermal pollution.
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SOIL POLLUTION
Like water and air, soil is also equally important for living organisms. It supports plants on
which. all other living organisms depend. The process of soil formation is so slow that the
soil may be regarded as a non-renewable source. Therefore, the study and control of soil
pollution is important. Any substance that reduces soil productivity is called soil pollutant.
Sources of Soil Pollution
There are several materials, which adversely affect physical, chemical and biological
properties of the soil and thus reduce its productivity. These are
1. Chemicals present in industrial waste.
2. Pesticides and insecticides that are sprayed on crops. .
3. Fertilizers and manures that are added to the soil to increase the crop yield.
Effect of Soil Pollutants
Chemicals and pesticides affect the structure and fertility of soil by killing the soil
microorganisms. Pesticides are absorbed by the plants and then transferred to other organism.
Hence, they affected food chains and food webs. Excretory products of livestock and human
beings used as manure pollute the soil besides giving high yield. The faulty sanitation and
unhygienic practices of the people add to the soil pollution. Pathogens present in the wastes
and excreta contaminate the soil and vegetable crops causing diseases in man and
domesticated animals.
Types of Soil Pollution
It is of the following types-
(i)Positive soil pollution: Reduction in the productivity of soil due to the addition of
undesirable substances like pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, etc. is called positive pollution.
These pollutants have cumulative effect and kill the soil organisms.
(ii) Negative soil pollution: It is caused by the removal useful components from soil by
erosion, deforestation, and improper methods of agriculture.
Salination of Soil: Increase in the concentration of soluble salts is called salination. This
adversely affects the quality and productivity of soil. It takes place in two ways:
accumulation of salts dissolved in irrigation water on the soil surface due to intensive farming
and poor drainage, and deposition of salts as white crust during summer months drawn by
capillary action from the lower surface to the top surface.

Control of Soil Pollution

Various measure to control soil pollution are:
1. Transfer stations for bulk shifting of refuse should be constructed in cities and big
towns.
2. Pneumatic pipes should be laid for collecting and disposing wastes.
3. Materials like paper, glass and plastics can be recycled.
4. Metals should be recovered from scrap and disposed materials.
5. Use of chemical fertilizers should be reduced using bio fertilizers and manures.
6. Use of pesticides can be reduced by adopting biological control of pests.
7. Use of cattle dung and agricultural wastes in biogas plants should be encouraged.
8. Deforestation can largely check soil erosion.
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NOISE POLLUTION
Sound is the medium for communication. It is almost impossible to lead our day-to-day life
without sound. However, sound is annoying and harmful if it becomes noise. Noise is any
unwanted or exceedingly high levels of sound that can annoy, cause stress or impair the
hearing ability. The main sources of noise are industrial operations, machines, vehicles,
railways, aircrafts, military arms and ammunition, construction work and recreational
appliances. Loudness or the intensity of the sound is measured by measuring on a scale called
decibel (db).
Effect of Noise Pollution
1. Constant noise affects a man physically and mentally. Physical effects include blood
vessels to contract, skin to become pale, muscles to constrict and rise in blood pressure
leading to tension and nervousness.
2. High intensity sound emitted by industrial plants, bottling machines, supersonic aircrafts,
when continued for long periods of time not only disturbs but also permanently damages
hearing.
3. Offices, industries and crowded places where constant noise prevails can produce temper
tantrums, headaches, fatigue and nausea.
4. Loud and sudden noise affect the brain. Intermittent noise leads higher incidence of
psychiatric illness and a danger to health of pregnant mothers and small infants.
5. Noise has harmful effects on non-living materials too, e.g. cracks develop under the stress
of explosive sound.
Control of Noise Pollution

