Context:- Environmental pollution stems from several factors, including the burning of fossil fuels, demolition of buildings, and wildfires in forests. Environmental pollution has extensive ramifications on human health and mortality rates. Learn about pollutants, their causes and consequences, such as air, water, land and noise contamination. Read about the Water (Environmental Protection) Act of 1974 in India to reduce pollution.

Environmental pollution, a global challenge, profoundly impacts human health and mortality rates. It’s a shared burden among nations, stemming from factors like industrialization, wildfires, building demolitions, and poor waste management. While some countries enforce strict laws, the long-term effects persist, causing severe health problems and disrupting sustainable living. Billions of tons of waste generated annually exacerbate the issue, highlighting the critical need for better waste management. The aftermath of pollution results in significant human and animal casualties.

The following are the classes of pollutants

1- Water Contamination

2- Noise pollution

3-Air Pollutants

4- Land contamination

Water Contamination

Globally, water sources face pollution from diverse waste dumping. India’s adoption of the Water (Environmental Protection) Act in 1974 aimed to protect water resources and maintain aquatic cleanliness.

Rivers, canals, and lakes no longer have entirely pure saltwater due to biological and chemical materials in irrigation systems. As these substances accumulate in water, both water pollution and overall environmental pollution escalate.

Two origins of air pollution

• Natural sources of pollution: Decomposition, earthquakes, and degradation contribute to natural effluents.
• Human-induced water pollution: Industrial, commercial, and increasing emissions are leading causes of environmental degradation in water bodies.

What are the primary air pollutants?

Particulate matter (PM): This pollutant, emitted from numerous sources, poses severe health risks. It enters sensitive parts of the respiratory system, potentially causing or worsening cardiovascular and lung diseases as well as cancers.

Ground-level ozone (O3): is an air pollutant that affects human health, vegetation and materials. Ozone is formed when other pollutants react with sunlight.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx): stem from fuel combustion in power plants and industries, leading to water and soil acidification and eutrophication. In the atmosphere, they pose health risks like airway inflammation and impaired lung function.

Organic pollutants like Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP): come from fuel and waste burning, industrial activities, and solvent usage. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) possess harmful effects on both human health and ecosystems.

Heavy metals: like lead and mercury pose toxicity to ecosystems, primarily originating from combustion and industrial processes. Apart from air pollution, they tend to accumulate in soils, sediments, and food chains.

Ammonia (NH3): primarily comes from agricultural activities and plays a role in the eutrophication and acidification of water and soil.

Land and soil pollution: a growing problem

Overuse of mineral fertilizers can contaminate soil, altering soil ecosystem functions. Pollutants from soil erosion, flooding, or waste management practices like landfilling and wastewater spreading can enter water streams, affect groundwater, and impact both drinking water and the environment. Additionally, air pollutants settling on land contribute to soil contamination.

In Europe, industry pollution is regulated by EU laws and has notably decreased. Yet, industrial facilities still release some pollutants into the land. Details about the amount and type of emissions from each facility are publicly available on the European Industrial Emissions Portal.

Sources of Pollution in the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers

Most pollutants, such as wastewater from treatment plants, toxic gases, pharmaceutical residues, various contaminants, dust, and more, are disposed of in moving water bodies like lagoons, ponds, rivers, and streams, severely impacting their ecosystems. Industries like leather, paper, textiles, and chemicals significantly contribute to water pollution.

Modern agricultural practices involve various chemicals like inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, community activities such as pilgrimages, religious festivals, and tourism also add to water pollution. Presently, many rivers and lakes in India are heavily contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption.

Effects of Water Pollution

1. Pollutant type and quantity determine the impact on water bodies.
2. Urban rivers host contaminated aquatic species due to industrial waste dumping.
3. Water pollution significantly affects aquatic life, altering their health and behavior, leading to diseases and death.
4. Toxins like dioxin accumulate in fish and animals, impacting the food chain and causing various health issues.
5. Heavy metals and substances like copper induce food poisoning in aquatic species.
6. Dumping human waste in water bodies can lead to infectious diseases like jaundice, influenza, and cholera.
7. Contaminated water harms species, causes diseases, and leads to considerable loss.
8. Untreated wastewater usage triggers moisture-related illnesses like diarrhoea, roundworm, and influenza, contributing to about a quarter of transmitted illnesses in India (according to WHO).

Light Pollution

Light pollution happens when there’s too much artificial light that disrupts the natural levels in a place. Big cities with lots of bright neon and fluorescent lights are the main cause of this. When the skies are way brighter than they should be, it messes up animals’ routines and can hurt their eyes. Plus, too much ultraviolet light from these sources can lead to health problems like genetic mutations and even cancer.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution occurs when there’s a lot of extra noise in an area. It happens because of things like loud machines in industries or vehicles, such as those at construction sites. Also, when there are events with many people and they use really loudspeakers or megaphones, it adds to the noise. This extra noise can stress out both the environment and the people living close to where the noise is coming from.

Effects of Environmental Pollution

Climate Change

Human-made air pollution is the main reason our climate is changing today. When gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are released, they create a greenhouse effect in our atmosphere. This effect makes the Earth’s surface warmer. As our planet gets warmer, we see things like ice melting, sea levels rising, more rain or snow, and more really bad and often weather events happening more often.

Aerosols, when released, cool the planet by absorbing and scattering sun radiation. Yet, they’re harmful to people, causing lung damage, and can change rainfall and wind patterns in the atmosphere.

Human Health

Industrial and vehicle emissions release harmful particles like soot, dust, and metals, impacting human lungs and causing cancer. CFCs harm the ozone layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach Earth, raising risks of genetic mutations and eye problems. Contaminated water leads to diseases like cholera and hepatitis A, while using it for washing causes skin irritation and dental issues like fluorosis. Polluted soil can spread diseases in crops, potentially affecting human populations if unnoticed.

conclusion

In conclusion, environmental pollution, stemming from various sources like industry, transportation, and human activities, poses a significant threat to our planet’s health. Addressing this complex issue requires collective efforts, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainable practices. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, we pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future for both the planet and all its inhabitants.

Read also: Rivers, canals, and lakes