Geography Project

Pollution
Contents
 Introduction
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural
environment that causes adverse change. Pollution can take the
form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or
light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign
substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution
is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution.
The major kinds of pollution, usually classified by environment,
are air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Modern society
is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise
pollution, light pollution, soil pollution, thermal pollution and
radioactive pollution. Pollution of all kinds can have negative effects
on the environment and wildlife and often impacts human health
and well-being.
Major types of pollution

The major forms of pollution are listed below along with the
particular contaminant relevant to each of them-
1. Air pollution: It is the release of chemicals and particulates into
the atmosphere.
2. Light pollution: It includes light trespass, over-
illumination and astronomical interference.
3. Noise pollution: It encompasses roadway noise, aircraft
noise, industrial noise as well as high-intensity sonar.
4. Soil pollution: It occurs when chemicals are released by spill or
underground leakage.
5. Radioactive pollution: It results from the 20th century activities
in atomic physics, such as nuclear power generation and
nuclear weapons research, manufacture and deployment.
6. Thermal pollution: It is a temperature change in natural water
bodies caused by human influence.
7. Water pollution: It is caused by the discharge of
wastewater from commercial and industrial waste into surface
waters.
8. Land pollution: It is the destruction or decline in quality of the
earth’s land surfaces in term of use, landscape and ability to
support life forms.
Air Pollution

Air pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or

compounds in the air, at levels that pose a health risk. In an even
broader sense, air pollution means the presence of chemicals or
compounds in the air which are usually not present and which
lower the quality of the air or cause detrimental changes to the
quality of life.
Causes:
Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems
confronting our civilization today. It is mostly caused by human
activities such as mining, construction, transportation, industrial
work, agriculture, etc. However, natural processes such as volcanic
eruptions and wildfires may also pollute the air, but their occurrence
is rare and they usually have a local effect, unlike human activities
that are ubiquitous and contribute to the global pollution of the air
every single day.
Effects:
Depending on the level of exposure and the type of pollutant
inhaled, these effects can vary, ranging from simple symptoms like
coughing and the irritation of the respiratory tract to conditions like
asthma and chronic lung diseases.
Skin problems can develop due to prolonged exposure to several
air pollutants, and a variety of cancer forms may develop after
inhaling air contaminants.
Light Pollution

Light pollution includes excessive and intrusive artificial lights,

typically shining outdoors at night. Light pollution can accumulate
significantly within highly populated areas, causing a number of
issues within the natural environment.

Causes:
 Poor Planning – The placement of signage and street lights is
planned by engineers, if they do not take into account the effect
placement has on the surrounding environment they can create
glare, light trespass and light clutter.
 Irresponsible use –Leaving lights on all night is a form of
pollution. Not actively choosing to minimize energy waste is a
huge source of light pollution.
 Overpopulation – This is really a zoning issue. Too many
businesses, or too many residences, grouped in one area can
cause light pollution of many kinds.

Effects:
 Animals – Lights can attract or repel animals and insects. Most
animal life functions on a diurnal or nocturnal system that is
thrown out of sync by light pollution. This can place entire
species in danger, or attract unwanted species into human
areas.
 People – The wrong kind of light, or too much light has been
proven to have an impact on our health and quality of life. Light
pollution also increases danger to people as it can interfere with
important navigational systems for trains, planes and even
automobiles.
 The Earth – The Earth’s ecosystem is dependent on cycles of
natural light. Sky Glow alone can cause a loss in growth
protection as the reflected light off the atmosphere will prevent
the natural UV rays from reaching the Earth. This disrupts
growth and decay cycles that our food, air and water supply is
dependent on.
Noise Pollution

Noise pollution takes place when there is either excessive amount

of noise or an unpleasant sound that causes temporary disruption
in the natural balance. Our environment is such that it has become
difficult to escape noise. Even electrical appliances at home have a
constant hum or beeping sound. By and large, lack of urban
planning increases the exposure to unwanted sounds.

