Chapter 15 : Types of Pollution

Pollution

It is the undesirable change in the physical, chemical, biological characteristics of the air, water and soil that can be harmful to our health.

Pollutants

These are the substances that pollute air, water, soil, etc as to alter the composition of the natural environment and pose an adverse effect on the normal functioning of ecosystems.

examples of Primary Pollutants

carbon monoxide , carbon dioxide , sulphur dioxide, dust and soot.

Example of Secondary Pollutants

Nitrous oxide , arosols, ozone

Examples of Biodegradable Pollutants

Sewage , domestic and agricultural wastes

Types of Air pollutants

• natural - pollen , bacteria , products of volcanic eruption

• Aerosols - dust , smoke, fog , mist

• Vapours and noxious gases - CO2 , SO2, O3

Acid Rain

Occurs when a pollutant like sulphuric acid combines with water droplets of water in air.

Effects of Acid Rain

damages vegetation , pollutes the soil , changes chemistry of water bodies.

Freshwater Pollutants

• Suspended - Bacteria , virus , protozoa, algae , fungi

• Salts - Calcium , magnesium , Sodium

• Metals - Iron Oxide ,Lead

• gases - Oxygen , carbon Dioxide

Marine Water Pollutants

• Sewage wastes flowing into the ocean and sea

• Chemicals discharged from factories

• OilSpills

• Heav Metals

• Surface Run off from agricultural fields

Types of Soil Pollutants

• Organic Substances - Human and animal excretions, waste food items

• Inorganic - fertiliers and pesticides

• Radioactive - Nuclear power plants , nuclear weapons , uranium mining .

Radiation pollutants

Radio Waves , Microwaves , visible radiation , radioactive decay , mining radioactive ores , nuclear tests.

Effects of Radioactive pollution

Skin burns , suppression of bone marrow , Cancer

Noise Pollutants

Loudspeakers, traffic, machinery, construction activities, music and vehicles.