Environmental Science

Environmental Pollution
 Environmental Pollution
• Pollution:
• Pollution is derived from Latin word “Polluere” which means “to contaminate” any feature of
environment.
• Environmental pollution:
• Environmental pollution may be defined as the unfavorable alteration of our surroundings. It
changes the quality of our air, water and land thus interferes with the health of human beings
and other life on earth.
• Pollutants:
• The agents which cause environmental pollution are called as pollutants. These are the
materials or factors which cause adverse effect on the natural quality of any component of
the environment.
• For Example:
• The smoke from industries and automobiles, chemicals from factories, sewage from houses
and discarded household articles are the common pollutants.
 Environmental Pollution
• Types of pollutants:

Types of pollutants
according to:
1. Form in which they A) Primary pollutants: B)Secondary pollutants:
release They persist in which formed by the interaction
form they are added to with the primary
environment e.g; pollutants e.g; NO2 and
CO,CO2,SO2 NO3 reactwith moisture to
give nitric acid.

2. Existence in nature A) Quantitative B) Qualitative pollutants:

pollutants: They are These do not occur in
present in nature and nature and are man made
become pollutant e.g; fungicide, herbicides,
when their DDT etc.
concentration reaches
beyond threshold level
e.g;CO2and NO2
 Environmental Pollution
3. Nature of disposal A) Biodegradable B) Non- biodegradable:
pollutants: Wastes which pollutants which are not
are degraded by the action decomposed by micro
of microorganism organisms e.g.; plastic,
e.g;sewage glass, DDT, salts of heavy
metals etc
4. Origin A) Natural: occurring in B) Anthropogenic: Caused
nature by humans or human
induced activities.

5. State of matter A) Gaseous: E.g.CO, NOx, B) Particulate: e.g. Smoke,

SO2 fumes, dust, suspended
particulate matter( SPM).
 Air Pollution
• Definition:
• Air pollution may be defined as the presence of one or more contaminants like dust, mist,
smoke and color in the atmosphere that are injurious to human beings, plants and animals.
• Causes of air pollution:
• Combustion
• Metallurgical processing
• Chemical industries
• Processing industries
• Sources of air pollution:
• There are two types of sources:
• Natural sources: That are caused due to natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions, smoke
and carbon monoxide from wildfires.
• Anthropogenic sources: These are the sources which are created by man. Examples are
“stationary sources” including smoke, stacks of power plants, manufacturing facilities and
waste incinerators.
 Air Pollution
• Sources and effects of common air pollutants:

Pollutant Sources Health effects

Oxides of nitrogen Automobile emission, Pulmonary edema,

fossil fuel power plants, impaired lung defenses,
oil refineries and fuel increased respiratory
burning illness, premature death,
cardiovascular illness
Ozone Automobile emissions, Breathing difficulties,
ozone generators, aircraft Lung damage and
cabins, chemical reactions inflammation, Asthma,
of hydrocarbons eye irritation, stuffy nose
Allergens Pollen, animal dander, Asthma, rhinitis
home dust
 Air Pollution
Sulphur dioxide Burning fuel, motor
vehicles, home heaters
and stoves, power plants
burning coal and oil, oil
refineries, metal smelters
Carbon monoxide Natural gas, kerosene oil,
coal, gasoline burning,
vehicles, cleaning solvents
Particulate matter Carbon based particles,
dust, acid aerosols,
woodstoves, fireplaces
Lead Vehicles, lead based paint,
metal refineries, battery
manufacturing
Breathing difficulties,
respiratory illness,
increase in existing heart
disease
Nausea, headaches,
reduces mental alertness,
reduces oxygen supply to
blood and cells, harmful to
people with damaged
lungs
Lung damage, nose and
throat irritation, bronchitis,
increase respiratory
disorders
Brain and nervous system
problems, lung damage,
digestive problems.
 Air Pollution
• Control of air pollution:
• Industrial estates should be established at a distance from residential areas.
• Use of tall chimneys shall reduce the air pollution in the surrounding
• Compulsory use of filters and electrostatic precipitators in chimneys.
• Removal of poisonous gas by passing the fumes through water tower scrubber or spray collector.
• Use of high temperature incinerators for reduction in particulate ash production.
• Desulphurization of fuel.
• Development and employment of non combustive sources of energy e.g.; nuclear power , geothermal
power.
• Growing plants capable of fixing carbon monoxide e.g. Phaseolus vulgaris,Coleus blurnei
• Complete electrification of railway track.
• Attempts should be made to develop pollution free fuels for automobiles.
• Automobiles should be fitted withexhaust emission control.
• Industrial plants and refineries should be fitted with equipment for removal and recycling of wastes.
• Switching over from coal to gas fuel when atmosphere is calm.
• growing plants capable of metabolising nitrogen oxides and other gaseous pollutants, e.g. Vitis pinus,
Juniperus, Quercus, Pyrus, Robinia pseudo.acasia, Viburnun Crataegus, Ribes, Rhammus.
• Afforestation of the mining areas on priority basis.