CAMPUS ECOLOGY
PGB-4331
ASSIGNMENT-II
BY:
K.SANTHOSH KUMAR
23PEC23
ATMOSPHERIC CLEANLINESS
ATMOSPHERIC CLEANLINESS :-
The earth's atmosphere is less sensitive to pollutants than some researchers previously
thought. An international team of researchers, including scientists from the Max Planck
Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, has found that the concentration of hydroxyl radicals in
the atmosphere has changed little in recent years. Hydroxyl radicals clean the air by
breaking down organic substances such as climate-damaging methane. Because this
self-cleaning capacity has scarcely varied over the past few years, the researchers
believe that it is only marginally affected by environmental changes. "Although we
predicted that the self-cleaning capacity is well buffered, we were only able to prove it
through years of systematic measurements and advanced modelling techniques," says Jos
Lelieveld, director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and initiator of the study. "Our
findings will make predictions about the climate and global air quality more reliable, because
we can now better describe the composition of the atmosphere with the aid of computer
models."
A hydroxyl radical consists of one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom. These molecules
usually form as the result of a reaction of sunlight with water molecules and ozone. However
hydroxyl is also recycled by a number of chemical reactions, with the result that its
concentration remains stable. In the atmosphere, these radicals are present in extremely
low concentrations. They are formed quickly but also degraded on average within one
second because they react quickly with other molecules. This makes it very difficult to
determine their concentration accurately.
To measure the amount of hydroxyl, scientists have a trick up their sleeve. They analyze a
molecule in the atmosphere that reacts with hydroxyl radicals but is much more stable and
easier to measure: methyl chloroform. This chemical has long been used as a solvent in
paints, adhesives and cleaning products. It is degraded in the atmosphere primarily by
reaction with hydroxyl, so the amount of methyl chloroform in the air correlates with the
amount of hydroxyl.
Between 1998 and 2008 the team measured the concentration of methyl chloroform once
a week at nine different locations, mostly remote islands and coastal stations where local
air pollution is negligible. These measurements were part of NOAA's collaborative air
sampling program.
REFERENCE:- https://www.mpg.de/990456/earths-atmosphere-cleaning
ATMOSPHERE:-
One of the main components of Earth’s interdependent physical systems is the atmosphere.
An atmosphere is made of the layers of gases surrounding a planet or other celestial body.
Earth’s atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and one percent
other gases. These gases are found in atmospheric layers (troposphere, stratosphere,
mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere) defined by unique features such as
temperature and pressure. The atmosphere protects life on earth by shielding it from
incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation, keeping the planet warm through insulation, and
preventing extremes between day and night temperatures. The sun heats layers of the
atmosphere causing it to convect driving air movement and weather patterns around the
world.
Cleanliness:-
Cleanliness is both the state of being clean and free from germs, dirt, trash, or waste, and
the habit of achieving and maintaining that state. Cleanliness is often achieved
through cleaning. Culturally, cleanliness is usually a good quality, as indicated by
the aphorism: "Cleanliness is next to Godliness",[1] and may be regarded as contributing to
other ideals such as health and beauty.The concept of cleanliness emphasizes an ongoing
procedure or set of habits for the purpose of maintenance and prevention. In this it differs
from purity, which is a physical, moral, or ritual state of freedom from pollutants. Whereas
purity is usually a quality of an individual or substance, cleanliness has a social
dimension and direction [clarification needed] or implies a system of interactions [clarification needed].
[2]
"Cleanliness", observed Jacob Burckhardt, "is indispensable to our modern notion of
social perfection".[3] A household or workplace may be said to exhibit cleanliness, but
ordinarily not purity. Cleanliness is also a characteristic of people who maintain cleanness
or prevent dirtying.Cleanliness is related to hygiene and disease prevention. Washing is one
way of achieving physical cleanliness, usually with water and often some kind
of soap or detergent. Cleaning procedures are also important in many forms of
manufacturing.
