POLLUTION – CAUSES AND REMEDIES

Presented by,M.Uma Maheshwari,

II M.Sc Botany,St.Mary’s college (Autonomous),

Thoothukudi

Pollution Pollution is defined as an unwanted change in the environment

It can be natural or manmade

Types of pollution7 types of pollution in modern world

Water pollutionAir pollution Thermal pollutionNoise pollutionSoil pollutionRadioactive pollutionLight pollutionVisual pollution

What is Water pollution?Water pollution is the contamination of

natural water bodies by chemical, physical, radioactive or pathogenic microbial substances.

Sources Industrial waste

Eutrophication

Pathogens

Organic wastes

Oil spills

Natural disasters

Remedies Stabilization of eco systemsDo not throw industrial, farm or other waste and

sewage into rivers. Boil water before drinking. Recycling of waste City water should be treated properly. Oil spills should be prevented. Dead bodies should not thrown in water bodies. Trees should be planted along the rivers. Awareness should be created among the people.

What is Air pollution?Air pollution is defined as any contamination

of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural composition and chemistry of the air

Causes GLOBALISATION

POPULATION

INDUSTRALISATION

Sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide

Burning plastic, wood and rubber

Effects of air pollutionAcid rainOzone layer depletionGreenhouse effect & Global warming

Acid rainWhen fossil fuels are burned, they let out oxides

into the air. When these oxides mix with water in the atmosphere, they make acid, which fall as precipitation

Green house effect and global warming

The pollutants like Carbon dioxide, Nitrous oxide can trap heat radiations from solar radiations and they do not allow the heat to escape to outer surface. Thus increases the temperature causing Global warming. This frequently leads to melting of polar ice bergs and the sea level increases

Ozone layer depletionOzone is a pale blue gas which protects our

Earth from ultraviolet rays coming from the sun. This gas is mainly formed in stratosphere.

Absorption of UV radiations by the molecules of Sulphur oxide, Nitrous oxide, aldehydes forms the Ozone gas and causes depletion of ozone layer and the UV rays enters the earth and causes severe effects in the earth

What is Soil pollution?Accumulation of man-made toxic substances

in soil that has a negative effect of plant and animal life.

Poor cultivation or farming practices, industrial waste dumping and mineral utilization

Sources Insecticides, pesticides

Mining

Overcrowded landfills

Effects Decrease in soil fertilityDisturbance in the balance of flora and faunaIncrease in salinity of the soilCreation of toxic dustFoul smell due to industrial chemicalsAlteration in the soil structure

Remedies 1.sewage treatment before dumping wastes. 2.spraying of pesticides must be reduced. 3.using of compost instead of fertilizers. 4.reduce combustion of fuels as the fumes

result in acid rain when combined with rain that pollute the soil.

5.reduce use of plastic. 6.do not litter. 7.use dustbin.

What is Thermal pollution?Thermal pollution is excess heat that creates

undesirable effects over long periods of time.

Sources Power plantsUrban sprawlAir pollution particulates that trap heatDeforestration

RemediesReduce mechanical frictionBurn less coal, oil or gas.Plant as many trees as possibleCool the water before they put it back in the

ocean.

What is Noise pollution?The noise pollution is defined as the

unwanted sound which is released into the environment.

Causes Traffic

Railway Stations

Industrial noise

Construction Equipments

Remedies Automobile ServicingTree PlantationSoundproof HomesFactory LocationWhite Noise Machine: The latest technology for

overcoming the effects of noise pollution is using white noise machine. It is a device meant for converting unbearable noise into pleasant sound

What is Radioactive pollutionRadioactive pollution is rare but extremely

detrimental, and even deadly, when it occurs

Sources Nuclear power plant accidents or leakageImproper nuclear waste disposalUranium mining operations

Effects Birth defects, Cancer, Sterilization, and Other health problems for human and wildlife

populations.

Remedies stoppage of leakage from the radioactive

materialsThe disposal of radioactive material must be

safe and secureThe protective garments must be worn The natural radiation must be at the

permissible limits

What is light pollution?Bright lighting in functions, big cities, etc.

causes “Light Pollution”.

Sources Large citiesBillboards and advertisingNighttime sporting events and other

nighttime entertainment

Effects Degrade the quality of lifediscomfort in the eyes

Remedies Shield and lower the wattage of all outdoor

lighting—both municipal and private.Use only the light you need to get the job

done.Work with your neighbors and local

government to keep the light on the ground and the skies natural.

Use light emitting diodes (LED)

What is visual pollution?Visual pollution - eyesores - can be caused by

other pollution or just by undesirable, unattractive views

Sources Power linesConstruction areasBillboards and advertisingNeglected areas or objects such as polluted

vacant fields or abandoned buildings

Effects Some immediate health and environmental

problemsLess effective than other pollution

ConclusionIt is our duty to save our beloved planet.Plant more trees Each drop of water also countsUse eco – friendly products