Name – Sohan

Roy
Class – IX
Section – B
Roll.no – 38
GEOGRAPHY
PROJECT
 Topic : Air, Water,
Soil and Radioactive
Pollution
 Index :
Sl.no. Topic Pg.no.

1. Introduction 5

2. Air Pollution 6-10

3. Water Pollution 11-15

4. Soil Pollution 16-20

5. Radioactive Pollution 21-25

6. Conclusion 26

7. Acknowledgement 27

8. Biliography 28
 Introduction
Pollution is the presence or introduction of a substance into our
environment which has harmful or poisonous effects. These harmful
substances are called pollutants. Pollutants are referred to harmful
gases, fluid or other pernicious matter that are released into the
natural environment. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash,
they can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff
produced by factories. But this is mainly caused by human activities
which harm the environment in ways more than one. There are in
total nine types of pollution – air pollution, light pollution, noise
pollution, plastic pollution, soil pollution, radioactive pollution,
thermal pollution, visual pollution and water pollution. But the four
major types of pollution are the air, water, soil and radioactive
pollution.
 Air pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of
substances like Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds ,
particulates, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons and unburned
hydrocarbons in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health
of humans and other living beings and cause damage to the
average climate of the Earth. It also contaminates the indoor or
outdoor surroundings either by chemical activities or physical
activities that alters the natural features of the atmosphere. Air
pollution can cause diseases, allergies, and even death to
humans; it can also cause harm to other living organisms.
 Causes of Air Pollution
 Burning of fossil fuels : Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil
fuels like coal, petroleum for energy factory combustibles is one the major
cause of air pollution. Everyday billions of vehicles run on roads that burn
petroleum which, is made up of hydrocarbons.
 Agricultural activities : Ammonia is a very common byproduct of agriculture-
related activities, which is one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere.
They emit harmful chemicals into the air and can also cause water pollution.
 Waste in landfills : Landfills are land areas in which waste is deposited or
buried. These deposited or buried wastes generate methane. Methane is a major
greenhouse gas that is highly flammable and very hazardous.
 Natural events : There are certain natural events such as volcanoes, forest fires,
and dust storms, which are nature-born and cause air pollution.
 Effects of Air Pollution on Human
Beings
 Public health problems : Air pollution contributes to several respiratory
and heart problems, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema,
heart attacks, strokes and cancer. More than 4 million people each
year die from air pollution-related complications.
 Child health problems : During pregnancy, exposure to high air
pollution can cause miscarriages, premature birth, autism, asthma and
spectrum disorders in young children. It can also damage early brain
development in a child and cause pneumonia, which kills almost a million
children under five years old.
 Effects of Air Pollution on the
Environment
 Global warming : This issue is probably one of the most well-known effects
of air pollutants. Increasing temperatures across the globe have led to
elevated sea levels from melting icebergs, resulting in habitat loss and
emphasizing the need for preservation actions.
 Acid rain : Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released
into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. Rain mixes with air
pollutants to form acid rain, damaging humans, animals, landscapes and
plants. Sensitive ecosystems such as lakes and forests are especially
susceptible to acid rain damage.
 Depletion of the ozone layer : The ozone layer protects the Earth’s
inhabitants from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. However,
atmospheric chlorofluorocarbons and hydro chlorofluorocarbons are
contributing to ozone layer depletion. A thinning ozone layer causes increased
UV rays to reach the Earth, resulting in potential skin and eye-related
problems.
 Methods to Combat Air Pollution
 Use public transportation : Public transportation helps reduce pollution, as
people can get where they need to go with fewer pollutant-emitting vehicles.
Use more sustainable transportation options like walking, using a bike,
buying an electric car or ride-sharing whenever possible to prevent air
pollutant emissions.
 Improve household practices : Rather than using wood, utilize gas logs
around the home. Try to decrease how often you use gas-powered
landscaping equipment. Following environmentally friendly practices like
composting, mulching organic waste or using green cleaning
products reduces household emissions.
 Be energy-conscious : You can help reduce air pollution emissions in
residential applications by turning off lights and fans when leaving the house.
A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity.
 Avoid open burning : A significant cause of particulate matter, open burning
refers to setting fire to landscaping debris, trash and other waste. Practice
more sustainable ways to dispose of waste through incineration, such
