Air pollution is caused when air is contaminated with poisonous
substances, particulate matter, and droplets of liquid, which damage the
health of human beings and other living organisms. Here is an account
of the adverse air pollution effects, and what you can do to protect
yourself against it.
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Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants,
the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies
or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution.
The problem of air pollution is a major concern in the 21st
century, and has resulted in degradation of the overall quality of life.
Industrial revolution lead to the development of many sources, which
contribute greatly towards air pollution. Any substance/material that
alters the natural composition of air in a negative manner can be termed
as an air pollutant. In an increasingly mechanized and industrialized
world, rise in this pollution is bound to happen. The different causes
of this type of pollution should be identified, and measures should be
taken to minimize it.
The problem of air pollution is a major concern in the 21st
century, and has resulted in degradation of the overall quality of life.
Industrial revolution lead to the development of many sources, which
contribute greatly towards air pollution. Any substance/material that
alters the natural composition of air in a negative manner can be termed
as an air pollutant. In an increasingly mechanized and industrialized
world, rise in this pollution is bound to happen. The different causes
of this type of pollution should be identified, and measures should be
taken to minimize it.
Causes and Sources
The industries, factories, power plants, and various modes of transportation continuously stay in operation. This results into the generation of pollutants in a far greater degree than other sources. The industrial, vehicular, and dwelling-related pollution are 3 types of air pollution that are considered to be very important.
Industrial Air Pollution
There are many factors that contribute to industrial pollution. The different industries, which play an important part towards increasing the levels of air pollution are petroleum, cement, steel, thermal power plants, paper factories, atomic, pharmaceutical, sugar, foodstuff manufacturing, and pesticides.
Transportation
The air pollutants viz., hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, together with moisture present in air create smog. Hot and humid weather conditions increases the chances of smog development. This problem resulting from vehicular emissions also occurs in big cities. These emissions also contain many poisonous gases that are harmful for health.
Urbanization
This is caused by aerosols and other associated chemicals. High population density also is one of the major causes of this type of pollution.
Accidents
The causes regarding accidents are varied. They could be anything like forest fires, blasts that occur in industries, etc. The accidents caused to vehicles that transport petroleum products also result into air pollution.
Types of Air Pollutants
The types of air pollution can be determined on the basis of agents, which pollute the air.
Carbon Monoxide: The inhalation of this gas can be life-threatening. This is because the amount of oxygen that is being delivered to the tissues and organs of the body gets reduced due to carbon monoxide. Effects of pollution resulting from this gas are dizziness and headaches.
Nitrogen Oxide: The percentage of pollution, which results from vehiclular emissions of nitogen dioxide is 34%. Out of this, heavy diesel vehicles produce 42% nitrogen oxide, while the light vehicles including cars account for 52%. The remaining amount is contributed by other vehicles.
Hydrocarbons: Vehicles account for 29% hydrocarbon production. These chemicals are responsible for health problems associated with the respiratory tract. Lung tissues also get damaged by the inhalation of hydrocarbons.
Particlulate Matter: Transportation and industries are both responsible for the production of particulate pollutants. The majority of portion is contributed by industries. Particles in the form solid and liquid states together create a condition called haze.
The information presented above takes into account the mode/action, which results into air pollution. Causes and pollutants responsible for this pollution must have helped you to understand its harmful effects. Hence, protect the environment to live a healthy life, and also to maintain the same for future generations.
Read more at Buzzle:
Causes and Sources
The industries, factories, power plants, and various modes of transportation continuously stay in operation. This results into the generation of pollutants in a far greater degree than other sources. The industrial, vehicular, and dwelling-related pollution are 3 types of air pollution that are considered to be very important.
Industrial Air Pollution
There are many factors that contribute to industrial pollution. The different industries, which play an important part towards increasing the levels of air pollution are petroleum, cement, steel, thermal power plants, paper factories, atomic, pharmaceutical, sugar, foodstuff manufacturing, and pesticides.
Transportation
The air pollutants viz., hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, together with moisture present in air create smog. Hot and humid weather conditions increases the chances of smog development. This problem resulting from vehicular emissions also occurs in big cities. These emissions also contain many poisonous gases that are harmful for health.
Urbanization
This is caused by aerosols and other associated chemicals. High population density also is one of the major causes of this type of pollution.
Accidents
The causes regarding accidents are varied. They could be anything like forest fires, blasts that occur in industries, etc. The accidents caused to vehicles that transport petroleum products also result into air pollution.
Types of Air Pollutants
The types of air pollution can be determined on the basis of agents, which pollute the air.
Carbon Monoxide: The inhalation of this gas can be life-threatening. This is because the amount of oxygen that is being delivered to the tissues and organs of the body gets reduced due to carbon monoxide. Effects of pollution resulting from this gas are dizziness and headaches.
