INTRODUCTION :

The term 'environment' comes from the French word environner or environ meaning 'to
surround'. So, environment means the area in which something exists or lives. Environmental
pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, causing
adverse effects on living organisms and the natural world. It manifests in various forms,
including air, water, soil, and noise pollution. Industrial activities, vehicular emissions,
deforestation, and improper waste disposal are primary contributors. Pollution leads to health
issues in humans, endangers wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and contributes to climate change.
Addressing environmental pollution requires concerted efforts in implementing stricter
regulations, promoting sustainable practices, and raising public awareness to protect and
restore the natural environment for future generations.

FIG: ENVIRONMENAL POLLUTION

Environmental pollution is the discharge of material, in any physical state, that is dangerous
to the environment or human health. Most industrialized and developing countries, and many
intergovernmental organizations, have developed maximum exposure values for pollutants.
Many regulate atmospheric emissions to keep their levels compatible with environmental
equilibrium and human health.

This is especially true of atmospheric and marine pollution, since neither is contained within
national borders. With regard to climate change, environmental pollution is the defining
issue: limiting anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions is acknowledged by scientists as
fundamental to mitigating the effects of global climate change.

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TYPES OF POLLUTION :

There are certain basic types of environmental pollution, and each one has detrimental effects
on wildlife, human habitation, and the quality of life in the affected area.There are mainly
tyes of pollution are –

1. AIR POLLUTION
2. WATER POLLUTION
3. SOIL POLLUTION
4. NOISE POLLUTION
5. RADIO ACTIVE POLLUTION

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AIR POLLUTION:

Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural
composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of particulate matter such as
dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors that cannot be effectively
removed through natural cycles.Therefor, Air pollution is the contamination of the
atmosphere by harmful substances, including gases, particulates, and biological molecules. It
primarily results from human activities such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and
burning fossil fuels, though natural events like wildfires and volcanic eruptions also
contribute. Common pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and
particulate matter. These pollutants can harm human health, causing respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases, and negatively impact the environment, leading to acid rain, reduced
visibility, and damage to ecosystems. Efforts to reduce air pollution focus on cleaner energy
sources, emission controls, and sustainable practices.

FIG: AIR POLLUTION

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Source of Air Pollution

 Vehicle or manufacturing exhaust

 Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, dry soil erosion, and other natural sources
 Building construction or demolition Depending on the concentration of air
pollutants, several effects can be noticed. Smog increases, higher rain acidity,
crop depletion from inadequate oxygen, higher rates of asthma, and global
warming are all related to increased air pollution.

Causes of Air pollution

1. Industries
2. Automobiles and Domestic fuels
3. High proportion of undesirable gases, such as sulphur dioxide and carbon
monoxide.

Effects of Air Pollution

 Effect on materials Air pollutants affect certain materials in the following ways and
cause economic losses:
a) Abrasion
b) Corrosion
c) Deposition and removal
d) Direct chemical attack
e) Indirect chemical attack
 Effect on human health The inhalation of undesirable gases from the atmosphere has
effect on human health. The emissions from industries and factories affect the
respiratory organs of people living in and around these areas. Radioactive substances
present in the atmosphere have harmful effects on the health of both plants and
animals.
 Effect on vegetation Even at low concentration of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur
dioxide gas may severely damage the sensitive vegetation. The air pollution caused by

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 forest fires and volcanic eruptions may affect crop production and may also lead to
destruction of certain plants. Industrial emissions also affect the photosynthetic
process in plants thereby hampering their growth.
 Effect on physical features of atmosphere Burning of fossil fuels releases huge
amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which results in the rise in ambient
temperature. Decrease in visibility is another indication of air pollution.The
atmosphere as a whole

Control of Air pollution:

It is not possible to remove pollutants from the air. It is therefore desirable that air pollution
be controlled at the sources. Some of the measures which can be taken are outlined below:

a) Emission from vehicles Vehicles moving on the road should give out exhaust constituents
within prescribed limits. The design of the vehicles should be such that. complete combustion
takes place inside the engine only.

b) Replacement Causes of air pollution can be replaced by new technological processes

which does not contribute any pollution. Increased use of electricity and natural gas in place
of coal is an example of replacement.

c) Planting of trees Planting of trees is helpful in reducing air pollution.

d) Legislation Many countries has adopted legislation for control of air pollution. In India,
there is a Smoke Nuisance Act effective in few cities.

