POLLUTIONS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ENVIRONMENT
The natural environment consists of all living and non living things occurring naturally on earth and interact with each other. It is important to note that it is the environment that encompasses the interaction of all living organisms.
The atmosphere serves as a key factor in sustaining the environment. The layer of gases that envelops the earth is held in place by the planet's gravity. Dry air consists of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% Argon and other inert gases.
The remaining gases are referred to as trace gases, which are the greenhouse gases such as Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Various industrial pollutants such as cholorine fluorine compounds, elemental mercury, and sulphur compounds are also present there.
4.1 POLLUTION
Any unwanted change in the environment that affects the environment and worsens the financial system. A physical system or living organism is called pollution.
It is the addition of certain contaminants into the natural environment. These contaminants that cause adverse effects are called pollutants.
The major types of pollution are:
- Air Pollution
- Water pollution
- Soil pollution
- Noise pollution
Air Pollution
Anything in the air that may be harmful to living organisms and their, surrounding is known as air pollution.
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Air pollutants
Air pollutants are such substances which are harmful for both humans and the environment. Contamination can be in the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases.In addition, they may be natural or man-made. Major pollutants produced by human activities are given below:
Sulphur oxides (SO₂)
The specific oxides of sulphur which are produced during the various industrial process especially
sulphur dioxide (S0₂).
Sources
Sulphur dioles (SO₂) emitted in the air due to the burning of fossil fuels (petroleum coal). It is the specific oxide of sulphur, which is produced during the industrial process forming acid rain.
Effects
Irritation of eye, nose and throat.
Acute and chronic asthma.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Lung cancer,
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Nitrogen dioxide (NOx) which can be seen as brown haze dome above the cities. This reddish-brown toxic gas has a special kind of pungent odor. NO₂ is one of the most prominent air pollutants.
Source:
This gas is produced by burning of coal, oil and natural gas at high temperatures.
Effects
Increased incidence of respiratory illness.
Difficulty in breathing (due to inflammation).
Damage to lungs tissue
Emphysema.
pulmonary edema (Gathering extra fluid in lungs)
Carbon Monoxide (CO):
It is a colourless, odourless, non-irritating poisonous gas.
Sources
It is an incomplete combustion products such as natural gas, coal or wood. Vehicular exhaust is major source of carbon monoxide.
Effects
The Toxicity of the Central nervous system and heart.
Headache, dizziness, nausea and unconsciousness.
Loss of vision.
Decreased muscular coordination.
Abdominal pain.
Severe effects on a pregnant woman's baby.
In case of prolonged exposure to high CO concentrations, unconsciousness, the subject will convulsions and death may occur.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):
These are non toxic, non reactive chemicals. They are the major cause of breakdown of the ozone layer, allowing more ultra violet rays to penetrate into the Earth.
Sources
Chlorofluorocarbons are used as aerosol propellant, as cooling agents in refrigerators, air conditioners and in foam packaging.
When these CFCs are released into the atmosphere they reach to the ozone layer.