Nitrogen Oxide: The percentage of pollution, which results from vehiclular emissions of nitogen dioxide is 34%. Out of this, heavy diesel vehicles produce 42% nitrogen oxide, while the light vehicles including cars account for 52%. The remaining amount is contributed by other vehicles.
Hydrocarbons: Vehicles account for 29% hydrocarbon production. These chemicals are responsible for health problems associated with the respiratory tract. Lung tissues also get damaged by the inhalation of hydrocarbons.
Particlulate Matter: Transportation and industries are both responsible for the production of particulate pollutants. The majority of portion is contributed by industries. Particles in the form solid and liquid states together create a condition called haze.
The information presented above takes into account the mode/action, which results into air pollution. Causes and pollutants responsible for this pollution must have helped you to understand its harmful effects. Hence, protect the environment to live a healthy life, and also to maintain the same for future generations.
Read more at Buzzle:
Indoor Air pollution
When we talk about air pollution, we focus all our attention on the
level of pollutants present in the atmosphere, neglecting the threat
indoor air pollution poses to us. Awareness about air pollution has
helped in controlling the emissions from various factories and
industries. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in its latest
report on air pollution statistics has pointed out that the toxic levels
have decreased considerably over the past few years. There is still a
long way to go before we start rejoicing and it will take a sustained
effort from all of us to realize the goal of pollution-free air.
Although, there is considerable awareness about air pollution, what is
rather surprising is that most of us are unaware about the threat indoor
air pollution poses to us. Indoor air pollution is the contamination of
air inside or around our homes and it has been listed as one of the
five risk factors for public health. If it doesn't set alarm bells
ringing consider these facts -
Experts suggest that indoor air pollution is a much bigger threat than outdoor air pollution as we spend most of our time inside our homes and offices, and this exposes us to contaminated air for prolonged periods.
World Health Organization (WHO) in its annual report stated that close to around 3% of all diseases are caused due to indoor air pollution.
EPA in its survey has found out that 60% of the homes in United States pose a threat to its inhabitants including some life-threatening diseases.
These facts would have given you an idea on the danger that indoor air pollution poses to all of us. The good news is that there are numerous ways in which you can ensure that you and your loved ones are breathing in safe, pollution-free air. We will help you with some solutions, but before that it is important that we first have a bit of an idea about the causes of indoor air pollution.
Solutions to Indoor Air Pollution
The solution to the problem of indoor air pollution lies in its causes. One of the major causes of indoor air pollution is poor ventilation. It causes polluted air to stay inside for long durations, which when inhaled can expose a person to a risk of developing various respiratory diseases. Other sources of pollution are harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, asbestos and poly-chlorinated biphenyl (PCB). All these chemicals are found in household products that you might have used or may use in near future. Although, asbestos and PCB have been banned from extensive use, these usually found their way inside your home through electrical and telephone cables, air conditioning systems, building material and furniture. Some other causes of indoor air pollution are radon, cigarettes and pesticides.
To reduce the level of pollutants inside your homes, you can seal all the sources of chemicals like asbestos and PBC. Another way to control the source of the pollutants is to adjust the place of appliances that cause indoor pollution. As mentioned before, half of the indoor air pollution is caused by poor ventilation. Relying on automatic conditioning systems all the time isn't a good idea and you should open doors and windows to let fresh air enter your home and replace contaminated air. Using exhaust fans can also help a great deal in proper ventilation. Air cleaners can be of good help in the fight against indoor air pollution. There is a wide range of air cleaners available in the market and before choosing one you should do a bit of research. Air cleaners purify the air inside a building by filtering the mold spores, pollen, dander, etc. Some simple things like smoking outside your home, cleaning your home on a regular basis and keeping your pets outside your living rooms can help in reducing the level of indoor air pollution. Awareness about indoor air pollution can go a long way in ensuring that the threat of indoor air pollution is curbed.
Experts suggest that indoor air pollution is a much bigger threat than outdoor air pollution as we spend most of our time inside our homes and offices, and this exposes us to contaminated air for prolonged periods.
World Health Organization (WHO) in its annual report stated that close to around 3% of all diseases are caused due to indoor air pollution.
EPA in its survey has found out that 60% of the homes in United States pose a threat to its inhabitants including some life-threatening diseases.
These facts would have given you an idea on the danger that indoor air pollution poses to all of us. The good news is that there are numerous ways in which you can ensure that you and your loved ones are breathing in safe, pollution-free air. We will help you with some solutions, but before that it is important that we first have a bit of an idea about the causes of indoor air pollution.
Solutions to Indoor Air Pollution
The solution to the problem of indoor air pollution lies in its causes. One of the major causes of indoor air pollution is poor ventilation. It causes polluted air to stay inside for long durations, which when inhaled can expose a person to a risk of developing various respiratory diseases. Other sources of pollution are harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, asbestos and poly-chlorinated biphenyl (PCB). All these chemicals are found in household products that you might have used or may use in near future. Although, asbestos and PCB have been banned from extensive use, these usually found their way inside your home through electrical and telephone cables, air conditioning systems, building material and furniture. Some other causes of indoor air pollution are radon, cigarettes and pesticides.
