POLLUTION

Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful pollutants into the

environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines
pollution as the presence of a substance in the environment that
because of its chemical composition or quality prevents the functioning
of natural processes and produces undesirable environmental and health
effects. Any material that causes the pollution is called a pollutant.
Deforestation and hazardous gaseous emissions also leads to
environmental pollution. During the last 40 years, the world has
witnessed severe rise in environment

Pollution can be classified into many types. One of them is the Air
Pollution. The very air we breathe in and which sustains life is being
poisoned by exhausts from automobiles, smoke from chimneys, dust
flam mining and construction activities and numerous other sources of
dangerous gases and vapors. These sources emit carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons and radioactive
vapors that contribute to the air pollution. This disturbs the composition
of air and harms all the biological processes dependent upon it.
Another type of pollution is water pollution. We need water for cooking,
drinking, bathing, cleaning, industrial processes and cooling etc. Many
types of life forms live in it. All animals and plants need water for

survival. In fact, presence of water is one of the main reason why life
exists on earth. But the discharge from factories and industries
comprising of sewage effluents, chemical discharges, dyes, agricultural
wastes, fertilizers, fuels of ships etc. have converted clean, sparkling
water of rivers, lakes and seas into dull, rotting mass of sludge. The
aquatic life is being destroyed; dirty water has become the sources of
epidemics, diseases and foul smell. Fresh water bodies are being
converted into chemical ponds.
Yet another type of pollution is the land pollution. Agricultural
chemicals, sewage effluents, chemical discharges from industry, mining
and construction activities have deteriorated the surface of earth. Once
lush green land has been converted into a desert. Land subsidence,
floods, ground water pollution, dust and fumes are all the results of land
pollution. Wild life is being deprived of its habitat and the trees which
man used to worship once are now being cut by man for satisfaction of
his needs.

Air pollution
Pollution has now become a common term, that our ears are attuned to.
We hear about the various forms of pollution and read about it through
the mass media mainly newspapers, televisions and radio. Air
pollution is one such form that refers to
the introduction
of particulates, biological molecules, or other harmful materials
into Earth's atmosphere, causing disease, death to humans, damage to
other living organisms such as food crops, or the natural or built
environment. Air pollution may come from anthropogenic or natural
sources.
The atmosphere is a complex natural gaseous system that is essential to
support life on planet Earth. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air
pollution has been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to
the Earth's ecosystem.
Air pollution is a serious problem in our society these days. We come
across it indoors, when people have been smoking, and outdoors, where
motor vehicle exhaust pollutes the air. For years, scientists have been
warning us that polluted air is a hazard to our health. It seems these
warning are not being taken acutely enough. The truth is that air
pollution is growing worse, especially in compactly populated societies.
We must for that reason take instantaneous action to progress the quality
of air we breathe.
The moment you step out of the house and are on the road you can
actually see the air getting polluted; a cloud of smoke from the exhaust
of a bus, car, or a motor vehicle; smoke billowing from a factory
chimney, fly ash produced by thermal power plants, and speeding cars
causing dust to rise from the roads. Natural occurrences such as the

eruption of a volcano and even someone smoking a cigarette can also

cause air pollution.

Pollution is the infection of the earth's atmosphere with materials that

obstruct with human health, the feature of life, or the natural
performance of ecosystems (living organisms and their physical
environments). Although some environmental pollution is a
consequence of natural causes like volcanic eruptions, most is caused by
human actions.
Air pollution is actually the addition of any harmful substances to the
atmosphere, which causes the damaging of the environment, human
health and the quality of life. With the development in industry, came
along the increase in air pollution, which occurs inside homes, schools,
offices even in the countryside. Consequently, there has been an
increase in the death rates resulting from various diseases caused by air
pollution varying from breathing problem to lung cancer. Air pollution
does not only affect people but it also damages the whole ecological
system in which plants and animals are harmed as well. Air pollution
has reached such a critical stage where it affects the earth's atmosphere
as it lets in more harmful radiation from the sun. Consequently, our
polluted atmosphere is becoming a better insulator, thus, preventing heat

from escaping back into space. That is why there is a global rise in
temperature which scientists refer to as " global warming". As a result of
this rise in temperature the world food supply and sea level will be
affected, also there is the probability of increase in the tropical disease.
The Ozone layer considered crucial for the existence of the ecosystems
on the planet is depleting due to increased pollution. Global warming, a
direct result of the increased imbalance of gases in the atmosphere has
come to be known as the biggest threat and challenge that the
contemporary world has to overcome in a bid for survival.

