Pollution
What is pollution.?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or
energy into the environment- such as air, water, or
land- in amounts that cause damage to living
organisms, natural systems, or human-made
structures.
These harmful substances are called pollutants. These
can be classified into three parts :-
1) Chemicals (like pesticides, plastics, industrial waste)
2) Physical (like heat, noise, radiation)
3) Biological (like harmful bacteria or invasive species)
In short : Pollution happens when something harmful
gets into the environment and disrupts its natural
balance.
Types of pollution
1) Air Pollution :-
Well this is when harmful gases, particulates and chemicals
get into the air we breathe. As vehicle emissions, and
industrial smoke. It can cause many respiratory problems.
2) Water Pollution :-
When toxins and waste gets contaminated in water bodies
like rivers, lakes and oceans. This can harm aquatic life and
make water unsafe for humans. Sources include industrial
waste, sewage and agricultural reenoff.
3) Land Pollution :-
This occurs when harmful substances like chemicals, waste
and toxins contaminate the soil and land. Industrial waste,
agricultural chemicals, plastic waste and landfills affects
the land at a large scale.
4) Noise Pollution :-
The extra noise which harms the human, animals or
the environment. Excessive noise from traffic,
construction or loud music can cause stress, hearing
loss and other health issues.
5) Light Pollution :-
The excessive, misdirected or intrusive artificial light
produced by human activities that brightens the night
sky and disrupts natural darkness. Also disrupts
ecosystems and affects wildlife.
6) Thermal Pollution :-
When hot water from a power plant or factory is
released directly into a river or lake, it raises the
water temperature. This reduces oxygen levels in the
water and harms aquatic life – for example, fish may
die or move away.
Causes of pollution
1) Vehicle Emissions
Cause : High number of private vehicles, outdated
engines and poor fuel quality.
Pollution : Air Pollution through gases like carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
2) Industrial Activities
Causes : Factories releasing smoke, chemicals and
waste.
Pollution : Air, water and soil pollution due to untreated
waste.
3) Construction and demolition
Causes : Dust from building roads, houses and
infrastructure.
Pollution : Air and noise pollution.
4) Sewage and drainage issues
Causes : Untreated sewage flowing into rivers and lakes.
Pollution : Water pollution which creates smell and
diseases.
5) Use of Non-renewable energy
Causes : Burning of coal, diesel and fossil fuels in power
plants and generators.
Pollution : Air and thermal pollution.
6) Urbanization and population growth
Causes : High demand for resources, overcrowding &
increased waste.
Pollution : Air, water, noise and land pollution.
7) Waste Mismangement
Causes : Dumping of solid waste in open areas and
burning garbage.
Pollution : Air, water and land pollution.