as converting it to biogas.
 Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water sources like
streams, rivers, lakes and oceans by the introduction of
industrial and agricultural effluents containing
anthropogenic contaminants, which make the water unusable
for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and other activities. These
harmful substances include chemicals, garbage,
microorganisms like bacteria and parasites which
contaminate the water, degrading its quality and rendering it
toxic to humans and the environment. Water pollution is
either surface water pollution or groundwater pollution, this
forms of pollution can lead to many problems.
 Causes of Water Pollution
 Industrial Waste : Industrial waste is filled with lead, asbestos, petrochemicals, and
even mercury. All of these chemicals are highly hazardous for both humans and
aquatic life. But, many industries tend to discharge the waste into water bodies like
rivers and lakes around living localities, thus, contaminating the fresh water.
 Sewage and Wastewater : Harmful chemicals, bacteria and pathogens can be found
in sewage and wastewater even when it’s been treated. Sewage and wastewater from
each household is released into the sea with fresh water. It also a cause for water
pollution.
 Marine Dumping : Most water bodies get converted into dumping grounds by
nearby localities. And this causes a huge problem because the dump contains
everything from plastic, aluminum to glass, Styrofoam, etc. Most of these items can
take anywhere from two to 200 years to decompose completely. This is one of the
major reasons for water pollution.
 Oil pollution : Large oil spills and oil leaks, while often accidental, are a major
cause of water pollution. Leaks and spills are often caused by oil drilling operations
in the ocean or ships that transport oil. And since oil doesn’t dissolve, the sludge
stays forever. Thus, causing water pollution.
 Effects of Water Pollution on Human
Beings
 Diseases : Not just the aquatic life, even when the humans end up
drinking polluted water, they make themselves vulnerable to various life-
threatening illnesses like hepatitis, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and many
other water-borne diseases.
 Adverse impact on the food chain : If the aquatic life and the plants
tends to accommodate as per the polluted water, it is highly possible that
the marine species and the plants may have toxins and pollutants in them.
When humans tend to feed on them, they end up consuming the toxins
and pollutants too.
 Effects of Water Pollution on the
Environment
 Ruination of the Ecosystem : Our ecosystem is extremely fragile. Even
a simple change can lead the ecosystem to react and impact the
environment. If the water system is unchecked in a particular locality,
then the whole ecosystem of that particular area may collapse.
 Eutrophication : The chemicals available in the water body promote the
growth of algae. These algae end up forming a thick layer over the ponds
and lakes. The bacteria present in the water tend to feed on algae, causing
the amount of oxygen in the water to decrease, thus impacting the aquatic
life of the entire water body.
 Ocean Acidification : Ocean acidification is another impact of water
pollution. Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH value of
the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO 2) from the
atmosphere.
 Methods to Combat Water Pollution
 Industrial Treatment : The raw sewage needs to be adequately treated in a water
treatment plant before it is released into the environment. Water is passed through
several chambers and chemical processes in the water treatment plant to reduce the
amount and toxicity of waste.
 Denitrification : When nitrates present in the water get converted into gas, it is
known as denitrification. It is an ecological approach that prevents leaching of
nitrates in the soil. It stops groundwater from getting contaminated.
 Ozone Waste Water Treatment : The ozone wastewater treatment method has
become very popular. In this method, an ozone generator breaks down the pollutants
in water. Ozone oxidizes bacteria, organic material, molds, and other contaminants
in water.
 Septic Tanks : Septic tanks treat sewage right at the place of the location where it
originates instead of treating it in any far-away plant or sewage system. This system
is usually put to use at the individual building level. The sewage gets separated into
solid and liquid components and treated separately.
 Soil Pollution
Soil pollution or land pollution refers to the deterioration
of the earth's land surface by the deposition of solid or
liquid waste materials containing xenobiotic (human-
made) chemicals or other alterations on the land or
underground in a manner that can contaminate the soil
and groundwater, threatening public health, and cause
unsightly conditions and nuisances. These contaminants
include harmful substances like polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and
trichloroethylene (TCE). It sometimes causes naturally
but it is mainly caused by human activities.
 Causes of Soil Pollution
 Industrial Pollution : The discharge of industrial waste into soils can result in soil
pollution. The extraction of minerals from the earth is responsible for affecting soil
fertility. Whether it be iron ore or coal, if the industrial waste stays on the soil surface
for a long duration and makes it unsuitable for further use.

