Pollution is the addition to the ecosystem of someting which has a
detrimental effect on it. One of the most important causes of pollution is the
high rate of energy usage by modern, growing populations.
Different kinds of pollution
are found. In this section we will discuss:
1.
Air
Pollution.
2.
Water
Pollution.
3.
Land
Pollution.
Air pollution is the
accumulation in the atmosphere of substances that, in sufficient
concentrations, endanger human health or produce other measured effects on
living matter and other materials. Among the major sources of pollution are
power and heat generation, the burning of solid wastes, industrial processes,
and, especially, transportation. The six major types of pollutants are carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulates, sulfur dioxide, and
photochemical oxidants.
Examples of Air
Pollution
- Noise Pollution
Noise pollution or unwanted sounds that are carried by the air, have an irritating and detrimental effect on humans and other animals. Careful planning of streets and biuldings in towns and better control over noisy vechiles may add to the control of noise pollution. - Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is one of the major forms of pollution in buildings. It is not only the smoker who is infected, but everyone who inhales the polluted air. There is a very strong connection between smoking and lung cancer. Bronchitis is common among smokers and unborn babies of mothers who smoke also suffer from the harmful effects of smoking. - Exhaust Gases of Vehicles
Pollution from exhaust gases of vehicles is reponsible for 60% of all air pollution and in cities up to 80%. There is a large variety of harmful chemicals present in these gases, with lead being one of the most dangerous. - Combustion of Coal
The combustion of caol without special precautions can have serious consequences. If winds do not blow away the poisonous gases, they can have fatal effects and may lead to death. - Acid rain
Acid rain is the term for pollution caused when sulfur and nitrogen dioxides combine with atmospheric moisture to produce highly acidic rain, snow, hail, or fog. The acid eats into the stone, brick and metal articles and pollutes water sources. Coal in South Africa is rich in sulphur and the power stations in the Mpumalanga Province could be reponsible for acid rain over other areas of our country.
Control Measures
Although individual people can help to combat air pollution in their own immediate environment, efficient control can be best achieved by legislation. Some commonly enforced control measures include
- the establishment of more smokeless zones;
- control over the kinds of fuel used in cars,
aeroplanes, power stations, etc.
Water pollution is the
introduction into fresh or ocean waters of chemical, physical, or biological
material that degrades the quality of the water and affects the organisms
living in it. This process ranges from simple addition of dissolved or
suspended solids to discharge of the most insidious and persistent toxic
pollutants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, and nondegradable,
bioaccumulative, chemical compounds).
Examples of Water
Pollution
- Industrial affluents
Water is discharged from after having been used in production processes. This waste water may contain acids, alkalis, salts, poisons, oils and in some cases harmful bacteria. - Mining and Agricultural Wastes
Mines, especially gold and coal mines, are responsible for large quatities of acid water. Agricultural pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides may wash into rivers and stagnant water bodies. - Sewage Disposal and Domestic Wastes
Sewage as wel as domestic and farm wastes were often allowed to pollute rivers and dams.
Control Measures
The following measures
can be used to stop water pollution:
- every intelligent people should be wise enough not to
pollute water in any way;
- by research and legislation the pollution of water
bodies, even though not entirely prevented, must be effectively
controlled.
Land pollution is the
degradation of the Earth's land surface through misuse of the soil by poor
agricultural practices, mineral exploitation, industrial waste dumping, and
indiscriminate disposal of urban wastes. It includes visible waste and litter
as well as pollution of the soil itself.
Examples of Land
Pollution
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is mainly due to chemicals in herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (poisons which kill insects and other invertebrate pests). Litter is waste material dumped in public places such as streets, parks, picnic areas, at bus stops and near shops.
Soil pollution is mainly due to chemicals in herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (poisons which kill insects and other invertebrate pests). Litter is waste material dumped in public places such as streets, parks, picnic areas, at bus stops and near shops.
Waste Disposal
The accumulation of waste threatens the health of people in residential areas. Waste decays, encourages household pests and turns urban areas into unsightly, dirty and unhealthy places to live in.
The accumulation of waste threatens the health of people in residential areas. Waste decays, encourages household pests and turns urban areas into unsightly, dirty and unhealthy places to live in.
Control Measures
The following measures
can be used to control land pollution:
- anti-litter campaigns can educate people against
littering;
- organic waste can be dumped in places far from
residential areas;
- inorganic materials such as metals, glass and plastic,
but also paper, can be reclaimed and recycled.
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