Pollution

Pollution is an undesirable change in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of

environment air, water, soil and land that has the potential to adversely affect human
life, the lives of the desirable species, natural resources, industrial processes, and
cultural assets.

Classification of Pollutants. Pollutants are substances, chemicals or factors that have

the potentiality to adversely affect human beings, human assets, natural resources and
natural characteristics of the environment. They are classified into different ways.

[Link] upon unchanged or changed nature, pollutants can be primary or

secondary.

(i) Primary Pollutants. Pollutants persisting in the environment in the form they are
passed into it, e.g., DDT, CO2, SO2, flyash, carbon monoxide ,smoke

(i) Secondary Pollutants. Pollutants which are formed by reaction amongst the primary
pollutants. For example, O3 and peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN) are formed through reaction
between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbones in the presence of sunlight Secondary
pollutants are often more harmful than primary pollutants. The enhanced effect is
called synergism

Primary pollutants Second pollutants

[Link] are pollutants which are passed 1. The pollutants develop as a result of
into environment in the form they are interaction of primary pollutants and
produced environmental constituents
2. They belong to various Categories like 2. They are generally oxidizing
particulate , aerosol
[Link] are less toxic [Link] are more toxic
4 they do not show synergism 4. Secondary Pollutants show synergism

2 According to their nature or quantity, the pollutants may be quantitative or

qualitative.

(i) Qualitative Pollutants. They are harmful products which function as pollutants Due to
their nature. Qualitative pollutants normally do not occur in the environment but are
Passed into it through human activity, e.g. DDT and other pesticides , fungicides,
herbicides, Etc.

(ii)Quantitative Pollutants. They become pollutants only when their concentration

Reaches beyond a threshold value in the environment,. They are already present in
nature e.g., CO, C02, nitrogen oxides.

3. According to their degradability, pollutants are of two types, biodegradable or non-

biodegradable.
(i) Biodegradable Pollutant. The pollutant degrades after some time either
automatically (e.g., heat) or through the agency of microorganisms (= biodegradable,
e.g., sewage, live-Stock wastes, market garbage). Biodegradable pollutants are
disposed off through natural Processes as well as waste treatment plants. Because of
the presence of biogenetic nutrients And energy, they can be turned into a resource,
e.g., compost, manure, biogas

(ii)Nonbiodegradable Pollutant. The pollutant does not get degraded or broken down
naturally into harmless materials ,e.g., DDT (dichloro-diphenyI trichloro-ethane), BHC
(benzene Hexachloride), empty cans, polythene bags, waste plastics. Nondegradable
pollutants are also Called persistent pollutants. They are difficult to manage as a
natural method of degradation Is absent. The term nonbiodegradable is also used as
microorganisms are unable to degrade

Biodegradable pollutants Nonbiodegradable pollutants

1 They are those pollutants which are 1 the pollutants are not decomposed by
decomposed and degraded by microbes micro
2 the pollutants are degraded quite rapidly 2 they are degraded extremely slowly

3 biodegradable pollutants do not pile up 3 non biodegradable pollutants often

accumulate
4 they can be used to Produce energy, 4 some of the pollutants, if properly
manure, compost and biogas separated, can be recycled. Other are not
manageable
5 they become part of rapid turnover in 5 many of them do not enter
biogeochemical cycle biogeochemical Cycles.
6 example : sewage, livestock, green 6 DDT, BHC , plastics, polyethylene, cans
garbage ,broken glass

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution is the addition of particles, gases and chemicals into the atmosphere that
Have the potential to adversely affect human health, health of animals, vegetation,
natural Resources and human assets. Substances and factors which cause air pollution
are called air Pollutants. Air pollution is both natural and anthropogenic. Though
anthropogenic air Pollution is less than 1% of the total, it is proving to be more harmful
due to its higher Concentration in the area of its formation. It comes from both mobile
and fixed sources.

Air pollutants coming directly from the pollution sources are called primary air
pollutants .Reaction between two or more primary air pollutants gives rise to secondary
air pollutants
SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTANTS

1 Chemical Plants: like petroleum refineries, fertilizers, cement, paper mills, ceramics,
clay Products, glass manufacture, pesticides etc. Produce hydrogen sulphide, sulphur
dioxide, organic Vapours and dust.