Following methods can control noise pollution:
1. Limited use of loudspeakers and amplifiers.
2. Excursing control over noise producing vehicles.
3. Industrial workers should be provided with ear plugs.
4. Delocalisation of noisy industries far away from dwelling units.
5. Within a radius of 10 miles of airport, no buildings or factories should be allowed.
6. Plants and trees should be planted all around the hospitals, libraries and schools and
colleges.
7. Personal protection against noise can be taken by using, cotton plugs in the ear.
THERMAL POLLUTION
Thermal pollution occurs when the temperatures of a water body or air in the atmosphere are
raised or lowered and subsequently deviate from normal levels. If the temperature of tropical
oceans is lowered by even one degree, the environment can become lethal to some corals and
some reef species. Raising the water temperature can have similar effects on sensitive
organisms.
The increase in water temperature by industrial units such as steel and iron factories, electric
powerhouses and atomic power plants may be called as thermal pollution. Some of the
industries generate their own power supply where water is used to cool the generators. This
hot water is released into the main stream, causing a warming trend of surface waters. If the
drainage is poorly flushed, a permanent increase in the temperature may result.
Effects:
Many organisms are killed instantly by the hot water resulting into a high mortality. It may
bring other disturbance in the ecosystem. The eggs of fish may hatch early or fail to hatch at
all.
Tropical marine animals are generally unable to withstand a temperature increase of 2 to 30 C
and most sponges, molluscs and crustaceans are eliminated at temperatures above 370 C. This
results in a change in the diversity of fauna as only those species that can live in warmer
water survive.
Control measures:
 Thermal pollution can be controlled by passing the heated water through a cooling
pond or a cooling tower after it leaves the condenser.
 construct a large shallow pond. Hot water is pumped into one end of the pond and
cooler water is removed from the other end. The heat gets dissipated from the pond
into the atmosphere.

 Another method is to use a cooling tower. These structures take up less land area than
the ponds. Here most of the heat transfer occurs through evaporation.
NUCLEAR HAZARD
Nuclear energy can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the way in which it is used.
We routinely use X-rays to examine bones for fractures, treat cancer with radiation and
diagnose diseases with the help of radioactive isotopes. Approximately 17 % of the electrical
energy generated in the world comes from nuclear power plants. However, on the other hand
it is impossible to forget the destruction that nuclear bombs caused the cities of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki. The radioactive wastes from nuclear energy have caused serious
environmental damage.
Today however though nuclear power is being used as a reliable source of electricity the
above statement sounds highly optimistic. Several serious accidents have caused worldwide
concern about safety and disposal of radioactive wastes.
The degree and the kind of damage from nuclear accidents vary with the kind of radiation,
the amount of radiation, the duration of exposure and the types of cells irradiated. Radiation
can also cause mutations which are changes in the genetic makeup of the cells.
MARINE POLLUTION
Oceans are the ultimate sink of pollutants that are either directly dumped in the form of
wastes or reach there as run-offs through streams, canals or rivers or accidental spills like oil
spill. Major pollution of marine waters occurs near the coastlines where large cities, harbours
and industrial centres are situated. The pollution of oceans, seas, estuaries, salt marshes and
other similar water bodies is called as marine or ocean pollution.
About 25% of the total Indian population lives in coastal areas and dependent on marine
resources. The kind of pollutants encountered here are sewage, municipal discharge,
agricultural run-offs, sludge, industrial effluents, waste heat generated from industries during
cooling, processes, oil spills and discharge from marine vessels, oil and grease discharge
from shipping industry and accidental discharge of oil from tankers.
The floating oil can coat the feathers of marine birds, especially diving birds and few of
marine mammals such as seals and others. This oil coating destroys the animal’s natural
insulation and buoyancy, and most of them drown or die of exposure from loss of body heat.
Marine pollution is also causing immense harm to coral reefs. Millions of tonnes of plastics
reach the oceans. Researchers estimate as much as 2,45,000 tonnes of plastics floating on sea
water, but there is also considerable down below. Plastics have also been found in the
stomach of sea birds and fish.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Solid waste (waste other than liquid or gaseous) can be classified as municipal, industrial,
agricultural, medical, mining waste and sewage sludge.
Sources of Urban and Industrial Wastes
Urban waste consists of medical waste from hospitals; municipal solid wastes from homes,
offices, markets (commercial waste) small cottage units, and horticulture waste from parks,
gardens, orchards etc.
• Waste from homes (Domestic waste) contains a variety of discarded materials like
polyethylene bags, empty metal and aluminium cans, scrap metals, glass bottles, waste paper,
diapers, cloth/rags, food waste etc.
• Waste from shops mainly consists of waste paper, packaging material, cans, bottles,
polyethylene bags, peanut shells, eggshells, tea leaves etc.
• Biomedical waste includes anatomical wastes, pathological wastes, infectious wastes etc.
• Construction/demolition waste includes debris and rubbles, wood, concrete etc.
• Horticulture waste and waste from slaughter houses include vegetable parts, residues and
remains of slaughtered animals, respectively.
• Industrial waste: Industrial waste consists of many materials including factory rubbish,
packaging material, organic wastes, acids, alkalis, and metals etc. During some industrial
processing large quantities of hazardous and toxic materials are also produced. The main
sources of industrial wastes are chemical industries, metal and mineral processing industries.
Radioactive wastes are generated by nuclear power plants. Thermal power plants produce fly
ash in large quantities. Solid wastes from other types of industries include scrap metal,
rubber, plastic, paper, glass, wood, oils, paints, asphalt, tars, dyes, scrap leather, ceramics,
abrasives, slag, heavy metals, asbestos, batteries. The urban solid waste materials that can be
degraded by micro-organisms are called biodegradable wastes. Examples of this type of
waste are vegetable wastes, stale food, tea leaves, egg shells, peanut shells, dry leaves etc.
Wastes that cannot be degraded by microorganisms are called non-biodegradable wastes. For
example, polyethylene bags, scrap metal, glass bottles etc.
The urban solid waste materials that can be degraded by micro-organisms are called
biodegradable wastes. Examples of this type of waste are vegetable wastes, stale food, tea
leaves, egg shells, peanut shells, dry leaves etc. Wastes that cannot be degraded by
microorganisms are called non-biodegradable wastes. For example, polyethylene bags,
scrap metal, glass bottles etc.

