Department of Chemistry

GE6351 - ESE - UNIT II – ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Causes, Effects and Preventive measures of Water, Soil, Air and Noise Pollutions.
Solid, Hazardous and E-Waste management. Case studies on Occupational Health and
Safety Management system (OHASMS). Environmental protection, Environmental
protection acts.

Pollution:

The environmental pollution may be defined as the unfavourable alteration of our

surrounding. It changes the quality of air, water and land.

Pollutants:

The substances which adversely alter the quality of the natural environment are called
pollutants.

Types of pollution:

1. Water pollution
2. Soil pollution
3. Air pollution
4. Noise pollution

Causes for pollution:

 Population explosion
 Unplanned urbanization
 Industrialization
 Deforestation
 Excessive heat, noise, light or radiation from industrial sectors.

1. Air Pollution:

Air pollution is defined as the composition of air is disturbed due to presence of gas, smoke,
dust, chemical particulate etc., which are injurious to human being, plant and animal.

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Types of Air pollution

I. Primary pollutant: Pollutants that are emitted directly from the human or natural
activities are known as primary pollutant. For example, CO 2, SO2, NOx,
particulate matter, hydrocarbons etc.
II. Secondary pollutant: when primary pollutants are react with atmospheric
moisture content then a new category of pollutants is form, known as secondary
pollutant. For example, carbonic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid etc.

Cause of Air pollution

a) Urbanization

b) Population

c) Deforestation

d) Industrialization

e) Vehicle emission

Major Air pollutants and their effects

a) Carbon dioxide: the concentration of CO2 gas increase in atmosphere due to emission
from vehicles, burning of fossil fuel, emission from volcano, industries, agricultural activity
etc. it increases greenhouse effect which causes global warming and climate change.

b) Carbon monoxide: carbon monoxide gas releases after incomplete combustion of fossil
fuel or other product. The source of CO is vehicle emission, burning of coal, biomass
combustion etc. CO causes headache, dizziness, heart failure (in blood CO combines with
oxygen which reduced the affinity of haemoglobin towards oxygen), etc.

c) Sulphur dioxide: SO2 releases from oil refineries, volcanic eruption, and chemical
industries etc. sulphur dioxide reacts with moisture to form secondary pollutant which causes
eye irritation. It can also cause allergic reaction and asthma.

d) Lead: tetra ethyl lead used as anti-knocking agents in petrol for smooth function vehicle.
Lead particle coming out from the exhaust of vehicle and mixed with air. It causes injurious
effect on kidney and liver. It also lowers down the intelligence power in children.

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e) Nitrogen oxide: it releases from vehicle exhausts, volcanic eruption, lighting etc. like SO 2,
it also reacts with moisture content present in atmosphere and causes eye irritation.

Techniques used for prevention of Air pollution

i) Filters: filter remove particulate matter from the gas stream. Bag house filter
system is the most common and it is made up of cotton fibers. When polluted gas
passed through it, then polluted gas are deposited on cotton fibers.
ii) Electrostatic scrubber: the emitting dust is charged with ions and ionized
particulate matter is collected on oppositely charged surface. The collected
particles are removed by shaking the surface.
iii) Scrubbers: Scrubbers are wet collectors. They remove aerosol from a stream of
gas either by collecting wet particle on a surface followed by their removal on the
particles are wetted by scrubber liquid.
2. Water Pollution

The undesirable biological or chemical substance present in water which adversely affect
living organism is referred as water pollution.

Source of Water pollution

i) Point source pollution: if pollutants discharge from single identifiable source then
it is known as point source. For example, municipal sources, industrial sources
etc.
ii) Non-point source pollution: if pollutants discharge from random or scattered
source then it is known as non-point source. For example, construction site,
agricultural site, Acid rain, animal waste etc.

Cause & effects of Water pollution

a) Disease causing agents: the micro-organism including bacteria, virus, protozoa, if present
in drinking water causes disease. For example,

b) Oxygen depleting waste: organic matters present in water are degraded by microorganism
present in water which required oxygen. If large amount of organic matter present in waste
water then large amount of oxygen is required by the microorganism to degrade the waste.
Therefore oxygen content in water decrease. The amount of oxygen consumed by

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microorganism is referred as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). High level of BOC means
large amount of waste present in water.

c) Water soluble inorganic chemicals: the elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic
adversely affect the human being and animals. For example, cadmium causes Itai-Itai disease,
mercury causes Minamata disease.

d) Suspended solids: if suspended solid present in water bodies, then water become turbid
and therefore proper sunlight does not reach to the aquatic plant and animal which disturb the
life of aquatic ecosystem.

