environmental pollution essay byjus

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Environment Pollution: Classification, Causes and Its Types 

What is Environmental Pollution?

Environmental Pollution refers to any addition of unwanted material in the environment due to human activities that lead to undesirable changes in the environment and ecology. For example, sewage water being released in clean water sources like tanks, rivers, etc. is an example of water pollution.

What are Pollutants?

The different agents that cause environmental pollution are called pollutants . Pollutants can be chemicals, biological materials, or physical things that get added into the environment by accident that are directly or indirectly harmful to people and other living things.

Classification of the Pollution

Effects of Environmental Pollution

• Pollution affects the very factors which support life on the ear, such as the air we breathe, the water we drink and, at large, the ecosystems we depend upon. Thus, it poses a threat to life on the earth. 
• Pollution poses one of the greatest challenges to the health of humans and other living beings .
• Though it affects the overall well-being of the entire society, vulnerable sections like the poor, the children, the women etc are affected disproportionately by it. 
• Pollution has its negative impacts on the economy as well. For example, as per a study, water pollution would cause a loss of around 6% of India’s GDP by 2050 due to loss in sectors like fishing, agriculture, water intensive industries etc. 
• Other socio-economic impacts of pollution include food insecurity due to decreased agricultural yield, forced migration due to water crisis etc. 

Causes of Environmental Pollution

• Rapid increase in human population has increased anthropogenic activities by manifold. Most of these activities, in some way or the other, add some unwanted things to the environment. 
• Rapid urbanization in recent times has led to increased construction activities. This, in turn, is causing environmental pollution through different ways, such as release of dust in air, generation of waste materials etc. 
• Increased population and urbanization have meant increased transportation activities. This, in itself, is a major source of pollution. 
• An increased focus on industrialization of late is leading to rapid generation of industrial wastes and emissions, and hence environmental pollution. 
• Some agricultural activities also lead to environmental pollution. For example, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides not only pollutes the soil but also nearby water bodies due to spill over. 
• There are many other causes of environmental pollution, such as Burning of fossil fuels, increased use of chemicals, etc.

Types of Pollution

Depending on the source as well as destination of the pollutants, there are various types of pollution. Some major of them can be seen as follows:

Air Pollution

• As per WHO, Air Pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
• According to WHO data , 99 percent of the world’s population breathes air that contains high levels of pollutants and exceeds WHO guideline limits, with low and middle-income countries experiencing the highest exposures.

Causes of Air Pollution

• Industrial emissions, household emissions , motor vehicles emissions,  forest fires etc are some common sources of air pollution.
• Pollutants of major public health concern include Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Sulphur Dioxide .

Measures Taken to Control Air Pollution

• The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
• Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS )
• Green Crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI
• The Great Green Wall of Aravalli 
• Some states like Delhi has built Smog Towers to tackle air pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution refers to release of unwanted substances into subsurface groundwater or into water bodies like lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans to a level which negatively impacts the beneficial use of the water or natural functioning of ecosystems.

When harmful chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, the water’s quality deteriorates and it becomes toxic for both humans and the environment.

• Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels drop, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) rises, aquatic species perish, eutrophication occurs, etc. as a result of water pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

• Agriculture is one of the primary sources of water pollution. Animal waste from farms and livestock operations, pesticides, and fertilizers wash nutrients and pathogens like bacteria and viruses into our waterways.
• More than 80 percent of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused, according to the United Nations.
• Nearly half of the estimated 1 million tons of oil spills over into marine environments.
• Radioactive substances generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants and the hospitals that use radioactive materials for research and medicine. These waste can persist in the environment for thousands of years, making disposal a major challenge.

Measures Taken to Control Water Pollution

International measures to tackle water pollution.

• International Conventions to Mitigate Marine Pollution 
• Convention on Dumping Wastes at Sea or London Convention (1972)
• The 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by the Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, also known as “LC ’72” or the “London Convention,”
• United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLoS).

Measures Taken in India to Tackle Water Pollution

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
• Initiatives to rejuvenate rivers, like Ganga Action Plan, Yamuna Action Plan etc. 
• Initiatives taken by the Central Pollution Control Board to tackle contamination and over-exploitation of groundwater.

Noise Pollution

• Noise Pollution is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as noise that is louder than 65 decibels (dB).  
• Precisely speaking, noise becomes harmful above 75 dB and painful above 120 dB Thus, it is advised to keep noise level below 65 dB during the day. 
• An ambient noise level advisable for the nighttime is 30 dBas restful sleep cannot be achieved with noise levels above this. 
• The current status of noise pollution all over the world can be seen through the United Nations Environment Programme’s report titled ‘Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches’ which enlist the noisiest cities in the world.

Suggested Measures to Control Noise Pollution

• Suppression of noise at the source
• Acoustic zoning
• Sound insulation at construction sites
• Planting trees
• Strict legislative measures.