Effect of Solid Waste: Municipal solid wastes heap up on the roads due to improper
disposal system. People clean their own houses and litter their immediate surroundings which
affects the community including themselves. This type of dumping allows biodegradable
materials to decompose under uncontrolled and unhygienic conditions. This produces foul
smell and breeds various types of insects and infectious organisms besides spoiling the
aesthetics of the site.
Industrial solid wastes are sources of toxic metals and hazardous wastes, which may spread
on land and can cause changes in physico-chemical and biological characteristics thereby
affecting productivity of soils. Toxic substances may leach or percolate to contaminate the
ground water.
Various types of wastes like cans, pesticides, cleaning solvents, batteries (zinc, lead or
mercury) radioactive materials, plastics are mixed up with paper, scraps and other non-toxic
materials which could be recycled. Burning of some of these materials produce dioxins,
furans and polychlorinated biphenyls, which have the potential to cause various types of
ailments including cancer.
Control measures of urban and industrial wastes: An integrated waste

management strategy includes three main components:
1. Source reduction
2. Recycling
3. Disposal
Source reduction is one of the fundamental ways to reduce waste. This can be done by
using less material when making a product, reuse of products on site, designing products or
packaging to reduce their quantity. On an individual level we can reduce the use of
unnecessary items while shopping, buy items with minimal packaging, avoid buying
disposable item and also avoid asking for plastic carry bags.
Recycling is reusing some components of the waste that may have some economic value.
Recycling has readily visible benefits such as conservation of resources reduction in energy
used during manufacture and reducing pollution levels. Some materials such as aluminium
and steel can be recycled many times.
The problems associated with recycling are either technical or economical. Plastics are
difficult to recycle because of the different types of polymer resins used in their production.
Since each type has its own chemical makeup different plastics cannot be recycled together.
Thus, separation of different plastics before recycling is necessary.
Disposal of solid waste is done most commonly through a sanitary landfill or through
incineration. A modern sanitary landfill is a depression in an impermeable soil layer that is
lined with an impermeable membrane. The three key characteristics of a municipal sanitary
landfill that distinguish it from an open dump are:
• Solid waste is placed in a suitably selected and prepared landfill site in a carefully
prescribed manner.
• The waste material is spread out and compacted with appropriate heavy machinery.
• The waste is covered each day with a layer of compacted soil.

