<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/Environment-pollution/”>ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION
defined as ‘an addition or excessive addition of certain materials to the physical environment (water, air and lands), making it less fit or unfit for life’.
Pollutants are the materials or factors, which cause adverse effect on the natural quality of any component of the environment.
Classifications
1. According to the form in which they persist after release into the environment.
• Primary pollutants: These persist in the form in which they are added to the environment e.g. DDT, plastic.
• Secondary Pollutants: These are formed by interaction among the primary pollutants. For example, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is formed by the interaction of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. 
2. According to their existence in nature.
• Quantitative Pollutants: These occur in nature and become pollutant when their concentration reaches beyond a threshold level. E.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide.
• Qualitative Pollutants: These do not occur in nature and are man-made. E.g. fungicides, herbicides, DDT etc.
3. According to their nature of disposal.
• Biodegradable Pollutants: Waste products, which are degraded by microbial action. E.g. sewage.
• Non-biodegradable Pollutants: Pollutants, which are not decomposed by microbial action. E.g. plastics, glass, DDT, salts of heavy metals, radioactive substances etc
4. According to origin
• Natural
• Anthropogenic
Air Pollution
aggravated because of four developments:
Increasing traffic, growing cities, rapid Economic Development, and industrialization
contamination of air by the discharge of harmful substances
Major air pollutants and their sources
1. Carbon monoxide (CO)
• It is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon – based fuels including petrol, diesel, and wood.
• It is also produced from the combustion of natural and synthetic products such as cigarettes.
• It lowers the amount of Oxygen that enters our blood. It can slow our reflexes and make us confused and sleepy.
2. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
principle greenhouse gas
3. Chloroflorocarbons (CFC)
• gases that are released mainly fromair-conditioning systems and refrigeration.
• When released into the air, CFCs rise to the Stratosphere, where they come in contact with few other gases, which lead to a reduction of the ozone layer that protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
4. Lead
present in petrol, diesel, lead batteries, paints, hair dye products, etc.
affects children in particular. cause nervous system damage and digestive problems and, in some cases, cause cancer.
5. Ozone
• occurs naturally in the upper layers of the Atmosphere.
• at-the ground level, it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects.
• Vehicles and industries are the major source of ground-level ozone emissions.
• Ozone makes our eyes itch, burn, and water. It lowers our resistance to cold and pneumonia.
6. Nitrogen oxide (Nox)
• causes smog and Acid Rain. It is produced from burning fuels including petrol, diesel, and coal.
• Nitrogen oxide can make children susceptible to respiratory diseases in winters.
7. Suspended particulate matter (SPM)
• consists of solids in the air in the form of smoke, dust, and vapour that can remain suspended for extended periods
• The finer of these particles when breathed in can lodge in our lungs and cause lung damage and respiratory problems.
8. Sulphur dioxide (S02)
• a gas produced from burning coal, mainly in thermal power Plants.
• Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smelting of metals, produce sulphur dioxide.
• a major contributor to smog and acid rain.
• Sulphur dioxide can lead to lung diseases
9. Smog
• a combination of the words fog and smoke. Smog is a condition of fog that had soot or smoke in it.
• interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals in the atmosphere.
• primary components of photochemical smog is ozone.
• Ozone is formed through a complex reaction involving hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sunlight. It is formed when pollutants released from gasoline, diesel- powered vehicles and oil-based solvents react with heat and sunlight from biofuels, the four most serious pollutants are particulates, carbon monoxide, polycyclic organic matter, and formaldehyde
Pollutants
i) Volatile organic compounds
The main indoor sources are perfumes, hair sprays, furniture polish, glues, air
fresheners, moth repellents, wood preservatives, and other products.
ii) Biological pollutants
It includes pollen from plants, mite, and hair from pets, Fungi, parasites, and some bacteria.
iii) Formaldehyde
Mainly from carpets, particle boards, and insulation foam. It causes irritation to the eyes and nose and allergies.
iv) Radon
It is a gas that is emitted naturally by the Soil. Due to modern houses having poor ventilation, it is confined inside the house and causes lung cancers.
Fly Ash
Ash is produced whenever combustion of solid material takes place.
Composition
1. Aluminium silicate (in.large amounts)
2. silicon dioxide (Si02) and
3. Calcium oxide (Ca0).
Fly ash particles are oxide rich and consist of silica, alumina, oxides of iron, calcium, and magnesium and toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cobalt, and coppers
Policy measures of MoEF:
• The Ministry of Environment and Forests vide its notification in 2009, has made it mandatory to use Fly Ash based products in all construction projects, road embankment works and low lying land filling works within 100 kms radius of Thermal Power Station.
• To use Fly Ash in mine filling activities within 50 kms radius of Thermal Power Stations.
