Pollution Of Air And Water

Carbon dioxide is the gas which is mainly responsible for causing global warming. Carbon dioxide traps heat and does not allow it to escape into space causing an increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere.

Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide are the gases present in polluted air which causes acid rain.

The gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons are the major pollutants of air.

Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin of our blood. It reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

The various air pollutants discharged by motor vehicle exhausts are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and smoke.

Ozone layer in the upper atmosphere prevents ultraviolet radiations of the sun from reaching the earth.

Drinking of polluted water containing sewage causes diseases like cholera, typhoid and jaundice.

Arsenic, lead, mercury and fluorides are the toxic metals whose compounds are present in industrial wastes.

Pesticides and weedicides are the chemicals used in agriculture which cause water pollution.

The use of excessive fertilizers in the fields lead to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water of a nearby lake. This may kill the aquatic organisms.

The plan to save the river Ganga was launched in 1985 is called the Ganga Action Plan. It was aimed to reduce the pollution levels in the river. Recent study by WWF – World wide fund for nature have found that Ganga is one of the most endangered rivers in the world. Large quantities of garbage, untreated sewage, dead bodies and many other harmful things are thrown directly into the river. The river is almost dead at many places where the pollution level is very high and the aquatic life cannot survive.

The harmful substances like sewage, toxic materials, silt etc., when gets mixed with water, causes water pollution. The pollutants which cause water pollution are:

Chemical waste from industries, sewage, silt, agricultural chemicals and garbage thrown into water.

Water pollution can be controlled in the following ways:

● Water should go through the sewage treatment plants before discharging into the water bodies.

● Use of pesticides and weedicides should be limited in order to prevent pollution.

● Industrial waste should be treated for harmful chemicals before discharging into the water bodies. Water treatment plants should be installed in all the industrial areas.

● We should save water consciously and should prevent the wastage of water. We must reuse, recycle and reduce the usage of water. We must try to reuse water. For example, water used for washing vegetables can be used to water plants in the garden.

Industries cause water pollution in the following ways:

● Industries such as oil refineries, paper factories, textile and sugar mills and chemical factories discharge harmful chemicals into rivers and streams. These chemicals include arsenic, lead and flourides which are very toxic to plants and animals.

● The soil is also affected by impure water which causes changes in acidity of soil and affects the growth of worms and plants etc.

● Some industries and power plants releases hot water into the rivers. Hot water can also be considered as a pollutant. It raises the temperature of the water body and adversely affects the plants and animals living in it.

Pollution is not a distant phenomenon anymore. It is affecting the quality of our day to day lives. We must realize our responsibility and should start using the following environment- friendly processes:

● We should switch to cleaner fuels like CNG- Compressed natural gas and LPG- Liquified petroleum gas for both industries and automobiles.

● Automobiles should also use unleaded petrol.

● We should plant more trees which will help to control deforestation.

● Industrial waste should be treated for harmful chemicals before discharging into air the water bodies.

● We must switch to alternative fuels instead of fossil fuels. Alternative sources of energy can be solar energy, hydropower and wind energy.

● We must encourage the use a public transport, a bicycle or walking for short distances. This will help to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

● Burning of plant waste also causes pollution by the emission of smoke. Plant waste must be put in a compost rather than burning.

Pure air is a mixture of several gases that are invisible and odorless. It consists about 78% nitrogen, 21% is oxygen and less than 1% of Carbon dioxide and other gases like argon, methane and ozone and varying amount of water vapors. Polluted air on the other hand, is contaminated with the substances like smoke, dust and other harmful substances called pollutants. These pollutants can come from natural sources like smoke and dust arising from forest fires or volcanic eruptions. Pollutants can also be added from the human activities. The sources of air pollution are automobile exhausts, power plants, factories and burning of firewood and dung cakes.

The sun’s rays warms the surface of earth. A part of the radiation which falls on the earth is reflected back into the space and only a part of it is absorbed. This trapped radiation further warms the earth. The trapping of radiation by the earth’s atmosphere is known as Greenhouse effect. Life would not have been possible without this process. Carbon dioxide is one of the gases responsible for this effect. Some other gases like methane, nitrous oxide and water vapors also contribute towards this process.

