Environmental Pollution

Pollution

Pollution is the effect of undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful
effects on plants, animals and human beings

Pollutants include solid, liquid or gaseous substances present in greater than natural
abundance produced due to human activity, which have a detrimental effect on our
environment. The nature and concentration of a pollutant determines the severity of
detrimental effects on human health.

Air pollution

Air pollution refers to the release of harmful contaminants (chemicals, toxic gases,
particulates, biological molecules, etc.) into the earth’s atmosphere. These contaminants are
quite detrimental and in some cases, pose serious health issues.

CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION

1. Burning fossil fuels:

Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum for energy in
power plants, and other factory combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution.

2. Mining operations:

Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large equipment.
During the process, dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution.

3. Agricultural Activities:

Ammonia is a very common byproduct of agriculture-related activities and is one of the most
hazardous gases in the atmosphere.

4. Exhaust gases from industries and factories:

Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons,

organic compounds, and chemicals into the air, thereby depleting the quality of air.

5. Waste in Landfills

Landfills are land areas in which waste is deposited or buried. These deposited or buried
wastes generate methane. Methane is a major greenhouse gas that is highly flammable and
very hazardous.

6. Natural Events

There are certain natural events such as volcanoes, forest fires, and dust storms, which are
nature-born and cause air pollution.

The effects of Air pollution

 1. Respiratory and Heart Problems:

The effects of Air pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and
heart conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, heart attacks and strokes along with cancer,
among other threats to the body.

2. Child Health Problems:

Air pollution is detrimental to your health even before you take your first breath. Exposure
to high air pollution levels during pregnancy causes miscarriages as well as premature birth,
autism, asthma and spectrum disorder in young children.

3. Acid Rain

Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere
during the burning of fossil fuels When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air
pollutants, becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid
Rain can cause great damage to humans, animals, and crops.

4. Effect on Wildlife

Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals
present in the air can force wildlife species to move to a new place and change their habitat.

5. Depletion of the Ozone Layer:

Ozone exists in the Earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from
harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.

 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

1. Avoid Using Vehicles

People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public
modes. This approach reduces carbon emission in the environment, thus reduces air
pollution.

2. Use of Clean Energy Resources

The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger level.

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

4. If the reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw
Materials can be substituted with other less polluting materials. For ex.
Cooking should be done using LPG, rather than on wood fire/ or using stove.
5. Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India,
petrol and diesel are being replaced by CNG.
6. Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and maintain
existing pieces of equipment so that the emission of pollutants is minimized.
7. The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree plantation.
Plants and trees reduce a large number of pollutants in the air. Ideally, planting trees
in areas of high pollution levels will be extremely effective.
WATER POLLUTION:

The contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, etc. due to several contaminants
being discharged in them, directly or indirectly, is known as water pollution. Water pollution
has severe and hazardous impacts on our environment.

CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION

1. Pathogens

One of the most severe pollutants is the disease-causing microorganisms called

pathogens. There are a few of pathogenic bacteria which enter the water bodies through
sewers and sanitation systems. The water-borne pathogens cause several diseases such as
diarrhea, gastrointestinal illness, etc.

2. Organic Wastes:

Chemical pollutants include heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, etc., solvents
from industries, pesticide run-offs, oil spills through ships, etc. They are poisonous to
aquatic life forms and cause their infertility and death

3. Urbanization:

The physical disturbance of land due to construction of houses, industries, roads, etc. These
activities increases pollution of water during and after operation, by increasing contaminants
level in water.

Chemical pollution from industries, mines, inadequate sewage collection and

treatment

4. MINING:

Mines produce waste that:

• can increase the amount of minerals and salts in the water (too much can cause
health problems);

• can affect the pH of the water (whether it is acid, neutral or alkaline)

5. ACCIDENTAL WATER POLLUTION

Accidental water pollution can arise from many sources (such as burst pipes and tanks,
major leaks, fires and oil spills) and can cause varying degrees of damage, depending on the
quantity, toxicity and persistence of the pollutant, and the size and adaptability of the water
body.

EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION

1. Death of aquatic (water) animals

the main problem caused by water pollution is that it kills organisms that depend on these
water bodies.

2. Diseases:
 Eventually, humans are affected by this process as well. People can get diseases such as
hepatitis by eating seafood that has been poisoned. In many poor nations, there is always
outbreak of cholera and diseases as a result of poor drinking water treatment from
contaminated waters

3. Effects on the Food Chain:

Disruption in food chains happens when toxins and pollutants in the water are consumed
by aquatic animals (fish, shellfish etc.) which are then consumed by humans.

4. Destruction of ecosystems
the interaction of living things in a place, depending on each other for life) can be severely
changed or destroyed by water pollution. Many areas are now being affected by careless
human pollution, and this pollution is coming back to hurt humans in many ways.