Causes:
1. Industrialization: Most of the industries use big machines which
are capable of producing large amount of noise. Apart from that,
various equipments like compressors, grinding mills, etc. also
produce loud noises.

2. Social Events: People play songs on full volume and dance till
midnight which makes the condition of people living nearby bad. In
markets, people sell clothes making loud noise to attract the
attention of people.

3. Transportation: Large number of vehicles on roads, aeroplanes

flying over houses, etc. produces loud noises that lead to situations
where people lose the ability to hear properly.

4. Construction Activities: Construction activities like mining,

construction of bridges, dams, buildings, stations, roads, flyovers
take place in almost every part of the world. These construction
activities take place almost every day. The construction equipments
that are used are too noisy.

Effects:
1. Hearing Problems: Any unwanted sound that our ears have not
been built to filter can cause problems within the body. Our ears
can take in only a certain range of sounds without getting
damaged. Man made noises such as horns, machinery, airplanes
and even vehicles can be too loud for our hearing range.

2. Health Issues: Excessive noise pollution in working areas such

as offices, construction sites, etc. can influence psychological
health. Studies show that the occurrence of disturbance of sleep,
constant stress, fatigue, hypertension, etc. can be linked to
excessive noise levels.

3. Sleeping Disorders: Loud noise can disturb our sleeping

pattern and may lead to irritation and uncomfortable situations.
Without a good night sleep, problems may take place.

4. Trouble Communicating: High decibel noise can put trouble

and may not allow two people to communicate freely. This may
lead to misunderstanding between the two people. Constant loud
noises can give you severe headache and disturb your emotional
balance.
Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is defined as the contamination of soil of a particular

region. Soil pollution is a result of penetration of harmful pesticides
and insecticides, which on one hand serve whatever their main
purpose is, but on the other hand bring about deterioration in the
soil quality, thus making it contaminated and unfit for use later.

Causes:
~ Industrial wastes such as harmful gases and chemicals,
agricultural pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides are the most
common causes of soil pollution.

~ Unfavourable and harmful irrigation practices.

~ Improper septic system and management and maintenance of

the same.

~ Acid rain, when fumes released from industries mix with rain.

~ Fuel leakage from automobiles that get washed away due to rain
and seep into nearby soil.

Effects:
~ Loss of soil and natural nutrients present in it. Plants also would
not thrive in such soil, which would further result in soil erosion.

~ Disturbance in the balance of flora and fauna residing in the soil.

~ Generally crops cannot grow and flourish in polluted soil. Yet, if
some crops manage to grow, they would be poisonous enough to
cause serious health problems in people consuming them.
~ Creation of toxic dust is another potential effect of soil pollution.
~ Foul smell due to industrial chemicals and gases might result in
headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc., in many people.
Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive pollution occurs when there is presence or depositions

of radioactive materials in the atmosphere or environment,
especially where their presence is accidental and when it presents
an environmental threat due to radioactive decay.

Causes:

1. Mining: Mining involves the excavation of mineral ores which

are broken into smaller manageable pieces. Hence, mining
increases the natural geological processes by moving these
materials from underneath the earth to the surface.

2. Spillage of radioactive chemicals: Spillages over oceans end

up releasing chemicals on waterways and in the atmosphere. The
majority of these chemicals products have a significant level of
radiation which can be detrimental to the environment.

3. Tests on radiation: Radiation is one of the key elements in the

cure and treatment of cancer. It prevents further growth of the
cancer cells and keeps the immune system strong. Despite this,
scientists have been exposed to radiation leading to their deaths or
to complications.

4. Cosmic rays: These come from outer space to our planet with
intense radiation as their nature, therefore, causing radioactive
pollution. The quantity with which the rays hit the earth depends on
the altitude of the earth and the geographical location.

Effects:
1. Diseases: Cancer is the most dominant radiation related
disease. It has developed over the years and poses great risk in
global health. Others include leukaemia, anaemia and
haemorrhage, a reduction in the life span leading to premature
aging and premature deaths

2. Soil infertility: Exposure of radiation to the atmosphere is

present even in the soil. Radioactive substances in the soil react
together with the various nutrients leading to the harvest of crops
that are riddled with radiation which is unfit for consumption by both
humans and animals.