The trapping of radiation by the earth’s atmosphere is known as Greenhouse effect. Life would not have been possible without this process. Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide produces the maximum greenhouse effect.

Chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays are responsible to deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. There has been a depletion of ozone layer in the layers of atmosphere which has been caused by the chlorofluorocarbons and other atmospheric pollutants. This results in increase of ultraviolet radiations at ground level which gives rise to an increased risk of skin cancer.

(a) The source of Sulphur dioxide in the air is the fossil fuels combustion in the power plants and other industries. It can also be produced by the motor vehicles emissions.

Sulphur dioxide is a very harmful pollutant when present in the atmosphere. It can cause the respiratory problems, including permanent lung damage.

(b) The source of nitrogen dioxide in the air is produced by the motor vehicles.

Nitrogen dioxide is a very harmful pollutant because it combines with other air pollutants and fog to form smog. The smog is responsible for causing breathing difficulties such as asthma, cough and wheezing in children.

(c) The source of carbon monoxide in the air is by the incomplete burning of fuels such as petrol and diesel.

Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

(d) The Chlorofluorocarbons are used in the refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays.

The Chlorofluorocarbons are responsible to deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This results in increase of ultraviolet radiations at ground level which gives rise to an increased risk of skin cancer.

Even the clear, transparent and odourless water may not always be safe for drinking because it may contain pollutants. These pollutants include the chemicals which may be discharged from the Industries such as oil refineries, paper factories, textile and sugar mills and chemical factories. These chemicals include arsenic, lead and flourides which are very toxic to human beings, plants and animals. These pollutants can also be chemicals used in farming such as pesticides and weedicides. All these chemicals dissolve in water and are washed into water bodies from the fields. They also seep into the ground and pollute ground water.

Some industries and power plants releases hot water into the rivers. Hot water can also be considered as a pollutant. It raises the temperature of the water body and adversely affects the plants and animals living in it.

Some ponds or lakes have a lot of green algae growing in them. This is caused due to the excessive quantity of chemicals which are washed from the fields. These chemicals act as nutrients for these algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up causing the decrease of oxygen level. This affects the survival of aquatic plants which can also kill them.

The use of pesticides in agriculture is responsible in causing the water pollution. It is also caused due to the excessive use fertilizers in the fields. These fertilizers act as nutrients for the algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up and leads to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water. This may kill the aquatic organisms.

Taj Mahal is India’s famous historical monument which is located in Agra. It has become a matter of concern to protect Taj Mahal due to the discoloration of its white marble. This is caused due to air pollution in Agra. The industries which are located in and around Agra such as Mathura Oil refinery, rubber processing, automobile and chemical industries have been responsible for the emission of air pollutants. These pollutants include Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which reacts with water vapors in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids combine with rain and makes the rain water acidic. Acid rain corrodes the marble of Taj Mahal. The suspended particles emitted by these industries have also contributed towards the yellowing of the marble.

Several steps have been taken by Supreme court to protect Taj Mahal. The industries around Taj Mahal have been ordered to switch into clean fuels such as Compressed natural gas-CNG and Liquified petroleum gas- LPG. It has been advised that the automobiles should be switched over to unleaded petrol.

The water which is safe for drinking without any risk of health problems is called potable water. Water can be made safe for drinking in the following ways:

● Household filters such as candle type filters can be used at homes to make the water safe for drinking.

● Boiling of water can be done before drinking at home. Boiling kills, the germs present in water and makes water safe for drinking.

● Chlorination can also be done for purifying water at home. It can be done by adding chlorine tablets or bleaching powder into water. Only specific number of chlorine tablets should be used.

We should save water consciously and should prevent the wastage of water. We must reuse, recycle and reduce the usage of water.

We must try to reuse water. For example, water used for washing vegetables can be used to water plants in the garden.

We must try to save water by regularly checking the pipelines for any leakage or damage. We should always check for any open taps after using water supply.

