Write a short note on pollution
Write a short note on pollution
Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that cause adverse changes in the environment and living entities. Pollution had existed long before humans evolved. For instance, volcanic eruptions commonly pumped massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, causing acid rain: the greenhouse gas, ozone, forms from natural, photochemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Types
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
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 fertilizers
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.
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 fertilizers 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.
Noise pollution has several contributors, which include:
- Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.
- Transportation noises from vehicles, airplanes, etc.
- Construction noises
- Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)
- Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)
Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that cause adverse changes in the environment and living entities. Pollution had existed long before humans evolved. For instance, volcanic eruptions commonly pumped massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, causing acid rain: the greenhouse gas, ozone, forms from natural, photochemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Types
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
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 fertilizers
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.
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 fertilizers 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.
Noise pollution has several contributors, which include:
- Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.
- Transportation noises from vehicles, airplanes, etc.
- Construction noises
- Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)
- Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)
