OBSERVE THE BRICK INDUSTRY/CHEMICAL INDUSTRY/OLD

SMOKY COOKING KITCHENS/USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZER/USE

OF INSECTICIDE/VEHICLE SMOKE ETC.AND DRAW THE
CONCLUSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CHEMICAL
POLLUTION

A PROJECT WORK SUBMITTED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT IN CHEMISTRY OF CLASS 12

Submitted By Submitted To

Rakesh Thapa Khwopa Secondary School

Class: XII (COMP-III) Dekocha-06, Bhaktapur

Roll: 729

Date of Submission: April, 2023

 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This project work entitled “OBSERVE THE BRICK INDUSTRY/CHEMICAL

INDUSTRY/OLD SMOKY COOKING KITCHENS/USE OF CHEMICAL
FERTILIZER/USE OF INSECTICIDE/VEHICLE SMOKE ETC.AND DRAW THE
CONCLUSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OFCHEMICAL POLLUTION” by
Mr. Rakesh Thapa, 729 of Khwopa Secondary School, Dekocha-06, Bhaktapur prepared under
the supervision of Ms.Sujata Malla Thakuri for the partial fulfillment of prerequisite of chemistry
of class 12 has been accepted.

Supervisor Head of the Department

Ms.Sujata Malla Thakuri Ms.Rojee Thusa

Department of Chemistry Department of Chemistry

Khwopa Secondary School Khwopa Secondary School

 RECOMMENDATION LETTER

This project work entitled “OBSERVE THE BRICK INDUSTRY/CHEMICAL INDUSTRY/

OLD SMOKY COOKING KITCHEN/ USE OF INSECTICIDE/VEHICLE SMOKE ETC.
AND DRAW THE CONCLUSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CHEMICAL
POLLUTION” submitted by Rakesh Thapa of Khwopa Secondary School, Dekocha-06,
Bhaktapur has been prepared under my supervision as a partial fulfillment for the class 12 of
chemistry course. I, therefore, recommend the project work report for evaluation.

Signature:

Ms. Sujata Malla Thakuri

Date:
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project work entitled “OBSERVE THE BRICK
INDUSTRY/CHEMICAL INDUSTRY/OLD SMOKY COOKING KITCHEN/USE OF
INSECTICIDE/VEHICLE SMOKE ETC. AND DRAW THE CONCLUSION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CHEMICAL POLLUTION” submitted to the
Department of Chemistry, Khwopa Secondary School, Dekocha-06,Bhaktapur is an original
piece of work carried out under the supervision and guidance of Ms. Sujata Malla Thakuri and is
submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for chemistry of grade 12. This project
work report has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any degree.

Signature:

Name of student:

E-mail:

Date:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the
Principal Mr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Vice Principal Mr. Laxmi Prasad Karmacharya and our
chemistry teacher Ms. Sujata Malla Thakuri, whose valuable guidance has been the ones that
helped us patch this project and make it full proof success their suggestions and instructions has
servedus as the major contributor towards the completion of the project.

We are really grateful to the subject teachers whose insightful knowledge and leadership helped
us steer out this project successfully. We would like to express our gratitude to Khwopa
Secondary School for including a project as issued by National Examination Board (NEB) which
has provided us an opportunity to gain practical working experience as a team. Last but not the
least, we would also like to thank our friends and family who supported us and offered deep
insight into the study.

We are thankful and would like to extend our sincere thanks to Department of Chemistry,
Khwopa Secondary School for giving us this great opportunity and provision of resources, which
were instrumental in completing this project successful.
 ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution is not a new phenomenon, yet it remains the world’s greatest problem
facing humanity, and the leading environmental causes of morbidity and mortality. Man’s
activities through urbanization, industrialization, mining, and exploration are at the forefront of
global environmental pollution.