2 Processing Industries like cotton textiles, wheat flour mills, asbestos, etc. Produce
dust That causes many human diseases

3 Metallurgical processing releases mineral dust, fumes containing fluorides, sulphides

and Metallic pollutants like lead, arsenic, zinc, mercury, nickel, cadmium. Welding,
stone crushing, gem grinding, etc. Produce pollutants

4Mobile (Vehicular) Combustions sources: Automobile revolution has contributed

more Than its share to air pollution. They are major sources of air pollution producing
pollutants like CO, nitrogen oxides, sulphur compounds, benzopyrene, ammonia,
organic vapours, aldehydes Lead and solid carbons. A survey conducted on the eve of
World Environment Day, 1997 revealed That in Delhi 1400 tons of pollutants are
generated every day out of which 1025 tons are contributed By 28 lakh vehicles.

5) Agricultural Activities: About 60-65% of CO, is produced due to burning of forests

Grasslands and crop cultivation. About 40% of methane is produced from paddy fields,
guts of Livestock and burning of crop residue. Crop spraying for pest and weed control
emits Organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, lead, etc. Into the air.

6 Mining Activities: Various activities like blasting of rocks, marble grilling etc. Produce
dust, Particulate matter, etc.

7Volcanic eruptions – release ash, smoke, and harmful gases (sulfur dioxide, carbon
dioxide).

8Forest fires – produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and soot.

9Dust storms – spread fine dust particles into the atmosphere.

10 Pollen and microbes – naturally present in the air and can reduce air quality.

11Burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and natural gas burning in power plants and
households.

12Construction activities – release dust and fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10).

Primary pollutants and their effects

[Link] Matter. It consists of soot, flyash, dusts of various types, fur, hair, Spores,
pollen grains, etc. Particulate matter is differentiated into settleable (larger than 10 ųm,
remaining in air for less than one day) and suspended (less than 10 ųm remaining in Air
for more than one day to several weeks). SPM (suspended particulate matter) is
maximum in Delhi . It is differentiated into Aerosol (less than I ųm), dust (more than 1
ųm) and mist (liquid, more than 1 ųm). Smoke Is similar to dust but consists of visible
suspension of carbon and other particles given off By burning or smouldering organic
matter. Particles of 2.5 ųm and lesser diameter (PM 2.5) Are the most harmful to human
health (Central Pollution Control Board or CPCB).

Effects

• They pass Deep into the lungs causing breathing and respiratory problems,
irritation, inflammation and Damage to lungs resulting in pre-mature death.
• Soot (incomplete burning of carbohydrates), smoke, flyash (fine particulate
matter passed out along with gases during burning Of coal) and dust deteriorate
the quality of articles, clog stomata, cover leaf surface, produce Allergic
reactions, especially bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• Particulate matter From processing industries (e.g., cotton dust, iron mill dust,
mine dust, flour mill dust, gem Grinding, cement industry, ) causes
pneumoconiosis, byssinosis, Emphysaema, siderosis and other pulmonary
problems.
• Dust and smoke produce Smog.
• Pollen and dust mites. causes respiratory problems. Such as hay fever

2. Carbon Monoxide. It is colourless gas and highly toxic . It is formed by burning of

carbon containing substance such as combustion of automobile oil, coal, forest fires
volcanic eruptions it is also produced from Metallurgical operations, Cigarette smoke .

Effects

• Carbon monoxide combine with haemoglobin, produce carboxyhaemoglobin . It

impairs oxygen transport resulting in giddiness, headache , decreased vision ,
cardiovascular malfunction and hypoxia.
• It has adverse effects on plant life also . It decrease the Nitrogen fixing ability

3. Carbon dioxide: it is not harmful as natural component but its increased

concentration in atmosphere is harmful.

Effects

• It is green House gas when it’s concentration increases through burning of coal,
combustion of oil leads to rise in global temperature
• High conservation causes headache and nausea

4 H2S. It is a product of putrefaction, treatment of sulphur containing ores, refineries,

Chemical plants and bituminous fuels.

Effects
 • It causes mottled chlorosis and defoliation in plants, Decolourises paints,
produces eye irritation, throat irritation and nausea

5. Hydrocarbons (HCs) or Volatile Organic Carbons (VOCs). They are produced

Naturally (e.g., marsh gas) as well as due to incomplete combustion.

