Types of pollution: Definition, History, Types, Facts, Sources, FAQ

What Is Pollution?

Pollution is the process of putting undesirable substances into the environment which has a bad impact on the living organisms and habitats of the earth. It is important to comprehend pollution since it involves air, water, and soil, and affects the overall biodiversity, creating health complications for people and other living organisms.

Air Pollution

One of the major types of environmental pollution is air pollution. It usually emanates when harmful gases, particulate matter, or biological molecules find their way into the atmosphere, which degrade air quality and have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Some of the basic points about air pollution are discussed below:

Sources of Air Pollution

• Natural sources of air pollution include volcanic eruptions and wildfires that release particles and gases into the air.

• Sources that are human-made such as emissions from vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants, make them contributors to causes and effects of air pollution.

Major Air Pollutants

• Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) cause problems to human bodies in terms of respiration, besides reducing visibility.

• Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

• Sulfur oxides (SOx)

• Ozone (O3)

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Effects of Air Pollution

• The smog is formed due to these gases

• It has greenhouse effects, thus underlining the impact of air pollution on the environment.

• Continuous exposure to gases leads to respiratory diseases such as asthma, lung cancer

• Also causing heart conditions, thus reflecting the health impacts of air pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is when poisonous compounds are dumped into rivers, lakes, and oceans that do not make the water safe for use by human beings or aquatic animals.It is said to cause the most damage to ecosystems and human lives. Some of the basic points about water pollution is discussed below:

Sources of Water Pollution

• Water bodies receive fertilizers and pesticides that flow off the farms because the heavy rainfall injures aquatic life.

• Factories just dispose of their harmful chemicals and heavy metals in the rivers and lakes, worsening water pollution.

• The minute fragments of plastic, poisoning aquatic animals and seeping into the food chain.

Effect of Water Pollution

• Waterborne diseases are caused by water contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses like cholera and dysentery.

• Dissolved extra nutrients from fertilizers cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen within the water, affecting fish and other aquatic species.

• Toxicity due to the heavy metals and hence degrading the quality of water and death of aquatic organisms.

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution can be defined as the contamination of the soil with harmful chemicals, waste, or pollutants that can affect its health and ecosystems. It affects plant growth, human health, and the environment. Soil pollution is mainly caused by industrial activities, the use of agricultural chemicals, improper disposal of wastes, and increasing urbanization. It is one of the major types of pollution that adversely affects the environment. Some of the basic points about soil pollution are discussed below:

Causes of Soil Pollution

• Heavy metals used in industrial waste such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic poison affect soil health. This leads to soil pollution.

• The contaminated soil from soil pollution causes food crops to be contaminated and provokes toxicity, cancer, and a range of health conditions.

• The use of chemicals will be reduced to a minimum, but the natural ways in which it produced improve the health of the soil.

Effects of Soil Pollution

• Chemicals, heavy metals, and other industrial wastes pollute the soil.

• Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agriculture can also concentrate in the soil and thus indirectly affect plants and animals.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is the excessive or harmful noise levels in the environment, negatively affecting people's health, wildlife, and general quality of life. It is one of the unsighted types of pollutants although it affects both people and the environment considerably. Some of the basic points are discussed below:

Sources of Noise Pollution

• Some of the major sources of high noise levels include factories, construction sites, and machinery. It mainly occurs in cities.

• The noise in cities is usually high because of the presence of constant construction work, traffic, and loudspeakers.

Effects of Boise Pollution

• Continuous exposure to loud noise causes the process of hearing loss, stress, and even sleep disorders, among others also leads to noise pollution.

• In cities, animals rarely communicate or find ways to their intended destinations, while their nature of reproductive behaviour is often disrupted leading to a negative impact on their survival and ecosystems.

• Designing cities such that residential areas are placed far from noisy zones with quieter surroundings in sensitive places helps prevent noise pollution.

Prevention and Control of Pollution

Pollution can be controlled by following methods:

• Use of clean and renewable energy

• Proper waste management and recycling

• Reduced use of chemicals and plastics

• Afforestation and green belts

• Strict environmental laws and awareness

• Urban planning to reduce noise and air pollution

Types of Pollution NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Types of Pollution

• Causes of biodiversity loss

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Photochemical smog is another term for

1. Toronto Smog

2. Beijing Smog

3. Rome Smog

4. Los Angeles Smog

Correct answer: 4) Los Angeles Smog

Explanation:

Los Angeles Smog is another name for photochemical smog.

Photochemical Smog- Photochemical smog is a pollutant combination generated when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combine with sunlight, resulting in a brown haze over cities. That happens more frequently in the summer since that is when we receive the most sunshine. This form of smog was recorded in Los Angeles in the 1940s. It is sometimes referred to as oxidising smog. The addition of oxygen is referred to as oxidation. It is irritating to the eyes.

Hence, the correct option is 4) Los Angeles Smog.

Q2. Montreal Protocol aims at:

1. Biodiversity conservation

2. Control of water pollution

3. Control of CO2 emission

4. Reduction of ozone-depleting substances

Correct answer: 4) Reduction of ozone-depleting substances

Explanation:

An important agreement from 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, has successfully decreased ozone-depleting substance production, use, and emissions worldwide. (ODSs). The treaty is built around some halogenated hydrocarbon subgroups that have been implicated in ozone depletion. These compounds that damage the ozone layer all contain either chlorine or bromine. Therefore, "Reduction of ozone-depleting substances" is the right response.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Reduction of ozone-depleting substances.

Q3. Acid rain is caused by increase in the atmospheric concentration of:

1. SO3 and CO

2. CO2 and CO

3. CO3 and dust

4. SO2 and NO2

Correct answer: 4) SO2 and NO2

Explanation:

Acid rains are caused by an increase in the concentration of SO2 and NO2. SO2 forms sulphuric acid while NO2 forms nitric acid. These acidic compounds are released primarily from industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels. When combined with water vapor in the atmosphere, they form sulfuric and nitric acids, which then fall as acid rain. Acid rain can damage ecosystems, soil quality, and aquatic habitats by lowering pH levels and harming plant and animal life.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) SO2 and NO2.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Air Pollution

• Noise Pollution

• Eutrophication