POLLUTION & ITS FACTORS

Pollution may be defined as an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or

biological characteristics of air, water and land that may be harmful to human life and
other animals, living conditions, industrial processes and cultural assets. Pollution can
be natural or manmade.

Pollutants
The agents that pollute are called pollutants. Pollutants are by-products of man’s action.
The important pollutants are summarized below:
⚫ Deposited matter—Soot, smoke, tar or dust and domestic wastes.
⚫ Gases—CO, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, halogens (chlorine, bromine and
iodine).
⚫ Metals—Lead, zinc, iron and chromium.
⚫ Industrial pollutants—Benzene, ether, acetic acid etc., and cyanide compounds.
⚫ Agriculture pollutants—Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers.
⚫ Photochemical pollutants—Ozone, oxides of nitrogen, aldehydes, ethylene,
photochemical smog and proxy acetyl nitrate.
⚫ Radiation pollutants—Radioactive substances and radioactive fall-outs of the
nuclear test.

Classification of Pollutants

➢ On the basis of natural disposal, pollutants are of two types:

1. Non-degradable pollutants
These are the pollutants, which degrade at a very slow pace by the natural biological
processes. These are inorganic compounds such as salts (chlorides), metallic oxides
waste producing materials and materials like, aluminium cans, mercuric salts and even
DDT. These continue to accumulate in the environment.

2. Biodegradable pollutants
These include domestic sewage that easily decomposes under natural processes and can
be rapidly decomposed by natural/ artificial methods. These cause serious problems
when accumulated in large amounts as the pace of deposition exceeds the pace of
decomposition of disposal.
 ➢ On the basis of the form in which they persist after their release into the
environment, pollutants can be categorized under two types:
1. Primary pollutants:
These include those substances, which are emitted directly from some identifiable
sources.
a) Sulphur compounds: SO2, SO3, H2S produced by the oxidation of fuel.
b) Carbon compounds: Oxides of carbon (CO+CO2) and hydrocarbons.
c) Nitrogen compounds: NO2 and NH3.
d) Halogen compounds: Hydrogen fluoride (HF) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
e) Particles of different size and substances: These are found suspended in air. The
fine particles below the diameter of 100u are more abundant and include particles
of metals, carbon, tar, pollen, fungi, bacteria, silicates and others.

2. Secondary pollutants:
The secondary pollutants are produced by the combination of primary emitted
pollutants. in the atmosphere. In bright sunlight, a photochemical reaction occurs
between nitrogen oxides; oxygen and waste hydrocarbons from gasoline that forms
peroxyacetyle nitrate (PAN) and ozone (O3), Both of them are toxic components of
smog and cause smarting eyes and lung damage.

3. Smog:
The fog deposited with smoke and chemical fumes forms a dark and thick covering, the
smog. Smog is very common in almost all the industrial areas as the smog is trapped
for many days by the stagnant air. It is harmful both for animals and plants.
Smog is a major environmental issue affecting many cities, including Multan,
especially during winter. It is a combination of 'smoke' and 'fog,' formed when
pollutants from vehicles, factories, and agricultural activities mix with fog, creating a
dense layer of pollution in the atmosphere.