Effects

• Hydrocarbons, especially polynuclear aromatic (with 2 or more fused benzene

rings) or PAH and formaldehyde are carcinogenic, cause irritation of eyes and
mucous membrane and bronchial constriction. There is increased mucus
secretion and tearing of alveoli.
• Methane (marsh gas) is produced Naturally during decomposition of organic
matter, paddy fields (40% of the total), cattle and Incomplete combustion in
automobiles, industries, kitchens etc. Methane is a green house gas increase
global temperature

6. Sulphur Oxides. They occur mostly in the form of sulphur dioxide. It is produced In
large quantity during smelting of metallic ores (e.g., 1ron, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, etc)
And burning of petroleum and coal in industries, thermal plants, homes and motor
vehicles In the air,

• SO2, combines with water to form sulphurous acid (H2SO2). It is the cause of
acid Rain.
• It causes chlorosis and necrosis of vegetation in as low concentration .Lichen
vegetation) and mosses are completely Destroyed.
• Sulphur dioxide, above 1 ppm, affects human beings. It causes irritation to eyes
And injury to respiratory tract (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema

7. Nitrogen oxides: they are produced Naturally through biological and Non-biological
activities from nitrate, nitrite, electric storms and solar flares. Human Activities such
as combustion, automobiles

Effects

• Nitrogen oxides give rise to photochemical smog

• In the presence of moisture nitrogen oxides have corrosive effects on metals.
• Nitrogen oxides produce lesions , necrosis, defoliation of plants
• In humans They cause eye irritation, respiratory troubles, lung edema etc

8 Flares 8 Fluorides. They are given out during refining of minerals (e.g., aluminium, also
from ground water)

Effects
 • Chlorosis and necrosis of leaf tips and margins
• Abnormal calcification of bones and teeth

9. Chlorofluorocarbons/Chlorofluoromethane/Freon/Aerosols. They are chemicals

Used as refrigerants, propellants and solid plastic foams. The chemical are released as
Arosol by jets flying at high altitutdes.

Effects

• Alongwith nitrogen oxides, chlorofluorocarbons react With ozone of ozonosphere

and deplete the same. Hole in the ozone shield over antarctic Region has
widened from 129 to 133 dobson units in 1994 alone. This can increase the
Amount of ultraviolet radiations reaching the earth.

Secondary Air Pollutants and their Effects

1 smog: smog is opaque or dark fog having condensed water vapours, dust , smoke and
gases ( SO2, H2S, NO2 etc) . It is broadly of two types :

A) Classical / Reducing smog ( London smog) : It occurs at low temperature,

contain sulphur gases . It is dark brown and opaque . Secondary Pollutants are
absent. It occur first time in London. Causes destruction of vegetation,
irritation of throat and eyes
B) Photochemical (Los Angeles smog): It is grey or yellow brown, it was first
reported over Los Angeles. It is formed at high temperature. Secondary
Pollutants are present . Causes lung irritation, bronchitis, oedema of lungs

2 ozone : Ozone can be good or bad depending on where it is found:

• Good ozone (stratospheric ozone): Found high up in the stratosphere (10–50 km

above Earth). It forms the ozone layer, which protects us by absorbing harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
• Bad ozone (tropospheric ozone): Found near the ground (in the troposphere).
Here, ozone becomes a pollutant. It is not emitted directly but forms when
nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the
presence of sunlight. This is a major component of photochemical smog less
than 1ppm it injures mucus membrane, causes dry throat, haemorrhages and
eye irritation.

Control of air pollution

1 Asserters : They are devices two separate particulate pollutants. Arrester are of
various types a)cyclonic separators the particulate rich air is passed into the chamber
where it is rotated centrifugal force cause settling of particulates while clean air is
allowed to pass out. (B) trajectory separators: dirty air is thrown out into the collecting
chamber in the form of oblique jet heavier particles settle down. (C) gravity settling
chamber :dirty air is passed through a large chamber particular to settle down while
clean air is passed out

2. Filters : they are large sized Porous bags of polyester, polyprolene through which dry
Emissions are passed under pressure to filter out particulate matter.