 Agricultural Activities : The use of insecticides and pesticides for a long period can
cause soil pollution. Instead of killing pests and insects, it degrades the soil quality by
seeping into the ground and mixes with underground water which slowly reduces the
fertility of the soil.
 Waste Disposal : Disposal of plastics and other solid waste is a serious issue that
causes soil pollution, disposal of electrical items such as batteries causes an adverse
effect on the soil due to the presence of harmful chemicals like lithium which causes
leaching of soil.
 Deforestation : Trees play an essential role when flood and heavy rain occurs. The
roots of trees help to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion. Without tree roots, the
soil can be washed away by heavy rain or blown around by strong winds. When
forests are cleared for land development, the natural vegetation that once held the soil
in place is removed.
 Effects of Soil pollution on Human
Beings
 Diseases : The contamination of soil has a major consequence on human
health. Crops and plants that are grown on polluted soil absorb most of
the pollution and then pass them to humans. Contaminated soil can lead
to diseases like irritation of the skin and the eyes, headaches, nausea,
vomiting, coughing, pain in the chest, and wheezing.
 Health problems : It increases the exposure to toxic and
harmful chemicals thus increasing health threats to
people living nearby and on the degraded land. Living,
working or playing in the contaminated soil can lead to
respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, skin
diseases, and other diseases. Moreover, it can cause other
health problems.
 Effects of Soil Pollution on The
Environment
 Decreased Soil Fertility : The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease
soil fertility and therefore decrease the soil yield. The contaminated soil is then
used to produce fruits and vegetables, which lack quality nutrients and may
contain some poisonous substances to cause serious health problems in people
consuming them.

 Toxic Dust : The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the
environment and causes serious effects on the health of some people. Besides,
the unpleasant smell causes inconvenience to other people.
 Microorganisms : Soil pollution has a variety of effects on microorganisms.
The most direct effect is the contamination of soil with toxic chemicals, which
kills or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. This can lead to a loss of
biodiversity and a decrease in the overall number of microorganisms in the soil.
Soil pollution can also change the structure and function of microorganisms in
the soil, making them less able to perform essential ecosystem functions such as
 Methods to Combat Soil Pollution
 Reduced Use of Chemical Fertilizers : Chemical fertilizers do more harm than
good. While proper amounts could enhance the fertility of the soil, an excess of it
actually poisons the soil and pollutes it in several ways. It could mess with the pH
levels of the soil.
 Reforestation and Afforestation should be Promoted : Soil erosion, which is
produced by deforestation, is one of the major sources of soil pollution. With an
ever-increasing population, it is only logical that mankind requires more and more
room to expand their civilization. It is frequently accomplished at the expense of
soil health. Reforestation of a deforested area should be encouraged to prevent this
from happening.
 Recycle and Reuse Products : By reusing and recycling will not only reduce waste
output, but they also reduce soil pollution. Plastic now makes up a significant
portion of the waste flow. The great majority of these wastes are buried in landfills.
 Promote Use of Natural Manure : One of the best sources of nutrients for the soil
is natural manure. It's 100% natural and safe. It restores the soil's critical nutrients
and improves its overall health. It doesn't produce any toxic by-products that could
harm the soil or the environment.
 Radioactive Pollution
Radioactive pollution also called radiological
contamination is defined as the deposition or introduction
of radioactive substances into the environment, where their
presence is unintended, or the levels of radioactivity are
undesirable. The destruction caused by the radioactive
materials is because of the emissions of hazardous ionizing
radiation (radioactive decay) like beta or alpha particles,
gamma rays or neurons in the environment. This type of
radiation is potent enough to cause damage to tissues and
DNA in genes. Radionuclide are measured as one of the
biggest radioactive threats to living organisms.
 Causes of Radioactive Pollution
 Mining activities : Mining activities for extracting radioactive ores may also cause
radioactive pollution, such as mining of uranium ore. It involves many processes like
crushing and processing of radioactive ores that generate harmful radioactive by-
products. Sometimes mining of ores can create radioactive waste.
 Testing of nuclear weapons : The testing of the nuclear weapon came into
significance right after the emergence of the atomic age. Before this, the nuclear
weapons were used to explode underwater almost hundreds of meters in depth.
Example : isotopes of iodine (129 & 131), cesium and strontium-90.
 Tests on Radiation : Radiation has been seen to have a lot of interesting properties,
which has promoted a lot of scientists to conduct tests to learn more about it.
Chemotherapy, a cancer curative health initiative, is one of the key elements in the
cure and treatment of cancer. These scientists have been exposed to radiation leading
to their deaths or other complications.
 Other Natural Sources : These come from the outer space to our planet with intense
radiation as their nature, therefore, causing radioactive pollution. Gamma rays, for
example, are said to have the highest level of radiation and yet. The quantity with
which the rays hit the earth depends on the altitude of the earth and the geographical
location.
 Effects of Radioactive Pollution on
Human Beings
 Diseases : Cancer is the most dominant radiation-related disease. It has
developed over the years and poses a great risk in global health. Others
include leukemia, anemia, hemorrhage, a reduction in the life span leading to
premature aging and premature deaths as well as others such as
cardiovascular complications. Leukemia, for instance, is caused by radiation
in the bone marrow.

