Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment.

These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be
natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human
activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories.
TYPES OF POLLUTION
As stated before, there are different types of pollution, which are either caused by natural
events (like forest fires) or by man-made activities (like cars, factories, nuclear wastes, etc.)
These are further classified into the following types of pollution:

● Air Pollution
● Water Pollution
● Soil Pollution
● Noise Pollution
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. Some causes that contribute to air pollution are:

● Burning fossil fuels

● Mining operations
● Exhaust gases from industries and factories
Water Pollution

Water pollution is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced into
water bodies such as lakes, rivers and seas. These contaminants are generally introduced by
human activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills. However, even natural processes
such as eutrophication can cause water pollution.

Other significant causes of water pollution include:

● Dumping solid wastes in water bodies
● Disposing untreated industrial sewage into water bodies
● Human and animal wastes
● Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers
Soil pollution
Soil pollution, also called soil contamination, refers to the degradation of land due to the presence of
chemicals or other man-made substances in the soil. The xenobiotic substances alter the natural composition
of soil and affect it negatively. These can drastically impact life directly or indirectly. For instance, any toxic
chemicals present in the soil will get absorbed by the plants. Since plants are producers in an environment, it
gets passed up through the food chain. Compared to the other types of pollution, the effects of soil pollution
are a little more obscured, but their implications are very noticeable.

Some of the common causes of soil pollution are:

● Improper industrial waste disposal
● Oil Spills
● Acid rain which is caused by air pollution
● Mining activities
● Intensive farming and agrochemicals (like fertilisers and pesticides)
● Industrial accidents
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution refers to the excessive amount of noise in the surrounding that disrupts the natural balance.
Usually, it is man-made, though certain natural calamities like volcanoes can contribute to noise pollution.

In general, any sound which is over 85 decibels is considered to be detrimental. Also, the duration an individual is
exposed plays an impact on their health. For perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 decibels, and a jet
taking off is around 15o decibels. Consequently, noise pollution is more obvious than the other types of pollution.

Noise pollution has several contributors, which include:

● Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.

● Transportation noises from vehicles, aeroplanes, etc.
● Construction noises
● Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)
● Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)
Causes of Air Pollution
Following are the important causes of air pollution:

1.Burning of Fossil Fuels

The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide released by incomplete
combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.

2.Automobiles
The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment. These are the major
sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among individuals.

3.Agricultural Activities
Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides, pesticides and
fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it.

4.Factories and Industries

Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals.
These are released into the air, degrading its quality.
5.Mining Activities

In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of
equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but also
deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.

6.Domestic Sources

The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air.
The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. It not
only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.
WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Industrial Discharges: Factories and industrial facilities often release pollutants, such as heavy metals
and chemicals, directly into water bodies.
Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste can wash into rivers, lakes, and oceans,
causing nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms.
Sewage and Wastewater: Improperly treated or untreated sewage from households and sewage
treatment plants can introduce pathogens and nutrients into water sources.
Oil Spills: Accidental spills from ships, pipelines, and offshore drilling can lead to significant
contamination and damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Plastic Pollution: Improper disposal and accumulation of plastic waste contribute to water pollution,
leading to harmful effects on marine life.
Mining Activities: Mining operations can release toxic substances into nearby water bodies, causing
contamination and habitat destruction.
Stormwater Runoff: Rainwater can carry pollutants from urban areas, such as oils, heavy metals, and
debris, into water bodies.
Deforestation and Soil Erosion: The loss of vegetation can lead to increased sedimentation in rivers
and lakes, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats.
SOIL POLLUTION

Soil pollution arises from several key sources:

Industrial Activities: Factories and plants can release hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the soil.
Agricultural Practices: Overuse of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can lead to chemical accumulation
and contamination.
Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of industrial, household, and electronic waste can introduce harmful
substances into the soil.
Mining Operations: Mining processes can result in soil contamination with heavy metals and other toxic
materials.
Oil Spills: Leaks and spills from oil extraction and transportation can contaminate soil with petroleum
products.
Urbanization: Construction and infrastructure development can lead to soil contamination through the use
of construction materials and waste.
Deforestation: Loss of vegetation can lead to soil erosion and exposure to pollutants.
NOISE POLLUTION

Noise pollution is primarily caused by:

Industrial Activities: Factories and manufacturing processes often generate loud machinery and equipment
noise.
Transportation: Traffic from cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes contributes significantly to noise levels.
Construction Work: Construction sites produce high noise levels from machinery, demolition, and building
activities.
Urbanization: Increased human activity in cities, including businesses, entertainment venues, and crowded
areas, leads to elevated noise levels.
Residential Sources: Household activities, such as loud music, barking dogs, and noisy appliances, can
contribute to noise pollution.
Events and Recreation: Public events, concerts, and recreational activities often produce excessive noise.