3. Electrostatic precipitator: They are the most efficient devices where particle present
in dirty air are charged electrically to form a corona of negative charge around them the
charge dust particle are passed over collection plate which is positively charged and are
connected electrically with earth

4 catalytic converters : These can be used in automobiles so that Emissions of carbon

monoxide is reduced. this device is attached to the exhaust system of vehicle the
device can convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water
.it convert nitrogen oxide into nitrogen gas. catalytic converter become ineffective by
Lead . therefore this device is effective only if lead free petrol is used

5. Scrubbers : Dust separation is also carried by scrubbers they are of two types dry
and wet scrubber. Wet scrubber where a fine spray of water or alkaline fluid like lime is
allowed to fall over exhaust emission water dissolves gases the particles also become
heavy and fall down. lime react with the sulphur dioxide to produce precipitate of
calcium sulphate

Legislative measures

1. Emission Standards: Governments set limits on the amount of pollutants

that can be Emitted by vehicles, power plants, factories, and other
sources. These standards often Evolve over Time to reflect advances in
technology and understanding of health impacts.
2. Vehicle Regulations: This includes measures such as requiring catalytic
converters, Mandating cleaner fuels, implementing emission testing
programs, promoting electric Vehicles, and establishing vehicle
inspection and maintenance programs.
3. Industrial Regulations: Governments regulate emissions from industries
through Permits, emission trading schemes, pollution taxes, and
mandates for the installation of Pollution control technologies
4. Clean Energy Policies: Governments may incentivize or mandate the use
of renewable Energy sources like wind and solar power, and impose
regulations on coal-fired power Plants to reduce emissions of pollutants
such as sulfur dioxide and mercury.
5. Urban Planning and Transportation Policies: Measures to reduce traffic
congestion And promote public transportation, cycling, and walking can
help decrease vehicle Emissions. Zoning regulations can also be used to
 separate industrial activities from Residential areas to reduce exposure to
pollutants.
6. Monitoring and Reporting Requirements: Governments often require
regular Monitoring and reporting of air quality data by industries and other
polluting entities to Ensure compliance with regulations
7. Public Awareness and Education: Governments may run campaigns to
inform the Public about the health impacts of air pollution and ways to
reduce personal exposure. Such as avoiding outdoor activities during
smoggy days or using air purifiers indoors

Acid rain

Acid rain is rain, snow, or any other form of precipitation that becomes more acidic than
normal due to certain pollutants in the atmosphere. Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6
(slightly acidic because of dissolved carbon dioxide). Acid rain usually has a pH below
5.0.

Causes of Acid Rain

1. Burning of fossil fuels (coal, petrol, diesel) releases sulphur dioxide (SO₂).
2. Industrial processes & vehicles emit nitrogen oxides (NOx).
3. These gases react with water vapour, oxygen, and other chemicals in the air to
form sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃).
4. These acids mix with rainwater and fall to the Earth as acid rain.

Effects of Acid Rain

• Environment: Damages forests, makes soil infertile, and harms aquatic life by
making lakes and rivers acidic.
• Human health: Causes respiratory problems, irritation in eyes, and skin issues.
• Man-made structures: Corrodes buildings, monuments, and metals (e.g., Taj
Mahal is affected by acid rain).

In short:

Acid rain = SO₂ + NOx + Water vapour → Sulphuric acid + Nitric acid → Falls with rain.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on the night of December 2–3, 1984 at the Union
Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. A highly
poisonous gas called Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) leaked from the plant into the air.

Impact

• More than 15,000–20,000 deaths and over 5 lakh people affected.

• Survivors suffered from breathing problems, eye irritation, lung damage,
neurological issues, birth defects, and cancers.
 • Soil and water in the area were heavily contaminated.
• The toxic waste is still present, causing health issues even decades later.

WATER POLLUTION

It Is the degradation of quality of water due to addition of substances (inorganic,

organic, biological, radiological), and deprivation that make it health hazard unfit for
human use

Water pollutants belong to three categories

A Biological. Various pathogens, e.g., viruses, bacteria Protozoa,

B chemical pollutants : organic wastes,, organic biocides (e.g., DDT. BHC) and
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), inorganic chemicals like As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg
Phosphates, nitrates, fluorides, etc. Pharmaceuticals

C Physical. Hot water, oil spills.

D radioactive substances: The material used in reactor to produce nuclear energy is

transformed into radioactive material. disposal of radioactive waste in ocean by big
industrial nations pollute the ocean water this is very dangerous for ocean ecosystem.