Causes of Smog
Several factors contribute to the formation of smog, including:
a) Vehicle Emissions
Vehicles emit large amounts of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, which
contribute to smog formation. As the number of vehicles increases, the pollution levels
rise, especially in densely populated urban areas.
b) Industrial Emissions
Factories and industries release pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter into
the air. These pollutants mix with fog and contribute to smog, especially in areas close
to industrial zones.
c) Agricultural Burning
Burning of agricultural residues, especially in rural areas, releases smoke and particles
that worsen air quality. This smoke travels to nearby cities and contributes to smog
formation.
Effects of Smog
Smog has severe impacts on human health, crops, and the environment:
Impact on Human Health
Smog causes respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation. It also
contributes to lung infections and can be particularly harmful for children, the elderly,
and those with preexisting health conditions.
Impact on Plants and Crops
Smog blocks sunlight, affecting photosynthesis in plants. Reduced sunlight exposure
can stunt plant growth and lower crop yields, impacting the food supply.
Environmental Impact
Smog contributes to climate change by trapping heat and adding greenhouse gases to
the atmosphere. This increases global warming and causes environmental damage.
Ways to Reduce Smog
To reduce smog, the following measures can be taken:
i. Use Public Transportation
Using public transportation instead of individual vehicles can reduce the number of cars
on the road, lowering emissions. Carpooling, cycling, or walking can also help in
reducing pollution.
ii. Industrial Filters and Regulations
Industries should install filters to minimize the release of harmful gases into the
atmosphere. Stricter regulations and monitoring can also help control industrial
emissions.
iii. Plant More Trees
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality. Planting more
trees can help combat the effects of pollution and smog.
 AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution defined as the presence of materials in the air in such concentration which
are harmful to man and his environment.
A number of ingredients find their way in the air and these are mostly gases, which
rapidly spread over wide areas.

Sources Of Air Pollution

Various sources of air pollution are fossil fuels, industries, agricultural activities, wars,
natural causes arid emissions from vehicles.
i) Burning Fossil Fuels
Burning of wood, charcoal and other fossil fuels causes air pollution by the release of
carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon sulphur dioxide etc. Petroleum consists mainly of
hydrocarbons, sulphur and nitrogen.
ii) Emissions from Automobiles
Vehicles are mainly responsible for more than 80% of total air pollution. The major
pollutants released from automobiles, aircraft etc., include CO, unburnt hydrocarbons
and nitrogen oxide.
iii) Industries
Paper and pulp factories, petroleum refineries, fertilizer plants, and steel industries,
thermal power plants are the main sources of air pollution. They add various harmful
gases like CO, SO3, NO, Hydrocarbons etc., to the atmosphere. Textile factories release
cotton dust into the air. The pesticide and insecticide industries are posing serious threat
to the environment. Food processing industries and tanneries emit offensive odors.
Release of poisonous gases from accidents also poses serious threats. e.g. Bhopal Gas
Tragedy in which methyl isocynate (MIC) gas leakage killed several people.
iv) Agricultural Activities
Spraying of insecticides and weedicides also cause air pollution. These, when inhaled
create severe problems to both animals and man.
v) Wars
Various forms of explosives used in war pollute the air by releasing poisonous gases.
This greatly disturbs the ecology of the area. Nuclear explosions pollute air by
radioactive rays. The effects of nuclear explosions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki are well-
known examples.
vi) Natural Causes
Gas emissions from active volcanoes, marsh gas, spores of fungi and pollens are the
natural causes of air pollution.
Effects of Air Pollution