5. Discharge of polluted water which contains organic material from sewage, agricultural
run-off causes eutrophication.

6. Pesticide contamination in the ground water causes reproductive damage in the wildlife
ecosystem.

CONTROL MEASURES ON WATER POLLUTION

1. Administration of water contamination control ought to be in the hands of the
government.
Scientific procedures have to be adopted for ecological control of catchment territories of
rivers, lakes or streams.

2. Industries should release the used water into tanks or other water bodies only after
removing the hazardous pollutants from the used water.

3. Forests control contamination as they act as common ventilation systems. Trees can
decrease sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide pollutants and henceforth more trees should be
planted.

4. Awareness must be spread regarding the effects of water contamination utilizing the
media.

5. Laws and practices must be set up to anticipate water contamination and these laws must
be adapted occasionally based on the requirements.

6. Sanitation system must be developed. The advantages of cleanliness should be explained

to both the urban and rural areas. Proper drainage systems must be installed.

7. Major towns and cities have sewage treatment plants. The treated water is either
permitted to go into the reservoirs or declined in houses. This is a very effective way to
control water pollution.
SOIL POLLUTION

What is Soil Pollution?

Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil with anomalous concentrations of

toxic substances. It is a serious environmental concern since it harbors many health
hazards. For example, exposure to soil containing high concentrations of benzene
increases the risk of contracting leukemia.

Causes of Soil Contamination

Soil pollution is mostly caused by mindless human activities such as:

1. Industrial waste

Industries are by far the worst polluters of the soil with all the chemicals they release
into the environment be it in liquid or solid form. Human activities like leads to
acidification of soil and contamination due to disposal of industrial waste, heavy
metals, toxic chemicals, dumping oil and fuel etc.

2. Deforestation

Clearing of trees leaves soil exposed to the elements so they are easily carried away
by soil erosion. This leaves land barren and incapable of supporting vegetation.

3. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides:

The increased demand for food has forced farmers to use fertilizers and pesticides
that release nothing but toxins into the soil, killing useful microorganisms that are
important in plant growth. Excessive use of inorganic Nitrogen fertilizers leads
acidification of soil and contaminates soil, this is called Agrochemical Pollution.

4. Garbage pollution

Garbage that cannot be recycled is disposed of carelessly and this is not only an eyesore
but pollutes the land. Some of this waste can literally take thousands of years to
decompose!

5. Inferior Irrigation Practices

Poor irrigation methods increase the soil salinity. Moreover, excess watering, improper
maintenance of canals and irrigation channels, lack of crop rotation and
intensive farming gradually decreases the quality of soil over time and cause
degradation of land.

6. Urban Activities

Lack of proper waste disposal, regular constructions can cause excessive damage to the
soil due to lack of proper drainage and surface run-off. These waste disposed of by
humans contain chemical waste from residential areas. Moreover leaking of sewerage
system can also affect soil quality and cause soil pollution by changing the chemical
composition of the soil.

7. Acid Rain
 Acid rain is caused when pollutants present in the air mix up with the rain and fall back on
the ground. The polluted water could dissolve away some of the essential nutrients found
in soil and change the structure of the soil.

EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION

1. Inferior Crop Quality

It can decrease the quality of the crop. Regular use of chemical fertilizers, inorganic
fertilizers, pesticides will decrease the fertility of the soil at a rapid rate and alter the
structure of the soil. This will lead to decrease in soil quality and poor quality of crops. Over
the time the soil will become less productive due to the accumulation of toxic chemicals in
large quantity.

2. Harmful Effect on Human Health

It will increase the exposure to toxic and harmful chemicals thus increasing health threats
to people living nearby and on the degraded land. Living, working or playing in the
contaminated soil can lead to respiratory diseases, skin diseases, and other diseases.
Moreover, it can cause other health problems.

3. Water Sources Contamination

The surface run-off after raining will carry the polluted soil and enter into different water
resource. Thus, it can cause underground water contamination thereby causing water
pollution. This water after contamination is not fit for human as well as animal use due to
the presence of toxic chemicals

4. Negative Impact on Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Soil pollution can cause an imbalance of the ecosystem of the soil. The soil is an
important habitat and is the house of different type of microorganisms, animals, reptiles,
mammals, birds, and insects. Thus, soil pollution can negatively impact the lives of the living
organisms and can result in the gradual death of many organisms. It can cause health
threats to animals grazing in the contaminated soil or microorganisms residing in the soil.

5. Poisoning of the Underground Water Table

Soil pollution also leads to the poisoning of the underground water table. Since this
water is stored beneath the layers of the soil, the toxins in the soil could easily percolate
slowly and steadily into the water table.

6. 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.

CONTROL MEASURES OF SOIL POLLUTION

 1. Reduced Use of Chemical Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers do more harm than good. While proper amounts could enhance the
fertility of the soil, excess of it actually poisons the soil. The excess of chemical fertilizers
could pollute the soil in several ways. It could mess with the pH levels of the soil.