• Arresters: These are used to separate particulate matters from contaminated air.
• Scrubbers: These are used to clean air for both dusts and gases by passing it through a dry or wet packing material.
Government Initiatives
(1) National Air Quality Monitoring Programme
In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been executing a nationwide programme of ambient air quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring
Programme (NAMP).
The National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is undertaken in India
(i) to determine status and trends of ambient air quality;
(ii) to ascertain the compliance of NAAQS;
(iii) to identify non-attainment cities;
(iv) to understand the natural process of cleaning in the atmosphere; and
(v) to undertake preventive and corrective measures.
Annual Average concentration of SOx levels are within the prescribed National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were notified in the year 1982, duly revised in 1994 based on Health criteria and land uses .
The NAAQS have been revisited and revised in November 2009 for 12 pollutants, which include. sulphur dioxide (S02), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter having size less than 10 micron
(PM10),particulate matter having size less than 2.5micron (PM2.5), ozone, lead, carbon monoxide (CO), arsenic, nickel, benzene, ammonia, and. Benzopyrene.
Water Pollution
Addition of certain substances to the water such as organic, inorganic,
biological, radiological, heat, which degrades the quality of water so that it
becomes unfit for use.
Putrescibility is the process of decomposition of organic matter present in water by Microorganisms using oxygen.
Water having DO (dissolved oxygen) content below 8.0 mg/L may be
considered as contaminated. Water having DO content below. 4.0 mg/L is
considered to be highly polluted.
Water pollution by organic wastes is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand-(BOD). BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly better mode used to measure pollution load in water. It is the measure of oxygen equivalent of the requirement of oxidation of total organic matter (i.e. biodegradable and non- biodegradable) present in water.
A cripling deformity called Minamata disease due to consumption of fish captured from mercury contaminated Minamata Bay.
Water contaminated with cadmium can cause itai itai disease also called ouch-ouch disease (a painful disease of bones and joints) and cancer of lungs and liver.
The compounds of lead cause anaemia, headache, loss of muscle power and bluish line around the gum
Excess nitrate in drinking water reacts with hemoglobin to form non -functional met haemoglobin, and impairs oxygen transport. This condition is called methaemoglobinemia or Blue baby syndrome.
Over exploitation of ground water may lead to leaching of arsenic from soil and rock sources and contaminate ground water. Chronic exposure to arsenic causes black foot disease. It also causes diarrhoea,-peripheral neuritis, hyperkerotosis and also lung and skin cancer.
Soil Pollution
Industrial waste includes chemicals such as mercury, lead, copper, zinc, cadmium, cynides, thiocynates, chromates, acids, alkalies, organic substances etc
Four R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Noise Pollution
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). An increase of about 10 dB is approximately double the increase in loudness.
A person’s hearing can be damaged if exposed to noise levels over 75 dB over a prolonged period of time.
The World Health Organization recommends that the sound level indoors should be less than 30 dB.
Ambient Noise Level Monitoring – Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules, 2000 define ambient noise levels for various areas as follows-
A. Industrial Area—75DB to 70Db (Day time-6am to 10pm and night time 10pm to 6am ..75 is day time and 70 is night time)
B. Commercial Area–65 to 55
C. Residential Area–55 to 45
D. Silence Zone– 50 to 40
• The Government of India on Mar 2011 launched a Real time Ambient Noise Monitoring Network.
• Under this network, in phase- I, five Remote Noise Monitoring Terminals each have been installed in different noise zones in seven metros (Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Lucknow).
In Phase II another 35 monitoring stations will be installed in the same seven cities.
Phase III will cover installing 90 stations in 18 other cities.
Phase-III cities are Kanpur, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Jaipur, Indore,
Bhopal, Ludhiana, Guwahati, Dehradun, Thiruvananthpuram, Bhubaneswar,
Patna, Gandhinagar, Ranchi, Amritsar and Raipur.
Silence Zone is an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other t area declared as such by a competent authority.
RADIO ACTIVE POLLUTION
Non-ionising radiations affect only those components which absorb them and have low penetrability. They include short-wave radiations such as ultraviolet rays, which forms a part of solar radiation. Sunburns is due to these radiation Ionising radiations have high penetration power & cause breakage of macro Molecules
They include X-rays, cosmic rays and atomic radiations -(radiations emitted by radioactive Elements
Alpha particles, can be blocked by a piece of paper and human skin.
Beta particles can penetrate through skin, while can be blocked by some pieces of glass and Metal.
Gamma rays can penetrate easily to human skin and damage cells on its way through, reaching far, and can only be blocked by a very thick, strong, massive piece of concrete radium-224, uranium-238, thorium-232, potassium-40, carbon-14, etc.
