1. WHAT IS POLLUTION?

Pollution is the effect of undesirable changes in

our surroundings that have harmful effects on
plants, animals and human beings.

2.DEFINITION OF POLLUTANTS?

Pollutants are harmful substances (solid, liquid, or gas) released into the environment due to
human activities.

3. How are Pollutants Classified?

• Degradable Pollutants:

These pollutants break down easily.

Other name: Non-persistent

Example: Domestic sewage

• Persistent Pollutants:

These pollutants remain for a long time.

Other name: Slowly degradable

Example: DDT, most plastics

• Non-degradable Pollutants:

These pollutants cannot break down.

Example: Lead, mercury.

4. What is air pollution?

Air pollution occurs due to the presence of undesirable
solid or gaseous particles in the air in
quantities that are harmful to human health and
the environment.

5. Causes of air pollution:

- Smoke from vehicles (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides).
- Factory emissions (sulfur dioxide).
- Burning of wood and waste.
- Dust and harmful gases from construction sites.
- Use of harmful chemicals and sprays.
These sources pollute the air, harm health, and affect the environment.

6. Effects of air pollution on human health:

- Causes breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis.
- Increases risk of lung cancer.
- Affects the heart and brain due to reduced oxygen.
- Children and older people are more affected.
- Eye irritation, dizziness, and tiredness are common symptoms.
- Long-term exposure can cause permanent damage.

7. Main layers of the atmosphere:

- Troposphere: Closest to Earth, where weather happens.

-Stratosphere: Above troposphere, has the ozone layer that protects us from the sun's rays.

- Mesosphere: Very cold, burns meteors.

- Thermosphere: Very hot, has auroras.

-Exosphere.

8.EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION.(15 MARKS)

On Plants:

1. Chlorosis (Yellowing of leaves)

– Caused by sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
2. Reduced photosynthesis
– Due to particulate matter (PM) blocking sunlight
3. Leaf necrosis (Dead patches on leaves)
– Caused by ozone (O₃)
4. Stunted growth
– Due to continuous exposure to nitrogen oxides (NOx)

On Humans and Animals:

1. Respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis)

– Caused by carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), NOx
2. Heart diseases and fatigue
– Due to carbon monoxide (CO) binding with hemoglobin
3. Eye irritation and headaches
– Caused by ozone (O₃), NOx
4. Cancer risk
– Long-term exposure to benzene, formaldehyde (found in smoke)
5. Neurological effects
– Lead particles in air affect the nervous system, especially in children

On Animals:

1. Bioaccumulation of toxic gases

– Affects grazing animals (due to deposition of fluorides on grass)
 2. Skin and eye irritation
– Caused by acidic gases like SO₂ and NOx
3. Reduced reproduction rates
– Due to exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

9.SMOKE,FOG,DUST AND SMOG SHORT NOTE.

Here are short and easy definitions of Dust, Smoke, Fog, and Smog:

1. Dust

• Definition: Tiny dry particles from soil, sand, or pollution floating in the air.
• Example: Dust storms, roadside dust.
• Effect: Can cause allergies and breathing problems.

2. Smoke

• Definition: A mixture of gases and tiny solid particles produced by burning things.
• Example: Smoke from factories, vehicles, or fire.
• Effect: Harmful to lungs; reduces air quality.

3. Fog

• Definition: Thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground.

• Example: Morning fog in winter.
• Effect: Reduces visibility; can cause road accidents.

4. Smog

Definition :-Smog is a mix of smoke and fog that creates a thick, dirty layer in the air.

EFFECT:-It reduces visibility and causes

breathing problems.
It is common in cities with heavy traffic and industries.
Smog contains pollutants like
nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

It can cause eye irritation, coughing, and asthma.

10. What is acid rain?
Acid rain is rain that contains harmful acids. These acids come from gases like sulfur dioxide
and nitrogen
oxides, which mix with rainwater. These gases are released by vehicles and factories. Acid
rain can damage
trees, buildings, crops, and water animals. It also makes soil lose its nutrients and causes
health problems
like asthma.