The harmful substances like sewage, toxic materials, silt etc., when gets mixed with water, causes water pollution. The pollutants which cause water pollution are the chemical waste from industries, sewage, silt, agricultural chemicals and garbage thrown into water.

Water gets polluted in the following ways:

● Water can be contaminated by human waste or sewage.

● Industries such as oil refineries, paper factories, textile and sugar mills and chemical factories discharge harmful chemicals into rivers and streams. These chemicals include arsenic, lead and flourides.

● Some industries and power plants releases hot water into the rivers. Hot water can also be considered as a pollutant.

● The excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture also causes water pollution.

Pollution is not a distant phenomenon anymore. It is affecting the quality of our day to day lives. Following are harmful effects of water pollution:

● The chemicals such as arsenic, lead and flourides discharged by the industries are very toxic to plants and animals.

● The hot water released by certain industries raises the temperature of the water body. It adversely affects the plants and animals living in it.

● The fertilizers act as nutrients for the algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up and leads to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water. This may kill the aquatic organisms.

● Water contaminated with sewage may contain bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites which can cause diseases like cholera, typhoid and jaundice.

Pure air is a mixture of several gases that are invisible and odorless. It consists about 78% nitrogen, 21% is oxygen and less than 1% of Carbon dioxide and other gases like argon, methane and ozone and varying amount of water vapors.

Polluted air is contaminated with the substances like smoke, dust and other harmful substances called pollutants. These pollutants can come from natural sources or from human activities. Following are the main sources of air pollution:

● The natural sources of air pollution are smoke and dust arising from forest fires or volcanic eruptions.

● The pollutants can also be added from the human activities. These are from automobile exhausts, power plants, factories and burning of firewood and dung cakes.

● The pollutants like Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide when present in polluted air causes acid rain.

● The gas called carbon monoxide enters the air by the incomplete burning of fuels such as petrol and diesel. It is a very poisonous gas which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

● The Chlorofluorocarbons which are used in the refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays also act as air pollutants. They are responsible to deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere.

A thick fog- like layer in the atmosphere which is made up of smoke and is called smog. The smoke released is released into the atmosphere due to various activities like automobile exhausts, power plants, factories and burning of firewood and dung cakes etc., The smoke may contain the oxides of nitrogen which combines with other air pollutants and fog to form smog. The smog is very harmful in the following ways.

● The smog is very harmful and causes breathing difficulties such as asthma, cough and wheezing in children.

● Smog reduces visibility which may result in road accidents.

The industries such as oil refineries, rubber processing, automobiles and chemical industries have been responsible for the emission of air pollutants. These pollutants include Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which reacts with water vapors in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids combine with rain and makes the rain water acidic. This is called Acid rain. Following are the harmful effects of acid rain:

● Acid rain is very harmful for fish and other animals. It makes the water acidic and causes them to absorb the aluminum that makes its way from soil into lakes and streams.

● Increased acidity of water due to acid rain adversely affects the growth and reproduction ability of fishes.

● It damages buildings, monuments and statues.

The trapping of radiation by the earth’s atmosphere is known as Greenhouse effect. Life would not have been possible without this process. Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide produces the maximum greenhouse effect. Due to increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere is gradually increasing. This is called global warming.

Global warming has become a major concern for governments worldwide. Many countries have reached an agreement to control the situation by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Following are the harmful effects of global warming:

● Global warming can cause sea levels to rise dramatically. It has resulted in flooding of coastal areas in many places.

● It could result in wide ranging effects on rainfall patterns, agriculture, forests, plants and animals.

● It has caused an increase in the melting of polar icecaps which has resulted in the rise of sea level more quickly over the last century.

● There has to be check on the emission of greenhouse gases at the present level. This may cause the temperature to rise by more than 2 degrees by the end of the century which is very dangerous.

Carbon dioxide is the gas which is responsible for greenhouse effect. Some other gases like methane, nitrous oxide and water vapors also contribute towards this process.

