UNIT 5 – POLLUTION
MEDIUM DETAILED NOTES
1. WHAT IS POLLUTION?
- Pollution = Introduction of harmful substances into air, water, or soil.
- Pollutants can be:
• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas
• Biological agents
- Pollution causes discomfort, health problems, and environmental damage.
2. TYPES OF POLLUTION
A. Air Pollution
B. Water Pollution
C. Soil Pollution
D. Noise Pollution
E. Thermal Pollution
F. Radioactive Pollution
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A. AIR POLLUTION
Definition:
• Contamination of air by harmful gases, particulates, and chemicals.
Major Air Pollutants:
• SO■ (sulfur dioxide)
• NOx (nitrogen oxides)
• CO (carbon monoxide)
• Ozone (O■)
• Lead (Pb)
• Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)
Causes:
• Vehicle emissions
• Industries
• Thermal power plants
• Burning fossil fuels
• Construction dust
Effects on Humans:
• Respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis)
• Lung cancer
• Heart diseases
• Eye irritation
Effects on Environment:
• Acid rain
• Ozone depletion
• Global warming
• Smog formation
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B. WATER POLLUTION
Definition:
• Contamination of water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans).
Sources:
• Industrial discharge
• Sewage and wastewater
• Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides)
• Oil spills
Effects:
• Waterborne diseases (cholera, typhoid)
• Death of aquatic life
• Eutrophication
• Contamination of drinking water
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C. SOIL POLLUTION
Causes:
• Industrial waste disposal
• Excess use of pesticides
• Chemical fertilizers
• Landfills
Effects:
• Reduced soil fertility
• Contaminated crops
• Biomagnification
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D. NOISE POLLUTION
Sources:
• Vehicles
• Airports
• Construction sites
• Loudspeakers
Effects:
• Hearing loss
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disturbance
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E. THERMAL POLLUTION
Definition:
• Release of hot water from industries into natural water bodies.
Effects:
• Decreases oxygen level
• Affects aquatic organisms
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F. RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION
Sources:
• Nuclear power plants
• Improper disposal of radioactive waste
Effects:
• Genetic mutations
• Cancer
• Soil and water contamination
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3. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL METHODS
• Use of electrostatic precipitators
• Bag filters
• Scrubbers
• Catalytic converters
• Switching to clean fuels (CNG, electric vehicles)
• Plantation of trees
4. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
• Effluent treatment plants (ETP)
• Sewage treatment plants (STP)
• Rainwater harvesting
• Reduce pesticide use
5. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Methods:
• Segregation
• Recycling
• Composting
• Incineration
• Landfilling
6. ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN POLLUTION CONTROL
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Avoid plastic
• Conserve water
• Carpooling
• Planting trees
7. CONCLUSION
• Pollution affects environment, health, and biodiversity.
• Prevention and sustainable practices are essential.