Chemical pollution has the potential to pose one of the largest environmental threats to
humanity, but global understanding of the issue remains fragmented. This article presents a
comprehensive perspective of the threat of chemical pollution to humanity due to various sources
such as brick industries, chemical industries, old smoky cooking kitchen; use of chemical
fertilizers, insecticides vehicular smokes etc . There are serious gaps in our understanding of the
scale of the threat and the risks posed by the dispersal, mixture and recombination of chemicals
in the wider environment. Although some pollution control measures exist they are often not
being adopted at the rate needed to avoid chronic and acute effects on human health now and in
coming decades. There is an urgent need for enhanced global awareness and scientific scrutiny
of the overall scale of risk posed by chemical usage, dispersal and disposal. Pesticides are
agrochemicals used in agricultural lands, public health programs, and urban green areas in order
to protect plants and humans from various diseases. However, due to their known ability to cause
a large number of negative health and environmental effects, their side effects can be an
important environmental health risk factor which is to be reduced.

There is continuous research being done to learn more about the health effects from harmful
chemicals and how to reduce your exposure to them. Both developed and developing nations
share this burden together, though awareness and stricter laws in developed countries have
contributed to a larger extent in protecting their environment. Despite the global attention
towards pollution, the impact is still being felt due to its severe long-term consequences.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................................ 5
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER I .................................................................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 1
Various sources that cause chemical pollution are observed. ....................................................................... 2
Industries (Brick, chemical) .................................................................................................................. 2
Old smoky cooking kitchen .................................................................................................................. 3
Use of insecticides and Pesticides ......................................................................................................... 4
Use of Chemical fertilizers ................................................................................................................... 5
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY .............................................................................................................. 7
CHAPTER II................................................................................................................................................. 8
METHOD AND METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 8
CHAPTER III ............................................................................................................................................... 9
RESULT AND DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER IV ............................................................................................................................................. 10
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER V .............................................................................................................................................. 11
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER VI ............................................................................................................................................. 12
ANNEXES .............................................................................................................................................. 12
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Biosphere is a part of the planet, which includes the totality of living beings, in which there is a
possibility of permanent life. Today, the largest changes in the biosphere are made by man. Now
we realize that any human activity affects the environment and the deterioration of the biosphere
is dangerous for all living creatures, including human beings.

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse
change. Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as
radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign
substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Various definitions of pollution exist,
which may or may not recognize certain types, such as noise pollution or greenhouse gases. The
United States Environmental Protection Administration defines pollution as "Any substances in
water, soil, or air that degrade the natural quality of the environment, offend the senses of sight,
taste, or smell, or cause a health hazard. The usefulness of the natural resource is usually
impaired by the presence of pollutants and contaminants." In contrast, the United Nations
considers pollution to be the "presence of substances and heat in environmental media (air,
water, land) whose nature, location, or quantity produces undesirable environmental effects."

Chemical compounds are organic or inorganic chemicals that are the main causes of chemical
pollution. The most common chemical pollutants are those compounds used across large areas
and which are persistent, meaning they do not easily degrade in nature. Examples are most
pesticides, herbicides, insecticides used in agriculture and gardening, as well as chlorinated
solvents used in many industrial processes and dry-cleaning activities. Based on their chemical
structure, chemical contaminants can be classified into naturally-occurring and man-made
categories. They can be organic or inorganic (organic compounds always contain carbon and
carbon-hydrogen bonds, whereas most inorganic compounds do not contain carbon). Many
chemicals and pollutants are naturally present in the environment, while other chemicals are
created by humans for use in consumer, or every day, products. Some chemicals may cause
harmful health effects. Chemical pollution is defined as the increase of chemical pollutants in our
environment that are not naturally present there or are found in amounts higher than their natural
background values. The contamination of our environment by pollutants is environmental
pollution.

Chemical pollutants mostly result from various human activities like the manufacturing,
handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals. These occur in industrial places and activities such

1
as oil refineries, coal power plants, construction, mining & smelting, transportation, agricultural
use of pesticides and insecticides, as well as household activities.