The nuclear arms use uranium-235 and plutonium-239 for fission and hydrogen or lithium as fusion material
The radio nuclides with long half-time are the chief source of environmental radioactive pollution.
E — WASTE
E-Waste is not hazardous if it is stocked in safe storage or recycled by scientific methods or transported from one place to the other in parts or in totality in the formal sector. The e-waste can be considered hazardous if recycled by primitive methods
Survey was carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) during 2005
In India, among top ten cities; Mumbai ranks first in generating e-waste followed by Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Surat and Nagpur.
SOLID WASTE
the discarded (abandoned or considered waste-like) materials does not include solid or dissolved materials in domestic sewage, or solid or dissolved materials in Irrigation return flows or industrial discharge s0 Conventional plastics have been associated with reproductive problems in both humans and wildlife.
Dioxin (highly carcinogenic and toxic) by-product of the manufacturing process is one of the chemicals believed to be passed on through breast milk to the nursing infant.
Burning of plastics, especially PVC releases this dioxin and also furan into the atmosphere.
Pyrolysis-It is a process of combustion in absence of oxygen or the material burnt under controlled atmosphere of oxygen. It is an alternative to incineration. The gas and liquid thus obtained can be used as fuels.
Waste minimization Circles (WMC)
helps Small and Medium Industrial Clusters in waste minimization in their industrial plants. assisted by the World Bank with the Ministry of Environment and Forests acting as the nodal ministry. being implemented with the assistance of National Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi.
aims to realise the objectives of the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution (1992), which states that the government should educate citizens about environmental risks, the economic and health dangers of resource degradation and the real economic cost of natural Resources.
BIOREMEDIATION
the use of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms.
Phytoremediation/”>Phytoremediation
is use of plants to remove contaminants from soil and water .
Rhizofiltration
• a water remediation technique that involves the uptake of contaminants by plant roots.
• used to reduce contamination in natural wetlands and estuary areas.,
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. Air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, noise pollution and light pollution are some of the different types of pollution.
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by noxious gases, particulate matter, and other harmful substances. It can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. It can also be caused by natural sources, such as Volcanoes-2/”>Volcanoes and dust storms.
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and Oceans, by harmful substances. It can cause fish kills, algae blooms, and other problems. Water pollution is caused by sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. It can also be caused by natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions and oil spills.
Soil pollution is the contamination of soil by harmful substances. It can cause problems for plants, animals, and humans. Soil pollution is caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban runoff. It can also be caused by natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions and oil spills.
Sound pollution is the excessive level of noise that can cause hearing loss, Stress, and other health problems. It is caused by transportation, Industry, and construction. It can also be caused by natural sources, such as thunder and waterfalls.
Radioactive pollution is the contamination of the environment by radioactive materials. It can cause cancer, genetic mutations, and other health problems. Radioactive pollution is caused by nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons testing, and accidents involving radioactive materials.
E-waste is electronic waste, such as old computers, televisions, and cell phones. It is a growing problem, as more and more electronic devices are being produced. E-waste can contain harmful chemicals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. It can also contain valuable materials, such as gold and silver. E-waste is often disposed of improperly, which can pollute the environment.
Industrial waste is waste produced by industrial activities. It can be hazardous or non-hazardous. Hazardous waste is waste that can cause harm to human health or the environment. Non-hazardous waste is waste that does not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment. Industrial waste can be managed in a number of ways, including recycling, reuse, treatment, and disposal.
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. It is an alternative to conventional waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling can benefit your community and the environment.
Reuse is the process of using a product again for the same purpose for which it was originally designed. It is an alternative to conventional waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Reuse can benefit your community and the environment.
Waste Management is the collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste materials. It is an important part of environmental protection. Waste management can help to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect human health.
Waste treatment is the process of converting waste materials into less harmful or more manageable forms. It is an important part of waste management. Waste treatment can help to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect human health.
Waste disposal is the final step in waste management. It is the process of getting rid of waste materials. Waste disposal can be done in a number of ways, including landfilling, incineration, and recycling.
Solid waste is a waste material that is not liquid or gas. It can be organic or inorganic. Solid waste can be generated from a variety of sources, including households, businesses, and industries. Solid Waste Management is the process of collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of solid waste.
The impact of solid waste management, recycling and reuse is significant. Solid waste management can help to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect human health. Recycling and reuse can help to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills and incinerators. They can also help to conserve resources and protect the environment.
In conclusion, pollution is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on human health and the environment. There are a number of things that can be done to reduce pollution, including recycling, reusing, and properly disposing of waste.
Types of pollution and their management
- Air pollution is caused by the release of harmful substances into the air, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These substances can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution can be managed by reducing emissions from vehicles, factories, and power plants.