To reduce the level of pollutants inside your homes, you can seal all the sources of chemicals like asbestos and PBC. Another way to control the source of the pollutants is to adjust the place of appliances that cause indoor pollution. As mentioned before, half of the indoor air pollution is caused by poor ventilation. Relying on automatic conditioning systems all the time isn't a good idea and you should open doors and windows to let fresh air enter your home and replace contaminated air. Using exhaust fans can also help a great deal in proper ventilation. Air cleaners can be of good help in the fight against indoor air pollution. There is a wide range of air cleaners available in the market and before choosing one you should do a bit of research. Air cleaners purify the air inside a building by filtering the mold spores, pollen, dander, etc. Some simple things like smoking outside your home, cleaning your home on a regular basis and keeping your pets outside your living rooms can help in reducing the level of indoor air pollution. Awareness about indoor air pollution can go a long way in ensuring that the threat of indoor air pollution is curbed.
Impact of Car Pollution on the Environment:
The fact that humans contribute immensely to environmental
pollution has been well-established. Among the numerous ways in which we
individually add to the level of pollutants in the environment, car
pollution tops the list. The obvious reason being that it is one of the
widely used modes of personal transportation. Many people, who associate
themselves with the cause of environmental protection, sometimes fail
to notice that they themselves are on the same side of the fence. Our
automobiles cause all sorts of pollution, be it air, water, noise or
even land. Lamenting the present scenario or frantic calls for an abrupt
end to all things concerning automobiles is a hypothetical idea if we
look at it pragmatically. Therefore, the need of the hour is to continue
with sustained efforts in producing environment-friendly automobiles
and raise awareness among people on this issue. We need to understand
our purview on the cause of environmental conservation and work in
coadjuvancy to achieve the results. To get a greater understanding on
the impact of car pollution on the environment, let us take a look at
the topic in detail.
Car Pollution : A Grave Threat to the Environment
The gases that are emitted out from the exhaust of an automobile contain various poisonous gases that are harmful for living beings. Gases like carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, oxides of nitrogen exacerbate the already deteriorating ozone layer. The harmful particles that remain suspended in our atmosphere impact the quality of air that we breathe in leading to numerous respiratory diseases and cancers. Let us take a look at the effect of car pollution on the environment.
Air Pollution
The exhaust from the cars contains various greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. These gases have an ability to block the sun-rays that are reflected from the earth's surface. This solar energy gets trapped in the earth's atmosphere and causes variances in temperature. This is one of the major contributors to global warming. According to estimates, the global temperatures have seen a drastic increase in the last hundred years and if we continue adding up millions of cars every year to our roads, the temperature will increase rapidly, posing a threat to the survival of human race on this planet. Most cars are manufactured to achieve perfect combustion of fuel but after some time as the car undergoes wear and tear, the engine is not able to function efficiently which results in the emission of toxic substances. These pollutants are harmful for living beings and cause a host of respiratory diseases and lung cancer in humans. These toxic gases can also destroy plants, which are an important constituent of the ecological cycle. One of the greatest threats that car pollution has posed to the environment is the depletion of ozone layer. Ozone layer prevents harmful Ultra-Violet (UV) rays from reaching our atmosphere. The UV rays can cause a host of diseases and can change the genetic make-up of living beings. Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) have been banned from use in automobiles, countries where regulations are less stricter are still using it unabatedly.
Water Pollution
Pollution from cars has also impacted the quality of water, as smoke from the exhaust combines with rain, leading to acid rain, which makes its way to oceans and seas. Oil, which is released from cars due to leakage mixes with storm-water and pollutes the natural resources of water. Surveys conducted over the years have found that urban runoff was one of the biggest source of deterioration of the quality of water. The underground fuel storage tanks on which filling stations are housed also contribute thousands of tons of pollutants to water due to leakage. These pollutants impact the balance of the aquatic environment as many plants vegetate quickly resulting in the depletion of water levels. This in turn, makes it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. Also, pollutants passed on to the water bodies eventually end up affecting humans as many times, the fish is not inedible and causes numerous diseases.
Noise Pollution
Cars have increased the decibel levels in the environment which has contributed immensely to noise pollution. Noise pollution has caused a disturbance in the ecological cycle and many animals have had behavioral issues because of high noise levels. Apart from impacting the environment, noise pollution can cause several diseases in humans, such as high blood-pressure and mental stress. Although, it is generally accepted that a single vehicle is not capable of causing noise pollution, but, in cases where people use modified mufflers to alter the sound of their machines, the noise produced by a single vehicle is equal to that produced by hundreds of vehicles. Also, people tend to use heavy stereo systems capable of producing deafening noise levels. A standard stereo system has a amplifiers with configuration of 5 W. However, speakers used in 'boom cars' have amplifiers with 700 W. These vehicles add to the level of noise pollution in the environment.