Role of an Individual in Prevention of Pollution

Ways and means by which pollution problems can be greatly reduced at individual level are:
1. Masses at personal level should determine to consume optimum level of resources, which
would lead a comfortable life. Because excessive resource consumption is in some way
related to pollution problems and hazards (natural and anthropogenic both).
2. Waste disposal at personal level should be optimally reduced as waste destruction by any
means causes pollution.
3. Maintenance of vehicles should remain proper as to avoid introduction of harmful gases
and other pollutants in to the atmosphere.
4. Generators and other household gadgets that add to pollution of environment should be
kept well maintained.
5. Use of chemical fertilizers should be limited as to avoid water pollution e.g. DDT
6. Timely disposal of waste to prevent decomposition of household refuge as to check foul
odours and spread of disease by insects, flies and other pathogenic bacteria.
7. Industrialists should check for proper disposal of treated water from factory units as to
avoid thermal pollution of water bodies. They should also deploy a water treatment plant to
prevent the flow of hazardous material.
8. Service centres of vehicles should minimize the disposal of organic solvents into the main
drains.
9. Music lovers should listen and operate their music systems at optimum levels as to avoid
noise pollution
Case Study: Bhopal Gas Tragedy
In 1969, as part of its global empire, Union Carbide Corporation set up its pesticide
formulation unit in the northern end of the city of Bhopal in central India. In December 1979,
its Methyl Iso Cyanate (MIC) plant with an installed capacity of 5000 tonnes went into
production. On the night of December 2, 1984 during routine maintenance operations in the
plant, at about 9.30 p.m., a large quantity of water carrying catalytic material entered Methyl
Iso Cyanate (MIC) storage tank no. 610. In the early hours of December 3 forty tons of toxic
gases were released from the plant as a result of contamination of the storage tank and spread
throughout the city. The result was a nightmare that still has not ended. No alarm ever
sounded a warning and no evacuation plan was prepared. The gas leak lasted less than 1 hour,
yet the accident killed about 2500 people. About 100,000 were seriously injured by the gas
which causes burns on contact and severe irritation to eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Only a
few ppm of inhaled gas causes violent coughing, swelling of lungs, bleeding and death.
Some of the findings of ICMR on the health status of the persons who directly or indirectly
suffered by the exposure are as follows:
Fibrosis of the lungs, neurotic depression, anxiety and psychosis was reported in 22.6% of
exposed people.
Studies from 1987 to 89 show that gas exposed children (up to age 5 years at the time of
disaster) suffered two to four times more from fever, breathlessness, vomiting, and cough
compared to children among similar unexposed populations.
As late as in1990, spontaneous abortion rates among the exposed women were more than
three times that among unexposed women.
Minamata-An important lesson about Mercury

A case of human mercury poisoning which occurred about forty years ago in the Minamata
bay in Japan taught the world an important lesson about the dangers of mercury poisoning. A
large plastics plant located near the Minamata bay used a mercury containing compound in a
reaction to produce vinyl chloride a common plastic material. The left-over mercury was
dumped into the Bay along with other wastes from the plant.
Though the mercury was in its less toxic inorganic state when dumped microorganisms at the
bottom of the bay converted the mercury into its organic form. This organic mercury then
entered the tissues of fish which were in turn consumed by the people living in the area. The
contaminated fish thus caused an outbreak of poisoning killing and affecting several people.
Mothers who had eaten the contaminated fish gave birth to infants who showed signs of
mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning is thus called Minamata Disease.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Loss of life and property due to natural disasters like tropical cyclones, floods, droughts,
tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions etc, is very large. Fortunately warning facilities
are available today and by mitigation measures, loss of lives and properties can be
minimized. National Meteorological Services of the world to provide warnings to the public
for some of the weather-related natural disasters.
Floods
Floods are defined as a relatively high flow of water discharged from river and stream
network, which sets the riverbank margins to overflow and lead to the inundation of low land
areas surrounding the riverbed. It is essentially a physical phenomenon. Floods arise from
abnormally heavy rains, dam failures, snow melts, river blockages. Flood disasters rank
second only to droughts in the total number of people affected worldwide.
Flood Control
1. Depth and width of the riverbed could be increased as its capacity to carry larger loads
increases manifold and thus reduce the area of the flood plain.
2. A network of canals can be established from the river systems, which generally leads to
floods. This would also benefit the agricultural economy/ section. Care must be taken in the
design and construction because of the possible environmental impact and necessary safety
features.
3. Reservoirs should be made for storing floodwater and releasing them at manageable rates.
This would require careful engineering. Dams, and reservoirs would further lead to
generation of resources.
4. Newly constructed residential as well commercial buildings should have foundations,
which are strong enough to respond to flood conditions.