2. Production and use of natural fertilizers

Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical pesticides. Organic fertilizers

should be used in place of synthesized chemical fertilizers. Ex: Organic wastes in animal
dung may be used to prepare compost manure instead of throwing them wastefully and
polluting the

3. Proper Solid Waste Treatment

It is important to dispose of solid waste properly by treated it before it’s released into the
environment. Acidic and alkaline waste, for example, can be neutralized before they are
disposed of to avoid soil contamination. Biodegradable waste should also be broken down in
a controlled environment before it is released into the environment.

4. Reforestation and Afforestation Should be promoted

One of the major causes of soil pollution is soil erosion that is caused due to
deforestation. It is natural that with the ever-growing population, the humankind needs
more and more space to expand their civilization. Often it is achieved at the cost of the
health of the soil. To prevent this from happening, reforestation of a deforested area should
be promoted.

5. Recycle and Reuse Products

These steps not only reduce waste generation but also ensure that soil pollution is reduced.
At present, plastic forms a significant portion of the generated wastes. More often than not,
these wastes are buried in landfills.

In these landfills, these plastics and other materials decompose slowly and release toxic
materials into the soil. These toxic substances are very harmful to the health of the soil and
are a major source of soil pollution.

6. Develop necessary legislation on soil pollution control

Although efforts are being put in place to ensure soil pollution control, the process ought to
be accelerated by drafting the necessary legislation. The existing registrations such as urban
and rural planning, agricultural practices, and land management should be revised and
updated to include contemporary soil pollution control and prevention measures.

7. Public awareness:

Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted to educate people on
health hazards by environmental education. Ex: Mass media, Educational institutions and
voluntary agencies can achieve this.

MARINE POLLUTION
Marine pollution, is the spreading of harmful substances such as oil, plastic, industrial and
agricultural waste and chemical particles into the ocean.

Marine pollution, also known as ocean pollution.

CAUSES OF MARINE POLLUTION

1. Sewage: Sewage or polluting substances flow through sewage, rivers, or drainages

directly into the ocean. Human Sewage largely consist of excrement from toilet
flushing, wastewater from bathing laundry and dishwashing; animal and vegetable
matter from food preparation that is disposed through an in-sink garbage disposal.

2. Toxic Chemicals from Industries: Industrial waste which is directly discharged

into the oceans, results in ocean pollution. The hazardous and toxic chemicals affects
marine life.

Also, they raise the temperature of the ocean and cause thermal pollution. Aquatic
animals and plants have difficulty surviving at higher temperatures.

3. Land Runoff: Land-based sources (such as agricultural run-off, discharge of nutrients

and pesticides and untreated sewage including plastics) account for approximately
80% of marine pollution.
The runoff picks up man-made, harmful contaminants that pollute the ocean,
including fertilizers, petroleum, pesticides and other forms of soil contaminants.
4. Large Scale Oil Spills: Pollution caused by ships, is a huge source of ocean pollution,
the most devastating effect of which is oil spills. Crude oil lasts for years in the sea
and is extremely toxic to marine life, it suffocates the marine animals to death. Crude
oil is also extremely difficult to clean up.

5. Ocean Mining: Ocean mining sites drilling for silver, gold, copper, cobalt, and zinc
create sulfide deposits up to three and a half thousand meters down into the ocean.

 DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF MARINE POLLUTION

1. Effect of Toxic Wastes on Marine Animals

The oil spill is dangerous to marine life in several ways. The oil spilled in the ocean
could get on to the gills and feathers of marine animals, which makes it difficult for
them to move or fly properly or feed their children. The long term effect on marine
life can include cancer, failure in the reproductive system, behavioral changes, and
even death.

2. Disruption to the Cycle of Coral Reefs

Oil spill floats on the surface of the water and prevents sunlight from reaching to
marine plants and affects the process of photosynthesis. Skin irritation, eye irritation,
lung and liver problems can impact marine life over a long period of time.

3. Depletes Oxygen Content in Water

Most of the debris in the ocean does not decompose and remain in the ocean for
years. It uses oxygen as it degrades. As a result of this, oxygen levels go down. When
 oxygen levels go down, the chances of survival of marine animals like whales, turtles,
sharks, dolphins, penguins for a long time also goes down.

4. Failure in the Reproductive System of Sea Animals

Industrial and agricultural wastes include various poisonous chemicals that are
considered hazardous for marine life. Chemicals from pesticides can accumulate in the
fatty tissue of animals, leading to failure in their reproductive system.

5. Effect on Food Chain

Chemicals used in industries and agriculture get washed into the rivers and from there
are carried into the oceans. These chemicals do not get dissolved and sink at the
bottom of the ocean. Small animals ingest these chemicals and are later eaten by
large animals, which then affects the whole food chain.

