UNIT-4 ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION
What is Pollution?
• “Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that cause adverse
changes in the environment and living entities .”
• Pollution need not always be caused by chemical substances such as particulates
(like smoke and dust). Forms of energy such as sound, heat or light can also cause
pollution. These substances that cause pollution are called pollutants.
• Pollution, even in minuscule amounts, impacts the ecological balance. Pollutants
can make their way up the food chain and eventually find their way inside the
human body.
Types of Pollution
(A) Air Pollution
(B) Water Pollution
(C) Soil Pollution
(D) Marine Pollution
(E) Noise Pollution
(F) Thermal Pollution
(G) Nuclear Hazards
1. Air Pollution
• Air pollution is defined as the introduction of pollutants,
organic molecules, or other unsafe materials into Earth’s
atmosphere. This can be in the form of excessive gases like
carbon dioxide and other vapours that cannot be effectively
removed through natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle or
the nitrogen cycle.
1. Man-made (Artificial) sources
• These are mostly linked to the combustion of several kinds of fuel.
• Immobile sources entail clouds of smoke from power plants,
industrial facilities (manufacturing works) and waste furnaces, as
well as incinerators and other sorts of fuel-burning heating
devices. In poor and developing countries, archaic biomass
burning is the chief cause of air pollution; traditional biomass
embraces wood, crop leftovers and excrement.
• Movable sources comprise automobiles, aquatic vessels, and planes.
• Controlled burning is a procedure sometimes used in forest
management, agriculture, prairie re-establishment. Fire is an
accepted facet of both forest and grassland ecosystem and an
organized fire can be an instrument for foresters. Precise burning
kindles the sprouting of some desirable trees, thus renewing the
forest.
• Fumes from hair spray, paint, aerosol sprays, varnish and other
solvents.
• Waste deposits in landfills create methane. Methane is extremely
combustible and may form an explosive and volatile concoction with
air. Methane is furthermore an asphyxiant and may displace oxygen in
a sealed-off space. Suffocation may result if the oxygen concentration
goes below 19.5% by displacement.
• Military resources, such as nuclear weapons, toxic gasses, germ
warfare and rocketry.
2. Natural sources
• Dirt from natural sources, typically big areas of land with little or no plant life.
• Methane, discharged by the breakdown of food (digestion) by animals, for
example, cattle
• Smoke and CO from jungle fires.
• Volcanic activity, which emits sulphur, chlorine, and ash particulates
• Causes of Major Effects of Air Pollution
• Air pollution has a very negative effect on humans and the ecosystem. The
constituents can be dense particles, fluid, or gasses. A contaminant can be of
natural or artificial. Contaminants are categorized as primary or secondary.
Effects of Air Pollution on the Environment
• Global Warming & Climate Change
• Greenhouse gases like CO₂, methane trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Causes rise in Earth’s temperature, melting of glaciers,
unpredictable weather.
• Acid Rain
• Gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) mix with
rainwater.
• Damages crops, soil fertility, forests, and corrodes buildings.
• Smog Formation
• Smoke + fog = smog, mostly in cities with heavy traffic.
• Reduces visibility, harms plants, and affects human health.
• Ozone Layer Depletion
• Chemicals like CFCs destroy the ozone layer.
• Increases harmful UV rays reaching Earth, causing skin cancer and
harming crops.
•Harm to Wildlife & Plants
• Polluted air affects forests, reduces photosynthesis in
plants.
• Animals suffer from loss of habitat and contaminated food
chains.
prevention methods for Air Pollution
• Use public transport, carpool, or eco-friendly vehicles to reduce
vehicle smoke.
• Plant more trees to absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air.
• Avoid burning waste like plastic, leaves, or garbage.
• Promote clean energy (solar, wind, CNG, LPG, electricity) instead of
coal & petrol.
• Industries should use filters and eco-friendly technology to reduce
harmful emissions.
(B) Water pollution
• Water pollution is the
contamination of water
bodies like rivers, lakes,
ponds, seas, oceans, and
groundwater due to
harmful substances. It
makes water unsafe for
drinking, agriculture,
industry, aquatic life, and
the environment.
Major Causes of Water Pollution
• Industrial Waste
• Factories discharge chemicals, heavy metals, oils, and toxins into
rivers and lakes.
• Sewage & Wastewater
• Untreated sewage from homes and cities flows directly into water
bodies.
• Agricultural Activities
• Excess use of fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides runs off into
rivers and groundwater.
• Plastic & Solid Waste
• Dumping of plastics, bottles, and garbage in rivers and oceans
causes long-term pollution.
• Thermal Pollution
• Hot water from power plants or industries changes water
temperature, killing fish.
• Religious & Human Activities
• Bathing, washing clothes, and immersing idols in rivers increase
pollution.
Types of Water Pollutants
• Organic pollutants: sewage, food waste, pesticides.
• Inorganic pollutants: metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), acids,
salts.
• Biological pollutants: bacteria, viruses, parasites.
• Thermal pollutants: heated water.
• Plastic pollutants: bags, bottles, microplastics.
Effects of Water Pollution
•On Humans
• Causes diseases like cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis.
• Unsafe drinking water affects millions worldwide.
•On Aquatic Life
• Reduces oxygen level in water, killing fish and other
species.
• Oil spills and plastics suffocate marine animals.
•On Environment
• Polluted rivers and lakes lose biodiversity.
• Soil fertility reduces when polluted water is used for
irrigation.
•On Economy
• Tourism, fishing industry, and agriculture suffer heavy
losses.
Prevention of Water Pollution
• Treat industrial and sewage waste before releasing into
water.
• Reduce plastic use and encourage recycling.
• Use eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides in farming.
• Spread awareness about keeping rivers and lakes clean.
• Government laws and strict punishments for polluters.
