Environmental Science and Engineering

Chapter III - Pollution

By Group 3

Centeno, John Angelo

Concepcion, Mervin Daryll

Daigdigan, Van Louisel

Dela Cruz, Roilo

Dela Rosa, Hans

Dimaano, Keith Weinsleth

Learning Outcomes
I. Pollution and Pollutants

II. Types of Pollution

a. Water Pollution
b. Air Pollution
c. Agricultural Pollution
d. Noise Pollution

III. Role of Civil Engineers in Controlling the Pollution

a. Adaptation of Green Buildings in the Philippines
b. Criteria for LEED Certification
 I. Pollution and Pollutants

 Pollution is the presence or introduction into the environment of substances or energy

that cause harmful or undesirable effects on living organisms and the natural world. It
can come in various forms, including air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and
noise pollution. Pollution can have negative impacts on human health, wildlife, and the
planet's ecosystems.
 The word pollution originates from the Latin word “polluere,” which means “to soil or
defile.”
 Pollutants are substances or energy that are introduced into the environment and cause
harmful or undesirable effects on living organisms and the natural world. Pollutants can
come in many forms, including chemicals, waste, excess energy, and even light and
sound. They can be the result of human activities, such as industrial processes,
transportation, and agriculture, or from natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions and
wildfires. Some common examples of pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen
oxides, sulfur dioxide, and lead.
Difference between the pollution and pollutants:
 Pollution is the overall negative impact on the environment, while pollutants are the
specific substances or forms of energy that cause that impact.
 II. Types of Pollution

a. Water Pollution

 is the contamination of water sources by substances which make the water unusable for
drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities.
 Pollutants include chemicals, trash, bacteria, and parasites.
 All forms of pollution eventually make their way to water. Air pollution settles onto
lakes and oceans. Land pollution can seep into an underground stream, then to a river,
and finally to the ocean.
 Fact: Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence
combined.
 Our drinkable water sources are finite: Less than 1 percent of the earth’s freshwater is
actually accessible to us
What Causes Water Pollution?
Known as a “universal solvent,” water is able to dissolve more substances than any other
liquid on earth. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into
and mix with it, causing water pollution.
 Untreated raw sewage - Due to a lack of sufficient and effective sewage treatment
infrastructure, only about 10 percent of the sewage in the Philippines is properly
treated. An estimated 58% of the groundwater in the Philippines has been contaminated
with coliform bacteria and should be treated
 Agricultural wastewater - Pollutants from agriculture can include dead plants, manure,
dead animals, soil erosion runoff, and pesticides and fertilizers.
 Industrial wastewater - common industrial pollutants include chromium, cadmium, lead,
mercury and cyanide.
 Domestic wastewater - Wastewater from households can contain disease-causing
organisms or toxic chemicals
 Non-point sources - non-point sources of water pollution can include runoff from rain
and groundwater and from landfills, as well as solid wastes. This type of pollution can
contain some of the same toxic chemicals that industrial wastewater contains.
Effects of Water Pollution
 cholera and diarrhea - Bacteria and parasites in poorly treated sewage may enter
drinking water supplies and cause cholera and diarrhea
 acute toxicity and immediate death – due to the hazardous chemicals, pesticides, and
herbicides from industries, farms, homes and golf courses
 Mildly ill that can develop stronger toxic symptoms - Hazardous chemicals in water
systems can also affect the animals and plants which live there and these organisms will
survive with the chemicals in their systems, only to be eaten by humans.
River pollution in Luzon cities pose risk for disaster
How Do Engineers Act to Fight or Avoid Water Pollution?
 Desalination - process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater or
groundwater to make it suitable for drinking or irrigation. As new technologies are
developed, desalination can become an affordable solution for those who live in
fresh water scarce regions
 Agriculture Irrigation Technology - Civil engineers are currently implementing smart
farm technology that prevents communities from depleting their clean water
resources by monitoring soil moisture levels and using the data that is collected to
determine exactly how much water should be allocated to the field, preventing
waste.
 Wastewater Treatment - the process of removing contaminants from wastewater
generated by homes, industries, or businesses to make it safe for release into the
environment or for reuse.
 PUR Water Purifying Sachet - employs a powdered mixture formulated to remove
pathogenic microorganisms and suspended matter from contaminated water. A
single packet of this powder can potentially turn 10 liters of dirty water into clean
drinking water, saving the lives of those who would otherwise be exposed to
waterborne illnesses.
 b. Air Pollution

 contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or

biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere
 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year air pollution is
responsible for nearly seven million deaths around the globe. Nine out of ten human
beings currently breathe air that exceeds the WHO’s guideline limits for pollutants, with
those living in low- and middle-income countries suffering the most.
What causes air pollution?
 Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are
common sources of air pollution.
 Burning fossil fuels - releases gases and chemicals into the air. In an especially
destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to climate change
but is also exacerbated by it.
 Climate change also increases the production of allergenic air pollutants, including
mold (thanks to damp conditions caused by extreme weather and increased
flooding) and pollen (due to a longer pollen season).
 Transportation: Cars, trucks, and other vehicles emit a range of pollutants into the air,
including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
 Natural sources: Natural sources of air pollution include dust and other particulate
matter from natural disasters, wildfires, and wind erosion, as well as emissions from
active volcanoes and wildfires.
Effects of Air Pollution
 Respiratory problems: Exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as
asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as increase the risk of lung cancer.
 Cardiovascular disease: Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.
 Environmental degradation: Air pollution can harm the environment by acidifying soil
and water, reducing visibility, and damaging crops and forests.
 Climate change: Air pollution contributes to climate change by increasing the amount of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the planet.
Two most prevalent types of air pollution.
 Smog (sometimes referred to as ground-level ozone) occurs when emissions from
combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight.
 Soot (also known as particulate matter) is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil,
smoke, dust, or allergens—in the form of either gas or solids—that are carried in the air.
The sources of smog and soot are similar. “Both come from cars and trucks, factories,
power plants, incinerators, engines, generally anything that combusts fossil fuels such as
coal, gas, or natural gas,” Walke says.
The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA8749)
• Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, is a
comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain
healthy air for all Filipinos.
• The Act mandates the implementation of air quality action plan that includes emission
limits, monitoring and control strategies; expects LGUs to develop an integrated air quality
improvement framework and mandates DOST-PAGASA to monitor GHG and ozone.
How to Help Reduce Air Pollution?
 “The less gasoline we burn, the better we’re doing to reduce air pollution and
harmful effects of climate change,” Walke says.
 When you can, walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation. For driving,
choose a car that gets better miles per gallon of gas.”
 You can also investigate your power provider options—you may be able to
request that your electricity be supplied by wind or solar
How do Civil Engineers act to fight or avoid air pollution?
 Development of clean energy systems: Civil engineers can help to develop and
implement clean energy systems, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and hydropower
plants, that produce electricity without emitting pollutants into the air.
 Design of sustainable transportation systems: Civil engineers can help to design and
implement sustainable transportation systems, such as mass transit systems and
pedestrian-friendly urban areas, that reduce emissions from cars and trucks.
 Incorporation of sustainable design principles: Civil engineers can incorporate
sustainable design principles into their projects, such as building green roofs and
incorporating green spaces into urban areas, to reduce the impact of air pollution on
human health and the environment.
 c. Agricultural Pollution

 Biological and abiotic results of farming operations that contaminate or degrade the
environment, adjacent ecosystems, harm people and their economic interests, or both
are referred to as agricultural pollution.
Sources of Agricultural Pollution
 Agricultural Residues - Rice straw, wheat straw, rice husk, and maize stover are a few
examples of agricultural residues that are typically left on the fields after harvests and
utilized as compost, animal feed, or burning fuel.
  Fertilizers and Pesticides - Nitrogen-based fertilizers can overburden streams with
harmful pollutants and produce powerful greenhouse gases.
 Animal Husbandry - Methane emissions from manure storage facilities and ruminants
consuming fibrous foods total roughly 90 million tons annually, or about 16% of the
world's annual production.
 Excess Salts from Applied Irrigation Water - A high salt content in the soil and water will
have a negative impact on crop production, deteriorate the land, and contaminate
groundwater.