6. Affects Human Health

Animals from impacted food chain are then eaten by humans, which affects their
health as toxins from these contaminated animals get deposited in the tissues of
people and can lead to cancer, birth defects or long term health problems

 CONTROL MEASURES ON MARINE POLLUTION

1. Reducing the Use of Plastic Products

Believe it or not, plastic wastes form the largest portion of ocean pollutants. Out of the 260
million tons of plastic produced each year globally, approximately 10% ends up in the
oceans.

These plastics then take thousands of years to decompose, during which time it possess a
terrible threat to life in the oceans. Thus, reduction in the use of plastic products could help
in significantly reducing the rates of ocean pollution.

2. Use Reusable Bottles and Cutlery

Use and throw bottles and cutlery, too, are an immense contributor to ocean pollution. We
must not forget that most of the non-reusable bottles and cutlery are made out of either
plastic or Styrofoam. Both these materials require a few hundred or thousand years to
decompose.

A plastic bottle would require about 450 years to decompose completely. In the meanwhile,
it would remain inside the ocean, releasing toxins that would poison the marine life.

3. Recycle Whatever You Can

With the increase in population, it is true that the waste produced would also increase
significantly. As finding dumping grounds become more and more difficult, a lot of the
wastes find their way to the ocean beds. These wastes that are dumped in the ocean remain
there for a long time, affecting marine life.
One of the useful ways to reduce waste production is recycling. Before throwing things
away, we could check if something is recyclable. Then the products that can be recycled can
be taken to the recycling center nearby.

4. Stop Littering the Beach, and Start Cleaning It

The beach is undoubtedly one of the loveliest places to visit and hang out in. As a result of
this, there is a lot of littering around as well. The first and foremost thing that really needs
to stop is this. Abundant dustbins should be placed on the beaches.

If someone is seen littering, they must be stopped immediately, and certain strict rules and
regulations must be followed at all times. Also, if the beach seems untidy, we could pick up
the wastes and throw it in the dustbin.

5. Reducing the Use of Chemical Fertilizers

Runoffs, too, pollute the oceans immensely. To prevent this, the use of chemical
fertilizers must also be controlled and regulated. It must be remembered that excess use of
chemical fertilizers harms not only the soil but also the water bodies nearby and, ultimately,
the ocean. These runoffs are so toxic that they can very easily kill marine life.

6. Reducing the Energy Use

As the population increases, our demand for energy increases too. A major chunk of this
energy is produced from petroleum. This petroleum is obtained by the drilling of the ocean
beds. Any spillage during the procedure could harm marine life. Not only has that, but the
procedure itself also violated the marine ecological balance. So by controlling our energy
use, we could also solve the problem of ocean pollution.

NOISE POLLUTION
Noise may not seem as harmful as the contamination of air or water but it is a pollution
problem that affects human health and can contribute to a general deterioration of
environmental quality.

Noise is undesirable and unwanted sound. Not all sound is noise. What may be considered as
music to one person, may be noise to another. It is not a substance that can accumulate in
the environment like most other pollutants.

Sound is measured in a unit called the ‘Decibel’.

 CAUSES OF NOISE POLLUTION

1. Traffic noise

Traffic noise accounts for most polluting noise in cities. For example, a car horn produces

90 dB and a bus produces 100 dbs.

2. Noise from Air Traffic

While many find it difficult to believe, air traffic too contributes to significant levels of noise
pollution. Noise from a single aircraft may produce sounds of up to 130 dB now, imagine the
amount of noise produced by the numerous aircraft traveling our airspace

3. Industrialization:

Industrialization has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of heavy machinery
such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are used, resulting in the production of
unwanted noise.

4. Events:

Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting in the production
of unwanted noise in the neighborhood.

Noise is at its peak in most of the social events. Whether it is marriage, parties, pub, disc
or place of worship, people normally flout rules set by the local administration and create a
nuisance in the area.

5. Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc. add to the noise pollution.

6. Household Chores:

We people are surrounded by gadgets and use them extensively in our daily life.
Gadgets like TV, mobile, mixer grinder, pressure cooker, vacuum cleaners, washing machine
and dryer, cooler, air conditioners are minor contributors to the amount of noise that is
produced. Still, it affects the quality of life of your neighborhood in a bad way.

7. Animals’ Sound

The noise made by animals cannot go unnoticed, particularly a howling or barking dog.
These can produce noise around 60-80 dB.

 EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH

Noise pollution can be hazardous to human health in the following ways:

1. Hypertension:

It is a direct result of noise pollution which is caused due to elevated blood levels for
a longer duration.

2. Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise that are beyond the range
of sound that human ears can withstand damages the eardrums resulting in loss of hearing.
The most direct harmful effect of excessive noise is physical damage to the ear and the
temporary or permanent hearing loss often called a temporary threshold shift (TTS). People
suffering from this condition are unable to detect weak sounds.

3. Sleeping disorders:
 Lack of sleep might result in fatigue and low energy level throughout day affecting
everyday activities. Noise pollution hampers the sleep cycles leading to irritation and
uncomfortable state of mind.

4. Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure level, stress,

and cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal person and person suffering from
any of these diseases might feel the sudden shoot up in the level.

5. Noise can also cause emotional or psychological effects such as irritability, anxiety and
stress. Lack of concentration and mental fatigue are significant health effects of noise.

 NOISE CONTROL MEASURES:

(1) Control at Receiver’s End:

For people working in noisy installations, ear-protection aids like ear-plugs, ear-muffs, noise
helmets, headphones etc. must be provided to reduce occupational exposure.

(2) Suppression of Noise at Source:

This is possible if working methods are improved by:

(a) Designing, fabricating and using quieter machines to replace the noisy ones.

(b) Proper lubrication and better maintenance of machines.

(c) Installing noisy machines in sound proof chambers.

(d) Covering noise-producing machine parts with sound-absorbing materials to check noise
production.
(e) Reducing the noise produced from a vibrating machine by vibration damping i.e. making
a layer of damping material (rubber, neoprene, cork or plastic) beneath the machine.

(f) Using silencers to control noise from automobiles, ducts, exhausts etc. and convey
systems with ends opening into the atmosphere.

3) Acoustic Zoning:

Increased distance between source and receiver by zoning of noisy industrial areas, bus
terminals and railway stations, aerodromes etc. away from the residential areas would go a
long way in minimizing noise pollution. There should be silence zones near the residential
areas, educational institutions and above all, near hospitals

(4) Sound Insulation at Construction Stages:

a) Sound travels through the cracks that get left between the door and the wall. For
reducing noise, this space (jamb frame gap) should be packed with sound absorbing
material.

(b) Sound insulation can be done by constructing windows with double or triple panes of
glass and filling the gaps with sound absorbing materials.
(c) Acoustical tiles, hair felt, perforated plywood etc. can be fixed on walls, ceilings, floors
etc. to reduce noise (especially for sound proof recording rooms etc.)

(5) Planting of Trees:

Planting green trees and shrubs along roads, hospitals, educational institutions etc. help in
noise reduction to a considerable extent.

(6) Legislative Measures:

(a) Minimum use of loudspeakers and amplifiers especially near silence zones.

(b) Banning pressure horns in automobiles.

(c) Framing a separate Noise Pollution Act.

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

• Honking in public places like teaching institutes, hospital, etc. should be banned.

• In commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings, adequate soundproof systems should

be installed.

• Musical instruments sound should be controlled to desirable limits.

• Dense tree cover is useful in noise pollution prevention.

• Explosives should be not used in forest, mountainous, and mining areas.

 Thermal Pollution
Thermal pollution, sometimes called "thermal enrichment," is the degradation
of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature.

• A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power

plants and industrial manufacturers.

• When water used as a coolant is returned to the natural environment at a higher

temperature, the sudden change in temperature decreases oxygen supply and
affects ecosystem composition.

• Fish and other organisms adapted to particular temperature range can be killed by an
abrupt change in water temperature (either a rapid increase or decrease) known as
"thermal shock.“

• Sources of thermal pollution:

1. The single biggest cause of thermal pollution is probably cooling for industrial
machinery and power plants. Water is an excellent, and free, cooling agent. This is
why many industrial operations pull in relatively cool water to cool their machinery
and let the relatively warm water flow back into the river or lake or sea.
 2. Soil erosion, deforestation, and runoff from paved areas are other artificial sources of
hot water. Deforestation eliminates shade, which exposes the water to sunlight. Water
on hot paved surfaces gets hot, then runs off into nearby bodies of water, raising the
water temperature.

3. Retention ponds can also be a source of thermal shock because the relatively small
and shallow bodies of water can absorb quite a bit of heat energy from the sun.

4. Natural Causes

Natural causes like volcanoes, geothermal vents and hot springs under the oceans
and seas can trigger warm lava to raise the temperature of water bodies. Lightening
can also introduce a massive amount of heat into the oceans. This means that the
overall temperature of the water source will rise, having significant impacts on
the environment.

 EFFECTS OF THERMAL POLLUTION

1. Decrease in DO (Dissolved Oxygen) Levels

The warm temperature reduces the levels of DO (Dissolved Oxygen) in water. The
warm water holds relatively less oxygen than cold water. The decrease in DO can
create suffocation for plants and animals such as fish, amphibians and copepods,
which may give rise to anaerobic conditions.
2. Increase in Toxins
With the constant flow of high-temperature discharge from industries, there is a
huge increase in toxins that are being regurgitated into the natural body of water.
These toxins may contain chemicals or radiation that may have a harsh impact on
the local ecology and make them susceptible to various diseases.

3. Loss of Biodiversity
A dent in the biological activity in the water may cause a significant loss of
biodiversity. Changes in the environment may cause certain species of organisms to
shift their base to some other place while there could be a significant number of
species that may shift in because of warmer waters.
Organisms that can adapt easily may have an advantage over organisms that are not
used to the warmer temperatures.