(C) SOIL POLLUTION
• Soil pollution is defined as,
“contamination of soil by
human and natural activities
which may cause harmful
effect on living organisms”
Types, effects and sources of soil
pollution
• 1.Industrial wastes
• Industrial pollutants are mainly
discharged from various origins such
as pulp and paper mills, chemical
fertilizers, oil refineries, sugar
factories, tanneries, textiles, steel,
distilleries, fertilizers, pesticides,
coal and mineral mining industries,
drugs, glass, cement, petroleum and
engineering industries etc
• 2.Urban wastes
• Plastics, glasses, metallic
cans, fibers, paper, rubbers,
street sweepings, fuel
residues, leaves, containers,
abandoned vehicles and
other discarded
manufactured products.
3.Agricultural practices
fertilizers, pesticides,
weedicides, farm wastes,
manure debris, soil erosion
• 4.Radioactive pollutants
Atomic reactor, nuclear
radioactive devices, Explosion
of hydrogen weapons and
cosmic radiations
5.Biological agents The human and animal wastes, garbage, waste
water
6.Pesticides chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide Organic phosphorous
pesticides
7.Fertilizers Different fertilizers discharge N, Na, K, S, Nitrates etc
8.Polymer, Plastics & other water
• Waste from different sources
Control measures of soil pollution
1.Soil erosion can be controlled by a variety of forestry and farm
practices.
2.Reducing deforestation and substituting chemical manures by animal
wastes also helps arrest soil erosion in the long term.
3. Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and
animals pose a disposal problem. Open dumping is the most commonly
practiced technique.
4. Production of natural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in
place of toxic chemical pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in
place of synthesized chemical fertilizers.
5. Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding
sanitary habits.
6. Public awareness: Informal and formal public awareness programs
should be imparted to educate people on health hazards by
environmental education. Ex: Mass media, Educational institutions and
voluntary agencies can achieve thi
7. Recycling and Reuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes
such as paper, plastics, metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products
and industrial effluents etc. should be recycled and reused.
8. Ban on Toxic chemicals: Ban should be imposed on chemicals and
pesticides like DDT, BHC, etc which are fatal to plants and animals.
Nuclear explosions and improper disposal of radioactive wastes should
be banned.
(D) MARINE POLLUTION
• The discharge of waste
substances in to the sea
resulting in harm to the living
resources, hazards to the
human health hindrances to
the fishery and impairment of
quality use of sea water.
Sources
1. Dumping the wastes
2. Oil
3. Radioactive materials (enter the ocean from nuclear weapon
testing)
4. Toxics
5. Marine Debris (Garbage like plastic bags, ropes helium balloons)
Effects of marine pollution
• Heavy metals and organic pollutants damages birds by thinning of egg
shells.
• Oil pollution causes damage to marine animals and plants including
algae bird, fish etc.
• Oil spilling in the sea causes abnormal low body temperature in birds
resulting in hypothermia. During Exxon Valdez accident 150 rare
species of bald eagles are affected by ingested oil.
• Oil films are able to retard the rate of oxygen uptake by
water
• Hydrocarbon and benzpyrene accumulate in food chain and
consumption of fish by man may cause cancer.
• Many marine birds ingest plastic that causes gastrointestinal
disorders
Control of marine pollution
• The industrial unit on the coastal lines should be equipped
with pollution control instrument.
• Urban growth near the coast should be regulated.
• Methods of removal of oil
• Physical methods
• skimming the oil off the surface with suction device.
Protective method
• Municipal and industrial waste should be treated before disposing in
to sea
• Coastal waste are periodically analysed for detecting pollution level
• Soil erosion in the coastal land should be arrested be suitable
techniques.
• Recreation beaches should be maintained to meet hygienic and
aesthetic standard.
(E) NOISE POLLUTION
• Noise is defined as, "the
unwanted, unpleasant or
disagreeable sound that causes
discomfort to all living beings".
Sound intensity is measured in
decibels (dB) , that is the tenth
part of the longest unit Bel. One
dB is the faintest sound that a
human ear can hear
What is Noise Pollution?
• Noise is the unpleasant and undesirable
sound which leads to discomfort in human
beings. Due to increasing noise around the
civilizations, noise pollution has become a
matter of concern. Some of its major causes
are vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines,
loudspeakers, crackers, etc. When used at high
volume, some other appliances also contribute
to noise pollution, like television, transistor,
radio, etc
Types of Noise Pollution
• Transport Noise
• It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the
number of vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older people,
headache, hypertension, etc.
• Neighbourhood Noise
• The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources are musical
instruments, transistors, loudspeakers, etc.
• Industrial Noise
• It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines. According to many
researches, industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around 20%.
Causes and Sources of Noise Pollution
• Industrialisation: Industrialisation has led to an increase in noise pollution as
the use of heavy machinery such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are
used, resulting in the production of unwanted noise.
• Vehicles: Increased number of vehicles on the roads are the second reason
for noise pollution.
• Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music
resulting in the production of unwanted noise in the neighbourhood.
• Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc add to the noise
pollution.
Noise Pollution Examples
• Unnecessary usage of horns
• Using loudspeakers either for religious functions or for political
purposes
• Unnecessary usage of fireworks
• Industrial noise
• Construction noise
• Noise from transportation such as railway and aircraft
Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health
• Hypertension: It is a direct result of noise pollution which is
caused due to elevated blood levels for a longer duration.
• Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise
that are beyond the range of sound that human ears can
withstand damages the eardrums, resulting in loss of
hearing.
• leeping disorders: Lack of sleep might result in fatigue and low energy
level throughout the day affecting everyday activities. Noise pollution
hampers the sleep cycles leading to irritation and an uncomfortable
state of mind.
• Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure
level, stress and cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal
person and a person suffering from any of these diseases might feel a
sudden shoot up in the level.
Prevention of Noise Pollution
• Honking in public places like teaching institutes, hospitals, etc. should
be banned.