3. Cell destruction: Radioactive pollution also effects the alteration

of cells. Living organisms have millions of cells, where each has its
purpose to fulfil. Radiation distorts the cells present leading to
permanent damage of the various organs and organ systems.

4. Burns: Radiation is not easy to feel but it is easy to realize that

you have been affected by it. The immediate presence of burns,
red lesions and sores is evidence. To make it worse, this can lead
to skin cancer.
Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution is defined as sudden increase or decrease in

temperature of a natural body of water by human influence. This
normally occurs when a plant or facility in water from a natural
resource and puts it back with an altered temperature.

Causes:
1. Soil Erosion: Consistent soil erosion causes water bodies to
rise, making them more exposed to sunlight. The high temperature
could prove fatal for aquatic biomes as it may give rise to anaerobic
conditions.

2. Deforestation: Trees and plants prevent sunlight from falling

directly on lakes, ponds or rivers. When deforestation takes place,
these water bodies are directly exposed to sunlight, thus absorbing
more heat and raising its temperature.

3. Natural Causes: Natural causes like volcanoes and geothermal

activities under the oceans and seas can trigger warm lava to raise
the temperature of water bodies. Lightening can also introduce heat
into the oceans. This causes the overall temperature of the water
source to rise, having severe impacts on the environment.

Effects:
1. Increase in Toxins: With the constant flow of high temperature
discharge from industries, there is a huge increase in toxins that
are being regurgitated into the natural body of water. These toxins
may contain chemicals or radiation that may have harsh impact on
the local ecology and make them susceptible to various diseases.

2. Increases Metabolic Rate: Thermal pollution increases the

metabolic rate of organisms as increasing enzyme activity occurs
that causes organisms to consume more food than what is normally
required. It disrupts the stability of food chain and alters the
balance of species composition.

3. Migration: The warm water can cause particular species of

organisms to migrate to suitable environment that would cater to its
requirements for survival. This can result in loss for those species
that depend on them for their daily food as their food chain is
interrupted.
Water Pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies usually caused

due to human activities. Water pollution is any change in the
physical, chemical or biological properties of water that will have a
detrimental consequence to any living organism.

Causes:
1. Animal waste: The waste produced by animals is washed away
into the rivers when it rains. It gets mixed up with other harmful
chemicals and causes various water borne diseases like cholera,
jaundice, dysentery and typhoid.
2. Global warming: An increase in earth’s temperature due
to greenhouse effect results in global warming. It increases the
water temperature and result in death of aquatic animals and
marine species which later results in water pollution.
3. Marine dumping: The garbage produce by each household in
the form of paper, rubber, glass, plastic, food is collected and
deposited into the sea in some countries. These items take from 2
weeks to 200 years to decompose. When such items enter the sea,
they not only cause water pollution but also harm animals in the
sea.
4. Burning of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels like coal and oil when burnt
produce substantial amount of ash in the atmosphere. The particles
which contain toxic chemicals when mixed with water vapour result
in acid rain.

Effects:
1. Diseases: In humans, drinking or consuming polluted water in
any way has many disastrous effects on our health. It causes
typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and various other diseases.
2. Destruction of Ecosystems: Ecosystems are extremely
dynamic and respond to even small changes in the environment.
Water pollution can cause an entire ecosystem to collapse if left
unchecked.
3. Eutrophication: Chemicals in a water body encourage
the growth of algae. These algae form a layer on top of the pond
or lake. Bacteria feed on this algae and this decreases the
amount of oxygen in the water body, severely affecting the
aquatic life there.
4. Affects the food chain: Disruption in food chains happens when
toxins and pollutants in the water are consumed by aquatic
animals which are then consumed by humans.
Land Pollution

Land pollution is the destruction and contamination of the land

through the direct and indirect actions of humans. The pollution
results in changes to the land, such as soil erosion. Some of the
changes are irreversible, while others are not.