Sources of Water Pollution. They are of two types

(a) Natural Sources of Water Pollution. Clay and silt from soil erosion,
leaching of Minerals, falling of organic matter from the banks.
(b) Anthropogenic or Man-Made Sources of Water Pollution. Domestic waste,
sew-Age, soaps and detergents, run-off from agricultural fields having
fertilizers and pesticides, Industrial wastes, heat, waste from animal
sheds and slaughter houses, oil pollution, boats, Ships. Etc. Due to
human generated pollutants, all types of water bodies are becoming
Polluted I ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, canals, estuaries and oceans.
• Municipal Waste Water: It contains sewage, domestic or household wastes,
Detergents and some animal as well as industrial wastes. The waste water is
generally passed Lakes and rivers. Its contents are biodegradable. They contain
excess of phosphate and Nitrate. All of them pollute water bodies.
• Industrial Waste Water:. Various industries like chemical paper breweries dying
textile etc produce millions of tonnes of industrial waste almost the entire waste
is thrown into the liver canals or water body
• Surface Run Off:. Run off from agriculture land is polluted with pesticides and
Fertilisers. Storm water from urban and industrial sites contain a lot of
biodegradable as well As toxic metals, acids and other chemicals
• Oil Spills:. They are accidental discharges of petroleum from oil tankers, offshore
Oil drilling and oil refineries
 • Thermal pollution: It is caused by the addition of hot effluent into the water body
from the thermal power plants, refineries as well as those which use water as
coolant warmer water contained less oxygen that time aquatic life

In urban areas 90% of water pollution is due to human wastes and 10% by industrial
Wastes. In open, 58% of all water pollution is due to agricultural run-off. Here mining
Industry is the second major pollutant. Sewage, industrial effluents and waste waters
are Point source pollutants while surface run off is a nonpoint source pollutant.

Point source of water pollution Non point source of water pollution

1 it is pollution caused by discharge of 1 it is pollution caused by discharge of
effluents at one point pollutants over a wide area
2Due to large scale entry of entry of 2 There is some dilution of effect of
pollutants at one point the contamination pollutants due to large area
and I’m full effect on quality of water is
maximum
3 Treatment plant can be installed in the 3 Treatment plant is useless for this type
area of flow of effluent of pollution
4 Other type of control measures are not 4 Control measures are required on large
required scale

Effects of water pollution

1 Untreated sewage: it is a breeding place for mosquitoes and various type of pathogen

2. Agriculture runoff chemical fertilisers and pesticides insecticide leading to the

eutrophication and biomagnification

Eutrophication is the process by which a water body (lake, river, pond, or coastal area)
becomes enriched with excessive nutrients, mainly nitrates and phosphates, leading to
overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants.

Process:

1. Nutrients (nitrates & phosphates) enter the water body.

2. Rapid growth of algae (algal bloom) occurs.
3. Algae block sunlight from reaching underwater plants.
4. Plants and algae die, decompose, and consume oxygen.
5. Dissolved oxygen in water decreases.
6. Fish and aquatic animals suffocate and die.

Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of harmful substances (like

pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial chemicals) increases step by step in the food
chain.

DDT (pesticide):
Example Accumulates in water → taken up by plankton → fish → birds (like eagles).

Birds lay eggs with thin shells → eggs break → decline in bird populations.

3. Foul odour : The decomposition of organic waste product produces foul smell and
turn water brown and oily

4 anaerobiosis :Lack of oxygen in water create harmful secondary Pollutants like

ammonia and methane turning the water blackish or brown

5 plastic pollution: Marine animals, including birds and fish is ingest plastic waste
which causes gastrointestinal problem and death

6 radioactive waste : Radioactive material like uranium iodine 131 strontium 90 are
carcinogenic and cause genetic mutation in aquatic life and human

7 heavy metals

Metals Effects
Mercury Mercury undergoes biomagnification in fish . humans
feeding on these fish is may have numbness of limbs
impaired speech blurred vision and death
Lead Anaemia, headache, paralyses,
arsenic , mental disturbance, liver cirrhosis,, ulcer in gastrointestinal
tract, lung cancer, skin damage
chromium Cancer, liver damage
cadmium kidney damage, testicular necrosis, hypertension
Fluorides weakening of bones, knock knees, boat shaped posture
Selenium Fever, nausea, vomiting
Nitrates blood poisoning, cyanosis

Parameters to check the quality of water

1 dissolved oxygen: Dissolve oxygen is defined as amount of oxygen dissolved in water

usually determine by the wrinkler dissolved oxygen test and measured in mg/l . Lower
the value of dissolved oxygen more the level of pollution in water. Dissolve value 8.0
mg/l indicate pollution and below 4.0 mg/l heavy pollution

2. Biological oxygen demand : BOD is amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to

decompose organic matter at 20°C for five days. the value of BOD is usually measured
mg/l in more the value of BOD, higher the level of organic water pollution

3 Chemical oxygen demands: COD is defined as amount of oxygen required by the

chemicals like potassium dichromate to decompose wished from water. it is also
measured in mg/l . higher the value of COD, higher the level of pollution

Waste Water Treatment plant

Primary Treatment: It is also called physical treatment. The treatment consists Of
shredding, churning , screening and sedimentation. Sequential filtration remove both
floating and large suspended particles. The filtrate is then passed into settling tanks
where silt, small pebbles and heavy metals settle down.