• In commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings, adequate soundproof
systems should be installed.
• Musical instruments’ sound should be controlled to desirable limits.
• Dense tree cover is useful in noise pollution prevention.
• Explosives should not be used in forest, mountainous and mining
areas.
(F) THERMAL POLLUTION
• Thermal pollution is raising
temperature of water due to
addition of hot water or hot
effluents into it.
• Thermal pollution-
• When the temperature of a natural body of water suddenly increases or
decreases, thermal pollution occurs.
• Industries use natural water to cool down the machines and returned back to
an altered temperature.
• There are some natural causes of thermal pollution also when water is sitting
on hot surfaces that run off nearby water bodies.
Causes of thermal pollution
• Soil erosion- When topsoil is removed due to heavy rain and wind
because of deforestation the water becomes more exposed to the sun
and the temperature of the water body is altered.
• Use of water as a cooling agent in industries and paper factories-
The water cools the machinery and returned back to the river with
altered temperature.
• Natural causes- Natural causes like volcanoes, geothermal vents, and
hot springs can cause heat into water bodies.
Effects of thermal pollution
• Decrease Oxygen demand - When the temperature of the water
bodies rises the bond of oxygen molecule breaks as a result the
dissolved oxygen decreases and affects the fishes and marine
ecosystem.
• Increase in toxins- When water is returned back from the
industries it contains some toxic chemicals which affect the marine
ecosystem.
Control measures for thermal pollution
• Cooling towers transfer heat from hot water to the
atmosphere by evaporation.
• Cooling ponds are the best way to cool thermal discharges.
• Artificial lakes are manmade water bodies that offer once
through cooling.
(G) Nuclear Pollution
• Nuclear pollution is the
physical pollution of air,
water and soil by radioactive
materials.
• Nuclear pollution is also
known as radiation pollution.
• Why is radioactive pollution dangerous?
• Such type of pollution results in the emission of ionizing radiation.
This type of radiation can cause damage to tissues and DNA in
genes.
• Sources of Nuclear Pollution
• The sources of radioactivity include both natural and manmade.
• Nuclear accidents from Nuclear Plants
• The Use of Nuclear Weapons as Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Improper handling of radioactive substances.
• Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources.
How Is Nuclear Pollution Caused?
• occur in one of two ways:
• Naturally occurring radioactivity
• Man-made radioactivity
• Natural radioactivity, as the name suggests, occurs naturally in
our environment. Some radioactive elements such as uranium and
thorium are present in rocks and soil, albeit in trace quantities.
Interestingly, humans and all other living organisms contain nuclides
such as carbon-14, which are created by cosmic rays.
• Man-made radioactivity is the result of nuclear weapon discharge
or a nuclear reactor containment breach. In such scenarios, all living
organisms in the vicinity of the nuclear event will become
contaminated by fission products and remnants of nuclear fuel. This
can be in the form of radioactive dust or even particles that are found
on various surfaces.
• Examples of Radioactive Pollution
• One of the most infamous cases that resulted in radioactive
pollution was the Chernobyl disaster. Other examples include:
• Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
• Nuclear fallout (after atmospheric nuclear explosions)
• Criticality accidents
4.3.SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
• The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete
process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes.
• In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from
different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection,
transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste. It needs to
be monitored so that strict regulations and guidelines are followed.
Sources of Solid Wastes
• Solid domestic garbage.
• Solid waste material from various industries.
• Solid agricultural waste.
• Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc.
• Medical waste.
• Construction waste, sewage sludge
Solid Waste Management Diagram
Types of solid wastes
1.Landfill: It involves burying the
waste in vacant locations around
the city. The dumping site should
be covered with soil to prevent
contamination.
• Benefits: A sanitary disposal
method if managed effectively.
• Limitations: A reasonably large
area is required.
2. Incineration: It is the controlled
oxidation (burning/thermal
treatment) of mostly organic
compounds at high temperatures to
produce thermal energy, CO2, and
water.
• Benefits: Burning significantly reduces
the volume of combustible waste.
• Limitations: Smoke and fire hazards
may exist.
• Composting: It is a natural process
of recycling organic matter like
leaves and food scraps into
beneficial fertilizers that can
benefit both soil and plants.
• Benefits: It is beneficial for crops and
is an environment-friendly method.
• Limitations: Requires high-skilled
labour for large-scale operation.
• Recycling: It is a process of
converting waste material into
new material. Examples: wood
recycling, paper recycling, and
glass recycling.
• Benefits: It is environment-friendly.
• Limitations: It is expensive to set
up and not reliable in case of an
emergency.
• Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a
bio-conversion technique that is
commonly used to handle solid waste.
Earthworms feed on organic waste to
reproduce and multiply in number,
vermicompost, and vermiwash as
products in this bio-conversion process.
• Benefits: It reduces the need for chemical
fertilizers and enhances plant growth.
• Limitations: It is time-consuming and
requires extra care.
Various Methods of Solid Waste Management
Harmful Effects of Solid Waste
• Bad odour of waste
• Production of toxic gases
• Degradation of natural beauty
• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Soil pollution
• Spread of diseases
• Effect on biodiversity
Important Points About Solid Waste Management
• With rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and an explosion in population
in India, solid waste management will be a key challenge for state
governments and local municipal bodies in the 21st century.
• The urban poor is particularly vulnerable, as they generally live in
informal settlements with little or no access to solid waste collection and
in locations near open landfills.
• The ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ was created to tackle these issues related
to waste management, and it created awareness among the people about
the proper treatment of solid waste. Since the launch of this campaign,
the waste management concept has started to gain momentum.
•Effects and Control Measures of Urban and
Industrial Wastes
INDIVIDUALS ROLE IN PREVENTION OF
POLLUTION
• Individuals should minimize wastage of resources such as electricity.