The source of carbon monoxide in the air is by the incomplete burning of fuels such as petrol and diesel. Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

The source of Sulphur dioxide in the air is the fossil fuels combustion in the power plants, industries and motor vehicles emissions. It is a very harmful pollutant when present in the atmosphere. It can cause the respiratory problems, including permanent lung damage.

Global warming has become a major concern for governments worldwide. Many countries have reached an agreement to control the situation by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

The various air pollutants discharged by motor vehicle and by the burning of fossil fuel in a factory are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and smoke. It results in the decrease in the amount of oxygen in the air.

The water contaminated with sewage may contain bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites which cause diseases like cholera, typhoid and diarrhea.

Ozone layer in the upper atmosphere prevents ultraviolet radiations of the sun from reaching the earth.

Chlorination can be done by adding chlorine tablets or bleaching powder into water. Only specific number of chlorine tablets should be used.

The fertilizers act as nutrients for the algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up and leads to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water. This may kill the aquatic organisms.

Fly ash is the air pollutant which is produced by the insufficient burning of fuels which enters into the atmosphere causing air pollution.

Ultraviolet radiations kill bacteria and viruses and are used in electric water filters to make water safe for drinking.

The harmful substances like sewage, toxic materials, silt etc., when gets mixed with water, causes water pollution. The gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons are the major pollutants of air.

Dust reduces the photosynthesis in plants due which causes a decrease in energy production in plants causing the plants to suffer.

The air pollutants such as Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which reacts with water vapors in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids combine with rain and makes the rain water acidic. This is called Acid rain.

Chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays are responsible to deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

The substance P is Fertilizer. The fertilizers act as nutrients for the algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up and leads to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water. This may kill the aquatic organisms.

The substance Q is Algae, R is Bacteria and S is oxygen.

(a) The common name of such wastewater is Sewage. The harmful substances like sewage, toxic materials, silt etc., when gets mixed with water, causes water pollution.

(b) Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and parasites(worms) which may cause diseases like cholera, typhoid and jaundice. The bacteria present in the fecal matter of mammals are indicates the quality of water. If water has these bacteria, it means that it has been contaminated by fecal matter. If such water is used by us, it can cause various infections.

(c) Drinking river water contaminated with such wastewater can result into diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid, Diarrhea, Dysentery and Jaundice.

(i) Prevents photosynthesis - (d) Dust in air

Dust reduces the photosynthesis in plants due which causes a decrease in energy production in plants causing the plants to suffer.

(ii) Damage ozone layer - (e) CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays are responsible to deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere. Ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

(iii) Produce acid rain - (j) Sulphur dioxide

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which reacts with water vapors in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids combine with rain and makes the rain water acidic. This is called Acid rain.

(iv) Kill fish by deoxygenating water - (b) Excess fertilizer in fields

The fertilizers act as nutrients for the algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up and leads to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water. This may kill the aquatic organisms including fish.

(v) Causes water borne diseases - (a) Sewage dumped in river

Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and parasites(worms) which may cause diseases like cholera, typhoid and jaundice.

(vi) Leads to global warming in air - (c) Carbon dioxide in air

Carbon dioxide is the gas which is mainly responsible for causing global warming. Carbon dioxide traps heat and does not allow it to escape into space causing an increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere.

Fossil fuels burn in the air to produce gases such as Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which reacts with water vapors in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids combine with rain and makes the rain water acidic. This is called Acid rain. Acid rain caused by the burning of fossil fuels makes the lake water too much acidic which kills the fish.

The fertilizers act as nutrients for the algae to grow. When these algae die, they act as a nutrient for decomposers like bacteria. As a result of this process, a lot of oxygen in the water gets used up and leads to the deficiency of Oxygen in the water. This may kill the aquatic organisms including fish.

The incomplete combustion of firewood in homes produces a very poisonous gas X which is known as Carbon monoxide. When inhaled, Carbon monoxide combines with the substance Y known as Haemoglobin which is present in blood. Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin of our blood. It reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood causing respiratory problems and suffocation. Hence, the substance Z is Oxygen.