Car Pollution : A Grave Threat to the Environment
The gases that are emitted out from the exhaust of an automobile contain various poisonous gases that are harmful for living beings. Gases like carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, oxides of nitrogen exacerbate the already deteriorating ozone layer. The harmful particles that remain suspended in our atmosphere impact the quality of air that we breathe in leading to numerous respiratory diseases and cancers. Let us take a look at the effect of car pollution on the environment.
Air Pollution
The exhaust from the cars contains various greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. These gases have an ability to block the sun-rays that are reflected from the earth's surface. This solar energy gets trapped in the earth's atmosphere and causes variances in temperature. This is one of the major contributors to global warming. According to estimates, the global temperatures have seen a drastic increase in the last hundred years and if we continue adding up millions of cars every year to our roads, the temperature will increase rapidly, posing a threat to the survival of human race on this planet. Most cars are manufactured to achieve perfect combustion of fuel but after some time as the car undergoes wear and tear, the engine is not able to function efficiently which results in the emission of toxic substances. These pollutants are harmful for living beings and cause a host of respiratory diseases and lung cancer in humans. These toxic gases can also destroy plants, which are an important constituent of the ecological cycle. One of the greatest threats that car pollution has posed to the environment is the depletion of ozone layer. Ozone layer prevents harmful Ultra-Violet (UV) rays from reaching our atmosphere. The UV rays can cause a host of diseases and can change the genetic make-up of living beings. Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) have been banned from use in automobiles, countries where regulations are less stricter are still using it unabatedly.
Water Pollution
Pollution from cars has also impacted the quality of water, as smoke from the exhaust combines with rain, leading to acid rain, which makes its way to oceans and seas. Oil, which is released from cars due to leakage mixes with storm-water and pollutes the natural resources of water. Surveys conducted over the years have found that urban runoff was one of the biggest source of deterioration of the quality of water. The underground fuel storage tanks on which filling stations are housed also contribute thousands of tons of pollutants to water due to leakage. These pollutants impact the balance of the aquatic environment as many plants vegetate quickly resulting in the depletion of water levels. This in turn, makes it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. Also, pollutants passed on to the water bodies eventually end up affecting humans as many times, the fish is not inedible and causes numerous diseases.
Noise Pollution
Cars have increased the decibel levels in the environment which has contributed immensely to noise pollution. Noise pollution has caused a disturbance in the ecological cycle and many animals have had behavioral issues because of high noise levels. Apart from impacting the environment, noise pollution can cause several diseases in humans, such as high blood-pressure and mental stress. Although, it is generally accepted that a single vehicle is not capable of causing noise pollution, but, in cases where people use modified mufflers to alter the sound of their machines, the noise produced by a single vehicle is equal to that produced by hundreds of vehicles. Also, people tend to use heavy stereo systems capable of producing deafening noise levels. A standard stereo system has a amplifiers with configuration of 5 W. However, speakers used in 'boom cars' have amplifiers with 700 W. These vehicles add to the level of noise pollution in the environment.
The fact that humans contribute immensely to environmental
pollution has been well-established. Among the numerous ways in which we
individually add to the level of pollutants in the environment, car
pollution tops the list. The obvious reason being that it is one of the
widely used modes of personal transportation. Many people, who associate
themselves with the cause of environmental protection, sometimes fail
to notice that they themselves are on the same side of the fence. Our
automobiles cause all sorts of pollution, be it air, water, noise or
even land. Lamenting the present scenario or frantic calls for an abrupt
end to all things concerning automobiles is a hypothetical idea if we
look at it pragmatically. Therefore, the need of the hour is to continue
with sustained efforts in producing environment-friendly automobiles
and raise awareness among people on this issue. We need to understand
our purview on the cause of environmental conservation and work in
coadjuvancy to achieve the results. To get a greater understanding on
the impact of car pollution on the environment, let us take a look at
the topic in detail.
Car Pollution : A Grave Threat to the Environment
The gases that are emitted out from the exhaust of an automobile contain various poisonous gases that are harmful for living beings. Gases like carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, oxides of nitrogen exacerbate the already deteriorating ozone layer. The harmful particles that remain suspended in our atmosphere impact the quality of air that we breathe in leading to numerous respiratory diseases and cancers. Let us take a look at the effect of car pollution on the environment.