CA AND SHORT QUESTIONS:-

1. WHY AIR POLLUTION IS MORE HARMFUL THAN OTHER POLLUTIONS?

1. Directly Enters the Body

• Air pollutants are inhaled directly into lungs and bloodstream.

• Faster and deeper health impact than water or soil pollution.

2. Affects All Living Beings

• Every organism breathes air – humans, animals, plants – so all are affected.

3. Hard to Avoid

• We cannot stop breathing, so we are constantly exposed, even indoors.

4. Spreads Quickly

• Air pollution can travel long distances with wind, affecting wide areas and even
countries.

5. Causes Multiple Diseases

• Linked to asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, brain damage.

6. Contributes to Global Issues

• Air pollution causes climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer
depletion.
 7. Impacts Environment and Economy

• Reduces agricultural yield, damages buildings, increases healthcare costs.

2. ARE YOU AFFECTED BY AIR POLLUTION? HOW?

1. Yes, because I breathe polluted air daily

• Air pollution enters my body every time I inhale.

• It affects my lungs and overall health.

2. I suffer from breathing problems

• Sometimes I feel shortness of breath, cough, or chest tightness, especially in

polluted areas.

3. My eyes get irritated

• Smoke and smog often cause itchy, watery, or burning eyes.

4. I feel tired or dizzy

• Exposure to polluted air makes me feel low on energy or dizzy, especially when
there's high CO or PM2.5.

5. It affects my mood and mental health

• Studies show air pollution can impact brain health, leading to stress, anxiety, or
poor concentration.

6. It forces lifestyle changes

• I have to avoid outdoor activities, wear a mask, or stay indoors during high pollution
days
 3.The harmful effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Ozone Depletion, written
point to point?

Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO):

1. Reduces oxygen supply to body
o CO binds with hemoglobin, stopping oxygen from reaching cells.
2. Causes headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
o Even low levels of CO affect brain function.
3. Triggers heart problems
o Dangerous for people with heart disease; increases risk of heart attacks.
4. Can cause unconsciousness or death
o High exposure in closed spaces can be fatal.
5. Affects brain and nervous system
o Long-term exposure leads to memory loss, confusion, or brain damage.

Harmful Effects of Ozone Depletion:

1. Increases UV radiation
o More ultraviolet (UV-B) rays reach the Earth.
2. Causes skin cancer and sunburn
o UV exposure increases risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
3. Leads to eye problems
o Causes cataracts and eye damage.
4. Weakens immune system
o Reduces the body's ability to fight infections.
5. Harms marine life
o Affects plankton and fish larvae, disturbing the food chain.
6. Damages crops
o UV rays reduce crop growth and productivity.

Let me know if you want a combined table or want this translated to Bengali!

4. DISCUSS BRIEFLY THE HISTORY OF AIR POLLUTION AND HOW LONDON SMOG WAS
FORMED AND ITS CONSEQUENCES?

History of Air Pollution (Briefly):

1. Ancient Times
 oAir pollution began with the use of firewood in homes for cooking and
heating.
2. Industrial Revolution (18th–19th Century)
o Factories and machines used coal, releasing large amounts of smoke and
harmful gases.
3. 20th Century Urbanization
o Increased use of vehicles, factories, and power plants caused more severe
pollution.
4. Major Pollution Events
o Events like the London Smog of 1952 made the world aware of how
dangerous air pollution can be.

How the London Smog Was Formed (1952):

1. Cause:
o People were burning low-quality coal for heating during cold winter.
2. Weather:
o Cold air + fog + no wind created a weather condition called temperature
inversion, trapping pollutants near the ground.
3. Pollutants:
o Smoke, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and soot from chimneys mixed with fog.
4. Result:
o A thick, yellowish "smog" (smoke + fog) covered London for 5 days (Dec 5–
9, 1952).

Consequences of the London Smog:

1. Health Disaster:
o Around 4,000–12,000 people died due to breathing problems.
2. Visibility Issues:
o People couldn’t see even a few meters ahead; transport stopped.
3. Public Awareness:
o It shocked the world and showed how deadly air pollution can be.
4. Government Action:
o Led to the Clean Air Act (1956) in the UK to control air pollution.

11.WHAT IS WATER POLLUTION?