The chemical industry is another example in this sense, mainly because it is usually linked to
polluted waste streams. In fact, the waste streams from chemical industry are now strictly
controlled and treated before being released into the environment. But this was not always the
case in the past and many rivers and surface water bodies were contaminated by the numerous
waste streams coming from various chemical plants, as well as other industrial sources. Even
though measures were taken to reduce this type of pollution, its effects are still visible.

Household chemicals involve a variety of chemical products and mixtures that can easily become
chemical pollutants when released into the environment. Even the everyday detergents are
chemical compounds that may pollute our environment! Read the labels of detergent products to
confirm that they contain a variety of potentially hazardous chemicals.

Various sources that cause chemical pollution are observed.

Industries (Brick, chemical)

The chemical industry is a vital part of the global economy, producing a wide range of products
that are used in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and construction. The
chemical industry is divided into several sub-sectors, including petrochemicals, specialty
chemicals, and basic chemicals. Petrochemicals are derived from petroleum and natural gas, and
they include products such as plastics, synthetic fibers, and rubber. Specialty chemicals are used
in a variety of applications, such as fragrances, flavors, and cosmetics and they are often
produced in smaller quantities than basic chemicals. Basic chemicals, also known as commodity
chemicals, are essential building blocks for a variety of products and are produced in large
quantities.
Brick industry is another important sector of the global economy, producing a variety of building
materials that are used in the construction of homes, commercial buildings, and other structures.
Bricks are made from clay, shale, or other materials that are formed into blocks and then fired in
a kiln to harden them. The brick industry is an energy-intensive industry, and it is also a major
contributor to air pollution, due to the emissions from the kilns. There are several different types
of bricks, including common bricks, facing bricks, and engineering bricks, which are used for
different purposes in the construction industry.
Both the chemical industry and the brick industry are important contributors to the global
economy and they have a significant impact on the lives of people around the world. However,
they also have their challenges, including environmental concerns and the need to develop

2
sustainable technologies and practices. Despite these challenges, these industries are likely to
continue to play a vital role in the global economy in the coming years
Despite all this, there are many ways that industries, such as chemical and brick manufacturing,
can have an impact on the environment. Some potential environmental impacts of these
industries include:
Pollution: Chemical and brick manufacturing can produce various types of pollution, including
air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
Resource consumption: These industries can also be resource-intensive, using large amounts of
water, energy, and raw materials. This can lead to resource depletion and waste.
Habitat destruction: Industrial activities can sometimes result in the destruction of natural
habitats, such as when forests are cleared to make way for new factories or mines.
Climate change: Some industries, particularly those that rely on fossil fuels for energy, can
contribute to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases.

Overall, it is important for industries to take steps to minimize their environmental impacts and
to operate in a sustainable manner. This can include implementing cleaner production processes,
using renewable energy sources, and reducing waste and resource consumption.

Old smoky cooking kitchen

Old smoky cooking kitchens were a common sight in many households in the past. These
kitchens were usually located in the back of the house and were used for cooking, as well as for
heating and lighting the home. The kitchen would be equipped with a wood-burning stove, which
was used for cooking and heating the room. The stove would be fueled by wood, which had to be
constantly replenished. The kitchen would also be equipped with a chimney, which was used to
vent the smoke and heat produced by the stove.
One of the main problems with old smoky cooking kitchens was the lack of proper ventilation.
The smoke and heat produced by the stove would often accumulate in the room, making it hot,
stuffy, and uncomfortable to work in. The smoke would also often escape through the windows
and doors, making it difficult to see and breathe. In addition, the lack of proper ventilation meant
that the kitchen was prone to fires, as the heat and smoke could easily ignite any flammable
materials in the room.
Another problem with old smoky cooking kitchens was the lack of modern conveniences. These
kitchens did not have electric or gas stoves, which made cooking much more time-consuming
and labor-intensive. There were no refrigerators or freezers, which meant that food had to be
stored in pantries or cellars and had to be used within a few days. There were also no microwave
ovens or dishwashers, which meant that all cooking and cleaning, had to be done by hand.
Despite these problems, many people still preferred old smoky cooking kitchens to modern ones.
They enjoyed the warmth and cozy atmosphere that these kitchens provided, and they were used
to the hard work and lack of modern conveniences. In addition, old smoky cooking kitchens