Causes:
1. Deforestation and soil erosion: When forests are cleared for
development and to meet the demand for wood supply, the soil is
loosened in the process. Without the protection of the trees, the
land becomes barren over time and starts to erode.

2. Landfills: The garbage found at landfills is filled with toxins that

eventually seep into the earth. During rains, the toxins are washed
into other areas and the pollution is spread. As the population
grows, the amount of garbage filling landfills also grows.

3. Mining: Mining can lead to the creation of large open spaces

beneath the surface of the earth. This can result in the land caving
in, which compromises the integrity of the land. Mining also results
in harmful chemicals, being disturbed and released into the
environment.

Effects:
1. Ground water poisoning: Depending on the soil and whether
the chemicals were improperly disposed of on the land, the
chemicals could end up in the ground water. It can occur on farms,
industrial sites, and landfills.

2. Shifting habitat: As deforestation and soil erosion progress,

animals are forced to move to find shelter and food. For some
animals, the change is too traumatic, and has led to some dying.
As a result, some species are at a greater risk of extinction.
3. Increased risk of wildfires: The dry conditions created by
pollutants in the soil help to create the perfect environment for
wildfires. The fires can grow quickly because of the dry conditions
and widening area of polluted land.
 Pollution Prevention

1. Use reusable water bottles, not disposable: Excessive waste

from our society is a problem. It is best to have one water bottle
that you refill rather than using disposable bottles that end up in
the trash, on the street, and in a landfill, or possibly floating down
a river, in a lake, or in the ocean.

2. Dispose of hazardous chemicals properly: Hazardous

chemicals include cleaners, paints, and many other often used
chemicals. The idea that the chemical will be diluted and won’t be
a problem is false. Drains are not for disposing of liquid garbage.
These items are probably the most important to store, use, and
dispose of properly.

3. Recycle used motor oil. Deliver used motor oil to a recycling

location: Motor oil can be recycled and needs to be taken to a
proper location. Dumping oil down a drain is never a solution.

4. Reduce auto emissions: The best way to reduce emissions of

your vehicle is to make sure it is working properly and not leaking
any chemicals like oil or anti-freeze.

5. Avoid use of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers, as well

as other lawn and garden chemicals: These chemicals should
only be used when needed. There is no reason to spray a lawn or
garden if there is no known issue that you are taking care of
specifically. Use a soil test and use fertilizers, herbicides, and
insecticides only if there is a presence of the issue.
6. Start a compost pile: A compost pile can decompose leaves,
grass clippings, and food waste into a great fertilizer for your
home garden. It is also just a way to reduce the amount of waste
material from the lawn, leaves, and garden.
Conclusion

Pollution is one of the biggest problems caused by human activities

that we should overcome to see a tomorrow and guarantee our
descendants a healthy life. There are many environmental
concerns for communities around the world to address. We should
always remember that pollution problems affect us all so each of us
has to do our best to help restore ecological balance to this
beautiful place we call home. Learning about the major polluters in
our area will protect the air and water. People should know
everything about the consequences of pollution in order to prevent
the worst from happening.
Acknowledgements

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher

Mrs. Rita Dhruve as well as our principal Mrs. Christy Glory Shanthi
who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on
the topic ‘Pollution’, which helped me in doing a lot of research. I
also came to know about so many new things. I am really thankful
to them.
Secondly, I would also like to thank my parents and brother who
helped me a lot in finalizing this project within the limited time
frame.
Bibliography

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution
https://www.britannica.com/science/pollution-environment
https://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/air/
https://www.boogeylights.com/causes-and-effects-of-light-
pollution/
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/types-causes-and-
effects-of-light-pollution.php
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-
of-noise-pollution.php
https://helpsavenature.com/soil-pollution-causes-effects
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/radioactive-
pollution-causes-effects-solutions.php
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-
of-thermal-pollution.php
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-
of-water-pollution.php
https://www.conservationinstitute.org/land-pollution/