Water Pollution – Definition:

When the quality or composition of water changes directly or indirectly as a result of human
activity such that it becomes harmful.
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Point Source: When pollution is identified from one specific source.

Non-Point Source: When pollution is not from one specific source.

12. What are the major causes and effects of water pollution?

Causes of Water Pollution:

a.Diseases causing agents.

b.Oxygen depleting water:-

BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand): Related to biological organisms.

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): Related to chemical pollutants.

When BOD increases, it affects pollution levels.

When COD increases, it indicates chemical pollution and oxygen depletion.

c. Dumping sewage and waste into rivers.

d.Chemicals from factories.

e.Pesticides and fertilizers from farms.

f.Oil spills.

Effects:

Kills fish and water plants.

Dirty water causes diseases like cholera.

Drinking water becomes unsafe.

Harms animals and humans who depend on clean water.

13. What is eutrophication? How do inorganic plant nutrients cause it?

Eutrophication means too many nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) in water cause too
many algae to grow.

Inorganic nutrients (from fertilizers) get into lakes and rivers, algae grow fast, block sunlight,
and use up oxygen. Fish and other animals die due to lack of oxygen.

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14. Explain bioaccumulation and biomagnification with reference to pesticides.

Bioaccumulation: Harmful chemicals like pesticides build up inside an animal over time.

Biomagnification: The chemical becomes stronger as it moves up the food chain.

Example: Small fish eat pesticide-covered plants → big fish eat small fish → humans eat big
fish → humans get more poison.

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15. Describe how groundwater becomes polluted and its consequences.

Groundwater pollution causes:

Chemicals from farming (pesticides, fertilizers).

Leakage from waste dumps and septic tanks.

Industrial waste going underground.

Consequences:

Drinking water becomes unsafe.

People may get diseases like cancer or stomach problems.

Hard to clean once polluted.

16. What is marine pollution? Give two sources.

Marine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into oceans and seas.

- *Sources*:

- Oil spills from ships or offshore drilling.

- Plastic waste and debris from land and maritime activities.

17. What are the control measures for air pollution?

Ways to control air pollution:

1. Use public transport or carpool to reduce vehicle smoke.

2. Install filters in factory chimneys to stop harmful gases.

3. Use clean energy like solar and wind instead of coal.

4. Plant more trees – they clean the air.

5. Avoid burning garbage or dry leaves.

6. Laws and fines to control pollution from industries and vehicles.

18. What are the types of solid waste and how are municipal solid wastes classified?

Types of solid waste:

Biodegradable: Can rot or break down naturally (e.g., food waste, paper).

Non-biodegradable: Stay for a long time (e.g., plastic, glass).

Hazardous: Harmful materials (e.g., batteries, chemicals).

E-waste: Old electronic items (e.g., computers, phones).

Municipal solid waste means garbage from homes, schools, markets.

It is classified as:

Organic (wet) waste – food, leaves.

Inorganic (dry) waste – plastic, glass, metal.

Hazardous waste – paint, medicines.

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19. List and explain the components of an integrated waste management strategy.

Integrated Waste Management means using different methods to manage waste safely:

1. Reduce – Use less stuff to create less waste.

2. Reuse – Use things again instead of throwing away.

3. Recycle – Make new things from old materials.

4. Composting – Turn food and garden waste into fertilizer.

5. Landfilling – Burying waste in special areas.

6. Incineration – Burning waste to reduce its amount.

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20. What are hazardous wastes? State their characteristics.

Hazardous wastes are harmful to people, animals, and the environment.

They come from factories, hospitals, etc.

Characteristics:

Toxic – Poisonous (e.g., pesticides).

Flammable – Can catch fire easily (e.g., oil).

Corrosive – Can burn skin or metal (e.g., acids).

Reactive – Can explode or cause danger when mixed with other things.

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21. Explain the effects of noise pollution on human health.

Noise pollution is loud or unwanted sound that hurts health.

Effects:
Headache and stress.

Hearing loss over time.

Poor sleep and tiredness.

High blood pressure.

Trouble in learning and concentration.

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22. State and explain methods to control noise pollution.