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Water Pollution:

Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or
bacterial matter that degrades the water's quality and purity. Water pollution can occur in
oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, and as different water sources flow together
the pollution can spread. Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers,
lakes, oceans, and groundwater, by harmful substances. These pollutants can include
chemicals, waste products, plastics, and microorganisms. Common sources of water pollution
are industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, sewage, and oil spills. This contamination can
degrade water quality, posing serious risks to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
Polluted water can cause diseases, disrupt ecosystems, and lead to the depletion of clean
water resources. Effective measures to prevent and control water pollution are crucial for
environmental sustainability and public health.

FIG: WATER POLLUTION

Source of Water pollution

There are two main types of sources of water. They are:

a) Surface sources
b) Underground sources

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Surface sources: It includes rivers, stream, lakes, ponds, storage reservoir.

Underground sources: It includes infiltration well, infiltration gallery, springs, wells.

Causes of water pollution :

1. Increased sediment from soil erosion

2. Improper waste disposal and littering
3. Leaching of soil pollution into water supplies
4. Organic material decay in water supplies

Effects of Water Pollution:

1. Diseases like Cholera

2. Malaria
3. Typhoid (spread during the rainy season)
4. Aquatic life gets destroyed

Control of Water pollution:

1. Treatment of garbage and sewage.

2. Extraction of useful substances.
3. Chemical treatment.
4. Reduction of temperature of waste water.
5. Minimize the use of non- degradable pesticides.
6. Proper enactment of laws by government.

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Soil Pollution:

Soil pollution is the contamination of soil by harmful substances, leading to adverse effects
on plant and animal life, human health, and ecosystems. It occurs due to the presence of toxic
chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, industrial waste, and other pollutants. These
contaminants degrade soil quality, reducing its fertility and disrupting natural processes.
Common sources include industrial activities, agricultural practices, improper waste disposal,
and urban runoff. Soil pollution can result in reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and the
contamination of food and water supplies, posing significant environmental and health risks.

FIG: SOIL POLLUTION

Source of Soil pollution:

The major sources of soil pollution are:

 Pollutants like acids washed off from the atmosphere (acid rain).
 Pesticides and herbicides sprayed in fields.
 Excessive use of artificial fertilizers.
 Solid wastes like garbage, trash, ash, building material, plastic, bottles and cans.

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  Storage and disposal radioactive waste from the power plant.

Causes of Soil pollution:

1. Agriculture ( Excessive/ improper use of Pesticides.

2. Excessive industrial activity.
3. Poor management or infficient disposal of waste.

Effects of Soil Pollution:

1. Salinization: is increase the soil content of soil.

2. Salinization occurs due to Acid rain, Agricultural operation, and industrial activities.
3. Due to salinization the soil becomes unsuitable for plant growth and human use.
4. Ground water in saline soil have more salts than normal soil and make the water
unsuitable for plant growth, for animals and for human use.

Control of Soil pollution:

1. Use of pesticides and fertilizers should be minimized.

2. Cropping techniques should be improved to prevent growth of weeds.
3. Special pits should be selected for dumping wastes.
4. Controlled grazing and forest management.
5. Wind breaks and wind shield in areas exposed to wind erosion

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Noise pollution:
Unwanted or excessive sound that can have deleterious effects on human health, wildlife, and
environmental quality. Noise pollution is commonly generated inside many industrial
facilities and some other workplaces, but it also comes from highway, railway, and airplane
traffic and from outdoor construction activities. Noise pollution refers to the excessive or
harmful levels of noise in the environment, often caused by human activities such as traffic,
industrial operations, construction, and urbanization. It can disrupt the natural balance,
leading to adverse effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. Prolonged exposure to
high noise levels can cause hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular issues
in humans. Wildlife may experience disrupted communication, mating patterns, and habitat
displacement. Mitigating noise pollution involves implementing regulations, urban planning
strategies, and adopting quieter technologies to reduce its impact on health and the
environment.

FIG: NOISE POLLUTION

Source of Noise pollution:

1. Automobiles
2. Air-crafts
3. Use of pressure horns

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 4. Recreational noise of loud speakers with full volume particularly at night.
5. Domestic noise-radio, transistors, TV sets
6. Noise levels - acute near railways junctions, traffic round - about, but terminals &
airports.AACTransportation systems are the main source of noise pollution in urban
areas
7. Construction of buildings, highways and streets cause a lot of noise due to the usage
of air compressors, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks and pavement. breakers
8. Industrial noise also adds to the already unfavourable state of noise pollution
9. Loud speakers, plumbing, generators, air conditioners and vacuum cleaners add to the
existing noise pollution

Causes of Noise pollution:

1. Traffic Noise
2. Air craft Noise
3. Noise from construction and civil engineering works.
4. Noise from the Industries.
5. Noise from other sources.