Control measure for preventing water pollution

i) Industrial effluent and domestic waste must be treated before disposal.

ii) Recycling of waste water through waste water treatment.
iii) Public awareness program.
3. Soil Pollution

Soil pollution can be defined as introduction of undesirable substance in soil which

adversely affects its physical, chemical and biological properties.

Cause of Soil pollution or degradation

a) Soil erosion: removal or movement of top soil from one place to another place is
known as soil erosion, it is a natural process. But the erosion enhances by human
activities like mining, construction, new land for agricultural practices, deforestation,
overgrazing etc. Due to erosion, soil become less fertile and erosion also reduce the
soil water holding capacity.
b) Excess use of fertilizers: Essential micronutrients like N, P, K are supplied by
chemical fertilizer to increase the crop yield or productivity. The microorganism
present in the soil converts nitrogen into nitrate ions; enter into food chain from soil
disturbing the biochemical process.
c) Acid Rain: acid rain increases the acidity of soil which reduces the crop yield.
d) Salinity of water: Due to excessive irrigation, concentration of soluble salt increase in
soil, then productivity and quality of soil decrease. These salts deposit on the surface
then diffusion of oxygen and drainage of water in soil does not occur therefore growth
of plant is slow down.

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e) Industrial waste: various pollutants present in the environment from industrial waste.
Discharge from chemical industries, fertilizer and pharmaceutical companies are
highly polluting.

Effect of Soil pollution

i) Salinity and water logging reduce the fertility of soil and crop yield.
ii) Toxic chemical present in the soil also affect the plant growth and human life.
iii) Soil pollution contaminated the underground water.

Control measures for preventing soil pollution

i) Soil erosion must be prevented by proper tree plantation.

ii) Waste from industry and domestic must be treated before dumping.
iii) Replace synthetic fertilizers with organic fertilizers.
iv) Toxic and non degradable materials must be banned.
v) Recycling and reuse of waste materials.
vi) Public awareness.
4. Noise pollution

Noise pollution refers to the excessive or disturbing noise that may have harmful effects
on human health and the environment.

Causes of Noise Pollution:

a) Urbanization and Industrialization: Rapid urbanization and industrial activities

contribute significantly to noise pollution due to construction, traffic, factories, and
machinery.
b) Transportation: Vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, and trains produce
high levels of noise, especially in densely populated areas or near transportation hubs.
c) Construction Activities: Construction sites generate loud noises from machinery,
drilling, hammering, and other activities, particularly during daytime hours.
d) Social Events and Entertainment: Loud music from concerts, clubs, parties, and
other social events can contribute to noise pollution, especially if they occur late at
night or in residential areas.
e) Technological Devices: Electronic gadgets, household appliances, and industrial
equipment can emit noise pollution during operation.

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f) Natural Phenomena: Natural events like thunderstorms, earthquakes, and volcanic

eruptions can also produce loud sounds, although these are typically temporary and
less frequent contributors to noise pollution.

Effects of Noise Pollution:

i) Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to various health
problems such as hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, hypertension, cardiovascular
diseases, and even impaired cognitive function.
ii) Environmental Impacts: Noise pollution can disrupt ecosystems by interfering with
animal communication, migration patterns, and reproductive behavior. It may also
affect wildlife habitats and contribute to the decline of certain species.
iii) Social and Psychological Effects: Excessive noise can cause annoyance, irritability,
decreased concentration, reduced productivity, and impaired quality of life for
individuals living or working in noisy environments.
iv) Safety Hazards: Loud noises can mask important sounds, such as alarms, warning
signals, or approaching vehicles, posing safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and
drivers.