Air Pollution
The exhaust from the cars contains various greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. These gases have an ability to block the sun-rays that are reflected from the earth's surface. This solar energy gets trapped in the earth's atmosphere and causes variances in temperature. This is one of the major contributors to global warming. According to estimates, the global temperatures have seen a drastic increase in the last hundred years and if we continue adding up millions of cars every year to our roads, the temperature will increase rapidly, posing a threat to the survival of human race on this planet. Most cars are manufactured to achieve perfect combustion of fuel but after some time as the car undergoes wear and tear, the engine is not able to function efficiently which results in the emission of toxic substances. These pollutants are harmful for living beings and cause a host of respiratory diseases and lung cancer in humans. These toxic gases can also destroy plants, which are an important constituent of the ecological cycle. One of the greatest threats that car pollution has posed to the environment is the depletion of ozone layer. Ozone layer prevents harmful Ultra-Violet (UV) rays from reaching our atmosphere. The UV rays can cause a host of diseases and can change the genetic make-up of living beings. Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) have been banned from use in automobiles, countries where regulations are less stricter are still using it unabatedly.
Water Pollution
Pollution from cars has also impacted the quality of water, as smoke from the exhaust combines with rain, leading to acid rain, which makes its way to oceans and seas. Oil, which is released from cars due to leakage mixes with storm-water and pollutes the natural resources of water. Surveys conducted over the years have found that urban runoff was one of the biggest source of deterioration of the quality of water. The underground fuel storage tanks on which filling stations are housed also contribute thousands of tons of pollutants to water due to leakage. These pollutants impact the balance of the aquatic environment as many plants vegetate quickly resulting in the depletion of water levels. This in turn, makes it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. Also, pollutants passed on to the water bodies eventually end up affecting humans as many times, the fish is not inedible and causes numerous diseases.
Noise Pollution
Cars have increased the decibel levels in the environment which has contributed immensely to noise pollution. Noise pollution has caused a disturbance in the ecological cycle and many animals have had behavioral issues because of high noise levels. Apart from impacting the environment, noise pollution can cause several diseases in humans, such as high blood-pressure and mental stress. Although, it is generally accepted that a single vehicle is not capable of causing noise pollution, but, in cases where people use modified mufflers to alter the sound of their machines, the noise produced by a single vehicle is equal to that produced by hundreds of vehicles. Also, people tend to use heavy stereo systems capable of producing deafening noise levels. A standard stereo system has a amplifiers with configuration of 5 W. However, speakers used in 'boom cars' have amplifiers with 700 W. These vehicles add to the level of noise pollution in the environment.
Cars have occupied major portions of our cities and this has contributed to land pollution. Vast areas of barren lands have been turned into parking lots and more are being created to accommodate the growing number of cars that are being added each day. It has been observed that instead of taking responsibility to conserve the environment, we pass the buck to environmental activists. If we cannot fight for environmental causes, we can at least make sure that we are doing our bit to prevent the degradation of the environment. Avoiding the use of a car for short journeys can reduce the pollution levels in the environment. Also, cars that are not properly maintained emit pollutants in higher amounts, so it is necessary to take proper care of the car through regular servicing. It not only helps in preventing pollution, but it also increases the life of your car. If each one of us contributes a little bit, it certainly will make a big difference to environmental conservation.
Read more at
WATER POLLUTION;
Sources of Water Pollution
» Point Sources - When pollution is generated from a single source, then the sources are called point sources. The examples include sewage water discharges from industries.
» Non-point Sources - Pollution generated by more than one source is called non-point source pollution, and the sources are called non-point sources. Pesticides, fertilizers, domestic waste, and other day-to-day activities carried out by humans -- such as riding a bike, driving a car, smoke emitted from a chimney, fertilizing your garden, etc. -- form the category of non-point sources.
Causes of Water Pollution
» Agricultural Pollution - Excess fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides used for agricultural procedures often get discharged in water bodies right from streams to lakes and seas. Ungoverned control of manure and slurries also leads to polluting the water.
» Mining Activities - During mining, the rock strata is crushed with the help of heavy equipment on a large scale. These rocks are often composed of sulfides and heavy metals, which when combined with water form sulfuric acid and other harmful pollutants.
Sewage Water
Sewage Water
» Sewage Water - The leftover or excess water that is left after carrying out domestic and industrial activities is called sewage water. This water consists of a lot of chemicals, and if left untreated, it can cause diarrhea. People flushing medicines and other chemical substances down the toilet has been a cause of concern for the developed countries today.
» Burning of Fossil Fuels - It is a well-known fact that combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, emits large amount of greenhouse gases. The offshore drilling of these fossil fuels poses a serious threat to water quality and the aquatic life that depends on it.
Algal Bloom
Algal Bloom
» Eutrophication - When a water body is filled with excessive nutrients, often due to surface runoff, it results in dense growth of algae which in turn depletes the oxygen level in the water. This process is called eutrophication. Coupled with anthropogenic activity, it causes premature aging and waste-filled water content of the water body.
» Algal Bloom - The amount of organic wastes that can be degraded by the water bodies is measured in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is nothing but the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose the organic waste present in the sewage. The higher the amount of BOD, the more water is polluted with organic waste and vice versa. Many people are not aware of the fact that soaps and detergents enrich the water bodies with phosphates. These phosphates often lead to harmful algal bloom (HAB), which is a common problem in stagnant water bodies, such as ponds and lakes. It leads to the suffocation of fish and other organisms in a water body.