Every unit of electricity saved is equivalent unit of electricity
• Individuals should prefer walking or use cycles instead of using motor
vehicles, especially when distances to be travelled are small. •
Individuals can make considerable contribution by using mass
transport (buses, trains, etc) instead of using personal vehicles.
• When going to workplace, colleagues from nearby localities should
pool vehicles instead of going in individual personal vehicles.
• Taking personal vehicles for periodic pollution checks at centres
approved by authorities.
• Individuals should reuse items whenever possible.
• Products that are made of recycled material should be given
preference.
• Use gunny bags made of jute instead of plastic bags
• Use water resources efficiently.
• Use renewable resources by installing equipment such as solar heaters
and using solar cookers.
• Avoid making noise producing activities such as listening to loud music.
• Use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues.
• Organize drives to clean streets and clean drains with help of other people
of locality.
• Spread awareness and inspire other people to prevent pollution.
Individuals should be encouraged to acquire information and innovations
from world over and implement them locally
4.6 DISASTER MANAGEMENT
(A)FLOODS
• flood is an overflow of water on
land. Sometimes a river might
receive extra water, either from
heavy rains or other natural
disasters. When this happens,
the water overflows from its
normal path in the river bed
and onto the dry land.
• Flood frequency is referred as 10-year flood, 100year flood,
etc. A 10-year flood at any point in a stream is that discharge
of water which may be expected to occur on average once in
10 years.
• Floodplains are generally fertile, flat and easily formed.
CAUSES OF FLOOD
• Construction of buildings in a flood plain
• Deforestation
• Heavy rainfall
• Urbanization
• Earthquakes
Effects of flood
• Erosion of top soil
• Damage and loss to land, house and property
• Spread of endemic waterborne diseases
• Interruption of basic facilities of community such as highways,
railways, telephone, electricity and day-to-day essentials
• Silting of reservoirs and dams
FLOOD CONTROL
• Construction of flood control dam
• Deepening, widening and straightening of streams
• Lining of streams
• Banning of construction of buildings in floodplains ‘
• Converting flood-plains into wildlife habitat, parks, and recreation
areas.
(B)Earthquake
• n earthquake refers to the shaking of the earth’s surface caused by a
sudden release of energy within the earth’s crust. This release of
energy generates waves, commonly known as S waves. The intensity
and characteristics of an earthquake are determined by the some
activities occurring in a specific region.
• An earthquake in simple words is the shaking of the earth. It is a
natural event. It is caused due to release of energy, which generates
waves that travel in all directions. Earthquakes occur all the time, all
over the earth.
What to do During an Earthquake?
Before the Earthquake
Make Connections Flexible
• Ensure that gas lines and appliances are properly installed with
flexible connections. This helps prevent gas leaks and reduces the risk
of fire hazards during an earthquake.
Create an Earthquake Readiness Plan
• Develop a well-thought-out plan that includes identifying a shelter
area in your home. Stock up on essential supplies such as canned
food, a well-stocked first aid kit, dust masks, goggles, firefighting
equipment, a flashlight and a working battery-operated radio. These
provisions will prove invaluable in the event of an earthquake.
Consult Architects and Structural Engineers
• Building sturdy structures is vital for minimizing earthquake damage and
ensuring the safety of occupants. If you reside in an earthquake-prone area,
it’s crucial to consult with architects and structural engineers before
constructing buildings. They can guide you in implementing the necessary
measures and adhering to regulations set by the disaster management
committee.
Spread Awareness
• Share the knowledge and importance of earthquake preparedness with your
friends and family. By educating those around you, you contribute to
creating a safer community.
During the Earthquake
Stay Indoors
• Remain indoors until the shaking stops and it is officially announced that
it is safe to exit. Taking cover beneath a sturdy table or bed can provide
vital protection against falling objects.
Avoid Hazardous Areas
• Steer clear of bookcases, heavy furniture and appliances that may topple
over during the earthquake. Your safety should always be the top priority.
Find a Safe Spot
• Seek shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or bed.
Hold on to a post or any other fixture to maintain stability and
minimize the risk of injury.
If Outdoors, Move to an Open Area
• If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, find a clear spot away
from buildings, trees and power lines. These objects pose a significant
danger during seismic activity.
After the Earthquake
Administer First Aid
• Attend to individuals with minor injuries using first aid kits. For those with more
severe injuries, it’s essential to wait for professional medical help and avoid
moving them until it is safe.
CPR and Rescue Breathing
• If someone is not breathing, administer rescue breathing. If the person has no
pulse, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical assistance
arrives.
Be Mindful of Hazards
• Attend any tumbling shelves or falling items and be cautious around damaged
walls made of bricks or other unstable materials. Your safety should be a priority.
Effects of earthquake
• Ground shaking
• Liquefaction of ground
• Ground displacement
• Landslides
• Flood
• Fire
Control of earthquake
• There is virtually no technique to control the occurrence of
earthquake. However, certain preventive measures can be taken to
minimize the damage.
• Minimizing development activity (especially construction, mining,
construction of dams and reservoirs) in areas known to be active
zones.
(C) CYCLONE
• Cyclones are large revolving
tropical storms caused by
winds blowing around a
central area of low
atmospheric pressure.
Worst Affected Regions in India
• along the coast are vulnerable but Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry,
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Gujarat are most
prone to damages from cyclone. Only about 7 percent of the
tropical cyclones in the world originate in the Arabian Sea
and Bay of Bengal but these are some of the most
devastating and damaging, says the IMD.
(D) LANDSLIDES
• Landslides occur when mass of earth material move
downward. It is also called mass wasting or mass movement.
• Sudden landslide occurs when unconsolidated sediments of
a hillside are saturated by rainfall or water logging.
Control measures for landslides
• Avoid construction activity in landslide occurring areas.
• Reducing slope of hilly side.