Control Measures for Noise Pollution:

i) Regulations and Legislation: Governments can implement noise regulations and

zoning laws to limit noise levels in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
These regulations may include restrictions on construction hours, noise emission
standards for vehicles and machinery, and penalties for noise violations.
ii) Noise Barriers: Installing physical barriers such as sound walls, fences, and
vegetation can help mitigate noise from highways, railways, and industrial facilities
by absorbing or deflecting sound waves.
iii) Noise Reduction Technologies: Advancements in noise control technologies, such as
soundproofing materials, mufflers, and vibration damping systems, can help reduce
noise emissions from vehicles, equipment, and buildings.
iv) Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public about the harmful effects of
noise pollution and promoting responsible behavior, such as using quieter machinery,
reducing unnecessary honking, and practicing noise-reducing measures, can help raise
awareness and foster community engagement in noise mitigation efforts.

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v) Urban Planning and Design: Designing cities and buildings with sound-sensitive
considerations, such as locating noisy facilities away from residential areas,
incorporating green spaces to buffer noise, and using noise-absorbing materials in
construction, can help create quieter and more liveable environments.

Hazardous waste
It is the waste that has potential threats to public health (or) the environment.

Examples

 Cleaning solvents (acids and bases).

 Spent acids and bases.
 Metal finishing wastes.
 Painting wastes.
 Sludges from air and water pollution control units.
 Disinfectants and pesticides.

Types and characteristics of hazardous wastes

Toxic wastes

These are poisonous even in very small (or) trace amounts. They may have

(i) Acute effects

 Causing death (or) violent illness
(ii) Chronic effects
 Slowly causing irrseparable harm.

Carcinogenic waste

 It causes cancer after many years of exposure.

Mutagenic

 It causes major biological changes in the off-spring of exposed humans and wild life.

Reactive wastes

 These are chemically unusable and react violently with air (or) water.
 They cause explosions (or) form toxic vapours.

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Ignitable wastes

 They burn at relatively low temperatures and cause an immediate fire hazard.

Corrosive wastes

 These include strong acidic (or) alkaline substances.

 They destroy solid material and living tissue upon contact.

Hazardous waste management

Definition

It is the collection, treatment and disposal of waste materials that can cause substantial
harm to human health (or) to the environment.

Improper hazardous-waste storage (or) disposal contaminates surface water and ground water
supplies as harmful water pollution and land pollution.

People living in homes, built near waste disposal sites, may be in a vulnerable position.

The best remedy for this problem is to regulate the practice of hazardous - waste
management.

Various steps of hazardous waste management

Hazardous waste management involves the following 4 steps

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Step 1: Analysis:

 Physical and chemical properties of hazardous waste must be analysed before

collection and recovery of useful components.
 It is essential because it can be used as a fertilizer, liming material (or) soil
amendment.

Step 2: Collection and transport

 Hazardous waste, generated at a particular place, is generally collected and

transported by truck over public highways.
 It can also be shipped in tank trucks, made of steel (or) aluminium alloy, with
capacities upto about 34,000 litres.
 It can be containerized and shipped in 200 litre drums.

Step 3: Treatment (or) Recovery

Hazardous waste can be treated (or) recovered by

 Chemical method.
 Thermal method.
 Biological method.
 Physical method.

Bio-remediation

 Microbes can also be used for stabilizing hazardous wastes on previously

contaminated sites.
 This process is called bio-remediation.

Step 4 Storage and disposal

 Hazardous wastes that are not destroyed by incineration (or) other chemical processes
need to be disposed properly.
 This can be done by the following methods.

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E-Waste

Causes of E-Waste:

i) Rapid Technological Advancement: The ever-accelerating pace of technological

innovation leads to frequent upgrades and replacements of electronic devices,
contributing to a high turnover rate of electronic products.
ii) Short Product Lifespan: Planned obsolescence and a focus on producing cheaper,
disposable electronics rather than durable goods shorten the lifespan of electronic
devices, leading to more frequent disposal.
iii) Consumerism and Disposal Culture: Consumer behavior, driven by trends in fashion
and technology, encourages the constant upgrading and discarding of electronics, even
when they are still functional.
iv) Globalization of Production: The global supply chain for electronics often involves
manufacturing in countries with less stringent environmental regulations, leading to
increased environmental impact during production and disposal phases.

Effects of E-Waste:

Environmental Pollution: Improper disposal of e-waste leads to the release of hazardous

substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants into the
environment, contaminating soil, water, and air.