Types of Pollutants
An air pollutant is a substance in the air that can have adverse effects on
humans and the ecosystem. The substance can be solid particles, liquid
droplets, or gases. A pollutant can be of natural origin or man-made.
Pollutants are classified as primary or secondary. The pollutants that are
a direct result of the process can be called primary pollutants. The
examples include carbon monoxide gas from motor vehicle exhaust, or

the sulfur dioxide released from factories. Secondary pollutants are the
ones that are caused by the inter mingling and reactions of primary
pollutants. Smog created by the interactions of several primary
pollutants is known to be as secondary pollutant. Ground level ozone is
a prominent example of a secondary pollutant. Some pollutants may be
both primary and secondary: they are both emitted directly and formed
from other primary pollutants.
Major primary pollutants produced by human activity include:

Sulfur oxides (Sox) - particularly sulfur dioxide, a chemical

compound with the formula SO2. SO2 is produced by volcanoes and
in various industrial processes. Coal and petroleum often contain
sulfur compounds, and their combustion generates sulfur dioxide.
Further oxidation of SO2, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as
NO2, forms H2SO4, and thus acid rain. This is one of the causes for
concern over the environmental impact of the use of these fuels as
power sources.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - Nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen

dioxide, are expelled from high temperature combustion, and are also
produced during thunderstorms by electric discharge. They can be
seen as a brown haze dome above or a plume downwind of cities.
Nitrogen dioxide is a chemical compound with the formula NO 2. It is
one of several nitrogen oxides. One of the most prominent air

pollutants, this reddish-brown toxic gas has a characteristic sharp,

biting odor.

Carbon monoxide (CO) - CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic yet

non-irritating gas. It is a product by incomplete combustion of fuel
such as natural gas, coal or wood. Vehicular exhaust is a major source
of carbon monoxide.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) - VOCs are a wellknown outdoor air pollutant. They are categorized as either methane
(CH4) or non-methane (NMVOCs). Methane is an extremely efficient
greenhouse gas which contributes to enhanced global warming. Other
hydrocarbon VOCs are also significant greenhouse gases because of
their role in creating ozone and prolonging the life of methane in the
atmosphere. This effect varies depending on local air quality. The
aromatic NMVOCs benzene, toluene and xylene are suspected
carcinogens and may lead to leukemia with prolonged exposure. 1,3butadiene is another dangerous compound often associated with
industrial use.

Particulate Matter - Particulates, alternatively referred to as

particulate matter (PM), atmospheric particulate matter, or fine
particles, are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas. In
contrast, aerosol refers to combined particles and gas. Some
particulates occur naturally, originating from volcanoes, dust storms,
forest and grassland fires, living vegetation, and sea spray. Human
activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants
and various industrial processes also generate significant amounts of
aerosols. Averaged worldwide, anthropogenic aerosolsthose made
by human activitiescurrently account for approximately 10 percent
of our atmosphere. Increased levels of fine particles in the air are
linked to health hazards such as heart disease, altered lung function
and lung cancer.

Toxic Metal- Toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, especially

their compounds.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - harmful to the ozone layer;

emitted from products are currently banned from use. These are gases
which are released from air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosol
sprays, etc. CFC's on being released into the air rises to stratosphere.
Here they come in contact with other gases and damage the ozone
layer. This allows harmful ultraviolet rays to reach the earth's surface.
This can lead to skin cancer, disease to eye and can even cause
damage to plants.

Ammonia (NH3) - emitted from agricultural processes.

Ammonia is a compound with the formula NH3. It is normally
encountered as a gas with a characteristic pungent odor. Ammonia
contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial
organisms by serving as a precursor to foodstuffs and fertilizers.
Ammonia, either directly or indirectly, is also a building block for the
synthesis of many pharmaceuticals. Although in wide use, ammonia
is both caustic and hazardous. In the atmosphere, ammonia reacts
with oxides of nitrogen and sulfur to form secondary particles.

Radioactive pollutants - produced by nuclear explosions,

nuclear events, war explosives, and natural processes such as
the radioactive decay of radon.

Causes of Air pollution

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: Sulfur dioxide emitted from the
combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory

combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution. Pollution emitting

from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes cause
immense amount of pollution. We rely on them to fulfill our daily basic
needs of transportation. But, there overuse is killing our environment as
dangerous gases are polluting the environment. Carbon Monoxide
caused by improper or incomplete combustion and generally emitted
from vehicles is another major pollutant along with Nitrogen Oxides,
that is produced from both natural and man made processes.

2. Agricultural activities: Ammonia is a very common by product

from agriculture related activities and is one of the most hazardous
gases in the atmosphere. Use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers in
agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful
chemicals into the air and can also cause water pollution.

3. Exhaust from factories and industries: Manufacturing

industries release large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons,

organic compounds, and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the
quality of air. Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of
the earth and there is no area that has not been affected by it. Petroleum
refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that
pollute the air and also cause land pollution. The industries all over the
world that brought prosperity and affluence, made inroads in the
biosphere and disturbed the ecological balances. The pall of smoke, the
swirling gases, industrial effluents and the fall-out of scientific
experiments became constant health hazards, polluting and
contaminating both air and water.

4. Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below

the earth are extracted using large equipment. Modern mining is an
industry that involves the exploration for and removal of minerals from
the earth, economically and with minimum damage to the
environment. During the process dust and chemicals are released in the
air causing massive air pollution. This is one of the reason which is
responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers and
nearby residents.

5. By Vehicles: It is a major component of motor vehicle

emissions (and from stationary internal combustion engines), which can
also include: Crankcase by-blow. Evaporation of unused gasoline.
Motor vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution and are a major
ingredient in the creation of smog in some large cities. The
multiplication of vehicles, emitting black smoke that, being free and
unfettered, spreads out and mixes with the air we breathe. The harmful
smoke of these vehicles causes air pollution. Further, the sounds
produced by these vehicles produces causes noise-pollution.

6. Indoor air pollution: Indoor air pollutants enter your home a

variety of ways. Sources like building materials from the home itself,
and furniture release gases that can be hazardous to our health. These
are commonly know and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Other pollutants such as particles enter the home through traffic from
outdoors. Other materials degrading the indoor air quality in your home
include particulates, such as fibers from carpets, pet hair and dander, to

name just a few. Insufficient ventilation and poor air filtration can allow
these to build up over time resulting in indoor air quality levels that can
be harmful to the occupants of your home. High temperature and
humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants,
leading to poor indoor air quality.

Effects of Air pollution

1. Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution
are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart
conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the body. Several
millions are known to have died due to direct or indirect effects of Air
pollution. Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to
commonly suffer from pneumonia and asthma.

2. Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate alterations

that the world is witnessing due to Global warming. With increased
temperatures world wide, increase in sea levels and melting of ice from
colder regions and icebergs, displacement and loss of habitat have
already signaled an impending disaster if actions for preservation and
normalization arent undertaken soon.

3. Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are
released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels. When it
rains, the water droplets combines with these air pollutants, becomes
acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid
rain can cause great damage to human, animals and crops.

4. Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a condition where high amount

of nitrogen present in some pollutants gets developed on seas surface
and turns itself into algae and and adversely affect fish, plants and
animal species. The green colored algae that is present on lakes and
ponds is due to presence of this chemical only.

5. Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some

devastating affects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air
can force wildlife species to move to new place and change their
habitat. The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and
can also affect sea animals.

6. Depletion of Ozone layer: Ozone exists in earths stratosphere

and is responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (UV)
rays. Earths ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons, hydro chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. As
ozone layer will go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can
cause skin and eye related problems. UV rays also have the capability to
affect crops.

Solutions for Air Pollution

There are many factors which regulate the air pollution. It states that
there should always be a distance between the industrial and residential
area. The chimneys must be tall in size so that the emissions must be
released higher up in the environment. The filters and precipitators must
be used in the chimneys. The scrubber or spray collector must be used
to remove the poisonous gases. The ash production must be reduced by
the high temperature incinerators. The sulfur must be removed after the
combustion. The non combustive sources of energy are the nuclear
power, geothermal power, solar, tidal and wind power. The gasoline
must have anti knocking agents. The railway track must be electrified.
The mining area must be rich in trees. The gas fuel must be used instead
of the coal fuel. The emission control system must be present in the
automobiles. The wastes must be removed and recycled in the industrial

plants and refineries. The automobiles must be pollution free by making

the fuel alcohol based and using the battery power. There are certain
plants which have the ability to fix the carbon monoxide. These should
be grown in the larger numbers. It includes the focus and coleus. There
are certain plants which have the ability to metabolize the nitrogen
oxides and other pollutants. It includes the pinups and ribs.
Some of these steps are explained below: -

1. Use public mode of transportation: Encourage people to use

more and more public modes of transportation to reduce pollution. Also,
try to make use of car pooling. If you and your colleagues come from
the same locality and have the same timing you can explore this option
to save energy and money.

2. Conserve energy: Switch off fans and lights when you are going
out. Large amounts of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity. You
can save the environment from degradation by reducing the amount of
fossil fuels to be burned.

3. Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Do

not throw away items that are of no use to you. In-fact reuse them for
some other purpose. This process can help us to protect environment.
For e.g. you can use old jars to store cereals or pulses.

4. Emphasis on Renewable energy resources:

Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal are on
high these days. Governments of various countries have been providing
grants to consumers who are interested in installing solar panels for
their home. This will go a long way to curb air pollution.

5. Use energy efficient devices: CFL lights consume less

electricity as against their counterparts. They live longer, consume less
electricity, lower electricity bills and also help you to reduce pollution
by consuming less energy.