REFERENCE:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleanliness#References
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/resource-library-
atmosphere/
TYPES OF POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION:-
Air pollution refers to the release of harmful contaminants (chemicals, toxic gases,
particulates, biological molecules, etc.) into the earth’s atmosphere. These contaminants
are quite detrimental and in some cases, pose serious health issues. Some causes that
contribute to air pollution are:
Burning fossil fuels
Mining operations
Exhaust gases from industries and factories
The effects of air pollution vary based on the kind of pollutant. But generally, the impact of
air pollution ranges from:
Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of skin diseases
May increase the risk of cancer
Global warming
Acid rain
Ozone depletion
Among the other types of pollution, air pollution is theorized to have a planet-wide
implication. Scientists have even speculated an apocalypse-like scenario where air pollution
if left unchecked, can bring about an extreme form of global warming called the runaway
greenhouse effect. Though this is purely speculative, it is a phenomenon that has already
occurred on Venus.
WATER POLLUTION:-
Water pollution is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced
into water bodies such as lakes, rivers and seas. These contaminants are generally
introduced by human activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills. However, even
natural processes such as eutrophication can cause water pollution.
Other significant causes of water pollution include:
Dumping solid wastes in water bodies
Disposing untreated industrial sewage into water bodies
Human and animal wastes
Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers
The effects of water pollution are very pronounced in our environment. Furthermore, toxic
chemicals can bioaccumulate in living beings, and these chemicals can travel their way up
the food chain, ultimately reaching humans.
Among the other types of pollution, water pollution has severe consequences on humans.
For instance, in 1932, a grave case of water pollution incapacitated the inhabitants of an
entire city in Japan with neurological diseases and mental illness for many decades.
However, the immediate cause was not apparent but was eventually attributed to acute
mercury poisoning. Methylmercury was dumped into the surrounding bay and had ultimately
bioaccumulated inside the fish. The local population then consumed these fish, and this
resulted in the manifestation of ill effects and neurological diseases.
SOIL POLLUTION:-
Soil pollution, also called soil contamination, refers to the degradation of land due to the
presence of chemicals or other man-made substances in the soil. The xenobiotic
substances alter the natural composition of soil and affect it negatively. These can
drastically impact life directly or indirectly. For instance, any toxic chemicals present in the
soil will get absorbed by the plants. Since plants are producers in an environment, it gets
passed up through the food chain. Compared to the other types of pollution, the effects of
soil pollution are a little more obscured, but their implications are very noticeable.
Some of the common causes of soil pollution are:
Improper industrial waste disposal
Oil Spills
Acid rain which is caused by air pollution
Mining activities
Intensive farming and agrochemicals (like fertilisers and pesticides)
Industrial accidents
The effects of soil pollution are numerous. Specific wastes, such as radioactive
waste become particularly hazardous when they are not well-contained. A well-documented
example is a nuclear accident in Chernobyl, which has left an area of 2,600
km2 uninhabitable for several thousand years.
NOICE POLLUTION:-
Noise pollution refers to the excessive amount of noise in the surrounding that disrupts the
natural balance. Usually, it is man-made, though certain natural calamities like volcanoes
can contribute to noise pollution.
In general, any sound which is over 85 decibels is considered to be detrimental. Also, the
duration an individual is exposed plays an impact on their health. For perspective, a normal
conversation is around 60 decibels, and a jet taking off is around 15o decibels.
Consequently, noise pollution is more obvious than the other types of pollution.
Noise pollution has several contributors, which include:
Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.
Transportation noises from vehicles, aeroplanes, etc.
Construction noises
Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)
Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)
Noise pollution has now become very common due to dense urbanisation and
industrialisation. Noise pollution can bring about adverse effects such as :
Hearing loss
Tinnitus
Sleeping disorders
Hypertension (high BP)
Communication problems
REFERENCE:- https://byjus.com/biology/types-of-pollution/
PREVENTION OF AIR POLLUTION:-
Drive your car less. Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution in Minnesota.