Soil Pollution

• The contamination of soil with abnormally high concentrations of toxic substances is referred to as soil pollution .
• Given the numerous health risks it contains, it is a serious environmental concern. For instance, exposure to soil with high Benzene concentrations increases the risk of developing Leukaemia.

Causes of Soil Pollution

• Phenomena such as loss of organic carbon, erosion, increased salt content, acidification, compacting, and chemical pollution are the major causes of current soil degradation .

Suggested Measures to Tackle Soil Pollution

• Promote eco-friendly practices in business, agriculture , and stock breeding and other sectors of the economy.
• Ensure an efficient transportation and treatment of wastewater through proper urban planning. 
• Increase topsoil conservation, landscape restoration,
• Mining waste management .

Radioactive Pollution

• When radioactive elements are accidentally present in the environment or atmosphere and pose a risk to the ecosystem owing to radioactive decay , this is known as radioactive pollution .
• The radioactive materials create damage by releasing potentially harmful ionizing radiation into the environment, such as Alpha or Beta particles , gamma rays , or neutrons.

Causes of Radioactive Pollution

• Nuclear Accidents from Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
• Use of Nuclear Weapons as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
• Use of Radioisotopes in Health and other sectors.
• Mining 
• Spillage of Radioactive Chemicals
• Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources
• Nuclear Waste Handling and Disposal

Light Pollution

• Light pollution is the presence of inappropriate, unwanted and excessive artificial lighting .
• Too much light pollution has negative impacts on the environment and human health, obstructs astronomical research , disturbs ecosystems, and wastes energy.
• Specific categories of light pollution include light clutter, light trespass, over-illumination, glare and sky glow . 
• To overcome these challenges , use of Led lights, reduce the use of decorative lighting, minimise the use of light etc.

Nitrogen Pollution

• Nitrogen pollution results from an overabundance of nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia and nitrous oxide . Sometimes, the usage of synthetic fertilizers causes this pollution. 
• Another possible cause is the breakdown of large quantities of animal manures and slurry , which are frequently present in intensive livestock units.
• It may have detrimental effects on our climate, the ecosystem , and  health .

Suggested Measures to Tackle Nitrogen Pollution

• Use climate and nature-friendly growing methods and avoid using synthetic fertilisers.
• Support organic and agro-ecological farmers in order to promote farmers to transition to a future with less nitrogen.

Thus, various types of pollutions being caused by different anthropogenic activities have the potential to cause damage to the existence of life on the earth. India and the world must adopt a “green vision” as part of the development agenda. The time has come to add “clean environment” to the list of basic necessities – “roti-kapada-makaan”. 

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Environmental Pollution

Essay on Environmental Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on environmental pollution.

Essay on Environmental Pollution – Environment is the surroundings in which we live. But the contamination of our environment by pollutants is environmental pollution. The current stage of the earth that we are seeing is the cause of centuries of exploitation of earth and its resources.

Moreover, the earth cannot restore its balance because of environmental pollution . The human force has created and destroyed life on earth. Human plays a vital role in the degradation of the environment.

Effect of pollution on the health

The environmental pollution, directly and indirectly, affects the lives of humans and other species. These living beings co-existed on the earth with human from centuries.

Effect on Air

Carbon and dust particles string up with the air in the form of smog, damaging respiratory system , haze, and smoke. These are caused by the emission of industrial and manufacturing units by burning of fossil fuels, vehicle combustion of carbon fumes.

Moreover, these factors affect the immune system of birds which become a carrier of viruses and infections.

Besides, it also affects the body system and body organs.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Effects on Land, Soil, and Food

Human’s organic and chemical both waste harm the land and soil with its decomposition. Also, it introduces some chemical in the soil and water. Land and soil pollution mainly caused by the use of pesticides, fertilizers , soil erosion, and crop residues.

Effect on Water

Water gets contaminated easily with any pollutant whether it is human waste or chemical discharge from factories. Also, we use this water for irrigation of crops and drinking. But, because of infection they become contaminated too. Besides, an animal dies because they drink this same contaminated water.

Moreover, around 80% of pollutants of land such as chemical, industrial and agricultural waste end up in the water bodies.

Besides, these water bodies ultimately connect to the sea which means it indirectly pollutes the biodiversity of the sea.

Effect on Food

Because of contaminated soil and water, the crop or agricultural produce also get toxic. Furthermore, this contaminated food effect our health and organs. From the beginning of their life, these crops are laced with chemical components that reach a mass level until the time of harvest.

Effect on Climate

Climate change is also a cause of environmental pollution. Also, it affects the physical and biological components of the ecosystem.

Moreover, ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, global warming all these climate changes are a cause of environmental pollution.

Furthermore, some unstable climate changes are earthquakes, famine, smog, carbon particles, shallow rain or snow, thunderstorms, volcanic eruption, and avalanches are all because of climate change that happens all because of environmental pollution.

In conclusion, man has exploited the wealth of nature at the cost of his and environments health. Also, the effect that is now emerging rapidly is all because of the activities of humans for hundreds or thousands of years.

