TYPES OF POLLUTION

Air Pollution

Refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals, and humans drastically.

Global Warming

This imbalances in the gaseous composition has resulted in an increase in earth’s temperature which is known as?

Primary Pollutants

The pollutants that directly cause air pollution. Sulphur-dioxide emitted from factories.

Secondary Pollutants

The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants like smog formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog.

Burning of Fossil Fuels

Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution

Automobiles

The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment.

Agricultural Activities

Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it

Factories and Industries

Main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons, and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its quality.

Mining Activities

The minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.

Domestic Sources

The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air.

Disease

Refers to health conditions or disorders that arise or are exacerbated due to exposure to harmful pollutants in the air.

Acid Rain

A direct consequence of air pollution caused by the release of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) into the atmosphere. These pollutants, primarily emitted from industrial processes, power plants, and vehicle exhausts, react with water vapor, oxygen, and other atmospheric chemicals to form acidic compounds like sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃).

Ozone Layer Depletion

Refers to the thinning and reduction of the ozone (O₃) layer in the Earth's stratosphere due to air pollutants, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS). These pollutants release chlorine and bromine atoms when broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These atoms react with ozone molecules, causing their destruction.

Noise Pollution

The unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in human beings

Transport Noise

It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the number of vehicles.

Neighborhood 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 machines.

Soil Pollution

Refers to the contamination of soil with anomalous concentrations of toxic substances

Herbicides

Used to kill or control weeds and other unwanted plants

Insecticides

Used to kill insects

Fungicides

Used to kill parasitic fungi or inhibit their growth

Electronic Waste

Refers to any electrical equipment that has been discarded. This includes both working and damaged items that are discarded or donated to a charity reseller.

Indoor Air Pollution

Means contamination of air quality within and around buildings and structures. Some of the most common examples of indoor air pollutants are solvents, molds, smoke, pesticides, gases, and pet dander.