Effects of Noise Pollution:

1. Hearing Loss
2. High Blood Pressure
3. Stress
4. Sleep Disturbance
5. Color Blindness

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Control of Noise pollution:

1. Planting more trees in high ways

2. Ban on unnecessary blowing of horns
3. Not to exceed speed limit
4. To develop quieter type of diesel engines
5. To improve road surface
6. Restriction of movement of vehicles in silence zones
7. Legal restrictions on noise polluting bodies
8. Improvement in silencers

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RADIO ACTIVE POLLUTION:

Radioactive pollution refers to the presence of radioactive substances in the environment that
pose a potential threat to human health, ecosystems, and the natural world. These substances
emit ionizing radiation, which includes alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The
sources of radioactive pollution can be both natural and anthropogenic.

Natural sources include cosmic rays and terrestrial radiation from radioactive materials in the
soil, such as uranium and thorium. Human activities, however, significantly contribute to
radioactive pollution through various means. Key sources include nuclear power plants,
nuclear weapons testing, medical procedures involving radioactive isotopes, and improper
disposal of radioactive waste. Accidents at nuclear facilities, such as the Chernobyl disaster
in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, have also led to severe
radioactive contamination of large areas.

The impact of radioactive pollution is profound. Exposure to high levels of radiation can
cause acute health effects such as radiation sickness, and increase the risk of cancer, genetic
mutations, and other serious health issues over time. Environmental consequences include
damage to wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Radioactive substances can persist in the
environment for long periods, complicating cleanup efforts and posing long-term health risks.

Preventing and mitigating radioactive pollution involves stringent regulations on the use,
handling, and disposal of radioactive materials, as well as robust safety measures and
emergency preparedness plans for nuclear facilities. Continuous monitoring and research are
essential to understand and manage the effects of radioactive contamination effectively.

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 FIG: RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION

Source of Radioactive pollution:

Radioactive pollution, also known as radiological pollution, occurs when radioactive

substances contaminate the environment. The sources of radioactive pollution include:

1. Nuclear Power Plants:

1. Accidents: Incidents like the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 released significant
amounts of radioactive materials into the environment.
2. Routine Emissions: Even during normal operations, nuclear plants
release small amounts of radioactive gases and liquids.
2. Nuclear Weapons Testing:
1. Atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons, particularly during the mid-
20th century, released large amounts of radioactive isotopes into the
atmosphere, which then settled on the Earth's surface.
3. Medical Sources:
1. Radioactive isotopes are used in diagnostic and therapeutic medical
procedures. Improper disposal of medical radioactive waste can lead to
contamination.
4. Industrial Sources:
1. Industries use radioactive materials for various applications, such as
radiography, gauging, and mineral analysis. Inadequate disposal and
accidental leaks can cause pollution.
5. Natural Sources:
1. Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas from the decay of
uranium in the earth's crust, can accumulate in buildings and pose
health risks.

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Causes of Radioactive pollution:

1. Nuclear power plants (Ex: Neyveli, Kalpakkam).

2. Nuclear Weapons (Ex: Missiles).
3. Disposal of Nuclear Waste.
4. Uranium Mining.

Effects of Radioactive Pollution:

1. The Diseases include blood in cough.

2. Ulcer.
3. Swelling of bone joints.
4. Cancer.
5. Lung Cancer.
6. Skin Cancer.
7. Bone Cancer.
8. Eye Problems.

Control of Radioactive pollution:

1. The radioactive pollution can be controlled by number of ways.

2. It includes the stoppage of leakage from the radioactive materials including the
nuclear reactors,
3. The disposal of radioactive material must be safe and secure.
4. They must be stored in the safe places and must be changed into harmless form.
5. The wastes with a very low radiation must be put into the sewage.
6. The natural radiation must be at the permissible limits and they must not cross it.

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CONCLUSION:

Environmental pollution poses a significant threat to the planet's ecosystems and human
health. Industrial activities, vehicle emissions, deforestation, and improper waste disposal are
primary contributors to the contamination of air, water, and soil. This pollution leads to
numerous adverse effects, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and severe health
issues such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancer.

The complexity of environmental pollution necessitates a multifaceted approach to

mitigation. Strategies include the adoption of cleaner technologies, stricter enforcement of
environmental regulations, and increased public awareness and education. Renewable energy
sources, such as wind and solar power, can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby
decreasing air pollution. Sustainable agricultural practices and proper waste management can
minimize land and water contamination.

Individuals play a crucial role in combating pollution through lifestyle changes such as
reducing plastic use, recycling, and supporting eco-friendly products and policies.
Governments, industries, and communities must collaborate to develop and implement
comprehensive solutions to reduce pollution and protect the environment for future
generations. By taking immediate and sustained action, we can mitigate the impacts of
pollution and move towards a healthier, more sustainable world.

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