Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution occurs when harmful substances enter the natural environment, causing damage to (adverse effects on) ecosystems, natural resources, and human life (health).

(Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the natural environment), 

 It involves unnatural and negative (harmful) changes in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air, water, or soil, which can harm living organisms and property.

Pollution has existed for centuries, but since the Industrial Revolution, contaminants (pollutants) in the atmosphere have increased significantly. (, the levels of contaminants in the atmosphere have increased exponentially.)

Hazardous waste, toxic chemicals, and suspended particles harm both humans and animals. Many pollutants, such as plastics and toxic chemicals, enter the food chain, affecting ecosystems.

As climate change and global warming become major concerns, understanding pollution, its types, sources, and ways to reduce it is crucial (essential).

Pollutants and Their Types

Before studying types of pollution, it is important to understand pollutants. Pollutants are harmful substances (that are) introduced into the environment beyond acceptable (safe) limits. They reduce the usefulness of natural resources and are classified into primary and secondary pollutants.

Primary Pollutants:
Primary pollutants remain in the same form in which they were introduced, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and plastic. These substances do not undergo any significant chemical changes once they are emitted.

Secondary Pollutants:
These are formed when primary pollutants interact with each other or with natural components of the environment. For example, ozone is created when hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NO) combine in the presence of sunlight. Secondary pollutants are often more harmful than primary pollutants.

Pollutants can also be categorized (classified) based on their origin: (Pollutants are also classified by origin:)

Anthropogenic pollutants (Human-Made):
These pollutants result (originate) from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, sewage discharge, and agricultural practices. Examples include vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and chemical fertilizers.

Natural pollutants:
These pollutants originate from natural sources (disasters) such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and wind erosion. Examples include volcanic dust and photochemically (naturally) formed ozone.

Based on degradability, pollutants are divided into:

Biodegradable:
These are substances that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms into simpler, harmless compounds. Examples include paper products, vegetable waste, and organic matter. Biodegradable pollutants are generally less harmful to the environment.

Non-Biodegradable:
These are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler, harmless forms by natural processes. Examples include plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals. Non-biodegradable pollutants persist in the environment for long periods and can cause significant harm.

Types of Environmental Pollution

Pollution can affect air, water, soil, and other environmental components. It can also arise from sources like radiation, light, noise, and heat. The main types of pollution are:

Air Pollution:

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as particulate matter, biological molecules, and toxic gases enter the Earth's atmosphere. It can result from both human activities and natural events.

Natural events that pollute the air include forest fires, volcanic eruptions, wind erosion, evaporation of organic compounds and natural radioactivity. Man-made sources are mostly related to burning different kinds of fuel which are chiefly oxides of carbon, sulfur and nitrogen. Examples include exhaust and fumes from vehicles, burning of fossil fuels, nuclear accidents, industrial emissions, and plastic production.

Impact : Out of various kinds of pollution, air pollution is the major contributor to global warming. Pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain when they mix with water and oxygen in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change. In humans, air pollution causes short-term health issues like respiratory infections and long-term problems such as heart disease, lung cancer, and emphysema.

Control measures in India: In India, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been launched to tackle air pollution at the national level. The program aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 20-30% by 2024. Measures include promoting cleaner fuels, better public transport, and strict emissions regulations (BS VI standards). Additionally, the Green India Mission focuses on afforestation to combat air pollution.

Water Pollution:

Water pollution occurs when harmful chemicals, hazardous substances, or waste contaminate water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. This contamination can harm humans, animals, and plants. 

Untreated wastewater released into natural water bodies harms aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants may travel long distances and enter the food chain.

Sources of water pollution are either point sources or nonpoint sources. Point sources are identifiable sources of pollution, such as wastewater treatment plants, industrial discharge pipes, and storm drains. Nonpoint sources are diffuse sources of pollution, such as agricultural runoff that carries fertilizers, oil discharge at the sea surface due to accidents, and pesticides that enter water bodies.