• Stabilizing the slope portion .
• Increasing plantation of deep rooted vegetation on the slope
Thank you

UNIT-4 TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION.pptx

  • 1.
  • 2.
    What is Pollution? •“Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that cause adverse changes in the environment and living entities .” • Pollution need not always be caused by chemical substances such as particulates (like smoke and dust). Forms of energy such as sound, heat or light can also cause pollution. These substances that cause pollution are called pollutants. • Pollution, even in minuscule amounts, impacts the ecological balance. Pollutants can make their way up the food chain and eventually find their way inside the human body.
  • 3.
  • 4.
    (A) Air Pollution (B)Water Pollution (C) Soil Pollution (D) Marine Pollution (E) Noise Pollution (F) Thermal Pollution (G) Nuclear Hazards
  • 5.
  • 6.
    • Air pollutionis defined as the introduction of pollutants, organic molecules, or other unsafe materials into Earth’s atmosphere. This can be in the form of excessive gases like carbon dioxide and other vapours that cannot be effectively removed through natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle or the nitrogen cycle.
  • 8.
    1. Man-made (Artificial)sources • These are mostly linked to the combustion of several kinds of fuel. • Immobile sources entail clouds of smoke from power plants, industrial facilities (manufacturing works) and waste furnaces, as well as incinerators and other sorts of fuel-burning heating devices. In poor and developing countries, archaic biomass burning is the chief cause of air pollution; traditional biomass embraces wood, crop leftovers and excrement.
  • 9.
    • Movable sourcescomprise automobiles, aquatic vessels, and planes. • Controlled burning is a procedure sometimes used in forest management, agriculture, prairie re-establishment. Fire is an accepted facet of both forest and grassland ecosystem and an organized fire can be an instrument for foresters. Precise burning kindles the sprouting of some desirable trees, thus renewing the forest. • Fumes from hair spray, paint, aerosol sprays, varnish and other solvents.
  • 10.
    • Waste depositsin landfills create methane. Methane is extremely combustible and may form an explosive and volatile concoction with air. Methane is furthermore an asphyxiant and may displace oxygen in a sealed-off space. Suffocation may result if the oxygen concentration goes below 19.5% by displacement. • Military resources, such as nuclear weapons, toxic gasses, germ warfare and rocketry.
  • 11.
    2. Natural sources •Dirt from natural sources, typically big areas of land with little or no plant life. • Methane, discharged by the breakdown of food (digestion) by animals, for example, cattle • Smoke and CO from jungle fires. • Volcanic activity, which emits sulphur, chlorine, and ash particulates • Causes of Major Effects of Air Pollution • Air pollution has a very negative effect on humans and the ecosystem. The constituents can be dense particles, fluid, or gasses. A contaminant can be of natural or artificial. Contaminants are categorized as primary or secondary.
  • 13.
    Effects of AirPollution on the Environment • Global Warming & Climate Change • Greenhouse gases like CO₂, methane trap heat in the atmosphere. • Causes rise in Earth’s temperature, melting of glaciers, unpredictable weather. • Acid Rain • Gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) mix with rainwater. • Damages crops, soil fertility, forests, and corrodes buildings.
  • 14.
    • Smog Formation •Smoke + fog = smog, mostly in cities with heavy traffic. • Reduces visibility, harms plants, and affects human health. • Ozone Layer Depletion • Chemicals like CFCs destroy the ozone layer. • Increases harmful UV rays reaching Earth, causing skin cancer and harming crops.
  • 15.
    •Harm to Wildlife& Plants • Polluted air affects forests, reduces photosynthesis in plants. • Animals suffer from loss of habitat and contaminated food chains.
  • 16.
    prevention methods forAir Pollution • Use public transport, carpool, or eco-friendly vehicles to reduce vehicle smoke. • Plant more trees to absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air. • Avoid burning waste like plastic, leaves, or garbage. • Promote clean energy (solar, wind, CNG, LPG, electricity) instead of coal & petrol. • Industries should use filters and eco-friendly technology to reduce harmful emissions.
  • 17.
    (B) Water pollution •Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, seas, oceans, and groundwater due to harmful substances. It makes water unsafe for drinking, agriculture, industry, aquatic life, and the environment.
  • 18.
    Major Causes ofWater Pollution • Industrial Waste • Factories discharge chemicals, heavy metals, oils, and toxins into rivers and lakes. • Sewage & Wastewater • Untreated sewage from homes and cities flows directly into water bodies. • Agricultural Activities • Excess use of fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides runs off into rivers and groundwater.
  • 19.
    • Plastic &Solid Waste • Dumping of plastics, bottles, and garbage in rivers and oceans causes long-term pollution. • Thermal Pollution • Hot water from power plants or industries changes water temperature, killing fish. • Religious & Human Activities • Bathing, washing clothes, and immersing idols in rivers increase pollution.
  • 20.
    Types of WaterPollutants • Organic pollutants: sewage, food waste, pesticides. • Inorganic pollutants: metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), acids, salts. • Biological pollutants: bacteria, viruses, parasites. • Thermal pollutants: heated water. • Plastic pollutants: bags, bottles, microplastics.
  • 21.
    Effects of WaterPollution •On Humans • Causes diseases like cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis. • Unsafe drinking water affects millions worldwide. •On Aquatic Life • Reduces oxygen level in water, killing fish and other species. • Oil spills and plastics suffocate marine animals.
  • 22.
    •On Environment • Pollutedrivers and lakes lose biodiversity. • Soil fertility reduces when polluted water is used for irrigation. •On Economy • Tourism, fishing industry, and agriculture suffer heavy losses.
  • 23.
    Prevention of WaterPollution • Treat industrial and sewage waste before releasing into water. • Reduce plastic use and encourage recycling. • Use eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides in farming. • Spread awareness about keeping rivers and lakes clean. • Government laws and strict punishments for polluters.