1. Effect on Plants
(i) SO2 causes chlorosis and also results in the death of cells and tissues.
(ii) Fluorides and PAN damage leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.
(iii) Oxides of nitrogen and fluorides reduce crop yield.
(iv) Smog bleaches and blaze foliage of important leafy plants.
(v) Hydrocarbons cause premature yellowing, fall of leave and flower buds,
discoloration and curling of sepals and petals.
(vi) Smoke and dust cover the leaf surface and reduce photosynthetic capacity of plants.
(vii) Ozone damages cereals, fruits, and cotton crop.
2. Effect on Man
The effect of pollutants on animals and man are as follows-
(i) Ozone causes dryness of mucous membranes, changes eye vision, causes headache,
pulmonary congestion and oedema.
(ii) Ozone has been reported to produce chromosomal aberrations.
(iii) SO2 causes drying of mouth, scratchy throat, smarting eyes and disorders of
respiratory tract.
(iv) SO3, CO and NO2 diffuse into blood stream and reduce oxygen transport. CO
damages cardiovascular system. Hydrocarbons and other pollutants act, as carcinogens
and lead to different cancers.
(v) Cotton dust leads to respiratory disorders e.g. bronchitis and asthma.
(vi) Smoking of tobacco causes cancerous growth in lungs.
3. Change in Climate
CO2 content of air is increasing due to deforestation and combustion of fuel. This
increase is affecting the composition and balance of gases in the atmosphere. Increase
in CO2 concentration may increase the atmospheric temperature, producing greenhouse
effect. A rise of global temperature by more than 2-3 degrees may melt glaciers and
polar ice. This would lead to a rise in ocean level and consequent flooding and
submergence of coastal areas. Rainfall pattern may also change, affecting agricultural
output in various regions of the world. Aerosols deplete the ozone layer in the
stratosphere. Thinning of ozone layer would permit more of the harmful ultraviolet rays
to reach the earth. This may cause, sunburn, blindness and inactivation of proteins,
RNA, DNA and plant pigments.
4. Aesthetic Loss
Dust and smoke spoil the beauty of nature. Especially the mountain environments,
which serve as a great attraction for tourists. Foul odors emitted by industries,
automobiles, dirty drains and garbage heaps in cities are a great nuisance.
Control of Air Pollution
Following measures have been suggested to control air pollution-
(i) Some gases, which are more soluble in a particular liquid than air, for example,
ammonia in water, can be separated by dissolving in it.
(ii) Particles larger than 50 mm are separated in gravity settling tanks. Using cyclone
collectors or electrostatic precipitators separates fine particles.
(iii) The height of chimneys should .be increased to the highest possible level to reduce
pollution at the ground level.
(iv) SO2 pollution can be controlled by extracting sulphur from the fuel before use.
(v) Pollution control laws should be enforced strictly.
(vi) Trees should be planted on the roadside, riverbanks, parks and’ open places as they
keep the environment fresh.
(vii) Population growth, which is the main cause of pollution should be checked.
(viii) Nuclear explosions should be restricted.
 WATER POLLUTION

Water is extremely essential for life; this common fact is known to all. It is required to
meet our basic needs in day-to-day life viz., cooking, drinking, bathing, disposal of
sewage, irrigation, generating electricity in power plants, cooling and manufacturing
different products in industries and the disposal of industrial wastes. During all these
processes the undesirable substances are added to the water resources to a great extent.
This alters the basic chemistry of water in rivers and streams.

Sources of Water Pollution

i. Domestic Sewage
This includes household’s wastes like food wastes, synthetic detergents used for
washing clothes and cleaning bathrooms and latrines and water-based paints.
ii. Industrial Effluents
The industrial wastes are discharged in the adjoining rivers and streams through flush
lines of factories. The textiles, sugar and fertilizers factories, oil refineries, drugs
manufacture, rubber, and rayon fibers, the paper industries and the chemical factories
all produce Chemical pollution.
iii. Agricultural source
Increased use of fertilizers has become essential for high yielding crop plants. Excess
of nitrates used as fertilizers seep into ground water is carried into lakes and pond. On
entering the drinking water supply system these create several health problems.
iv. Pesticides
These include insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, rodenticides, herbicides and soil
fumigants. These contain chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, metallic salts,
carbonates, acetic acid derivatives etc. many pesticides are non-degradable. They pass
through the food chains and accumulate in fatty tissues thus causing several health
hazards.
v. Thermal pollution
Power plants and nuclear power stations are the main sources of thermal pollution of
water where water is used for cooling and becomes hot. The hot water on entering the
main water body raises its temperature, which kills fishes and other aquatic animals and
increases the rate of respiration in aquatic plants.
vi. Pathogenic organisms
Sewage and domestic waste from houses introduce pathogenic organisms viz., protozoa,
worms-eggs and bacteria into water. This contaminated water if consumed causes
jaundice, typhoid, dysentery, cholera, tuberculosis etc.
vii. Mineral oils
Oil from oil spills and washings of automobiles finds way into river water through
sewers.
viii. Underground water pollution
Underground water particularly in cities and industrial areas is no purer and safer. The
sources of underground water pollution are sewage, seepage, pits, industrial effluents,
septic tanks, fertilizers and pesticides, garbage etc.
ix. Marine water pollution
River and stream network sources of water ultimately end up ocean and seas. Thus,
these acts as the sink of all natural and man-made water-based pollutants. The main
sources of oceanic pollution are discharges of oil, greases, petroleum products,
detergents, sewage and garbage including radioactive wastes.