Above all, if we wish to survive and continue our life on earth then we have to take measures. These measures will help is securing our as well as our next generation future.

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• Environmental Pollution Essay

Essay on Environmental Pollution

The environment is the surrounding of an organism. The environment in which an organism lives is made up of various components like air, water, land, etc. These components are found in fixed proportions to create a harmonious balance in the environment for the organism to live in. Any kind of undesirable and unwanted change in the proportions of these components can be termed as pollution. This issue is increasing with every passing year. It is an issue that creates economic, physical, and social troubles. The environmental problem that is worsening with each day needs to be addressed so that its harmful effects on humans as well as the planet can be discarded.

Causes of Environmental Pollution 

With the rise of the industries and the migration of people from villages to cities in search of employment, there has been a regular increase in the problem of proper housing and unhygienic living conditions. These reasons have given rise to factors that cause pollution. 

Environmental pollution is of five basic types namely, Air, Water, Soil, and Noise pollution. 

Air Pollution: Air pollution is a major issue in today’s world. The smoke pouring out of factory chimneys and automobiles pollute the air that we breathe in. Gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide are emitted with this smoke which mixes with air and causes great harm to the human body, flora, and fauna. The dry-farm waste, dry grass, leaves, and coal used as domestic fuels in our villages also produce harmful gases. Acid rain occurs due to an excess of sulphur dioxide in the air.

The Main Sources of Air Pollution are as Follows:  

Automobile pollution 

Industrial air pollution 

Burning garbage 

Brick kilns 

Indoor air pollution 

Decomposed animals and plants 

Radioactive elements

Water Pollution: Water pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues. The waste products from the growing industries and sewage water are not treated properly before disposing of the wastewater into the rivers and other water bodies, thus leading to water pollution. Agricultural processes with excess fertilizers and pesticides also pollute the water bodies. 

The Main Sources of Water Pollution as Follows:  

Marine commerce. 

Industrial effluents joining seas and oceans. 

Dumping of radioactive substances into seawater. 

Sewage is disposed of into the sea by rivers. 

Offshore oil rigs. 

Recreational activities. 

Agricultural pollutants are disposed of into the water bodies.

Soil or Land Pollution: Soil pollution or land pollution results from the deposition of solid waste, accumulation of biodegradable material, deposition of chemicals with poisonous chemical compositions, etc on the open land. Waste materials such as plastics, polythene, and bottles, cause land pollution and render the soil infertile. Moreover, the dumping of dead bodies of animals adds to this issue. Soil pollution causes several diseases in man and animals like Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid, etc.

The Main Causes of Soil Pollution are as Follows:  

Industrial waste 

Urban commercial and domestic waste 

Chemical fertilizers 

Biomedical waste 

Noise Pollution: With an increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization, noise pollution is becoming a serious form of pollution affecting human life, health, and comfort in daily life. Horns of vehicles, loudspeakers, music systems, and industrial activities contribute to noise pollution. 

The Main Sources of Noise Pollution as Follows:  

The machines in the factories and industries produce whistling sounds, crushing noise, and thundering sounds. 

Loudspeakers, horns of vehicles. 

Blasting of rocks and earth, drilling tube wells, ventilation fans, and heavy earth-moving machinery at construction sites.

How Pollution Harms Health and Environment

The lives of people and other creatures are affected by environmental pollution, both directly and indirectly. For centuries, these living organisms have coexisted with humans on the planet. 

1. Effect on the Environment

Smog is formed when carbon and dust particles bind together in the air, causing respiratory problems, haze, and smoke. These are created by the combustion of fossil fuels in industrial and manufacturing facilities and vehicle combustion of carbon fumes. 

Furthermore, these factors impact the immune systems of birds, making them carriers of viruses and diseases. It also has an impact on the body's system and organs. 

2.  Land, Soil, and Food Effects 

The degradation of human organic and chemical waste harms the land and soil. It also releases chemicals into the land and water. Pesticides, fertilisers, soil erosion, and crop residues are the main causes of land and soil pollution. 

3. Effects on water 

Water is easily contaminated by any pollutant, whether it be human waste or factory chemical discharge. We also use this water for crop irrigation and drinking. They, too, get polluted as a result of infection. Furthermore, an animal dies as a result of drinking the same tainted water. 

Furthermore, approximately 80% of land-based pollutants such as chemical, industrial, and agricultural waste wind up in water bodies. 

Furthermore, because these water basins eventually link to the sea, they contaminate the sea's biodiversity indirectly. 

4. Food Reaction

Crops and agricultural produce become poisonous as a result of contaminated soil and water. These crops are laced with chemical components from the start of their lives until harvest when they reach a mass level. Due to this, tainted food has an impact on our health and organs. 

5. Climate Change Impact 

Climate change is also a source of pollution in the environment. It also has an impact on the ecosystem's physical and biological components. 

Ozone depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming are all examples of environmental pollution. Because these water basins eventually link to the sea, they contaminate the sea's biodiversity indirectly. Furthermore, their consequences may be fatal for future generations. The unpredictably cold and hot climate impacts the earth’s natural system. 