4. Ecological Impact

A sudden thermal shock can result in mass killings of fish, insects, plants or
amphibians. Hotter water may prove favorable for some species, while it could be
lethal for other species.

5. Affects Reproductive Systems

A significant halt in the reproduction of marine wildlife (although this may be true,
reproduction can still occur between fish – but the likelihood of defects in newborns is
significantly higher) can happen due to increasing temperatures as reproduction can
 happen within a certain range of temperature. Excessive temperature can cause the
release of immature eggs or can prevent the normal development of certain eggs.

6. Increases Metabolic Rate

Thermal pollution increases the metabolic rate of organisms as increasing enzyme
activity occurs that causes organisms to consume more food than what is normally
required if their environment were not changed. It disrupts the stability of the food
chain and alters the balance of species composition.

7. Migration
The warm water can also cause particular species of organisms to migrate to a
suitable environment that would cater to its requirements for survival. This can result
in a loss for those species that depend on them for their daily food as their

 CONTROL MEASURES ON THERMAL POLLUTION

1. Cooling Ponds

Cooling ponds or reservoirs are the simplest methods of controlling thermal

discharges. In cooling ponds, heated effluents on the surface of water maximize the
dissipation of heat to the atmosphere and minimize the area and volume of water.

2. Cooling Towers

After using water from water sources for cooling purposes, it is subsequently returned to
the water body after passing through the condenser, which is termed as the cooling
process.

3. Spray Pond:

A spray pond is a reservoir in which warmed water is cooled before reuse by spraying the
warm water with nozzles into the cooler air. Cooling takes place by exchange of heat with
the ambient air, involving both conductive heat transfer between the water droplets and the
surrounding air and evaporative cooling.

IMG.1. COOLING TOWER IMG.2. SPRAY PONDS

 NUCLEAR HAZARDOUS
Radioactive substances can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the way in
which they are used. We routinely use X-rays to examine bones for fractures, treat cancer
with radiation and diagnose diseases with the help of radioactive isotopes. About 17% of the
electrical energy generated in the world comes from nuclear power plants.

The radiation hazard in the environment comes from ultraviolet, visible, cosmic
rays and micro wave radiation which produces genetic mutation in man.

According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a nuclear and radiation

accidents/ hazards is an event that has led to significant consequences to people, the
environment or the facility.

Nuclear hazards. Risk or danger to human health or the environment exposed by the
radiation emanating from the atomic nuclei is called as nuclear hazard. Nuclear hazard is an
actual or potential release of radioactive material at a commercial nuclear power plant or a
transportation accident.
  SOURCES OF NUCLEAR HAZARDOUS:

The sources of radioactivity include both natural and manmade.

1. Cosmic rays from outer space

2. Emissions from radioactive materials in the earth’s crust (rocks, marine sediments
etc.) Man-made sources include the nuclear wastes produced during Mining and
processing of radioactive ores.

3. Use of radioactive materials in power plants.

4. Use of radioactive isotopes in medical technology (x-ray machines, radioisotopes used

in medicine).

5. Industrial applications include wastes from nuclear reactors.

6. Research applications: radioactive fallouts during nuclear weapons testing.

7. In a nuclear power plant, any leak or accident taking place emit nuclear radiation. In
either case it results in nuclear hazard.

8. Nuclear tests Conducted under the ground or under oceans which also
release radiation.

9. Uranium mining and milling, Nuclear reactors and reprocessing of nuclear fuel cause
nuclear pollution.

 Nuclear Hazards Effects:

1. Studies shown that the health effects due to radiation are dependent on the level of
dose, kind of radiation, duration of exposure and types of cells irradiated.
2. Radiation effects can be somatic or genetic. Somatic effects the function of cells and
organs.

3. It causes damages to cell membranes, and cell nuclei resulting in abnormal cell
functions, cell division, growth and death.

4. Radiation causes Genetic effects in the future generations.

5. Radiations can cause mutations, which are changes in genetic makeup of cells. These
effects are mainly due to the damages to DNA molecules.

6. People suffer from blood cancer and bone cancer if exposed to doses around 100 to
1000 roentgens. Instantaneous deaths on exposure in the event if disasters are many.

 Nuclear Hazards Control measures:

 1. Laboratory generated nuclear wastes should be disposed off safely and scientifically.

2. Nuclear power plants should be located in areas after careful study of the geology of
the area, tectonic activity and meeting other established conditions.

3. Appropriate protection against exposure of harmful radioactive substances while

working in the field of nuclear material processing.

4. Leakage of radioactive elements from nuclear reactors, careless use of radioactive

elements as fuel and careless handling of radioactive isotopes must be prevented.

5. Safety measure against accidental release of radioactive elements must be ensured in

nuclear plants.