  • 24.
    (C) SOIL POLLUTION •Soil pollution is defined as, “contamination of soil by human and natural activities which may cause harmful effect on living organisms”
  • 25.
    Types, effects andsources of soil pollution • 1.Industrial wastes • Industrial pollutants are mainly discharged from various origins such as pulp and paper mills, chemical fertilizers, oil refineries, sugar factories, tanneries, textiles, steel, distilleries, fertilizers, pesticides, coal and mineral mining industries, drugs, glass, cement, petroleum and engineering industries etc
  • 26.
    • 2.Urban wastes •Plastics, glasses, metallic cans, fibers, paper, rubbers, street sweepings, fuel residues, leaves, containers, abandoned vehicles and other discarded manufactured products.
  • 27.
    3.Agricultural practices fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides,farm wastes, manure debris, soil erosion
  • 28.
    • 4.Radioactive pollutants Atomicreactor, nuclear radioactive devices, Explosion of hydrogen weapons and cosmic radiations
  • 29.
    5.Biological agents Thehuman and animal wastes, garbage, waste water 6.Pesticides chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide Organic phosphorous pesticides 7.Fertilizers Different fertilizers discharge N, Na, K, S, Nitrates etc 8.Polymer, Plastics & other water • Waste from different sources
  • 30.
    Control measures ofsoil pollution 1.Soil erosion can be controlled by a variety of forestry and farm practices. 2.Reducing deforestation and substituting chemical manures by animal wastes also helps arrest soil erosion in the long term. 3. Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and animals pose a disposal problem. Open dumping is the most commonly practiced technique.
  • 31.
    4. Production ofnatural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in place of synthesized chemical fertilizers. 5. Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding sanitary habits. 6. Public awareness: Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted to educate people on health hazards by environmental education. Ex: Mass media, Educational institutions and voluntary agencies can achieve thi
  • 32.
    7. Recycling andReuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper, plastics, metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc. should be recycled and reused. 8. Ban on Toxic chemicals: Ban should be imposed on chemicals and pesticides like DDT, BHC, etc which are fatal to plants and animals. Nuclear explosions and improper disposal of radioactive wastes should be banned.
  • 33.
    (D) MARINE POLLUTION •The discharge of waste substances in to the sea resulting in harm to the living resources, hazards to the human health hindrances to the fishery and impairment of quality use of sea water.
  • 34.
    Sources 1. Dumping thewastes 2. Oil 3. Radioactive materials (enter the ocean from nuclear weapon testing) 4. Toxics 5. Marine Debris (Garbage like plastic bags, ropes helium balloons)
  • 35.
    Effects of marinepollution • Heavy metals and organic pollutants damages birds by thinning of egg shells. • Oil pollution causes damage to marine animals and plants including algae bird, fish etc. • Oil spilling in the sea causes abnormal low body temperature in birds resulting in hypothermia. During Exxon Valdez accident 150 rare species of bald eagles are affected by ingested oil.
  • 36.
    • Oil filmsare able to retard the rate of oxygen uptake by water • Hydrocarbon and benzpyrene accumulate in food chain and consumption of fish by man may cause cancer. • Many marine birds ingest plastic that causes gastrointestinal disorders
  • 37.
    Control of marinepollution • The industrial unit on the coastal lines should be equipped with pollution control instrument. • Urban growth near the coast should be regulated. • Methods of removal of oil • Physical methods • skimming the oil off the surface with suction device.
  • 38.
    Protective method • Municipaland industrial waste should be treated before disposing in to sea • Coastal waste are periodically analysed for detecting pollution level • Soil erosion in the coastal land should be arrested be suitable techniques. • Recreation beaches should be maintained to meet hygienic and aesthetic standard.
  • 39.
    (E) NOISE POLLUTION •Noise is defined as, "the unwanted, unpleasant or disagreeable sound that causes discomfort to all living beings". Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB) , that is the tenth part of the longest unit Bel. One dB is the faintest sound that a human ear can hear
  • 40.
    What is NoisePollution? • Noise is the unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in human beings. Due to increasing noise around the civilizations, noise pollution has become a matter of concern. Some of its major causes are vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines, loudspeakers, crackers, etc. When used at high volume, some other appliances also contribute to noise pollution, like television, transistor, radio, etc
  • 41.
    Types of NoisePollution • Transport Noise • It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the number of vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older people, headache, hypertension, etc. • Neighbourhood Noise • The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources are musical instruments, transistors, loudspeakers, etc. • Industrial Noise • It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines. According to many researches, industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around 20%.
  • 43.
    Causes and Sourcesof Noise Pollution • Industrialisation: Industrialisation has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of heavy machinery such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are used, resulting in the production of unwanted noise. • Vehicles: Increased number of vehicles on the roads are the second reason for noise pollution. • Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting in the production of unwanted noise in the neighbourhood. • Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc add to the noise pollution.
  • 44.
    Noise Pollution Examples •Unnecessary usage of horns • Using loudspeakers either for religious functions or for political purposes • Unnecessary usage of fireworks • Industrial noise • Construction noise • Noise from transportation such as railway and aircraft
  • 45.
    Effects of NoisePollution on Human Health • Hypertension: It is a direct result of noise pollution which is caused due to elevated blood levels for a longer duration. • Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise that are beyond the range of sound that human ears can withstand damages the eardrums, resulting in loss of hearing.
  • 46.
    • leeping disorders:Lack of sleep might result in fatigue and low energy level throughout the day affecting everyday activities. Noise pollution hampers the sleep cycles leading to irritation and an uncomfortable state of mind. • Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure level, stress and cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal person and a person suffering from any of these diseases might feel a sudden shoot up in the level.
  • 47.
