6. Pollution

Introduction to Pollution

  • Definition: Introduction of harmful materials (pollutants) into the environment.
  • Pollutants can be natural (volcanic ash) or human-made (industrial waste).
  • Damages air, water, and land quality.

(i) Types and Sources of Pollution

Air Pollution

  • Sources: Vehicular (CO, NOx, hydrocarbons), Industrial (SO₂, NOx, particulate matter), Burning Garbage, Brick Kilns.

Water Pollution

  • Sources: Household Detergents (phosphates), Sewage, Industrial Waste (heavy metals), Oil Spills.

(i) Types and Sources of Pollution (Continued)

Thermal Pollution

  • Degradation of water quality by changing ambient water temperature (e.g., power plant coolants).

Soil Pollution

  • Sources: Industrial Waste, Urban/Domestic Waste, Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides.

(i) Types and Sources of Pollution (Continued)

Biomedical Waste

  • Waste containing infectious materials (e.g., needles, soiled dressings, body parts).

Radiation Pollution

  • Increase in natural radiation levels due to human activities (e.g., X-rays, nuclear plant fallout).

Noise Pollution

  • Disturbing or excessive noise (e.g., Motor Vehicles, Industrial Establishments, Loudspeakers).

(ii) Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Wastes

  • Biodegradable Wastes: Can be broken down by microorganisms (e.g., paper, food scraps).
  • Non-biodegradable Wastes: Cannot be broken down by microorganisms; persist in environment (e.g., plastics, glass, DDT).

(iii) Effects of Pollution

  • Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming: Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases, leading to climate change.
  • Acid Rain: Pollutants (SO₂, NOx) react with water to form acids, damaging ecosystems.
  • Ozone Layer Depletion: Thinning of ozone layer (due to CFCs), increasing UV radiation.

(iii) Measures to Control Pollution

  • Use of Unleaded Petrol / CNG.
  • Switching off Engines at Traffic Signals.
  • Social Forestry (tree planting).
  • Setting up Sewage Treatment Plants.
  • Ban on Polythene and Plastics.
  • Organic Farming.
  • Euro/Bharat Vehicular Standards.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

  • National campaign by Government of India (2014) to clean up cities, towns, and rural areas.
  • Aims for a 'Clean India' vision.