Ways to control noise pollution:

1. Use silencers in machines and vehicles.

2. Plant trees around roads and buildings – trees absorb sound.

3. Ban loudspeakers in public places at night.

4. Soundproof rooms in schools, hospitals, and homes.

5. Use rules and laws to control loud sounds in cities.

23.What is thermal pollution? Describe its sources and effects.

Thermal pollution means heating up water bodies like rivers or lakes unnaturally, usually by
hot water released from factories or power plants.

Sources:

Factories and power plants use water for cooling and release it back hotter.

Deforestation reduces shade, making water warmer.

Effects:

Fish and water animals die due to less oxygen.

Breeding of aquatic life is affected.

Changes natural balance of water life.

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24. Briefly describe the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its consequences.

Chernobyl disaster happened in 1986 in Ukraine at a nuclear power plant. A reactor

exploded, releasing harmful radioactive materials into the air.

Consequences:

Many people died or became very sick.

Radioactive dust spread to many countries.

Land, water, and air became polluted.

Birth defects and cancer cases increased.

Area around Chernobyl is still unsafe today.

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25. What are the main features of a sanitary landfill?

A sanitary landfill is a well-managed place to safely bury waste.

Features:
Waste is spread in layers and covered with soil daily.

Lined with plastic or clay at the bottom to stop leakage.

Gas pipes to remove harmful gases like methane.

Keeps environment clean and reduces bad smell.

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26. Explain vermi-composting and the steps involved.

Vermi-composting means using earthworms to turn organic waste into healthy compost
(natural fertilizer).

Steps:

1. Collect kitchen and garden waste.

2. Place waste in a compost bin with soil.

3. Add earthworms.
4. Keep it moist (not too wet or dry).

5. After a few weeks, worms turn waste into rich compost.

6. Use compost in farming or gardening.

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27. Describe the causes and effects of soil erosion.

Soil erosion means the top layer of soil is removed by wind, water, or human activity.

Causes:

Cutting down trees.

Overgrazing by animals.

Farming on slopes without care.

Heavy rain or wind.

Effects:

Loss of fertile soil.

Poor crop growth.

Water pollution from soil carried into rivers.

Landslides in hilly areas.

28.Describe the role of individuals in pollution prevention.

Every person can help reduce pollution by:

Using cloth bags instead of plastic.

Recycling paper, plastic, and glass.

Saving electricity by switching off lights when not needed.

Walking or cycling for short distances.

Planting trees to clean the air.

Throwing waste properly and not in open areas.

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29. What is the greenhouse effect and its consequences?

Greenhouse effect means the Earth’s atmosphere traps heat from the sun, like a blanket.
This is natural, but too much of it causes problems.

Due to pollution, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) increase and trap more heat.

Consequences:

Earth gets warmer (global warming).

Ice melts in the Arctic and sea levels rise.

Weather becomes extreme – more floods, droughts, and storms.

Animals lose their homes and some may die.

30. What measures are taken to control water pollution?

Steps to control water pollution:

1. Treat sewage before releasing it into rivers.

2. Stop dumping waste into water bodies.

3. Use fewer chemicals in farming.

4. Clean rivers through government projects (like Namami Gange).

5. Spread awareness about saving water.

6. Laws to punish industries that pollute water.

31. What is the significance of the Montreal Protocol in ozone layer protection?

The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement signed in 1987.

Its importance:

It aimed to stop the use of harmful gases like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) that damage the
ozone layer.

Many countries agreed to stop making and using these gases.

Because of this protocol, the ozone layer is slowly healing.

It is seen as a big success in protecting the environment.

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32. What are the effects of CFCs on the ozone layer?

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are used in old refrigerators, air conditioners, and sprays.

Effects:

CFCs go up to the stratosphere and break down the ozone layer.

The ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Damage to this layer causes skin cancer, eye problems, and harms plants and animals.

More UV rays also warm the Earth faster.

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33. What are the common sources of noise pollution?

Sources of noise pollution include:

1. Traffic – horns, engines, and road congestion.

2. Factories – loud machines and tools.

3. Construction – drilling, bulldozers, etc.

4. Loudspeakers – in events and festivals.

5. Aircrafts – planes flying overhead.

6. Household appliances – TVs, music systems, mixers.