 Genetic transformations : We all know that radiation is harmful to our

health, but it also has adverse effects on genetic mutations. There are chances
of genetic birth defects and retardation in the fetus, such as low birth weight
by radiation before or during pregnancy. Sometimes, the kids born with some
other kinds of problems as an effect of radiation pollution such as disfigured
births, impairment like blindness in kids. Infertility is also an impact of
radiation in some adverse cases. Radiation damages the DNA strands causing
the change in DNA composition over time. However, the degree of genetic
alterations changes from one person to another depending on the level and
Effects of Radioactive Pollution on the
Environment
 Soil infertility : Radioactive pollution in the atmosphere means it is not only
present in the air but has also affected the soil equally. Soil contains various
nutrients that make the soil fertile, but it changes the entire composition when
radioactive substances enter the ground. As a result, the land becomes
infertile and toxic when radioactive elements react with the soil’s nutrients.
 Marine life : The power plants, which are the sources of nuclear energy and
chemical processing, have been releasing radioisotopes into the water for
decades. Cesium, Radon, krypton, Ruthenium, Zinc and Copper are few of
them. Though the waste is released in a “permissible” amount, it does not
mean safe.
 Effects on Plants : The plants are also exposed to radiation, and the damage
is mostly done due to the increased Ultraviolet waves. Different plants get
affected differently. The stomata stop to evaporate during the increase of
radiation. When the radiation hits the chromosomes, the reproduction gets
hampered. When we eat these plants, we ingest nuclides.
 Methods to Combat Radioactive
Pollution
 Proper Method of Disposing of Radioactive Waste : Radioactive waste still has
some level of radiation. Accordingly, it cannot be disposed of in the same way as
normal waste. It cannot be incinerated or buried. Since there is a likelihood of
seepage, this waste should be stored in heavy and thick concrete containers. Another
option is to dilute the radiation since storage may not be possible.
 Banning of Nuclear Tests : It has already been proven that nuclear power has a lot
of latent power that is very destructive. Nevertheless, the tests done to perfect the
energy contribute greatly to the overall presence of radioactive substances.
Moreover, these tests, though done in the deserts, end up escaping from
one ecosystem to another, eventually affecting the lives of many people.
 Alternative Energy Sources : Considering the damage and threats it has on the
environment, it is high time for its use to be discontinued and for the world to
perhaps focus on alternative and environmentally friendly energy sources – like
renewable sources of energy namely solar, hydro-electric and wind power.
 Reusing : Since it is not easy to store or dispose the waste, it can be recycled and
used for other purposes like in another reactor as fuel thereby protecting the
environment.
 Conclusion
It appears that polluted environment is a global issue and world
community would bear worst results more as they already faced.
Environmental pollution is increasing gradually and causing a
serious impact on living organisms including humans. Though
awareness and stricter laws in developed countries have
contributed to a larger extent in protecting the environment. , but
the impact is still being felt due to its severe long-term
consequences. Thus it remains the world’s greatest threat to
humanity and the leading environmental causes of morbidity and
mortality. . Taking immediate and effective measures to reduce
emissions and promote sustainable practices is essential to combat
this problem and create a cleaner and healthier future for all.
 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to
my teacher Ms.Munmun Pandey, who gave me the golden
opportunity to do this wonderful project of Geography on
Pollution, who also helped me in completing my project.
While doing this project I came to know about so many
new things for which I am really thankful. Secondly I
would also like to thank my parents and friends who
encouraged me and helped me in finalizing this project
within the limited time frame.
 Bibliography
For successfully completing my project I have taken help
from the following websites :-
 nationalgeographic.com
 wikipedia.com
 britannica.com
 successcds.com