Health Risks: Exposure to toxic chemicals from e-waste, whether through direct contact,
inhalation of fumes from burning e-waste, or consumption of contaminated food and water,
can result in various health problems, including respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and
cancer.

Resource Depletion: Valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals are
lost when electronic devices are not recycled, contributing to resource scarcity and the need
for more energy-intensive extraction processes.

Digital Divide: Improper e-waste management exacerbates the digital divide by hindering
access to affordable electronic devices in developing countries, where informal recycling
methods often prevail, posing health risks to workers and nearby communities.

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Control Measures for E-Waste Management:

Legislation and Regulation: Governments can enact and enforce laws and regulations to
promote responsible e-waste management, including bans on hazardous materials, mandatory
recycling programs, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes.

Public Awareness and Education: Educating consumers about the environmental and health
impacts of e-waste, as well as the importance of proper disposal and recycling, can help
change behavior and promote more sustainable consumption patterns.

Collection and Recycling Infrastructure: Establishing convenient collection points and

recycling facilities encourages individuals and businesses to dispose of e-waste properly.
Improving access to recycling services and incentivizing participation can increase recycling
rates.

Technological Innovation: Developing environmentally friendly design principles, such as

modular and easily repairable electronics, can extend product lifespans and facilitate
recycling. Additionally, investing in research and development of new recycling technologies
can improve efficiency and resource recovery.

International Cooperation: E-waste is a global issue that requires cooperation among

countries, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. International agreements and partnerships
can facilitate the sharing of best practices, technology transfer, and capacity building to
address e-waste management challenges effectively.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (OHASMS)

An occupational health and safety management system (OHASMS) is a fundamental

part of an organization’s risk management strategy. It enables an organization to protect its
work force and others under its control.

Importance

It reduces risk (or) accidents (or) injuries by identifying and mitigating hazards.

Environmental protection acts

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In India, there are several key environmental protections acts and regulations aimed at
safeguarding the country's diverse ecosystems, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable
development. Some of the significant ones include:

1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act was enacted
to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness
of water. It provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control
Boards to enforce its provisions.
2. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Similar to the Water Act,
this legislation addresses air pollution concerns. It empowers central and state
pollution control boards to regulate and enforce measures to prevent and control air
pollution.
3. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: This comprehensive legislation empowers
the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment. It
authorizes the government to set standards for emissions and discharge of pollutants,
regulate environmental impact assessments for development projects, and take other
necessary steps for environmental protection.
4. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Enacted to protect India's wildlife and
biodiversity, this act provides for the protection of endangered species, regulation of
hunting and trade in wildlife, and the establishment of protected areas such as national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
5. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: This act aims to conserve forests and regulate
forest land use. It requires prior approval from the central government for the
diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes such as mining, industry, or
infrastructure projects.
6. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a
specialized judicial body established under this act to handle cases related to
environmental protection and conservation. It has the authority to hear and dispose of
cases involving environmental disputes and violations of environmental laws.
7. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011: This regulation aims to
protect and manage India's coastal areas, including beaches, mangroves, and wetlands.
It sets restrictions on activities such as construction, industrial development, and
mining in coastal areas to prevent ecological damage.

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These are some of the key environmental protection acts and regulations in India,
although there are many more at both the central and state levels aimed at addressing various
environmental issues facing the country.

Part B (Frequently/Previously asked semester questions)

1. Define and write the causes, effects and preventive measures of a) Air pollution b)
water pollution c) soil pollution d) noise pollution
2. Explain in detail: Solid waste management.
3. Explain the role of an individual for the pollution prevention programme.
Part – A (Frequently/Previously asked semester questions)
1. Give any four major secondary air pollutants that are present in the
environment.
PAN (peroxy acetyl nitrate), ozone, formaldehyde, acid mist, etc
2. Mention the A) Point and B) Non – point sources of water pollution?
A) Industrial effluent and sewage B) Excess fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural
lands
3. Distinguish between sewage and effluent.
A) Sewage: The waste water released from the domestic, commercial, municipal, hotel,
hospital, institutions, etc are called sewage.
B) Industrial effluent: The waste water discharged from various industries like textile, dye,
cement, paper is called effluent.
4. What are hazardous wastes?
Give any two major sources of hazardous wastes. The waste which causes potential or
substantial threats to public health or the environment is called hazardous waste. Mining
waste & nuclear waste are two major sources of hazardous wastes.
5. What is Composting? How does it occur?
The combined process of decomposition and stabilization of solid waste by suitable
biochemical bacteriological method are called composting. It occurs through aerobic and
anaerobic decomposition.
6. State the role and responsibility of an individual in the prevention of pollution.
A) The population stabilization to be achieved to avoid further environmental
pollution.
B) The concept of Reduce, Re-use and Recycle (3 R – Mantra) must be followed.
C) The usage of chemical fertilizers must be banned and natural manure should
be allowed.
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D) Every individual should educate others about environmental degradation and