Landfill
Landfill
» Landfills - The areas where a city's garbage is buried are called landfills. An ideal landfill should be well-protected at the base to prevent seepage. However, if there exists even a slight crack in the bottom layer, the pollutants seep through it and mix with the groundwater present below. This makes the water unfit for consumption in any form.
» Oil Spills - The causes of oil spills can be both, natural and anthropogenic. More often than not, they result from human activities, be it accidentally, or deliberately. Oil products stored in special containers often leak over a long period; the same can happen during handling of the containers or improper transport. Sometimes, oil and its products are intentionally discharged down the drain after their use, proving harmful in the long run.
Effects of Water Pollution
Dead Fauna
Dead Fauna
» Due to surface runoff, the harmful anthropogenic matter gets dissolved in water. If this water is consumed, it can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal problems.
» The dense cover of algae that grows over water as a result of eutrophication reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of water, thus affecting the aquatic plants and animals. Species, such as trout are unable to survive in dissolved oxygen-deficit waters, thereby leading to their death.
» Aquifers -- underground geological formation providing water for wells and other purposes -- form a major source of drinking water in most parts of the world. However, with the increase in the amount of different types of pollution, pollutants often seep in through the soil, and the groundwater gets polluted with metals, such as fluoride and arsenic. This leads to instances of dental fluorosis and weakening of bones in humans.
Oil Spill Effect
Oil Spill Effect
» Oil spills infiltrate into the fur, feathers, and skin of animals and birds, affecting their buoyancy in water. It also hampers their ability to adapt to temperature fluctuations. Excessive exposure to oil can also affect the visibility in animals and birds. Often, it enters the lungs, leading to their death.
» When excess fertilizers are used on crops and the same crops are consumed by humans, the cadmium present in the fertilizers has adverse effects on the health. It affects the functioning of the liver and kidney, causing abdominal and intestinal complications.
Car Pollution : A Grave Threat to the Environment
The gases that are emitted out from the exhaust of an automobile contain various poisonous gases that are harmful for living beings. Gases like carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide, oxides of nitrogen exacerbate the already deteriorating ozone layer. The harmful particles that remain suspended in our atmosphere impact the quality of air that we breathe in leading to numerous respiratory diseases and cancers. Let us take a look at the effect of car pollution on the environment.
Air Pollution
The exhaust from the cars contains various greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. These gases have an ability to block the sun-rays that are reflected from the earth's surface. This solar energy gets trapped in the earth's atmosphere and causes variances in temperature. This is one of the major contributors to global warming. According to estimates, the global temperatures have seen a drastic increase in the last hundred years and if we continue adding up millions of cars every year to our roads, the temperature will increase rapidly, posing a threat to the survival of human race on this planet. Most cars are manufactured to achieve perfect combustion of fuel but after some time as the car undergoes wear and tear, the engine is not able to function efficiently which results in the emission of toxic substances. These pollutants are harmful for living beings and cause a host of respiratory diseases and lung cancer in humans. These toxic gases can also destroy plants, which are an important constituent of the ecological cycle. One of the greatest threats that car pollution has posed to the environment is the depletion of ozone layer. Ozone layer prevents harmful Ultra-Violet (UV) rays from reaching our atmosphere. The UV rays can cause a host of diseases and can change the genetic make-up of living beings. Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) have been banned from use in automobiles, countries where regulations are less stricter are still using it unabatedly.
Water Pollution
Pollution from cars has also impacted the quality of water, as smoke from the exhaust combines with rain, leading to acid rain, which makes its way to oceans and seas. Oil, which is released from cars due to leakage mixes with storm-water and pollutes the natural resources of water. Surveys conducted over the years have found that urban runoff was one of the biggest source of deterioration of the quality of water. The underground fuel storage tanks on which filling stations are housed also contribute thousands of tons of pollutants to water due to leakage. These pollutants impact the balance of the aquatic environment as many plants vegetate quickly resulting in the depletion of water levels. This in turn, makes it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. Also, pollutants passed on to the water bodies eventually end up affecting humans as many times, the fish is not inedible and causes numerous diseases.
Noise Pollution
Cars have increased the decibel levels in the environment which has contributed immensely to noise pollution. Noise pollution has caused a disturbance in the ecological cycle and many animals have had behavioral issues because of high noise levels. Apart from impacting the environment, noise pollution can cause several diseases in humans, such as high blood-pressure and mental stress. Although, it is generally accepted that a single vehicle is not capable of causing noise pollution, but, in cases where people use modified mufflers to alter the sound of their machines, the noise produced by a single vehicle is equal to that produced by hundreds of vehicles. Also, people tend to use heavy stereo systems capable of producing deafening noise levels. A standard stereo system has a amplifiers with configuration of 5 W. However, speakers used in 'boom cars' have amplifiers with 700 W. These vehicles add to the level of noise pollution in the environment.