6. Unless absolutely necessary, one should not frequently go for diagnosis by x-rays.

7. Regular monitoring of the presence of radioactive substance in high risk area should
be ensured.

Solid Waste Management:

The municipal solid waste is also called as trash or garbage.

This comprises of all the items that are rejected and discarded in public. The solid waste
consists of recyclable waste and non-recyclable waste.

The different types in which the solid waste can be classified are:

1. The food waste from the kitchen: While most of the waste coming from the kitchen
includes plant and animal waste that are biodegradable but it also includes plastic and
paper that are non-biodegradable.

2. Solid waste items including carton boxes, paper, tins, metal cans, aluminum in the
form of foils, batteries, etc. are a few of the solid waste that can be recycled.

3. Hazardous waste includes chemicals, paints, fertilizers, light bulbs, and batteries that
pollute the environment.

4. The waste coming from hospitals and drug companies are also hazardous. Waste
from the construction that includes dust, cement, rocks, etc.

5. Some waste that is bound with two or more materials is included under composite
waste and they need special treatment to be recycled.

 Sources of Solid Wastes

1. Solid domestic garbage. Commonly known as trash or garbage, refuse or rubbish is

a waste type consisting of everyday items that are discarded by the public. The
organic waste potions consist of food and kitchen waste, yard trimmings or other
garden waste.
2. Solid waste material from various industries. They constitute the industrial
waste. Some examples of industrial wastes are metals, paints, sandpaper, slag, ash,
radioactive wastes, etc.

3. Solid agricultural waste. Agricultural waste is defined as unwanted waste produced

as a result of agricultural activities, manure, fertilizer, pesticides and
herbicides; wastes from farms, poultry houses and slaughterhouses; veterinary
medicines, or horticultural plastics.

4. Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc.

5. Medical waste. This includes waste generated by healthcare facilities like physician's
offices, hospitals, dental practices, laboratories, medical research facilities, and
veterinary clinics.

6. Construction waste, sewage sludge.

 Effects of Solid Waste:

1. The solid waste if not collected properly or if dumped in wrong places might lead to
blocking of sewage and drain system due to which the water is accumulated in places
and will lead to the growth of various viruses and parasites causing rise to various
diseases. This leads society to live in unhygienic conditions.
2. Waste dumping areas if not cleaned properly will make way for various organisms and
flies and increase their population. This, in turn, causes an increase in the number of
vectors for the spread of the diseases.

3. A lot of solid waste collection in an area and improper knowledge among the
community might lead them to burn solid waste materials causing air pollution.

4. Discarding the plastic and polyethylene covers in the open will cause problem to the
grazing animals who happen to ingest these materials. There are several cases of
death reported of such animals due to this malpractice in recent years.

5. Solid waste is categorized divergently and the collection and disposing of the method
of every category of waste are different. Failing to follow this protocol can lead to the
poisoning to workers who likely to collect this waste.

6. After a certain amount of time, there will be an escape of harmful fumes from the
chemical waste if not cleaned and treated properly. This leads to polluting the
surrounding environment thus affecting the life around.

7. The accumulation of garbage and trash in more quantity leads to the production of
methane which is more potent than carbon dioxide.

8. There is a formation of the garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean due to the crude
methods used by the humans in disposing of the waste. This is clear harm to the
environment caused due to the abrupt methods of humans.
 CONTROL MEASURES OF URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES:

An integrated waste management strategy includes three main components:

1. Source reduction

2. Recycling

3. Disposal

1. 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 items and also
avoid asking for plastic carry bags.

2. Recycling

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 aluminum and steel can be recycled many times. Metal, paper,
glass and plastics are recyclable

3. Disposal

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.

Incineration is the process of burning municipal solid waste in a properly

designed furnace (referred to as a heater or boiler) under suitable
temperature and operating conditions
Roll of Individual in Prevention of Pollution

• Develop respect or reverence for all forms of life.

• Each individual must try to answer four basic questions:

Where do the things that I consume come from?

What do I know about the place where I live?

How am I connected to the earth and other living things?

What is my purpose and responsibility as a human being?

• Try to plant trees wherever you can and more importantly take care of them. They reduce
air pollution.

• Reduce the use of wood and paper products wherever possible. Manufacturing paper leads
to pollution and loss of forests which releases oxygen and takes up carbon dioxide. Try to
recycle paper products and use recycled paper wherever possible.

• From the mail you receive reuse as many envelopes that you can.

• Do not buy furniture, doors, window frames made from tropical hardwoods such as teak
and mahogany. These are forest based.

• Help in restoring a degraded area near your home or join in an afforestation program.

• Use pesticides in your home only when absolutely necessary and use them in as small
amounts as necessary. Some insect species help to keep a check on the populations
of pest species.

• Advocate organic farming by asking your grocery store to stock vegetables and fruits
grown by an organic method. This will automatically help to reduce the use of
pesticides.

• Reduce the use of fossil fuels by either walking up a short distance using a car pool,
sharing a bike or using public transport. This reduces air pollution.