    Prevention of NoisePollution • Honking in public places like teaching institutes, hospitals, etc. should be banned. • In commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings, adequate soundproof systems should be installed. • Musical instruments’ sound should be controlled to desirable limits. • Dense tree cover is useful in noise pollution prevention. • Explosives should not be used in forest, mountainous and mining areas.
  • 48.
    (F) THERMAL POLLUTION •Thermal pollution is raising temperature of water due to addition of hot water or hot effluents into it.
  • 49.
    • Thermal pollution- •When the temperature of a natural body of water suddenly increases or decreases, thermal pollution occurs. • Industries use natural water to cool down the machines and returned back to an altered temperature. • There are some natural causes of thermal pollution also when water is sitting on hot surfaces that run off nearby water bodies.
  • 50.
    Causes of thermalpollution • Soil erosion- When topsoil is removed due to heavy rain and wind because of deforestation the water becomes more exposed to the sun and the temperature of the water body is altered. • Use of water as a cooling agent in industries and paper factories- The water cools the machinery and returned back to the river with altered temperature. • Natural causes- Natural causes like volcanoes, geothermal vents, and hot springs can cause heat into water bodies.
  • 51.
    Effects of thermalpollution • Decrease Oxygen demand - When the temperature of the water bodies rises the bond of oxygen molecule breaks as a result the dissolved oxygen decreases and affects the fishes and marine ecosystem. • Increase in toxins- When water is returned back from the industries it contains some toxic chemicals which affect the marine ecosystem.
  • 52.
    Control measures forthermal pollution • Cooling towers transfer heat from hot water to the atmosphere by evaporation. • Cooling ponds are the best way to cool thermal discharges. • Artificial lakes are manmade water bodies that offer once through cooling.
  • 53.
    (G) Nuclear Pollution •Nuclear pollution is the physical pollution of air, water and soil by radioactive materials. • Nuclear pollution is also known as radiation pollution.
  • 54.
    • Why isradioactive pollution dangerous? • Such type of pollution results in the emission of ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can cause damage to tissues and DNA in genes.
  • 55.
    • Sources ofNuclear Pollution • The sources of radioactivity include both natural and manmade. • Nuclear accidents from Nuclear Plants • The Use of Nuclear Weapons as Weapons of Mass Destruction • Improper handling of radioactive substances. • Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources.
  • 56.
    How Is NuclearPollution Caused? • occur in one of two ways: • Naturally occurring radioactivity • Man-made radioactivity • Natural radioactivity, as the name suggests, occurs naturally in our environment. Some radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium are present in rocks and soil, albeit in trace quantities. Interestingly, humans and all other living organisms contain nuclides such as carbon-14, which are created by cosmic rays.
  • 57.
    • Man-made radioactivityis the result of nuclear weapon discharge or a nuclear reactor containment breach. In such scenarios, all living organisms in the vicinity of the nuclear event will become contaminated by fission products and remnants of nuclear fuel. This can be in the form of radioactive dust or even particles that are found on various surfaces.
  • 58.
    • Examples ofRadioactive Pollution • One of the most infamous cases that resulted in radioactive pollution was the Chernobyl disaster. Other examples include: • Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster • Nuclear fallout (after atmospheric nuclear explosions) • Criticality accidents
  • 59.
    4.3.SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT •The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. • In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste. It needs to be monitored so that strict regulations and guidelines are followed.
  • 60.
    Sources of SolidWastes • Solid domestic garbage. • Solid waste material from various industries. • Solid agricultural waste. • Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc. • Medical waste. • Construction waste, sewage sludge
  • 61.
  • 62.
    Types of solidwastes 1.Landfill: It involves burying the waste in vacant locations around the city. The dumping site should be covered with soil to prevent contamination. • Benefits: A sanitary disposal method if managed effectively. • Limitations: A reasonably large area is required.
  • 63.
    2. Incineration: Itis the controlled oxidation (burning/thermal treatment) of mostly organic compounds at high temperatures to produce thermal energy, CO2, and water. • Benefits: Burning significantly reduces the volume of combustible waste. • Limitations: Smoke and fire hazards may exist.
  • 64.
    • Composting: Itis a natural process of recycling organic matter like leaves and food scraps into beneficial fertilizers that can benefit both soil and plants. • Benefits: It is beneficial for crops and is an environment-friendly method. • Limitations: Requires high-skilled labour for large-scale operation.
  • 65.
    • Recycling: Itis a process of converting waste material into new material. Examples: wood recycling, paper recycling, and glass recycling. • Benefits: It is environment-friendly. • Limitations: It is expensive to set up and not reliable in case of an emergency.
  • 66.
    • Vermicomposting: Vermicompostingis a bio-conversion technique that is commonly used to handle solid waste. Earthworms feed on organic waste to reproduce and multiply in number, vermicompost, and vermiwash as products in this bio-conversion process. • Benefits: It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and enhances plant growth. • Limitations: It is time-consuming and requires extra care.
  • 67.
    Various Methods ofSolid Waste Management
  • 68.
    Harmful Effects ofSolid Waste • Bad odour of waste • Production of toxic gases • Degradation of natural beauty • Air pollution • Water pollution • Soil pollution • Spread of diseases • Effect on biodiversity
  • 69.
    Important Points AboutSolid Waste Management • With rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and an explosion in population in India, solid waste management will be a key challenge for state governments and local municipal bodies in the 21st century. • The urban poor is particularly vulnerable, as they generally live in informal settlements with little or no access to solid waste collection and in locations near open landfills. • The ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ was created to tackle these issues related to waste management, and it created awareness among the people about the proper treatment of solid waste. Since the launch of this campaign, the waste management concept has started to gain momentum.
  • 70.
    •Effects and ControlMeasures of Urban and Industrial Wastes
  • 71.