Cars have occupied major portions of our cities and this has contributed to land pollution. Vast areas of barren lands have been turned into parking lots and more are being created to accommodate the growing number of cars that are being added each day. It has been observed that instead of taking responsibility to conserve the environment, we pass the buck to environmental activists. If we cannot fight for environmental causes, we can at least make sure that we are doing our bit to prevent the degradation of the environment. Avoiding the use of a car for short journeys can reduce the pollution levels in the environment. Also, cars that are not properly maintained emit pollutants in higher amounts, so it is necessary to take proper care of the car through regular servicing. It not only helps in preventing pollution, but it also increases the life of your car. If each one of us contributes a little bit, it certainly will make a big difference to environmental conservation.
Read more at
WATER POLLUTION;
In the wake of the current situation worldwide where water scarcity
is increasingly becoming a major issue, pollution of the available
water only makes it worse.
Read more at Buzzle:
Read more at Buzzle:
Water pollution is an undesirable change in the state of water,
contaminated with harmful substances. Any change in the physical,
chemical, and biological properties of water that has a harmful effect
on living things is called water pollution. It affects all the major
water bodies of the world, such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and
groundwater.
Water pollution has been increasing at a worrying rate. If consumed in a contaminated state, it may prove fatal to both -- human beings and the environment. Let's find out how this pollution affects the ecological balance and poses a threat to our lives.
Sources of Water Pollution
» Point Sources - When pollution is generated from a single source, then the sources are called point sources. The examples include sewage water discharges from industries.
» Non-point Sources - Pollution generated by more than one source is called non-point source pollution, and the sources are called non-point sources. Pesticides, fertilizers, domestic waste, and other day-to-day activities carried out by humans -- such as riding a bike, driving a car, smoke emitted from a chimney, fertilizing your garden, etc. -- form the category of non-point sources.
Causes of Water Pollution
Water pollution has been increasing at a worrying rate. If consumed in a contaminated state, it may prove fatal to both -- human beings and the environment. Let's find out how this pollution affects the ecological balance and poses a threat to our lives.
Sources of Water Pollution
» Point Sources - When pollution is generated from a single source, then the sources are called point sources. The examples include sewage water discharges from industries.
» Non-point Sources - Pollution generated by more than one source is called non-point source pollution, and the sources are called non-point sources. Pesticides, fertilizers, domestic waste, and other day-to-day activities carried out by humans -- such as riding a bike, driving a car, smoke emitted from a chimney, fertilizing your garden, etc. -- form the category of non-point sources.
Causes of Water Pollution
Water pollution is an undesirable change in the state of water,
contaminated with harmful substances. Any change in the physical,
chemical, and biological properties of water that has a harmful effect
on living things is called water pollution. It affects all the major
water bodies of the world, such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and
groundwater.
Water pollution has been increasing at a worrying rate. If consumed in a contaminated state, it may prove fatal to both -- human beings and the environment. Let's find out how this pollution affects the ecological balance and poses a threat to our lives.
Sources of Water Pollution
» Point Sources - When pollution is generated from a single source, then the sources are called point sources. The examples include sewage water discharges from industries.
» Non-point Sources - Pollution generated by more than one source is called non-point source pollution, and the sources are called non-point sources. Pesticides, fertilizers, domestic waste, and other day-to-day activities carried out by humans -- such as riding a bike, driving a car, smoke emitted from a chimney, fertilizing your garden, etc. -- form the category of non-point sources
Water pollution has been increasing at a worrying rate. If consumed in a contaminated state, it may prove fatal to both -- human beings and the environment. Let's find out how this pollution affects the ecological balance and poses a threat to our lives.
Sources of Water Pollution
» Point Sources - When pollution is generated from a single source, then the sources are called point sources. The examples include sewage water discharges from industries.
» Non-point Sources - Pollution generated by more than one source is called non-point source pollution, and the sources are called non-point sources. Pesticides, fertilizers, domestic waste, and other day-to-day activities carried out by humans -- such as riding a bike, driving a car, smoke emitted from a chimney, fertilizing your garden, etc. -- form the category of non-point sources
Sources of Water Pollution
» Point Sources - When pollution is generated from a single source, then the sources are called point sources. The examples include sewage water discharges from industries.
» Non-point Sources - Pollution generated by more than one source is called non-point source pollution, and the sources are called non-point sources. Pesticides, fertilizers, domestic waste, and other day-to-day activities carried out by humans -- such as riding a bike, driving a car, smoke emitted from a chimney, fertilizing your garden, etc. -- form the category of non-point sources.
Causes of Water Pollution
» Agricultural Pollution - Excess fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides used for agricultural procedures often get discharged in water bodies right from streams to lakes and seas. Ungoverned control of manure and slurries also leads to polluting the water.
