Unit V: Environmental Pollution
1. Environmental Pollution: Types, Causes, Effects, and Controls
Introduction:
Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of natural resources due to human activities,
leading to harmful effects on life and ecosystems. Major types include air, water, soil, chemical,
and noise pollution.
1. Air Pollution:
• Causes: Vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, burning fossil fuels.
• Effects: Respiratory diseases, global warming, acid rain.
• Control Measures: Use of catalytic converters, afforestation, strict emission laws.
2. Water Pollution:
• Causes: Industrial discharge, sewage, agricultural runoff.
• Effects: Waterborne diseases, loss of aquatic life.
• Control Measures: Sewage treatment plants, reducing plastic waste.
3. Soil Pollution:
• Causes: Use of pesticides, industrial waste dumping.
• Effects: Loss of soil fertility, groundwater contamination.
• Control Measures: Organic farming, waste recycling.
4. Chemical Pollution:
• Causes: Hazardous chemical disposal, pesticide overuse.
• Effects: Cancer, reproductive disorders.
• Control Measures: Safe chemical disposal, promoting biodegradable products.
5. Noise Pollution:
• Causes: Traffic, industrial machinery, loudspeakers.
• Effects: Hearing loss, stress, disturbed sleep.
• Control Measures: Noise barriers, strict laws on loudspeakers.
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Conclusion:
Environmental pollution can be minimized through awareness, strict policies, and adopting eco-
friendly practices.
2. Nuclear Hazards and Human Health Risks
Introduction:
Nuclear hazards arise from the improper handling, disposal, or accidents involving radioactive
materials. These hazards pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
1. Causes of Nuclear Hazards:
• Nuclear Power Plants: Accidents like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011).
• Nuclear Weapons: Testing and use cause long-term radiation exposure.
• Improper Waste Disposal: Radioactive waste from hospitals and industries.
2. Effects on Human Health:
• Short-term Effects: Radiation sickness, burns, nausea.
• Long-term Effects: Cancer, genetic mutations, organ failure.
• Environmental Impact: Soil and water contamination, harming biodiversity.
3. Control Measures:
• Strict Regulations: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Deep geological storage of radioactive waste.
• Emergency Preparedness: Evacuation plans, radiation monitoring systems.
Conclusion:
While nuclear energy is a powerful resource, safety measures must be strictly followed to
prevent disasters and health risks.
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3. Solid Waste Management: Control Measures of Urban and Industrial
Waste
Introduction:
Solid waste includes household, commercial, and industrial waste, which, if not managed
properly, can cause pollution and health hazards.
1. Sources of Solid Waste:
• Urban Waste: Plastic, paper, food waste from households.
• Industrial Waste: Toxic chemicals, metal scraps, e-waste.
2. Control Measures:
A. Urban Waste Management:
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs): Minimizing waste generation.
• Composting: Organic waste can be turned into manure.
• Waste Segregation: Separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
B. Industrial Waste Management:
• Treatment Plants: Industrial wastewater treatment.
• Hazardous Waste Disposal: Incineration and secure landfill methods.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Companies must manage post-
consumer waste.
3. Government Initiatives:
• Swachh Bharat Mission – Promotes cleanliness and waste management.
• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) – Bans single-use plastics.
Conclusion:
Effective waste management ensures a cleaner environment and reduces health risks. Awareness
and strict enforcement of waste management laws are necessary.
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4. Pollution Case Studies
Introduction:
Several pollution incidents have highlighted the devastating impact of human negligence on the
environment.
1. Case Study 1: Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
• Location: Bhopal, India.
• Cause: Leakage of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from Union Carbide factory.
• Effects: Over 15,000 deaths, birth defects, soil and water contamination.
• Lessons: Need for strict industrial safety regulations.
2. Case Study 2: Minamata Disease (1956, Japan)
• Cause: Mercury poisoning from Chisso Corporation’s industrial waste.
• Effects: Neurological disorders, paralysis, birth defects.
• Lessons: Strict chemical waste disposal regulations needed.
3. Case Study 3: Ganga River Pollution
• Cause: Industrial and sewage waste disposal.
• Effects: Waterborne diseases, loss of aquatic life.
• Solutions: National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for cleanup efforts.
Conclusion:
These case studies show the urgent need for pollution control measures, stricter laws, and better
environmental awareness.
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