3
were often a central gathering place for the family, where meals were prepared and shared, and
where people could socialize and relax.
Today, old smoky cooking kitchens are a thing of the past, as most households have modern
kitchens with electric or gas stoves, refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens, and dishwashers.
However, they are still remembered fondly by many people as a symbol of a simpler, more
traditional way of life

Use of insecticides and Pesticides

Pesticides are chemical substances that are meant to kill pests. In general, a pesticide is a
chemical or a biological agent such as a virus, bacterium, antimicrobial, or disinfectant that
deters, incapacitates, kills, pests.

Insecticides and Pesticides are designed to kill pests, but some pesticides can also cause negative
health effects in people and damage ecosystem. Pesticide residues absorbed by inhalation,
ingestion, and dermal contact can lead to acute and chronic toxicity. Such kinds of the toxicity
depend on types of pesticides, port of entry, dose, metabolism, accumulation and so on. Acute
toxicity is due to short-term exposure and happens within a relatively short period of time,
whereas chronic toxicity is due to repeated or long-term exposure and happens over a longer
period. Mainly it interrupts the metabolic and systemic functions of the human body. The
chemical compound of pesticide disrupts the neurological function. It is injurious to the immune
and endocrine systems as well. Wide use of these pesticides can cause both acute and chronic
adverse health effects in human.

Globally an average of 9x106 tons of pesticides per year is used in agriculture, corresponding
approximately to 0.2769 Pesticide/ha applied per year over the entire land surface. Due to
adverse effects on non-target organisms, pesticide application is one of the leading causes for
natural habitat loss and consequently, extinction of key functional species for ecosystem
services. Furthermore, although pesticide use can increase agricultural production, its potential
impact on environment quality, food safety and human health have raised serious concerns.

This use of pesticides is so common that the term pesticide is often treated as the same with plant
protection products. It is commonly used to eliminate or control a variety of agricultural pests
that can damage crops and livestock and reduce farm productivity. The most commonly applied
pesticides are insecticides to kill insects, herbicides to kill weeds, rodenticides to kill rodents,
and fungicides to control fungi, mound, and mildew.

Many of the pesticides have been associated with health and environmental issues, and the
agricultural use of certain pesticides has been abandoned. Exposure to pesticides can be through
contact with the skin, ingestion, or inhalation. The type of pesticide, the duration and route of
exposure, and the individual health status (e.g., nutritional deficiencies and healthy/damaged

4
skin) are determining factors in the possible health outcome. Within a human or animal body,
pesticides may be metabolized, excreted, stored, or bio-accumulated in body fat. The numerous
negative health effects that have been associated with chemical pesticides include, among other
effects, dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive,
and endocrine effects. Furthermore, high occupational, accidental, or intentional exposure to
pesticides can result in hospitalization and death.

Children have been found to be especially susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides. A
number of research studies have found higher instances of brain cancer, leukemia, and birth
defects in children with early exposure to pesticides.

Use of Chemical fertilizers

A chemical fertilizer is a substance applied to soils or directly onto plants to provide nutrients
optimal for their growth and development. Fertilizer is a natural or synthetic, chemical-based
substance containing one or more nutrients essential for enhancement of plant growth and soil
fertility. Most of the chemical fertilizers used are NPK fertilizers which are rich in nitrogen (N),
phosphorous (K), and potassium (K). Fertilizers may also add secondary nutrients such as
sulphur, magnesium, and calcium to the soil or growing media.