Effect of Water Pollutants

The main effects of water pollutants are:
1. Compounds of mercury, arsenic and lead are poisonous and chemically harmful as
they even affect water treatment plants e.g. organic sulphur compounds interfere
with nitrification.
2. Mercury when dissolved in water is absorbed by aquatic plants and enters the food
chain. Lead impairs metabolism and brings about congenital deformities, anaemia
etc.
3. Cadmium damages kidneys and liver.
4. Inorganic nitrates and phosphates promote growth of oxygen-consuming algae,
which result in the death of fishes and other aquatic animals.
5. Presence of dyes and compounds in the discharged water changes the colour of
water.
6. Soap, detergents and, alkalis result in foam formation.
7. Industrial effluents containing iron, free chlorine, phenol, manganese, oils,
hydrocarbons, ammonia, algae and microorganisms impair the taste and odours of
water.
8. The nitrates and phosphates dissolved in water accelerate the growth of
microorganisms, which consume much of the dissolved oxygen depriving fish and
other aquatic life (Eutrophication).
9. Biomagnifications is the increase of toxic materials at each tropic level of a food
chain. For example, DDT after reaching a water system is absorbed by the
microorganisms on which smaller fishes feed. From them, DDT reaches the
carnivorous animals. Since bigger fishes consume more food, large amounts of
DDT accumulate in their body.
Control Of Water Pollution
(i) Separate ponds and tanks to be used for cattle and animals.
(ii) Use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers should be done judiciously. Rapid
biodegradable substitutes for pesticides should be employed.
(iii) In towns where sewage facilities are not available, septic tanks should be made in
the houses.
(iv) Rivers and lakes should not be used for bathing or washing as it contaminates water.
(v) Domestic sewage and industrial wastes should be treated before discharging them
into drains.

Treatment of waste Water

Domestic sewage and industrial wastes should be properly treated before these are
drained in the mainstream water. Treatment involves the following two steps:
1. Sewage treatment
It involves following steps:
a) Primary treatment: It involves physical processing of sedimentation, flotation
and filtration where sewage water is passed through screens to remove larger particles
and then through grinding mechanism to reduce the larger particles to smaller size. The
sewage is finally passed through settling tanks to remove suspended impurities.
b) Secondary treatment: Sewage obtained after primary treatment is sent to aeration
tank where it is mixed with air and sludge laden with bacteria and algae. The algae
provide oxygen to the bacteria and decompose organic matter into simple compounds.
Chlorination is finally done to remove bacteria.
c) Tertiary treatment: In the third and last step water is passed through ion
exchangers to remove dissolved salts.
2. Treatment of industrial effluents
Treatment of industrial effluents involves neutralization of acids and bases, removal of
toxic compounds, coagulation of colloidal impurities, precipitation of metallic
compounds and reducing the temperature of effluents to decrease thermal pollution.
 SOIL POLLUTION