Effects of Agricultural Pollution

 Contamination of drinking water sources with harmful chemicals and pollutants such as
pesticides and fertilizers.
 Exposure to airborne pollutants and dust from farming operations, which can cause
respiratory problems and other health issues.
 Increased risk of foodborne illnesses due to the use of pesticides and other chemicals in
agriculture, as well as potential contamination of food crops with fecal matter from
livestock.
How Do Engineers Act to Fight or Avoid Agricultural Pollution?
 Design and construction of agricultural runoff treatment facilities - Civil engineers can
design and construct facilities that treat agricultural runoff before it is released into the
environment.
 Development of water-saving irrigation systems - Civil engineers can help farmers to
implement water-saving irrigation systems that reduce the amount of runoff generated
from agriculture. This can help to reduce the number of pollutants that are released into
the environment.
 Monitoring of agricultural runoff: Civil engineers can help to monitor agricultural runoff
to ensure that it meets regulatory standards and does not pose a risk to human health or
the environment.
 d. Noise Pollution

 It is an invisible danger
 is considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and
well-being of humans and other organisms.
 is measured in decibels.
 The World Health Organization (WHO) defines noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise
pollution.
Types of Noise Pollution
1. Man-Made Noise Pollution – These include a wide range of noise disruption that
occurs as a result of man-made noise like vehicles, honking, Air traffic,
construction, fights, loud music, and various other household noise.
2. Natural/Environmental Noise Pollution – These are noise emitted as a result of
environmental issues like Earthquakes, thunderstorms, Volcanic eruptions,
howling of animals, etc.
What Causes Noises Pollution?
1. Industrialization
-Industrialization has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of heavy
machineries such as generators, mills, and huge exhaust fans are used, resulting
in the production of unwanted noise.
2. Vehicles
-Increased number of vehicles on the roads is the second reason for noise
pollution.
3. Events
-Weddings and public gatherings involve loudspeakers playing music resulting
in the production of unwanted noise in the neighborhood.
4. Construction sites
-Mining, construction of buildings, etc. add to the noise pollution.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health

Noise pollution can be hazardous to human health in the following ways:
 Hearing loss
 Hypertension
 Sleeping disorders
 Cardiovascular issues
 Memory and concentration

Effects of Noise Pollution on Wildlife

1. Noises can cause caterpillars' dorsal vessels (the insect equivalent of a heart) to
beat faster
2. Cause bluebirds to have fewer chicks.
3. Noise affects the ability of animals to survive.
 4. Excess noise interferes with the marine mammal’s ability to effectively
echolocate.
How to Reduce Noise Pollution
In some cases, noise pollution is unavoidable. However, there are ways to reduce noise levels
inside the home. A person can try:
 Reducing noise from appliances
 Reducing noise from media devices
 Repair or replace old machinery
 Soundproofing
 Create more quiet time
 Ear protection

Engineering Method of Controlling Noise

The possible methods of engineering control of noise include:
 Noise Absorption – By walls, ceilings, carpet, and furnishings.
 Sound Barrier – Walls, sound-absorbing curtains, glass, enclosures.
 Isolation – Of workers or sound sources.
 Vibration Damping – Isolation, noise dampers including on ductwork.
 Mufflers or Silencers – Especially high-pressure air noise.
 Equipment Maintenance and Lubrication – Especially bearings.
 Role of Civil Engineer in Controlling the Pollution
Designing and constructing treatment systems: Civil engineers design and construct
treatment systems for wastewater, solid waste, and other types of pollutants to remove harmful
substances and reduce the impact on the environment.
Developing sustainable infrastructure: Civil engineers design and build sustainable
infrastructure, such as green buildings, renewable energy systems, and sustainable
transportation systems, which can reduce the number of pollutants released into the
environment.
Improving air quality: Civil engineers work to improve air quality by designing and
constructing air pollution control systems, such as scrubbers and filters, and by promoting
sustainable transportation methods, such as public transportation and biking infrastructure.
Remediating contaminated sites: Civil engineers help clean up contaminated sites, such as
brownfield sites and hazardous waste dumps, to reduce the impacts of pollutants on the
environment and human health.
Planning for sustainable land use: Civil engineers also play a role in land use planning,
helping to minimize the negative impacts of development on the environment and promoting
sustainable land use practices.
Adaptation of Green Buildings in the Philippines
 P.D. 1096, or the Philippines Green Building Code. (LEED Certification)
Criteria for LEED Certification
 Location and Transportation
 Sustainable Sites
 Water Efficiency
 Energy and Atmosphere
 Materials and Resources
 Indoor Environmental Quality
References Used:

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know
https://engineeringonline.ucr.edu/blog/air-quality-engineer/
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https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/what-is-noise-pollution-causes-effects-solutions
https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/sound/noise-pollution-prevention/
https://byjus.com/physics/noise-pollution-prevention/
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