Furthermore, earthquakes, starvation, smog, carbon particles, shallow rain or snow, thunderstorms, volcanic eruptions, and avalanches are all caused by climate change, caused entirely by environmental pollution.

How to Minimise Environmental Pollution? 

To minimise this issue, some preventive measures need to be taken. 

Principle of 3R’s: To save the environment, use the principle of 3 R’s; Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. 

Reuse products again and again. Instead of throwing away things after one use, find a way to use them again.  Reduce the generation of waste products.  

Recycle: Paper, plastics, glass, and electronic items can be processed into new products while using fewer natural resources and lesser energy. 

To prevent and control air pollution, better-designed equipment, and smokeless fuels should be used in homes and industries. More and more trees should be planted to balance the ecosystem and control greenhouse effects. 

Noise pollution can be minimised by better design and proper maintenance of vehicles. Industrial noise can be reduced by soundproofing equipment like generators, etc.  

To control soil pollution, we must stop the usage of plastic. Sewage should be treated properly before using it as fertilizers and as landfills. Encourage organic farming as this process involves the use of biological materials and avoiding synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance. 

Several measures can be adopted to control water pollution. Some of them are water consumption and usage that can be minimized by altering the techniques involved. Water should be reused with treatment. 

The melting icebergs in Antarctica resulted in rising sea levels due to the world's environmental pollution, which had become a serious problem due to global warming, which had become a significant concern. Rising carbon pollution poses a risk for causing natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, and other natural disasters. 

The Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Chernobyl disasters in Russia have irreversibly harmed humanity. Different countries around the world are responding to these calamities in the most effective way possible. 

Different countries around the world are responding to these calamities in the most effective way possible. More public awareness campaigns are being established to educate people about the hazards of pollution and the importance of protecting our environment. Greener lifestyles are becoming more popular; for example, energy-efficient lighting, new climate-friendly autos, and the usage of wind and solar power are just a few examples. 

Governments emphasise the need to plant more trees, minimise the use of plastics, improve natural waste recovery, and reduce pesticide use. This ecological way of living has helped humanity save other creatures from extinction while making the Earth a greener and safer ecology. 

 Conclusion

It is the responsibility of every individual to save our planet from these environmental contamination agents. If preventive measures are not taken then our future generation will have to face major repercussions. The government is also taking steps to create public awareness. Every individual should be involved in helping to reduce and control pollution.

FAQs on Environmental Pollution Essay

1. What do you understand by ‘Environmental Pollution’?  

Environmental pollution is the contamination of the environment and surroundings like air, water, soil by the discharge of harmful substances.

2. What preventive measures should be taken to save our environment?

Some of the preventive measures that should be taken to save our environment are discussed below. 

We can save our environment by adopting the concept of carpooling and promoting public transport to save fuel. Smoking bars are public policies, including criminal laws and occupational safety and health regulations that prohibit tobacco smoking in workplaces and other public places.  

The use of Fossil fuels should be restricted because it causes major environmental issues like global warming.  

Encourage organic farming to maintain the fertility of the soil.

3.  What are the main sources of soil pollution?

The main sources of soil pollution as follows:

Industrial waste

Urban commercial and domestic waste

Chemical fertilizers

Biomedical waste

4. What is organic farming?

 It is a farming method that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

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Environmental pollution

Classification of Pollution, Effects of Air Pollution, Sources of Pollution in the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers etc.

What is Environmental Pollution?

Environmental pollution may be defined as unwanted material in the environment due to human activities. The agents which cause environmental pollution are called pollutants. It can be described as a chemical, biological, or physical substance unintentionally released into the environment which is directly or indirectly harmful to humans and other living organisms.

Types of Environmental Pollutants

Pollutants are classified based on varied criteria:

• Form of persistence after release into the environment
• Those that remain in the environment in the condition in which they were added are Primary pollutants: plastic DDT
• Secondary pollutants are formed as a result of interactions between primary pollutants. The exchange of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, for example, produces peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)

Nature of existence

• Naturally occurring substances that become pollutants when their concentration exceeds a certain threshold are quantitative pollutants—for example, Nitrogen oxide and Carbon dioxide
• Qualitative Pollutants are artificial and do not exist in nature. Herbicides, Fungicides, DDT, and similar pesticides are examples
• Disposal nature
• Waste products that microbial action degrades are biodegradable pollutants—for instance, sewage
• Pollutants that do not decompose due to microbial action are non-biodegradable—glass, Plastics, Heavy metal salts, DDT, Toxic compounds, etc
• Anthropogenic

Types of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution may be of the following types:

• Air pollution
• Noise pollution
• Water pollution
• Soil pollution

Thermal Pollution

• Radiation pollution

Air Pollution

Air pollution is a type of environmental pollution that can be described as the composition of any gaseous, liquid, or solid substance in the atmosphere.