control, impact through pamphlets, printed folio, etc
7. What are the various sources of radioactive pollution?
A) The leakage of radiations from nuclear reactor, nuclear research laboratories,
etc
B) The transportation, disposal and storage of radioactive waste, etc
C) The process of mining and refining of radioactive metals, U, Th, Pt, etc
D) Nuclear test, the radioactive isotopes mixed with atmospheric air and bring
pollution.
8. When a sound causes noise pollution?
1) Blaring of loudspeaker in public places.
2) Bursting of crackers, Road traffic, air craft taking off, massive industries, etc.
9. Define soil pollution.
The degradation of soil and land due to industrial, agricultural and other man-made activities
is called soil pollution.
10. What is meant by anthropogenic sources of pollution?
The pollutants discharged into atmosphere by man-made activities are called anthropogenic
pollutants. E.g. Oxides of S, C and N, CFC, Ammonia, sewage, etc.
11. What is meant by eutrophication?
The algae bloom in the surface water can produce bad taste, odour and green colour to the
fresh water, so that the water is unfit for drinking due to the lack of dissolved oxygen. This
process is called eutrophication.
12. What is meant by E – waste?
E – Waste means discarded electrical or electronic devices. It includes discarded computers,
office electronic equipment, mobile phones, television and refrigerators, etc.
13. List any two air pollutants and their effects on human beings from automobile
emission.
A) Carbon monoxide – causes headache, dizziness, vomiting and may be unconscious
B) Hydrocarbon – Giddiness, narcotic effect and cardiac arrest.
14. State the objectives of treatment of waste water.
A) To remove the heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Ni & Co) contamination from industrial effluent
B) To reduce the toxicity present in the effluent and sewage
15. What are the types of solid wastes?
A) Bio-degradable solid waste: The pollutants which are rapidly decomposed then they
are called bio- degradable pollutants. Example. Sewage and effluents.
B) Non-bio-degradable solid waste: The pollutants which are not rapidly decomposed
then they are called non bio-degradable pollutants. Example. Mercury, plastics, glass, etc.
16. Write any four major water pollutants.
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A) Sewage
B) Effluent from textile, dye and paper industries
C) Acid rain
D) Algae and fungi in water bodies
17. What are the causes of air pollution?
A) The toxic substances released atomic and thermal power plant, decay of organic
matter, burning of fossil fuels, etc.
B) The CO gas emitted from motor vehicles.
C) Smoke from fire crackers and oil refineries
D) Domestic fire, incineration, etc
E) Natural disaster like forest fire, volcanoes, dust storm, etc.
18. Define Noise pollution.
Give any two controlling measures. The excess sound created by human activities is called
noise pollution.
A) Source reduction – It is process of stopping the noise before it gets started.
B) Planting trees and shrubs along roads, the hospital, college, industries, etc help in
reducing to considerable extent.
19. Give any four major soil pollutants.
A) Bio-medical waste from hospitals
B) Industrial effluents and sewage
C) Insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers, etc
D) Non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, rubber and glass, etc
20. What are the risks associated nuclear power plants?
A) The radiation from nuclear power plants causes health problems
B) The nuclear accidents causes severe damages to biodiversity
C) The nuclear waste disposal to be isolated.
D) The huge investment in installation.
21. What is Photochemical smog?
The brownish smoke like appearance that frequently forms on clear, sunny days over large
cities with significant amount of automobile traffic. It is mainly due to chemical reactions
amount nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon by sunlight.

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