POLLUTION
Any thing that violates the original
character of nature and leads to its
degradation is called POLLUTION.
OR
An undesirable and harmful change to an
ecosystem caused by an addition of an
agent is called POLLUTION.
Any agent which causes pollution is
called a POLLUTANT.
POLLUTION IS OF FIVE TYPES- WATER POLLUTION
- AIR POLLUTION
- SOIL POLLUTION
- RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION
- NOISE POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
Air is polluted by smoke released
from factories and vehicles.
They release tonnes of harmful
gases into the air.
Air pollution is caused by two factors –
-Gaseous substances
- Particulate substances
Gaseous substances are released from factories and vehicles.
These substances are released directly into atmosphere causing
large amounts of air pollution.
It results in rising temperatures in the surrounding environment.
Gaseous substances(smoke) mix with moisture in the
atmosphere (Fog) forming SMOG.
The Formation of smog hinders visibility and may
cause accidents .
(Drivers use high beam yellow head lights when
driving through fog. The wavelength of yellow light is
such that it can be observed through fog.)
Smog in cities due to
gaseous pollutants
Fog makes it
difficult for vehicles
to travel on roads.
Burning of plastic and rubber tyres release
harmful carcinogens like DIOXINS AND
FURONS.(Gaseous pollutants)
Particulate pollutants are produced in cement
factories, oil factories and asbestos factories.
These pollutants enter the respiratory tract and
can cause diseases like cancer.
Water pollution
• Dumping of wastes in water tanks and
rivers making the groundwater unfit for
drinking.
• In cities, waste water from houses and
industrial effluents pollute drinking water.
Large amount of plastic
waste is dumped into
water bodies.
Industrial effluent is let
into river bodies.
EUTROPHICATION
Uncontrolled growth of algae in sea is called eutrophication. It
occurs due to excess of chemicals present in sea water.
Many animals die due to suffocation, as they do not receive
sufficient oxygen.
Excess algae in
fresh water is due
to minerals
present in it.
Oil spill
• The spillage of oil and fuels from huge ships,
whether intentionally or by accident, creates a
layer of oil over the surface of sea waters
spanning hundreds of kilometres.
• Oil spills do not allow air and light to
penetrate the deeper levels of water bodies.
As a result several marine creatures like fish
and tortoise die due to suffocation.
HUGE TANKER CAPSIZING IN SEA WATER
Oil spreading over sea water
Oil spill disaster
Birds struck in oil spill, struggle to survive.
Soil pollution
• Solid waste from houses, wastes from
hospitalS, chemical fertilizers and pesticides
used in fields and plastic waste kill useful
bacteria present in soil.
• Chemicals in air also pollute the ground by
mixing with rain forming “Acid rain” that
makes its way to the ground, thus polluting
ground water.
Radioactive pollution
• Radioactive substances are carcinogens
(substances that cause cancer)
• Radiations are produced from cosmic rays, xrays, scanning, TV screens, cellular phones,
etc.
• Radioactive substances cause genetic changes
and can lead to diseases.
• Concrete structures and houses radiate heat.
• Radio active pollutants cause immense
damage that have effects over generations.
• The Hiroshima and Nagasaki disasters are
examples of nuclear damage.
Radioactive materials are stored
in lead bins
Noise pollution
NOISE POLLUTION
• Noise pollution is invisible but quite harmful.
• The audible sound is 50 -60 decibels
• More than 90 decibels can damage our ear
drums.
• Silence is the only way to protect ourselves
from this hazard called NOISE.
Effects of pollution
• Smoke from vehicles cause burning sensation
of eyes and affect our respiration.
• Burning of domestic garbage and plastic
material produces carcinogens.
• Flourine in water deforms teeth and leads to
deformation of body’s skeletal structure.
Ways to reduce Pollution
• Plant saplings and grow trees
• Let us reduce our usage of plastic disposable
cups, glasses and plates and try using objects
that can be re-used.
• During festivals, avoid water pollution by using
colourless clay “eco-friendly” idols and natural
colours made from plants. Chemical colours
like Chrome and Nickel cause skin diseases
and may effect our eyes. Avoid bursting
bombs to celebrate. It would reduce noise and
air pollution and help animals too!
Thank you
By
S G Bhuvan Kumar
Disclaimer: The images are from secondary resources and have been used by the author for the purpose of teaching
only. (pixshark.com; en.wikipedia.org, images.google.com, worldwildlife.org, pollution-galloway.weebly.com)