It includes noise and radioactive radiation with concentrations harmful to humans, other living organisms, property, and plants. In addition, it also interferes with normal environmental processes. Air pollutants are of two types: 

• Suspended particulate matter.
• Gaseous pollutants like NOx, CO2, etc.

Water Pollution

• Adding certain substances to water, such as inorganic, heat, biological, organic, and radiological substances that degrade the water’s consistency and render it unfit for human consumption leads to water pollution  
• One of the most severe environmental issues is water pollution. Effects of water pollution can be seen all around us—human activities such as agricultural, industrial, and domestic activities that all contribute to water pollution. For example, agricultural runoff containing unnecessary pesticides and fertilisers, industrial effluents containing hazardous chemicals, and sewage water retaining animal and human waste pollute our water
• Soil erosion, mineral leaching from rocks, and organic matter degradation are all-natural causes of water contamination. In addition, point and nonpoint sources can pollute oceans, rivers, estuaries, lakes, and groundwater sources
• Point source pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged from a particular location, such as a drainpipe containing industrial effluents discharged directly into a water body
• Nonpoint sources include waste discharged from diffuse sources or over a broader area, such as drainage from farm fields, pasture lands, building sites, abandoned mines and dumps, and roads and streets

Types of Sources

Point sources.

It is directly attributable to one influence. Here pollutants travel now from source to water. Point sources are easy to regulate.

Diffuse or Nonpoint Source

It comes from a variety of ill-defined and hazy sources. They are difficult to monitor since they differ spatially and temporally. The following are the primary sources of water pollution:

• Community wastewater: Discharges from commercial, residential, and industrial facilities linked to the public sewerage system are included. In sewage, food residues, animal and human excreta, detergents, cleaning agents, and other wastes are all present
• Industrial Wastes:  Industries emit inorganic and organic contaminants that can be particularly harmful to living things
• Agricultural sources: Fertilisers are rich in phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, essential plant nutrients. Excess fertilisers can leach into groundwater or mix with surface water in reservoirs, rivers, and ponds due to drainage and runoff
• Fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, nematicides, and soil fumigants are examples of pesticides. Metallic salts, organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbonates, acetic acid derivatives, thiocarbonates, and other chemicals are contained. Many pesticides are non-biodegradable, and their residues will last for years
• During the rainy season, animal excreta such as urine, dung, wastes from piggeries, poultry farms, slaughterhouses, and so on enter the water through runoff and surface leaching.
• Thermal Pollution: Thermal and nuclear power stations are the primary sources. Water is used as a coolant in the power plants, and the hot waters are returned to the source. Fish and other marine creatures die when the temperature increases abruptly
• Underground water pollution: Many people rely on groundwater for residential, drinking, agricultural, and commercial worldwide. Groundwater is widely recognised as a clean and healthy source of water. However, water pollution of groundwater is caused by human activities such as farmyard dumping, manures, excessive waste disposal, agricultural chemicals, and industrial effluents. In many parts of India, groundwater pollution is a product of seepage from municipal wastes and industrial waste effluents, drainage channels, and agricultural runoff
• Marine Pollution: Oceans are the most significant drain for all toxins, both natural and man-made. Pollutants are discharged into the sea by rivers. Coastal cities’ sewage and trash are also pumped into the sea. Grease, navigational discharges of tar, sewage, detergents, underwater oil mining, hazardous wastes, and oil spills are other causes of ocean contamination

Soil Pollution

In the list of environmental pollution, soil pollution is defined as the introduction of substances into the soil that harms the soil’s chemical, biological and physical properties and its productivity.

Sources of Soil Pollution

• Plastic bags: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags are almost indestructible, posing substantial environmental risks. Plastic, being non-biodegradable, remains in the soil and keeps on releasing its toxins
• Industrial sources: chemical residues fly ash, metallic and nuclear wastes. Many dyes, synthetic chemicals, acids, and other harmful substances find their way into the soil
• Agricultural sources: The soil is polluted by agricultural chemicals, particularly

Fertilisers and pesticides. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers decreases the population of soil-borne species and the crumb structure of the soil, as well as its fertility and salt content.

• Radioactive wastes: Nuclear power plants and mining release radioactive elements into the water, entering the soil
• Other pollutants: Many air contaminants and water pollutants end up in the soil, and certain harmful chemicals are released into the ground during the weathering of some rocks

Noise Pollution

Noise is described as “any unwanted sound by the recipient.” It is simply sound without value. It is an unpleasant noise created by people or machines that can be annoying, distracting, intrusive, and physically painful. This type of environmental pollution is caused by home appliances, traffic on roads, transportation, etc. 

Sources of Noise Pollution

• Engines, radio, electric fans, television, air conditioners, various home appliances, air coolers, and family disputes are all indoor noise sources. In addition, because of the higher concentration of factories, residents, and activities such as noise pollution, transportation is more prevalent in cities
• Outdoor sources of noise pollution include indiscriminate use of loudspeakers, industrial activities, automobiles, rail traffic, aeroplanes, and activities such as those at the marketplace, religious, social, and cultural functions, sports, and political rallies. In rural areas, farm machines and pump sets are the primary sources of noise pollution. In addition, during festivals, marriage, and many other occasions, firecrackers contribute to noise pollution

The fall or rise in temperature of a natural aquatic environment caused by anthropogenic influence is thermal pollution.

