Types of Pollution to Know for AP Environmental Science (AP) (copy)

Air Pollution

The release of harmful substances like gases, particulate matter, and chemicals into the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities.

Water Pollution

Contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater due to pollutants.

Soil Pollution

Degradation of soil quality due to harmful chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste.

Noise Pollution

Harmful or excessive sound that disrupts human health and natural environments.

Light Pollution

Overuse or misdirection of artificial light, disrupting natural patterns of light and dark.

Thermal Pollution

When industries or power plants release heated water into natural water bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

Radioactive Pollution

Release of radioactive materials into the environment, posing severe health and environmental risks.

Plastic Pollution

Accumulation of plastic products in the environment, particularly in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Chemical Pollution

Release of harmful chemicals into air, water, and soil from industrial, agricultural, and household sources.

Agricultural Pollution

Pollution caused by the use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and livestock waste.

Sources of Air Pollution

Includes vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and combustion of fossil fuels.

Sources of Water Pollution

Includes industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, sewage, and oil spills.

Sources of Soil Pollution

Includes pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste.

Sources of Noise Pollution

Includes transportation, industrial activities, and urbanization.

Sources of Light Pollution

Includes streetlights and commercial/residential lighting.

Sources of Thermal Pollution

Includes power plants and industrial processes.

Sources of Radioactive Pollution

Includes nuclear power plants and medical waste.

Sources of Plastic Pollution

Includes single-use plastics and microplastics.

Sources of Chemical Pollution

Includes agricultural runoff, industrial chemicals, and household products.

Sources of Agricultural Pollution

Includes fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and livestock waste.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Includes chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality rates.

Environmental Impacts of Air Pollution

Includes contribution to global warming, acid rain, smog, and ecosystem disruption.

Health Impacts of Water Pollution

Includes waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

Environmental Impacts of Water Pollution

Includes loss of biodiversity and eutrophication.

Health Impacts of Soil Pollution

Can lead to accumulation of toxic substances in food, impacting human health.

Environmental Impacts of Soil Pollution

Includes decreased soil fertility and contamination of groundwater.

Health Impacts of Noise Pollution

Chronic exposure can cause hearing loss and cardiovascular diseases.

Environmental Impacts of Noise Pollution

Disrupts wildlife behavior and communication.

Health Impacts of Light Pollution

Disrupts circadian rhythms and causes sleep disorders.

Environmental Impacts of Light Pollution

Disorients nocturnal species impacting behavior and survival.

Health Impacts of Thermal Pollution

Reduces oxygen levels, harmful to aquatic life.

Environmental Impacts of Thermal Pollution

Alters species composition in aquatic environments.

Health Impacts of Radioactive Pollution

Exposure can result in cancer and genetic mutations.

Environmental Impacts of Radioactive Pollution

Long-term contamination of land and water resources.

Health Impacts of Plastic Pollution

Microplastics can enter the food chain and affect human health.

Environmental Impacts of Plastic Pollution

Physical harm to wildlife and disruption of ecosystems.

Health Impacts of Chemical Pollution

Long-term exposure can cause cancers and neurological disorders.

Environmental Impacts of Chemical Pollution

Soil degradation and contamination of water supplies.

Health Impacts of Agricultural Pollution

Contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal diseases.

Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Pollution

Eutrophication and creation of hypoxic zones.