• Shut off the lights and fans when not needed.

• Don’t use aerosol spray products and commercial room air fresheners. They damage the
ozone layer.

• Do not pour pesticides, paints, solvents, oil or other products containing harmful
chemicals down the drain or on the ground.

• Buy consumer goods that last, keep them as long as possible and have them repaired

as far as possible instead of disposing them off. Such products end up in landfills that

could pollute ground water.

• Buy consumer goods ages in refillable glass containers instead of cans or throwaway

bottles.

• Use rechargeable batteries.

• Try to avoid asking for plastic carry bags when you buy groceries or vegetables or

any other items. Use your own cloth bag instead.

• Use sponges and washable cloth napkins, dish towels and handkerchiefs instead of

paper ones.

• Don’t use throwaway paper and plastic plates and cups when reusable versions are
available.

• Recycle all newspaper, glass, aluminum and other items accepted for recycling in your
area.

You might have to take a little trouble to locate such dealers.

• Set up a compost bin in your garden or terrace and use it to produce manure for your
plants to reduce use of fertilizers.

• Try to lobby and push for setting up garbage separation and recycling programs in your
localities.

• Choose items that have the least packaging or no packaging. Start individual or
community composting or vermicomposting plants in your neighborhood and motivate
people to join in.

• Do not litter the roads and surroundings just because the sweeper from the Municipal
Corporation will clean it up. Take care to put trash into dustbins or bring it back home with
you where it can be appropriately disposed.

• You must realize that you cannot do everything and have solutions for every problem in
the world. You can however concentrate on issues that you feel strongly about and can do
something about. Focusing your energy on a particular issue will help you get better results.

• You could join any of the several NGOs that exist in our country or become
volunteers. Organize small local community meetings to discuss positive approaches
of pollution prevention.

• Learn about the biodiversity of your own area. Understand the natural and cultural assets.
This would help you to develop a sense of pride in your city/town/village and will also help
you understand the problems facing their survival.

• You cannot improve your world by not voting. You have the option to make a choice rather
than complain later on.

• It is important that you do not get discouraged at the first sign of trouble. Do not dwell on
the negative aspects. But take positive actions wherever you can to make the world a better
place to live in.
 Disaster Management
What is a Disaster?

A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a

community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses
that exceed the community's or society's ability to cope using its own resources. Though
often caused by nature, disasters can have human origins.

For example; Flood, Earthquake, Cyclone, Landslide, Avalanches and Forest Fire etc.

Disaster Management

Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of resources

and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in
particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact
of disasters.

FLOOD:
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.

Flood Mitigation:

The mitigation measures for floods include both structural and non-structural measures.

The structural measures include:

• Reservoirs for impounding monsoon flows to be released in a regulated manner after the
peak flood flow passes.

• Prevention of over-bank spilling by the construction of embankments and floodwalls.

• Improvement of flow conditions in the channel and anti-erosion measures.

• Improved drainage.

The non-structural measures include:

• Flood plain management such as Flood Plain Zoning and Flood Proofing including Disaster

Preparedness.

• Maintaining wetlands.

• Flood forecasting and warning services.

• Disaster relief, flood fighting and public health measures.

• Flood insurance.
Earthquakes: A sudden violent shaking of the ground, typically causing great destruction,
as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

Earthquakes and mitigation measures

Methods to decrease the effects of Earthquake

(i) Establishing earthquake monitoring centers (seismological centers) for regular monitoring
and fast communication of information among the people in the vulnerable areas. Use of
Geographical Positioning System (GPS) can be of great help in monitoring the movement of
tectonic plates.

(ii) Preparing a vulnerability map of the country and communication of vulnerability risk
information among the people and educating them about the ways and means minimizing
the adverse impacts of disasters.

(iii) Modifying the house types and building designs in the vulnerable areas and discouraging
construction of high-rise buildings, large industrial establishments and big urban centers in
such areas.

(iv) Finally, making it mandatory to adopt earthquake-resistant designs and use light
materials in major construction activities in the vulnerable areas.

CYCLONE: a cyclone is a large scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low
atmospheric pressure.

Cyclones and mitigation measures

• 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. 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.

LANDSLIDE
A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope

MITIGATION AND PREPAREDNESS.

There are three stages involved in disaster mitigation and management:
(i) Pre-disaster management involves
1. Generating data and information about the disasters
2. Preparing vulnerability zoning maps
3. Spreading awareness among the people about the disasters
4. Disaster planning
5. Preparedness and preventive measures are other steps that need to be taken in the
vulnerable areas.

(ii) During disasters:

Rescue and relief operations such as
A. evacuation, B. construction of shelters C. relief camps, D. supplying of water, food,
clothing and medical aids etc. should be done on an emergency basis.

(iii) Post-disaster operations should involve:

A. rehabilitation
B. recovery of victims.
C. concentrate on capacity building in order to cope up with future disasters.