Major Sources:

• Power plants: By dumping hot water from factories and power plants
• Deforestation of the shoreline: Removing trees and vegetation that shade streams, permitting sunlight to raise the temperature of these waters
• Water as a cooling agent: Release cold water, which lowers the temperature

Radiation Pollution

• Radiation is an energy form that passes through space. Radioactive pollution is defined as the increase in the natural radiation levels caused by human activities. It is estimated that about 20% of the radiation we are exposed to is due to human activities
• Radiation from the decay of radioactive nuclides is one of the most important causes of radiation emissions
• Radiations can be categorised into two groups
• Non-ionising radiations: There are short-wave radiations, such as ultraviolet rays, emitted by the sun. They have a low penetrating ability and affect the cells and molecules they absorb
• Ionising radiations: X-rays, gamma rays, and atomic radiations are examples of ionising radiations (radiations by radioactive elements). These have a high penetration power and cause macromolecules to break apart

Types of radiation particles

• A sheet of paper and human skin can also block alpha particles
• Beta particles can pass through the skin but are stopped by glass and metal
• Gamma rays can quickly penetrate human skin, killing cells along the way, and can only be prevented by a thick, solid, massive piece of concrete

Cosmic rays from space and terrestrial radiations from radionuclides found in the earth’s crust, such as uranium-238, radium-224, potassium-40, thorium-232, carbon-14, etc.

These include nuclear power plants (nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl in 1986), nuclear weapons (atomic explosions in Nagasaki and Hiroshima), atomic material transportation, nuclear waste disposal, uranium mining, and radiation therapy.

To sum up, environmental pollution is described as “the contamination of the earth/atmosphere system’s physical and biological components to such a degree that normal environmental processes are negatively impacted.”

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What is meant by Environmental Pollution?

What is the type of environmental pollution, what causes environmental pollution, what are the effects of environmental pollution.

Ans.  Environmental pollution has occurred for centuries but barely turned on to be crucial following the industrial uprising in the 19th century. Pollution arises when the natural atmosphere cannot demolish a component without developing damage or harm to itself.

In contrast, it is one of the massive problems for the prospect of our earth today. Pollution carries when nature does not infer the way pollution of a component that has been sent to it unnaturally.

Ans. We must accept pollution seriously, as it harms natural components that are an utmost necessity for existence to survive on the planet, including water and air. Undoubtedly, without or if they were existing in varying amounts, creatures including humans and plants could not exist. Different environmental pollution includes Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution, and Noise pollution.

Ans. The components affected by pollution are not developed by nature, and the demolition cycle can differ from occasional periods to thousands of years (and that is, for example, for ‘radioactive pollutants’). Industry, vehicles, agricultural activities, trading activities and residences- all cause environmental pollution.

Ans. Environmental contaminants have numerous negative health consequences from earlier existence some of the considerably significant destructive outcomes are perinatal diseases, infant mortality, respiratory infections, allergy, malignancies, cardiovascular disorders, increase in stress oxidative, endothelial dysfunction, cognitive disorders, and different other fatal consequences.

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Biodiversity & Environment

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Marine Pollution

• 16 Aug 2019
• GS Paper - 3
• Chemical Pollution
• Environmental Pollution & Degradation

The oceans cover over 70% of the globe . Its health, wellbeing of humanity and the living environment that sustains us all are inextricably linked. Yet neglect of ocean acidification, climate change, polluting activities and over-exploitation of marine resources have made oceans, one of the earth’s most threatened ecosystems.

Marine pollution, also known as ocean pollution, is the spreading of harmful substances such as oil, plastic, industrial and agricultural waste and chemical particles into the ocean.

Causes of Ocean Pollution

There are various ways in which pollution enters the ocean:

• Sewage: Sewage or polluting substances flow through sewage, rivers, or drainages directly into the ocean.
• The hazardous and toxic chemicals affects marine life.
• Also, they raise the temperature of the ocean and cause thermal pollution . Aquatic animals and plants have difficulty surviving at higher temperatures.
• The runoff picks up man-made, harmful contaminants that pollute the ocean, including fertilizers, petroleum, pesticides and other forms of soil contaminants.
• Crude oil lasts for years in the sea and is extremely toxic to marine life, it suffocates the marine animals to death.
• Crude oil is also extremely difficult to clean up.
• Ocean Mining: Ocean mining sites drilling for silver, gold, copper, cobalt, and zinc create sulfide deposits up to three and a half thousand meters down into the ocean.
• Once discarded, plastics are weathered and eroded into very small fragments known as micro-plastics . These together with plastic pellets are already found in most beaches around the world.
• For example, the North Pacific Gyre is now referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where waste material from across the North Pacific Ocean, including coastal waters off North America and Japan, are drawn together.
• In particular, the rising levels of CO 2 leads to ocean acidification .
• Other factors like coastal tourism, port and harbour developments, damming of rivers, urban development and construction, mining, fisheries, aquaculture etc., are all sources of marine pollution threatening coastal and marine habitats.