Water pollution leads to health problems (issues), poisoned wildlife, and long-term ecosystem damage. For example, nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff (fertilizers) can create "dead zones" in water bodies where aquatic life cannot survive. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 2 billion people drink contaminated water, leading to diseases like cholera and typhoid. High levels of nitrates in water can cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants.

To address water pollution, the Government of India has introduced several acts, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment Protection Act. These laws regulate the discharge of effluents into water bodies. 

The Namami Gange program aims to clean the Ganges River by installing sewage treatment plants and controlling point sources of pollution. At the global level, the London Protocol prohibits the dumping of waste into the ocean, except for a few specific materials.

Soil Pollution:

Soil pollution occurs when toxic compounds, chemicals, waste, and radioactive materials accumulate in the soil, harming (adversely affecting) plant growth and animal health.

Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, acid rain, discharge of untreated sewage, leaching of waste from landfills, and burning of crops after harvesting. Deforestation and soil erosion also contribute to soil pollution.

Soil pollution reduces crop productivity and threatens food security. Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can reduce soil fertility, harm (impair) plant metabolism and enter the food chain, posing risks to human health. 

To combat soil pollution, the government of India  has launched schemes like the Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). 

Under the Bonn Challenge, India has committed to restoring (pledged to restore) 21 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. 

The Soil Health Card Scheme provides crop-specific recommendations of nutrients and fertilizers to farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices. Bio-fertilizers and organic manure are also promoted to reduce soil pollution.

Noise Pollution:

Noise pollution, also known as sound pollution, occurs when excessive or harmful levels of noise disrupt (affects) human or animal life. 

It is mainly caused by urbanisation, industrialisation, and transportation systems. Machines, transport systems, and urban activities are the primary sources of outdoor noise pollution. Industrialization and urbanization have exacerbated this problem.

Noise pollution leads to (can cause) hearing loss, sleep disorders, hypertension, and communication problems.

In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors and regulates noise pollution under the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Programme (NANMP).

Radioactive Pollution:

Radioactive pollution occurs when radioactive materials enter (are accidentally released into) the environment, often due to nuclear accidents, use of nuclear weapons, medical waste, mining, or the decay of radioactive elements. Examples include the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters, which caused severe radioactive contamination.

Radioactive pollution can cause cancer, genetic mutations, and other health issues. (Exposure to radiation increases cancer risk, causes genetic mutations, anemia, and hemorrhaging.)

Preventive measures include preventing leaks from nuclear facilities such as reactors and industries, safely disposing of radioactive waste by converting it into harmless form and storing it safely, and monitoring natural radiation levels.

Radioactive pollution can be prevented in following ways: by preventing leakages of radioactive materials from nuclear reactors, industries and laboratories; by taking preventive measures to ensure that natural radiation level does not exceed (rise above) the permissible limit; and by converting (changing) the radioactive waste into a harmless form or storing it in safe places.

Mitigation and Measures to Tackle Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is a serious issue, but several measures can help reduce its impact. Some effective measures that we can take to mitigate the impact of environmental pollution are

To combat environmental pollution, the following steps can be taken:

To combat environmental pollution we can adopt the 3Rs principle—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It can help conserve resources and minimize waste. Promoting clean energy by using energy-efficient appliances and renewable sources like solar and wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Supporting policies that aim to reduce pollution and protect water resources is essential for systemic change. 

Community involvement, such as participating in clean-up drives and watershed protection programs, can make a significant impact. 

Avoiding harmful chemicals and preventing waste discharge into waterways protects ecosystems and human health. 

Reducing plastic use by opting for reusable bags and minimizing plastic consumption helps address plastic pollution. These steps collectively contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Conclusion

Humans depend on nature but often neglect to protect it. Our actions affect (significantly impact) the Earth’s sustainability. By understanding pollution and taking collective action, we can protect the environment and ensure a healthier future for all. Large-scale individual efforts can shape the environment’s future. Therefore, It is essential to be aware of environmental issues and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.