» Mining Activities - During mining, the rock strata is crushed with the help of heavy equipment on a large scale. These rocks are often composed of sulfides and heavy metals, which when combined with water form sulfuric acid and other harmful pollutants.
Sewage Water
Sewage Water
» Sewage Water - The leftover or excess water that is left after carrying out domestic and industrial activities is called sewage water. This water consists of a lot of chemicals, and if left untreated, it can cause diarrhea. People flushing medicines and other chemical substances down the toilet has been a cause of concern for the developed countries today.
» Burning of Fossil Fuels - It is a well-known fact that combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, emits large amount of greenhouse gases. The offshore drilling of these fossil fuels poses a serious threat to water quality and the aquatic life that depends on it.
Algal Bloom
Algal Bloom
» Eutrophication - When a water body is filled with excessive nutrients, often due to surface runoff, it results in dense growth of algae which in turn depletes the oxygen level in the water. This process is called eutrophication. Coupled with anthropogenic activity, it causes premature aging and waste-filled water content of the water body.
» Algal Bloom - The amount of organic wastes that can be degraded by the water bodies is measured in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD is nothing but the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose the organic waste present in the sewage. The higher the amount of BOD, the more water is polluted with organic waste and vice versa. Many people are not aware of the fact that soaps and detergents enrich the water bodies with phosphates. These phosphates often lead to harmful algal bloom (HAB), which is a common problem in stagnant water bodies, such as ponds and lakes. It leads to the suffocation of fish and other organisms in a water body.
Landfill
Landfill
» Landfills - The areas where a city's garbage is buried are called landfills. An ideal landfill should be well-protected at the base to prevent seepage. However, if there exists even a slight crack in the bottom layer, the pollutants seep through it and mix with the groundwater present below. This makes the water unfit for consumption in any form.
» Oil Spills - The causes of oil spills can be both, natural and anthropogenic. More often than not, they result from human activities, be it accidentally, or deliberately. Oil products stored in special containers often leak over a long period; the same can happen during handling of the containers or improper transport. Sometimes, oil and its products are intentionally discharged down the drain after their use, proving harmful in the long run.
Effects of Water Pollution
Dead Fauna
Dead Fauna
» Due to surface runoff, the harmful anthropogenic matter gets dissolved in water. If this water is consumed, it can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal problems.
» The dense cover of algae that grows over water as a result of eutrophication reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of water, thus affecting the aquatic plants and animals. Species, such as trout are unable to survive in dissolved oxygen-deficit waters, thereby leading to their death.
» Aquifers -- underground geological formation providing water for wells and other purposes -- form a major source of drinking water in most parts of the world. However, with the increase in the amount of different types of pollution, pollutants often seep in through the soil, and the groundwater gets polluted with metals, such as fluoride and arsenic. This leads to instances of dental fluorosis and weakening of bones in humans.
Oil Spill Effect
Oil Spill Effect
» Oil spills infiltrate into the fur, feathers, and skin of animals and birds, affecting their buoyancy in water. It also hampers their ability to adapt to temperature fluctuations. Excessive exposure to oil can also affect the visibility in animals and birds. Often, it enters the lungs, leading to their death.
» When excess fertilizers are used on crops and the same crops are consumed by humans, the cadmium present in the fertilizers has adverse effects on the health. It affects the functioning of the liver and kidney, causing abdominal and intestinal complications.
Air Pollution Facts
Air pollution is caused when air is contaminated with poisonous substances, particulate matter, and droplets of liquid, which damage the health of human beings and other living organisms. Here is an account of the adverse air pollution effects, and what you can do to protect yourself against it..
Air pollution is caused when air is contaminated with poisonous substances, particulate matter, and droplets of liquid, which damage the health of human beings and other living organisms. Here is an account of the adverse air pollution effects, and what you can do to protect yourself against it..
In cities, the air gets polluted by exhaust fumes of vehicles along
with the pollutants given off by construction work and industries. In
the countryside, dust given off by tractors working on fields, vehicles
being driven on gravel or dirt tracks, wood being burnt, and work
carried out in rock quarries, are some of the causes of air pollution.
Toxic air pollutants and chemicals, like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides react with water molecules in the atmosphere to form acids. Acid rain contains high levels of hydrogen ions, which can damage trees, crops, vehicles (due to corrosion), pollute water bodies, and harm other aquatic animals.
Therefore, air pollution not only threatens the health of human beings but also disturbs the ecological balance to a great extent. Let's probe further and find out the current scenario.
Read more at Buzzle:
Toxic air pollutants and chemicals, like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides react with water molecules in the atmosphere to form acids. Acid rain contains high levels of hydrogen ions, which can damage trees, crops, vehicles (due to corrosion), pollute water bodies, and harm other aquatic animals.
Therefore, air pollution not only threatens the health of human beings but also disturbs the ecological balance to a great extent. Let's probe further and find out the current scenario.
Read more at Buzzle:
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