Effects of Ocean Pollution

• Effect of Toxic Wastes on Marine Animals: The long term effect on marine life can include cancer, failure in the reproductive system, behavioural changes, and even death.
• Disruption to the Cycle of Coral Reefs: Oil spill floats on the surface of the water and prevents sunlight from reaching marine plants and affects the process of photosynthesis.
• Due to this, oxygen levels go down, as a result, the chances of survival of marine animals like whales, turtles, sharks, dolphins, penguins for a long time also goes down.
• Excessive nutrients from sewage outfalls and agricultural runoff have contributed to the number of low oxygen (hypoxic) areas known as dead zones, where most marine life cannot survive, resulting in the collapse of some ecosystems.
• There are now close to 500 dead zones covering more than 245,000 km² globally, equivalent to the surface of the United Kingdom.
• This process also results in oxygen depletion of the water body.
• Failure in the Reproductive System of Sea Animals: Chemicals from pesticides can accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals, leading to failure in their reproductive system.
• Effect on Food Chain: Small animals ingest the discharged chemicals and are later eaten by large animals, which then affects the whole food chain.

Global Initiatives

• The GPA is the only global intergovernmental mechanism directly addressing the connectivity between terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.
• It covers pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
• It lists various forms of marine pollution caused by oil, noxious liquid substances, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage and garbage from ships, etc.
• Its objective is to promote the effective control of all sources of marine pollution and to take all practicable steps to prevent pollution of the sea by dumping of wastes and other matter.
• It is an environmental NGO that is dedicated to conserving the oceans and marine life across the globe.
• Its grassroots efforts have resulted in the ban of destructive fishing practices, companies changing their fishing policies, and the creation of whale sanctuaries.

How to prevent Ocean pollution?

• Implement renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to limit off-shore drilling.
• Limit agricultural pesticides and encourage organic farming & eco-friendly pesticide use.
• Proper sewage treatment and exploration of eco-friendly wastewater treatment options.
• Use of Biotechnology: Bioremediation (use of specific microorganisms to metabolize and remove harmful substances) to treat oil spills .
• At individual level reduce carbon footprint by adopting a "green" lifestyle .
• Have a global treaty on banning single-use plastics and collaborated effort to clean up the ocean.

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life - drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.

In this context, ocean health must be treated as a global issue and all nations should act in concert to implement Sustainable Development Goal: 14 i.e. To conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development .

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Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Last updated on February 3, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

What is the Environment?

The environment is the physical surroundings of a person, a part of which they are, and on which they depend for activities including physiologic function, production, and consumption. The natural resources in his physical environment include air, water, and land as well as plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Table of Contents

Pollution and Pollutants

Pollution is any unfavorable alteration in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of our environment, including the air, water, and soil, that may or will hurt people or other species as well as the life support systems of our biosphere. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash, and can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories.

Categorization of Pollutant

According to the origin, pollutants are categorized as:

• Natural: A natural pollutant is a pollutant created by substances of natural origin such as volcanic dust.
• Anthropogenic: Anthropogenic pollutants are created by human activities.

According to their nature of disposal, pollutants are grouped into:

• Biodegradable pollutants: Biodegradable materials such as human and animal wastes, agro-based residues, and fertilizers can also pose a threat if their quantities or inputs exceed the “assimilative capacity of the environment.
• Non-biodegradable pollutants: The non-biodegradable pollutants such as heavy metals, and pesticides, move through the food chain and may get magnified to dangerous levels in higher trophic level organisms. Some of these combine with other compounds and produce toxic substances.

As per their existence in nature, pollutants are categorized as:

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• Quantitative Pollutants: These occur in nature and become pollutants when their concentration reaches beyond a threshold level. E.g. carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide.
• Qualitative Pollutants: These do not occur in nature and are man-made. E.g. fungicides, herbicides, DDT etc.

According to the form in which they persist after release into the environment, pollutants are categorized as:

• Primary Pollutants: Pollutants released into the environment as a result of some natural and/or human activity, e.g., carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, suspended particulate matter, and hydrocarbons.
• Secondary Pollutants: formed by the chemical interaction of primary pollutants with atmospheric gases and moisture, often catalyzed by sunlight are known as secondary pollutants e.g. ozone (O.), peroxy acyl nitrates (PAN), aldehyde, sulphuric acid, and nitric acid.

Causes of Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment caused by the deterioration of resources including soil, water, and air; the loss of ecosystems; and the extinction of wildlife.