Like water and air, soil is also equally important for living organisms. It supports plants
on which. all other living organisms depend. The process of soil formation is so slow
that the soil may be regarded as a non-renewable source. Therefore, the study and
control of soil pollution is important. Any substance that reduces soil productivity is
called soil pollutant.
Sources of Soil Pollution
There are several materials, which adversely affect physical, chemical and biological
properties of the soil and thus reduce its productivity. These are;
1. Chemicals present in industrial waste.
2. Pesticides and insecticides that are sprayed on crops.
3. Fertilizers and manures that are added to the soil to increase the crop yield.
Effect of Soil Pollutants
Chemicals and pesticides affect the structure and fertility of soil by killing the soil
microorganisms. Pesticides are absorbed by the plants and then transferred to other
organisms. Hence, they affected food chains and food webs. Excretory products of
livestock and human beings used as manure pollute the soil besides giving high yield.
The faulty sanitation and unhygienic practices of the people add to the soil pollution.
Pathogens present in the wastes and excreta contaminate the soil and vegetable crops
causing diseases in man and domesticated animals.
Types of Soil Pollution
It is of the following types;
(i) Positive soil pollution
Reduction in the productivity of soil due to the addition of undesirable substances like
pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc. is called positive pollution. These pollutants have
cumulative effect and kill the soil organisms.
(ii) Negative soil pollution
It is caused by the removal of useful components from soil by erosion, deforestation
and improper methods of agriculture.
Salination of Soil
Increase in the concentration of soluble salts is called salination. This adversely affects
the quality and productivity of soil. It takes place in two ways: accumulation of salts
dissolved in irrigation water on the soil surface due to intensive farming and poor
drainage, and deposition of salts as white crust during summer months drawn by
capillary action from the lower surface to the top surface.
Control of Soil Pollution
Various measure to control soil pollution are;
1. Transfer stations for bulk shifting of refuse should be constructed in cities and big
towns.
2. Pneumatic pipes should be laid for collecting and disposing wastes.
3. Materials like paper, glass and plastics can be recycled.
4. Metals should be recovered from scrap and disposed materials.
5. Use of chemical fertilizers should be reduced by the use of bio fertilizers.
6. Use of pesticides can be reduced by adopting biological control of pests.
7. Use of cattle dung and agricultural wastes in biogas plants should be encouraged.
8. Deforestation can check soil erosion to a great extent.
Land Degradation
Besides pollution, land and soil face several other problems. Removal of topsoil is
called soil erosion. Soil erosion factors are water, wind, ocean, waves and glaciers,
felling of trees, overgrazing by cattle, over-cropping etc. Erosion occurs both in wet
and dry regions. It leads to floods.
(i) Deforestation of overgrazing
Over-grazing is the main cause of soil erosion in India. Roots of grasses act as binding
material and keep the soil intact, which upon grazing are destroyed.
(ii) Desertification
Loss of soil productivity by erosion of top soil results in the formation of deserts.
Deserts are spreading in all continents. Desertification takes place by shifting of sand
dunes by wind and over-grazing.
(iii) Shifting cultivation
Tribal communities follow the practice of cutting down trees and setting them on fire
and then raising the crops on the resulting ash.
(iv) Developmental activities
Large areas of fertile and productive croplands, woodlands and grasslands are lost to
various developmental activities such as rapid urbanization, building of airports,
industries, railways, roads, mining and construction of dams.
Control of Land Degradation
Following ways can control Land degradation
1. Restoration of forests and grass cover can help in prevention of soil erosion and
floods.
2. By replacing shifting cultivation with crop rotation, mixed cropping or plantation
cropping. Providing adequate drainage to irrigated and flood-prone lands can prevent
salinity.
3. Desertification can be controlled by spread of appropriate plant species and by raising
trees as wind breaks.
 Solid Waste Management