    INDIVIDUALS ROLE INPREVENTION OF POLLUTION • Individuals should minimize wastage of resources such as electricity. Every unit of electricity saved is equivalent unit of electricity • Individuals should prefer walking or use cycles instead of using motor vehicles, especially when distances to be travelled are small. • Individuals can make considerable contribution by using mass transport (buses, trains, etc) instead of using personal vehicles.
  • 72.
    • When goingto workplace, colleagues from nearby localities should pool vehicles instead of going in individual personal vehicles. • Taking personal vehicles for periodic pollution checks at centres approved by authorities. • Individuals should reuse items whenever possible. • Products that are made of recycled material should be given preference. • Use gunny bags made of jute instead of plastic bags
  • 73.
    • Use waterresources efficiently. • Use renewable resources by installing equipment such as solar heaters and using solar cookers. • Avoid making noise producing activities such as listening to loud music. • Use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues. • Organize drives to clean streets and clean drains with help of other people of locality. • Spread awareness and inspire other people to prevent pollution. Individuals should be encouraged to acquire information and innovations from world over and implement them locally
  • 74.
    4.6 DISASTER MANAGEMENT (A)FLOODS •flood is an overflow of water on land. Sometimes a river might receive extra water, either from heavy rains or other natural disasters. When this happens, the water overflows from its normal path in the river bed and onto the dry land.
  • 75.
    • Flood frequencyis referred as 10-year flood, 100year flood, etc. A 10-year flood at any point in a stream is that discharge of water which may be expected to occur on average once in 10 years. • Floodplains are generally fertile, flat and easily formed.
  • 76.
    CAUSES OF FLOOD •Construction of buildings in a flood plain • Deforestation • Heavy rainfall • Urbanization • Earthquakes
  • 77.
    Effects of flood •Erosion of top soil • Damage and loss to land, house and property • Spread of endemic waterborne diseases • Interruption of basic facilities of community such as highways, railways, telephone, electricity and day-to-day essentials • Silting of reservoirs and dams
  • 78.
    FLOOD CONTROL • Constructionof flood control dam • Deepening, widening and straightening of streams • Lining of streams • Banning of construction of buildings in floodplains ‘ • Converting flood-plains into wildlife habitat, parks, and recreation areas.
  • 79.
    (B)Earthquake • n earthquakerefers to the shaking of the earth’s surface caused by a sudden release of energy within the earth’s crust. This release of energy generates waves, commonly known as S waves. The intensity and characteristics of an earthquake are determined by the some activities occurring in a specific region. • An earthquake in simple words is the shaking of the earth. It is a natural event. It is caused due to release of energy, which generates waves that travel in all directions. Earthquakes occur all the time, all over the earth.
  • 80.
    What to doDuring an Earthquake? Before the Earthquake
  • 81.
    Make Connections Flexible •Ensure that gas lines and appliances are properly installed with flexible connections. This helps prevent gas leaks and reduces the risk of fire hazards during an earthquake. Create an Earthquake Readiness Plan • Develop a well-thought-out plan that includes identifying a shelter area in your home. Stock up on essential supplies such as canned food, a well-stocked first aid kit, dust masks, goggles, firefighting equipment, a flashlight and a working battery-operated radio. These provisions will prove invaluable in the event of an earthquake.
  • 82.
    Consult Architects andStructural Engineers • Building sturdy structures is vital for minimizing earthquake damage and ensuring the safety of occupants. If you reside in an earthquake-prone area, it’s crucial to consult with architects and structural engineers before constructing buildings. They can guide you in implementing the necessary measures and adhering to regulations set by the disaster management committee. Spread Awareness • Share the knowledge and importance of earthquake preparedness with your friends and family. By educating those around you, you contribute to creating a safer community.
  • 83.
  • 84.
    Stay Indoors • Remainindoors until the shaking stops and it is officially announced that it is safe to exit. Taking cover beneath a sturdy table or bed can provide vital protection against falling objects. Avoid Hazardous Areas • Steer clear of bookcases, heavy furniture and appliances that may topple over during the earthquake. Your safety should always be the top priority.
  • 85.
    Find a SafeSpot • Seek shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or bed. Hold on to a post or any other fixture to maintain stability and minimize the risk of injury. If Outdoors, Move to an Open Area • If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. These objects pose a significant danger during seismic activity.
  • 86.
  • 87.
    Administer First Aid •Attend to individuals with minor injuries using first aid kits. For those with more severe injuries, it’s essential to wait for professional medical help and avoid moving them until it is safe. CPR and Rescue Breathing • If someone is not breathing, administer rescue breathing. If the person has no pulse, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical assistance arrives. Be Mindful of Hazards • Attend any tumbling shelves or falling items and be cautious around damaged walls made of bricks or other unstable materials. Your safety should be a priority.
  • 88.
    Effects of earthquake •Ground shaking • Liquefaction of ground • Ground displacement • Landslides • Flood • Fire
  • 89.
    Control of earthquake •There is virtually no technique to control the occurrence of earthquake. However, certain preventive measures can be taken to minimize the damage. • Minimizing development activity (especially construction, mining, construction of dams and reservoirs) in areas known to be active zones.
  • 90.
    (C) CYCLONE • Cyclonesare large revolving tropical storms caused by winds blowing around a central area of low atmospheric pressure.
  • 91.
    Worst Affected Regionsin India • along the coast are vulnerable but Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Gujarat are most prone to damages from cyclone. Only about 7 percent of the tropical cyclones in the world originate in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal but these are some of the most devastating and damaging, says the IMD.
  • 92.
    (D) LANDSLIDES • Landslidesoccur when mass of earth material move downward. It is also called mass wasting or mass movement. • Sudden landslide occurs when unconsolidated sediments of a hillside are saturated by rainfall or water logging.
  • 93.
    Control measures forlandslides • Avoid construction activity in landslide occurring areas. • Reducing slope of hilly side. • Stabilizing the slope portion . • Increasing plantation of deep rooted vegetation on the slope
  • 94.