5. Rivers and streambeds should be stabilized with stone, masonry or vegetation at the banks.
This should strictly be followed where rivers pass through cities, specially near bridges.
Post Disaster Requirements

The initial response to flooding authorities/community should include:
Search and Rescue operations, water provision, Medical assistance, Disaster epidemiological
surveillance assessment, food and temporary shelter.
The secondary response should include:
Reconstruction of houses, equipment and tools, supply Creation of employment, of animals,
and assist with Assistance to farmers, recovery of small business Distribution of farm and
fisheries.
Earthquakes
An earthquake is a major demonstration of the power of the tectonic forces caused by
endogenetic thermal conditions of the interior of the earth. An earthquake is a motion of the
ground surface, ranging from a faint tremor to a wild motion capable of shaking buildings
apart and causing gaping fissures to open in the ground.
Causes of Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused mainly due to disequilibria in any part of the crust of the earth.
Several causes have been assigned to cause disequilibria in the earth’s crust such as volcanic
eruptions, faulting and folding, gaseous expansion and contraction inside the earth,
hydrostatic pressure of man-made water bodies like reservoirs and lakes, and plate
movements.
Effects of Earthquake hazardous
Earthquakes and their hazards are determined on the basis of the magnitude of seismic
intensity as determined by Richter scale but are decided in the basis of quantum of damages
done by a specific earthquake to human lives and property.
(i) Landslides: Weaker landmasses and tectonically sensitive land margins cause
landslides and debris falls, which damage settlements and transport systems on the
lower slope segments.
(ii) Damage to Life and property: Structures such as buildings, roads, rails,
factories, dams, bridges suffer a huge damage thus causing a heavy loss of human
life and property both. The vibrations of earthquakes last longer and the
amplitudes of seismic waves are greater artificially in filled and leveled
depressions, swamp deposits etc. than in the structures of consolidated materials
and bedrocks.
(iii) Damages to Government Infrastructure: Cities and towns are worst affected
due to large concentration of human population, commercial complexes, and
residential areas. Due to collapse of large buildings, there is greater loss of life and
property. Due to collapse of buildings ground water pipes are bent and damaged
thus water supply is disrupted, electric and telephone poles are uprooted and there
is total disruption of power and communication. Other side effects are collapsed
sewer system causing epidemics, roadblocks etc
(iv) Fire Hazard: Earthquakes strongly shake the buildings and thus strong
oscillations cause severe fires in houses, mines and factories because of
overturning of cooking gas cylinders, contact of live electric wires, churning of
blast furnaces, displacement of other electric and firer elated appliances.
(v) Flash Floods: Strong seismic events result in the damages of dams and cause
severe flash floods. Severe floods are also caused because of blocking of water
flow of rivers due to rock blocks and debris produced by severe tremors on the hill
slopes facing the river valleys.
(vi) Tsunamis: The seismic waves, caused by the earthquakes traveling through
seawater, generate high sea waves and cause great loss of life and property. Since
the Pacific Ocean is girdled by the earthquakes and volcanoes tsunamis are more
common in the pacific with a minimum frequency of 2 tsunamis per year.
CYCLONES
Tropical cyclones are the worst natural hazards in the tropics. Cyclones claim many lives and
cause immense damage to property every year. Cyclones are caused in the tropical belt when
sea water gets heated up to 27 C and more, so that low pressure areas develop above the
water levels. The low-pressure areas remain stationary for three to four days and draw energy