In the world of intensive agriculture, chemical fertilizers are frequently used. These fertilizers are
made artificially from soil-essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium,
making them robust and powerful. They may contain ammonium sulfate, urea, potash and
ammonia, among other substances, depending on their structure and the crops and soils for which
they are intended. These fertilizers can be applied and spread in a variety of methods, either
mechanically or by hand. Chemical fertilizers have been widely used to achieve maximum
productivity in conventional agricultural systems. The continuous and excessive utilization of
chemical fertilizers plays a major role, directly and/or indirectly, in changing environmental
conditions. However, chemical fertilizers above threshold level pollute the water bodies, besides
getting stored in crop plants. This has made the environmentalists to switch over to organic
farming. Organic farming is the production of unpolluted crops through the use of biofertilizers
and biopesticides which provide optimum nutrients availability to plants, keeping pathogens and
pests in control.

The following are some of the consequences and downsides of the unintentional and excessive
usage of chemical fertilizers:

► Soil degradation - Excessive use of fertilizers can significantly raise acidity levels,
create macronutrient saturation, or change it to the point where the soil loses sensitivity and
absorbency to various nutrients.

5
 ► Groundwater contamination - Applying excessive doses of fertilizer may leak into the
area below the root zone and reach the groundwater.

► Salt burns - These burns indicate excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Fertilizers with
a high saline index and chemicals like sodium nitrate are the ones that get the most attention or
follow-up to avoid salt burns.

► Excessive growth - Because of the excessive and uncontrolled application of chemical

fertilizers, the proportions and growth of the plants may exceed typical criteria. When this point
is reached, the harvest and survival of the plants are jeopardized, rather than improving
productivity.

Chemical fertilizers are valuable allies in intensive agriculture, but they can also have an impact
on production cycles, soils, and surfaces if they are not managed and applied effectively.

 Control measures of chemical fertilizers:

We should promote organic fertilizer and compost manure in place of chemical fertilizer to
reduce its hazards on human health and environment. Applying bio-fertilizers and manures can
reduce chemical fertilizer and pesticide use. Biological methods of pest control can also reduce
the use of pesticides and thereby minimize soil pollution. Composted manure is a complete
fertilizer, but its NPK ratio depends on the animal source. The rate tends to be higher in fresh
manures, but these should not be applied to plant roots. Application rates also vary widely so
check the label for the proper amounts. Some manure is applied at a rate as high as 500 pounds
per 1,000 square feet, while others are applied at rates as low as 70 pounds per 1,000. When
applying manure as a fertilizer, dig it into vegetable beds in early spring, or use as a top dressing
for flower bed and borders spring or late fall.

6
 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

A. General Objective:

The prime objective of the project work is to have a detailed research done regarding the
contemporary scenarios of chemical pollutions through various sources and it's impact on
environment.

B. Specific Objective

The objective of observing the brick industry, chemical industry, old smoky cooking
kitchens, use of chemical fertilizers, use of insecticides, and vehicle smoke, etc. could be
to: Study the impact of industrialization and urbanization on the environment.

 Analyze the effects of pollutants on human health and the ecosystem.

 Evaluate the effectiveness of regulations and policies in controlling industrial pollution.
 Investigate the alternative technologies and practices that can be used to minimize the
environmental impact.
 Raise awareness about environmental problems and encourage the adoption of
sustainable practices.
 Contribute to the development of environmental policies and regulations that promote
sustainable development.

7
 CHAPTER II

METHOD AND METHODOLOGY

The methodology of the project observing the brick industry, chemical industry, old smoky
cooking kitchens, use of chemical fertilizers, use of insecticides, and vehicle smoke, etc. could
include the following steps:

 Literature Review: Reviewing existing literature on the impact of industrialization,

urbanization, and the use of chemicals on the environment and human health.
 Data Collection: Collecting data on emissions, pollutants, and their effects on the
environment and human health from various sources such as government agencies,
academic studies, and industry reports.
 Field Studies: Conducting field studies to assess the impact of industrial activities on the
environment. This could include air quality monitoring, water quality testing, and soil
analysis.
 Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders such as industry representatives,
local communities, and government agencies to gather information and gain a
comprehensive understanding of the issues.
 Data Analysis: Analyzing the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and
relationships between industrial activities and environmental impacts.
 Report Writing: Preparing a comprehensive report that summarizes the findings of the
study, discusses the implications of the findings, and recommends actions to minimize
environmental impact.