The main contributors to environmental degradation include modern urbanization, industrialization, population expansion, deforestation, etc. Unplanned urbanization and industrialization have contaminated the water, air, and sound systems.  The air is additionally polluted by the smoke produced by automobiles and industries, which includes nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and chlorofluorocarbon.

Climate Change

The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere causes climate change . It mostly results from the burning of fossil fuels, agricultural emissions, and changes in land use brought on by the eradication, clearing, and burning of forests.

The biological and socioeconomic repercussions of climate change are already evident, and its anticipated effects have the potential to significantly alter the global mean surface temperature, sea level, ocean circulation, precipitation patterns, climatic zones, species distributions, and ecosystem function.

The rapid population growth and economic development in the country are degrading the environment through the uncontrolled growth of urbanization and industrialization, expansion and intensification of agriculture, and the destruction of natural habitats.

On just 2.4% of the world’s land, India is home to 17% of the world’s population. Population pressure on the environment is linked to environmental pressures like biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and increased demand for arable land. Population affects the environment primarily through the use of natural resources and the generation of waste.

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Because of the pollution caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere, stratospheric ozone is being depleted. It is a serious issue because the absence of protective ozone at high altitudes causes an increase in the amount of harmful solar ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation that penetrates the surface of the earth, leading to a variety of health problems and ecological effects.

Poverty is said to be both cause and effect of environmental degradation. The fast increment of human numbers joined with urgent poverty and rising levels of utilization are draining natural resources on which the vocation of present and future ages depends.

Degraded Air Quality

Worldwide, Approximately a billion people live in areas that mostly comprise industrial cities, and they are said to be the ones who are most affected by air pollution. The deterioration of air quality is caused by several air pollutants, but some major ones are particulate matter, such as oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, lead, and other aromatic compounds (such as benzene).

Degraded Water Quality

Impurities brought on by contaminants can also seriously affect water quality, having a variety of negative repercussions on both the environment and human health.

Numerous other human activities, such as mining and industrial processes that may release harmful effluents, contribute to water contamination. Other significant factors contributing to the marine environment’s substantial degradation are oil spills, plastic waste buildup, and biological accumulation of persistent organic pollutants.

Read:  Water Pollution Prevention

Deforestation

It has been estimated that around half of the world’s mature forests have been cleared by humans. Deforestation occurs for a variety of reasons, but the majority of deforestation now occurs when tropical forests are cleared for agriculture and pastoralism; destruction of trees for charcoal production, and the selective logging of forests for timber.

Effect of Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Environmental pollution and degradation have an impact on several aspects of life:

Public Health

Public health is threatened by pollution, a lack of fresh water, and population growth. According to the WHO, unhealthful settings are directly responsible for about one out of every four deaths each year.

Water-Related Challenges

According to a UNICEF report, 2.1 billion people do not have access to securely managed drinking water services, and 4.5 billion do not have access to safely managed sanitation facilities.

Additionally, diarrheal infections claim the lives of 340,000 children under five years of age every year. Water scarcity already affects four out of every 10 people and according to UNISDR, 90% of natural disasters are water-related.

Natural resources are strained by rapid population growth, which causes environmental degradation. Simply said, a growing population increases the need for food, clothing, and housing.

Ecosystems & Endangered Species

Both ecosystems and species are impacted by the long list of environmental problems that exist on this planet. In fact, by 2050, one in ten plant and animal species is predicted to become extinct.

Way Forward

• Social Awareness: The need to raise public awareness of the consequences of pollution is urgent.
• Population Control: If the environment is to be protected it is essential to check population growth.
• Environment Conservation Acts Implementation: The Environment (Protection) Act was passed in 1986 in India to check the deterioration in the quality of the environment. Such government measures should be strictly enforced.
• Control over Industrial and Agricultural Pollution: Controlling the air and water pollution brought on by industrial development is essential for environmental conservation. The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers should be avoided to prevent agricultural pollution.
• Afforestation: An extensive afforestation campaign should be launched in the interest of environmental protection.
• Water Management: Provisions should be made to provide rural people with clean drinking water and river water should be made clean.
• Management of Solid Waste: Planned management of solid waste is very essential.

Read: Environmental Regulatory Bodies

Environmental pollution and degradation can have a disastrous effect on a country or region’s social, economic, and environmental systems as well as the entire planet’s ecosystem. Environmental catastrophes pose a threat to the legacy of a healthy and supportive environment left for future generations. To reduce the dangers associated with environmental degradation and its contributing elements, (such as climate change) governments, international organizations, and communities must collaborate at all levels.

Related posts

• Plastic Pollution
• Plastic Waste Management: Rules and Regulations
• Single-use Plastics
• Biotransformation Technology

Article Written By: Priti Raj

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Pollution — Combating Environmental Pollution: Key Causes and Solutions

Combating Environmental Pollution: Key Causes and Solutions

• Categories: Pollution Urbanization

About this sample

Words: 698 |

Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 698 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Industrial emissions and chemical wastes, vehicular emissions and urbanization, agricultural practices and pesticides, deforestation and habitat destruction.

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