- Water pollution is caused by the release of harmful substances into water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. These substances can cause fish kills, algae blooms, and other problems. Water pollution can be managed by treating wastewater before it is released into the environment.
- Soil pollution is caused by the release of harmful substances into soil, such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial waste. These substances can contaminate crops, Livestock, and drinking water. Soil pollution can be managed by reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, and by properly disposing of industrial waste.
- Sound pollution is caused by excessive noise, such as from traffic, construction, and airplanes. This noise can cause hearing loss, stress, and sleep problems. Sound pollution can be managed by reducing the noise from sources, such as by using quieter equipment and by building sound barriers.
- Radioactive pollution is caused by the release of radioactive materials into the environment. These materials can cause cancer and other health problems. Radioactive pollution can be managed by reducing the use of radioactive materials, and by properly disposing of radioactive waste.
- E-waste is electronic waste, such as computers, televisions, and cell phones. E-waste contains harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment if it is not properly disposed of. E-waste can be managed by recycling or reusing electronic devices.
Industrial waste and its management
Industrial waste is waste produced by industrial activities, such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. Industrial waste can be hazardous to human health and the environment. It can be managed by reducing the amount of waste produced, treating the waste before it is released into the environment, and properly disposing of the waste.
Impact of Solid Waste Management
Solid waste management is the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste. Solid waste can include household trash, commercial waste, industrial waste, and construction and demolition debris. Solid waste management can have a significant impact on the environment. Improper disposal of solid waste can pollute air, water, and soil. It can also attract pests and rodents, and create fire hazards. Proper solid waste management can help to protect the environment and human health.
Recycling and reuse
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Recycling can benefit your community and the environment. It can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, conserve Natural Resources, save energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reuse is the act of using a product again instead of throwing it away. Reuse can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, conserve natural resources, save energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Which of the following is not a type of pollution?
(a) Air pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Soil pollution
(d) Sound pollution
(e) E-waste pollution -
Which of the following is not a source of air pollution?
(a) Cars
(b) Factories
(c) Power plants
(d) Trees
(e) Volcanoes -
Which of the following is not a source of water pollution?
(a) Sewage
(b) Factories
(c) Agriculture
(d) Cars
(e) Oil spills -
Which of the following is not a source of soil pollution?
(a) Agriculture
(b) Factories
(c) Mining
(d) Cars
(e) Oil spills -
Which of the following is not a source of sound pollution?
(a) Cars
(b) Factories
(c) Construction sites
(d) Music
(e) Birds -
Which of the following is not a source of radioactive pollution?
(a) Nuclear power plants
(b) Mining
(c) Weapons testing
(d) Medical procedures
(e) Fossil fuels -
Which of the following is not a source of e-waste pollution?
(a) Computers
(b) Cell phones
(c) Televisions
(d) Refrigerators
(e) Cars -
Which of the following is not a way to manage air pollution?
(a) Reduce emissions from cars and factories
(b) Plant trees
(c) Install air filters in homes and businesses
(d) Use RENEWABLE ENERGY sources
(e) Ban all cars -
Which of the following is not a way to manage water pollution?
(a) Treat sewage before it is released into rivers and streams
(b) Reduce runoff from farms and construction sites
(c) Recycle water
(d) Ban all cars
(e) Use renewable energy sources -
Which of the following is not a way to manage soil pollution?
(a) Reduce the use of pesticides and Fertilizers
(b) Plant cover crops
(c) Install Drainage Systems
(d) Ban all cars
(e) Use renewable energy sources -
Which of the following is not a way to manage sound pollution?
(a) Install noise barriers
(b) Reduce the speed limit
(c) Ban loud music
(d) Plant trees
(e) Use renewable energy sources -
Which of the following is not a way to manage radioactive pollution?
(a) Dispose of radioactive waste safely
(b) Ban nuclear power plants
(c) Use renewable energy sources
(d) Plant trees
(e) Reduce the use of fossil fuels -
Which of the following is not a way to manage e-waste pollution?
(a) Recycle e-waste
(b) Reuse e-waste
(c) Donate e-waste
(d) Dispose of e-waste properly
(e) Ban all cars -
What is the impact of solid waste management?
(a) It can pollute the air, water, and soil.
(b) It can create health problems for people who live near landfills.
(c) It can contribute to Climate change.
(d) All of the above. -
What is recycling?
(a) The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
(b) The process of reusing waste materials.
(c) The process of donating waste materials.
(d) The process of disposing of waste materials properly. -
What is reuse?
(a) The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
(b) The process of using waste materials again.
(c) The process of donating waste materials.
(d) The process of disposing of waste materials properly. -
What is the impact of recycling and reuse?
(a) It can reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
(b) It can conserve natural resources.
(c) It can create jobs.
(d) All of the above.