from the sea surface. As the pressure in the centre falls, the wind speed increases and cloud
burst starts spiralling around the centre causing squalls. As the pressure falls in the centre, the
winds in the surrounding areas rush inwards creating spirally moving storms. The cyclone
then moves landward towards areas of lowest pressure. Strong winds and heavy rain destroy
and annihilate weather comes in their way.
Today, with the advancement in weather prediction techniques, remote sensing satellites and
cooperation between countries in sharing information on weather conditions, it is possible to
predict the birth of a cyclone and monitor its movements to pinpoint the area where it is
likely to hit the coast. Despite this, the damage caused is very severe, the well-planned relief
operations going haywire in the last minute.
Although one cannot control cyclones, the effects of cyclones can be mitigated through
effective and efficient mitigation policies and strategies. A brief description of the same is
given below.
Installation of early warning systems: Such systems fitted along the coastlines can greatly
assist forecasting techniques thus helping in early evacuation of people in the storm surge
areas.
Developing communication infrastructure: Communication plays a vital role in cyclone
disaster mitigation and yet this is one of the first services that gets disrupted during cyclones.
Amateur Radio has today emerged as a second line unconventional communications systems
and is an important tool for disaster mitigation.
Developing shelter belts: Shelter belts with plantations of trees can act as effective wind and
tide breakers. Apart from acting as effective windbreakers and protecting soil crops from
being damaged they prevent soil erosion.
Developing community cyclone shelters: Cyclone shelters at strategic locations can help
minimizing the loss of human life. In the normal course these shelters can be used as public
utility buildings.
Construction of permanent houses: There is a need to build appropriately designed
concrete houses that can withstand high winds and tidal waves.
Training and education: Public awareness programs that inform the population about their
response to cyclone warnings and preparedness can go a long way in reducing causalities.
Land use control and settlement planning: No residential and industrial units should be
ideally permitted in the coastal belt of 5 km from the sea as it is the most vulnerable belt. No
further growth of settlements in this region should allowed. Major settlements and other
important establishments should be located beyond 10 km from the sea.
LANDSLIDES
Landslides are recurring phenomena in the Himalayan region. In the recent years however
intensive construction activity and the destabilizing forces of nature have aggravated the
problem. Landslides occur because of changes on a slope, sudden or gradual, either in its
composition, structure, hydrology, or vegetation. The changes can be due to geology, climate,
weathering, land-use, and earthquakes.
A significant reduction in the hazards caused by landslides can be achieved by preventing the
exposure of population and facilities to landslides and by physically controlling the
landslides. Developmental programs that involve modification of the topography,
exploitation of natural resources and change in the balance load on the ground should not be
permitted. Some critical measures that could be undertaken to prevent further landslides are
drainage measures, erosion control measures such a bamboo check dams, terracing, jute and
coir netting and rockfall control measures such as grass plantation, vegetated dry masonry
wall, retaining wall and most importantly preventing deforestation and improving
afforestation.
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Reference and Authorship
 Sources
o From Book
Source: Adapted from Text book of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses,
3rd Edition
Source: Adapted from Environmental Science by Dr. Y.K Singh
Creator of hand out- Mohona Gupta Majumdar, IHM Kolkata



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INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT KOLKATA

CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL MEASURES OF POLLUTION

Sources of Air Pollution

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Term Meaning Examples

Mist Aerosol consisting of liquid droplets Sulfuric acid mist

Smoke Aerosol consisting of solid particles or a mixture of solid Cigarette smoke,

Plume Geometrical shape or form of the smoke coming out of

Fog Aerosol consisting of water droplets

Smog Term used to describe a mixture of smoke and fog

Effects of air pollution:

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Effect of Water Pollutants

Control of water pollution

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Treatment of waste Water

(ii)Treatment of industrial effluents Treatment of industrial effluents involves

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Control of Soil Pollution

Control of Noise Pollution

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Course- B.Sc in H&HA Page 12 of 23

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Course- B.Sc in H&HA Page 13 of 23

Control measures of urban and industrial wastes: An integrated waste

Course- B.Sc in H&HA Page 15 of 23

Role of an Individual in Prevention of Pollution

Minamata-An important lesson about Mercury

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Post Disaster Requirements

Course- B.Sc in H&HA Page 20 of 23

Reference and Authorship

Source: Adapted from Environmental Science by Dr. Y.K Singh

Creator of hand out- Mohona Gupta Majumdar, IHM Kolkata

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Course- B.Sc in H&HA Page 23 of 23

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