Carpool. Bike. Bus. Telecommute. Electric vehicles. How could you burn less fuel?
Keep your car in good repair. Fix exhaust and oxygen sensor problems ASAP.
Check your tire pressure monthly; under-inflated tires have been shown to lower gas
mileage, particularly at lower speed.
Turn off your engine. An idling engine creates a hot spot of pollution. Buses and big
trucks produce particularly unhealthy exhaust. Parents and teachers can help their
schools and daycares develop and implement no-idling policies.
Don't burn your garbage. Burning your household garbage is dangerous to your
health and our environment, and generally against the law in Minnesota. If you're still
using a burn barrel, wood stove, or fire-pit for your trash, contact your county about
arranging for trash hauling services.
Limit backyards fire in the city. Smoke from backyard fires can cause unhealthy
conditions for hundreds of people, especially during stagnant weather conditions.
Since cities have elevated levels of pollution compared to rural areas, urban fires are
more of a nuisance to people with asthma and other lung conditions.
REFERENCE:- https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/what-you-can-do-
about-air-pollution
PREVENTION OF WATER POLLUTION:-
1. Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can.
2. Blow or sweep fertilizer back onto the grass if it gets onto paved areas. Don't put
fertilizer on the grass right before it rains. The chemicals will wash into storm drains
and waterways.
3. Mulch or compost grass or yard waste. Or, leave it in your yard if you can't compost.
Don't blow leaves into the street. This clogs and damages storm drains.
4. Wash your car or outdoor equipment where it can flow to a gravel or grassy area
instead of a street.
5. Don't pour your motor oil down the storm drain. Take it to the nearest auto parts
store. It's free!
6. Never clean up a spill by hosing it into a storm drain. Place kitty litter, sand, or
another absorbent on the spill. Once the liquid becomes solid - sweep it up and
throw it in a garbage can.
REFERENCE:- https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/spot-report-and-stop-water-
pollution/6-ways-prevent-water-pollutio
PREVENTION OF SOIL POLLUTION:-
Soil degradation is a complex problem that requires governments, institutions, communities
and individuals to take joint measures. The following are just some of the things we can do
to improve its health:
Eat sustainable foodstuffs, properly recycle batteries, produce homemade compost
and dispose of drugs in the places authorised for this purpose.
Encourage a more eco-friendly model for industry, farming and stock breeding,
among other economic activities.
Improve urban planning and transport planning and waste water treatment.
Improve the management of mining waste, restore the landscape and conserve
topsoil.
Involve local communities and indigenous peoples in the design, implementation and
assessment of sustainable land and soil management.
REFERENCE:- https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/soil-pollution-causes-effects-
solutions#:~:text=SOLUTIONS%20TO%20REDUCE%20SOIL
%20POLLUTION&text=Encourage%20a%20more%20eco%2Dfriendly,the
%20landscape%20and%20conserve%20topsoil.
PREVENTION OF NOICE POLLUTION:-
We can Reduce Noise pollution by turning off appliances when not in use, use of
earplugs, lowering the volume, planting more trees, regular maintenance of vehicles
and machines etc. By controlling noise we can control negative health effects that
noise pollution has on everyone. We can turn off home and office appliances when
not in use such as TV, games, computers etc. it can create unnecessary stress on
ears. We can save electricity also when we turn them off.
We can shut the door after we turn on dishwashers or washing machines for rooms
where it is kept or we can turn them on before leaving the house so that overlapping
of exposure to loud noises can be reduced .Use of earplugs or earmuffs can bring
down loud noises to a manageable level. Earplugs are small inserts that fit into our
ear canal. And earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal keeping ears
safe from loud noises.
REFERENCE:- https://www.ppsthane.com/blog/how-to-reduce-noise-
pollution#:~:text=Reduce%20Noise%20Pollution%3F-,We%20can%20Reduce
%20Noise%20pollution%20by%20turning%20off%20appliances%20when,noise
%20pollution%20has%20on%20everyone.
