Types of Pollution (APES)

Air Pollution

Occurs when harmful substances such as gases, particulate matter, and chemicals are released into the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities.

Sources of Air Pollution

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

Vehicle emissions

Exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses that contributes to air pollution.

Industrial emissions

Pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter released by factories.

Health impacts of Air Pollution

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

Environmental impacts of Air Pollution

Contribution to global warming, acid rain, smog, and ecosystem disruption.

Water Pollution

Refers to the contamination of water bodies due to pollutants.

Sources of Water Pollution

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

Health impacts of Water Pollution

Waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and gastrointestinal infections.

Environmental impacts of Water Pollution

Loss of biodiversity, harm to aquatic ecosystems, and creation of dead zones.

Soil Pollution

Arises when harmful chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste degrade soil quality.

Sources of Soil Pollution

Includes pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste.

Health impacts of Soil Pollution

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

Environmental impacts of Soil Pollution

Decreased soil fertility, impaired plant growth, and groundwater contamination.

Noise Pollution

Involves harmful or excessive sound that disrupts human health and natural environments.

Sources of Noise Pollution

Includes transportation noise, industrial activities, and urbanization.

Health impacts of Noise Pollution

Chronic exposure can cause hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances.

Light Pollution

Refers to the overuse or misdirection of artificial light, disrupting natural light patterns.

Sources of Light Pollution

Includes unshielded streetlights and excessive commercial lighting.

Health impacts of Light Pollution

Disrupts circadian rhythms, resulting in sleep disorders and fatigue.

Thermal Pollution

Occurs when industries release heated water into natural bodies, raising temperatures.

Sources of Thermal Pollution

Includes power plants and industrial processes releasing heated water.

Health impacts of Thermal Pollution

Elevated water temperatures reduce oxygen levels, harmful to aquatic life.

Radioactive Pollution

Occurs when radioactive materials are released into the environment, posing health risks.

Sources of Radioactive Pollution

Includes nuclear power plants and medical waste.

Health impacts of Radioactive Pollution

Exposure can lead to cancer, genetic mutations, and birth defects.

Plastic Pollution

Refers to the accumulation of plastic products in the environment.

Sources of Plastic Pollution

Includes single-use plastics and microplastics.

Health impacts of Plastic Pollution

Microplastics can enter the food chain, affecting human health.

Chemical Pollution

Involves the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Sources of Chemical Pollution

Includes agricultural runoff, industrial chemicals, and household products.

Health impacts of Chemical Pollution

Long-term exposure can cause cancers and neurological disorders.

Agricultural Pollution

Caused by the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock waste.

Sources of Agricultural Pollution

Includes fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and livestock waste.

Health impacts of Agricultural Pollution

Contaminated water supplies can lead to gastrointestinal diseases.

Environmental impacts of Agricultural Pollution

Eutrophication and soil degradation.