Explain the environmental pollution and its types cause effects and control measures
Answers
Environmental pollution is defined as “the contamination of the physical and biological components of the earth/atmosphere system to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected.” Any use of natural resources at a rate higher than nature’s capacity to restore itself can result in pollution of air, water, and land.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of the natural air by mixing it with different pollutants such as harmful fumes and chemicals. This contamination can be caused by gases emitted by vehicles or from burning material or harmful fumes emitted as a byproduct of industries.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of the water on Earth. It includes contamination by pollutants such as chemical, bacterial or particulate that reduces the purity of the water. Oil seepage as well as littering is one of the most common forms of pollution. Water pollution occurs in lakes, oceans, rivers and even underground reservoirs.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution, also known as land pollution is the contamination of the soil or the land that prevents growth of natural life, which includes land used for cultivating, wildlife as well as habitation. Common causes of soil pollution includes non-sustainable farming practices, hazardous wastage and seepage into the soil, mining as well as littering.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the loud noises that is created by human activity that disrupts the standard of living in the affected area. Pollution can stem from things such as traffic, railroads, concerts, loud music, airplanes, fireworks etc.
Radioactive Pollution
This is one of the most dangerous forms of pollution as it is extremely harmful and can even result in death. This type of pollution has risen in the 20th century with the rise of atomic physics and nuclear weapons. Radioactive pollution results in the pollution of the air and land with radioactive poisoning. It can happen from leakages or accidents at nuclear power plants, as well as from improper disposal of nuclear waste. This pollution results in birth defects, cancer, deteriorating of health and even death.
Light Pollution
Light pollution is the over illumination of a certain area that is considered as obtrusive. It is considered pollution especially when it interferes with astronomical observation.
Thermal Pollution
Thermal pollution is when the temperature increases in a particular area over time. This heat is often caused by air pollution and the release of carbon gasses in that area that traps more heat on the Earth.
Visual Pollution
Although not a life threatening form of pollution, it can be considered as unappealing to the eyesight. This form of pollution is when there are obstructions to views caused by billboards, powerlines, construction areas and even high rises. It does not have immediate health effects but can have slow effects.
Explanation:
“Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that cause adverse changes in the environment and living entities .” Pollution need not always be caused by chemical substances such as particulates (like smoke and dust). Forms of energy such as sound, heat or light can also cause pollution.