Environmental problems also include solid waste disposal. At all levels of development
human beings produce domestic wastes. These comprises of kitchen wastes, ashes from
fires, broken utensils and worn-out clothing. The industrial revolution leads to the
concentration of people in urban areas with very high population density. This resulted
in addition of new sources of wastes from shops, institutions and factories. In developed
countries services for the regular removal of domestic and trade wastes have been in
operation for last many years.
Sources and Characteristics
Solid wastes generally refer to describe non-liquid waste materials arising from
domestic, trade, commercial, industrial, agriculture and mining activities and from the
public services.
Disposal of sludge’s (liquid waste) of some kind fall within the scope of solid waste
management. These arise primarily from industrial sources and from sewage treatment
plants.
Solid wastes comprise countless different materials; dust, food wastes, packaging in the
form of paper, metals, plastics or glass, discarded clothing and furnishing, garden
wastes and hazardous and radioactive wastes.
The method and capacity of storage, the correct type of collection vehicle, the optimum
size of crew and the frequency of collection depend mainly on volume and density. Just
as solid wastes comprise a vast number of materials, they arise from a multitude of
separate sources as well as many kilometers of streets upon which solid wastes
accumulate.
Thus, the four main aspects of solid wastes management are: (i) storage at or near the
point of generation, (ii) collection, (iii) street cleansing, (iv) disposal.
Health and environmental implications
Improper handling of solid wastes results in increased potential risks to health and to
the environment both. Direct health risks concern mainly the workers in this field, who
need to be protected, as far as possible, from skin contact with wastes. For the general
public, the main risks to health are indirect and arise from the breeding of disease
vectors, primarily flies and rats. More serious, however, and often unrecognized, is the
transfer of pollution to water, which occurs when the leach ate from a refuse dump
enters surface water or wastes, either in the open air, or in plants that lack effective
treatment facilities for the gaseous effluents. Traffic accidents can result from wastes
accumulated and dispersed on to streets and roads. They have caused death and injury
to people in the surrounding areas.
There also persists the specific danger of the concentration of heavy metals in the food
chain. These metals can be taken up by the plants growing on land on which sludge has
been deposited, creating risks to the animals which graze and the humans who consume
these animals.
Economic implications
Labour and transport absorb the major part of the operating cost of solid wastes
management services. The level of mechanization that should be adopted for solid
wastes management systems relates directly to the cost of labour, as compared to that
of plant and energy. There is not much variation, worldwide, in energy or mechanical
plant costs, but there is wide variation in the range of labour costs. Thus, there are no
universally applicable solid wastes management systems. Every country must evolve
indigenous technology based on the quantity and character of the wastes, the level of
national wealth, wage rates, equipment, manufacturing capacity, energy costs etc.
It is necessary to deploy a complete set of technical skills, which derive from several
professional disciplines. These include civil and mechanical engineering, chemical
engineering, transport organization, land use planning and economics.
 Role of an Individual in Prevention of Pollution
We very often see people blaming public and government sectors to control pollution
through controlling market mechanisms and government blaming people to avoid and
check pollution. However, on the other hand man should identify and gear up his own
potential to curb down pollution. Man could achieve this by identifying his own role at
individual level in prevention of pollution. This is possible through environmental
awareness, education and enlightenment.
Ways and means by which pollution problems can be greatly reduced at individual level
are:
1. Masses at personal level should determine to consume optimum level of resources,
which would lead a comfortable life. Because excessive resource consumption is in
some way related to pollution problems and hazards (natural and anthropogenic
both).
2. Waste disposal at personal level should be optimally reduced as waste destruction
by any means causes pollution.
3. Maintenance of vehicles should remain proper as to avoid introduction of harmful
gases and other pollutants in to the atmosphere.
4. Generators and other household gadgets that add to pollution of environment should
be kept well maintained。
5. Use of chemical fertilizers should be limited as to avoid water pollution e.g. DDT.
6. Timely disposal of waste to prevent decomposition of household refuge as to check
foul odors and spread of disease by insects, flies and other pathogenic bacteria.
7. Industrialists should check for proper disposal of treated water from factory units
as to avoid thermal pollution of water bodies. They should also deploy a water
treatment plant to prevent the flow of hazardous material.
8. Service centers of vehicles should minimize the disposal of organic solvents into
the main drains.
9. Music lovers should listen and operate their music systems at optimum levels as to
avoid noise pollution.