8
 CHAPTER III

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The brick industry is known for producing significant amounts of air pollution, which can cause
respiratory and cardiovascular problems. These pollutants are released from the burning of coal
or other fuels in kilns used for brick-making. In addition, the process of clay extraction for brick-
making can also lead to soil erosion and land degradation. The chemical industry can have a
wide range of environmental impacts depending on the types of chemicals being produced and
the methods used. Common pollutants associated with chemical production include toxic
substances, hazardous waste, and greenhouse gases. Cooking over open fires or using traditional
stoves can release large amounts of smoke and soot into the air, leading to respiratory problems
and increased risk of lung cancer. This is particularly concerning in developing countries where
traditional cooking methods are still widely used. Chemical fertilizers are commonly used in
agriculture to increase crop yields. However, overuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to nutrient
imbalances in the soil, which can harm plants and reduce yields. Insecticides are commonly used
in agriculture to control pests and increase crop yields. However, overuse of insecticides can lead
to the development of pesticide-resistant insects, harm beneficial insects, and contaminate soil
and water. Vehicle exhaust contains a variety of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen
oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can contribute to a range of health problems,
including respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

The above observations clearly show that chemical pollution has a significant impact on the
environment, including air, water, soil, and human health. The use of chemical fertilizers and
insecticides in agriculture, the brick industry, chemical industry, old smoky cooking kitchens,
and vehicle smoke are all major sources of pollution. It is essential to reduce the use of chemicals
and promote alternative methods that are less harmful to the environment and human health. This
can be achieved through increased awareness and education, regulations, and the development of
sustainable alternatives.

9
 CHAPTER IV

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of the project observing the brick industry, chemical industry, old smoky
cooking kitchens, use of chemical fertilizers, use of insecticides, and vehicle smoke, etc. would
summarize the key findings of the study and draw inferences based on the evidence gathered. It
would present the main conclusions in a concise and comprehensible manner and could include:

 The impact of industrialization and urbanization on the environment and human health:
This could include the extent and nature of air and water pollution, soil degradation, and
the effects of exposure to pollutants on human health.

 The effectiveness of existing regulations and policies in controlling industrial pollution:

This could include an assessment of the enforcement of environmental regulations and
the impact of existing policies on reducing pollution.

 The potential for alternative technologies and practices: This could include an evaluation
of the feasibility and potential impact of alternative production processes, such as the use
of renewable energy sources, that can minimize environmental impact.

 Recommendations for future action: This could include recommendations for government
policies, industry practices, and community engagement that could help reduce
environmental impact and promote sustainable development.

The conclusion would provide important insights into the current state of the environment and
the impact of industrial activities and could provide a basis for developing effective strategies for
mitigating environmental damage and promoting sustainability.

10
 CHAPTER V

REFERENCES

 Adhikari, N.R., Plus two Practical Chemistry, 2nd Edition, Ed-mark Academic Enterprises
Pvt.Ltd., Nepal,2004
 Derry, Thomas Kingston; Williams, Trevor I. (1993). A Short History of Technology:
From the Earliest Times to A.D. 1900. New York: Dover
 R. Norris; Brink, Joseph A., Jr. (1977). The Chemical Process Industries (4th ed.). New
York: McGraw Hill.

11
 CHAPTER VI

ANNEXES

Fig (1): Brick industry in Nepal

12
Fig (2): Vehicle smoke

Fig (3): Use of insecticide

13
Fig(3): Chemical Pollution

14