Secondary Treatment: It is known as biological treatment as the steps involves

microbial decomposition of fine organic matter present in effluent.

Activated Sludge Process (ASP): Aeration tank → sewage mixed with microbes (activated
sludge) → organic matter oxidized → sent to clarifier.

Trickling Filter: Sewage sprayed over bed of stones/plastic media → microbes form
biofilm → degrade organic matter.

Oxidation Ponds/Lagoons: Shallow ponds where sunlight, algae, and bacteria interact
for purification.

Result: Removes ~85–95% of BOD and most pathogens.

Tertiary Treatment (Advanced Treatment) :

• Filtration – Sand/activated carbon filters remove fine particles.

• Nutrient Removal:
Nitrogen Removal – nitrification & denitrification
Phosphorus Removal – precipitation using alum, ferric salts.
• Disinfection – Chlorination, UV, or ozone to kill pathogens.
• Desalination – Reverse osmosis or electrodialysis (if needed).
• Heavy Metal Removal – Adsorption, ion exchange.

Control measures

• Strengthening Environmental Regulations: Effective implementation and

enforcement of laws such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, are crucial. Regulatory bodies
like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control
Boards (SPCBs) must ensure compliance and take action against violators.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Regular water quality monitoring and strict
compliance with discharge standards can help prevent and mitigate pollution.
• Advanced technologies and data analytics can be used for real-time monitoring
and early pollution detection.
• Wastewater Treatment: Investing in modern wastewater treatment facilities is
essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into water bodies.
• Use of Biotechnology: With the help of biotechnology, we can engineer
microorganisms to neutralise the harmful pollutant in water. E.g. oil zapper and
oilivorous-s, etc.
 • Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices,
such as organic farming and integrated pest management, can minimise the use
of harmful chemicals and reduce agricultural runoff.
• Industrial Pollution Control: Implementing strict regulations and enforcement
mechanisms to control industrial pollution can help prevent the discharge of
harmful substances into water bodies.
• Solid Waste Management: Improving waste management practices, including
proper disposal and recycling, can reduce the risk of pollution from landfills and
dumpsites.
• Public Awareness and Education: It is crucial to raise public awareness about
the importance of water conservation and the consequences of pollution.
• Educating communities about the proper use and management of water
resources can foster a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable
practices

NOISE POLLUTION

Not all sound is considered noise pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO)
defines noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise pollution. To be precise, noise becomes
harmful when it exceeds 75 decibels (dB) and is painful above 120 dB. As a
consequence, it is recommended noise levels be kept below 65 dB during the day and
indicates that restful sleep is impossible with nighttime ambient noise levels in excess
of 30 dB.

• A person cannot sleep with noise level up to 45-50 dB and pain start in ear at
around 120 dB
• The frequency limits for human ear to hear are from 20-20,000 Hz (20 KHz).
• Frequencies less than 20 Hz are called infrasonic sounds and greater than
20,000 Hz are called ultrasonic sound .

Causes of Noise Pollution

1 Industrial Sources Factories, mills, and workshops using heavy machinery.

Generators, compressors, boilers. Printing presses, textile mills, and construction
equipment.

2. Transportation

• Road Traffic: Cars, buses, trucks, honking, motorcycles with modified silencers.
• Railways: Engine noise, whistles, vibrations on tracks.
• Air Traffic: Aircraft take-off and landing near airports.
• Shipping: Engine and horn sounds from ships and boats.

3. Construction Activities
 • Drilling, blasting, and pile driving.
• Use of heavy equipment like bulldozers, excavators, concrete mixers.
• Road repairs, building construction, metro/bridge projects.

4 Domestic Sources

• Loudspeakers, TV, music systems, washing machines, mixers, vacuum cleaners.

• Generators and inverters.
• Firecrackers during festivals and celebrations.

5. Social and Cultural Activities

• Loudspeakers during marriages, parties, processions, and religious functions.
• Public announcements and rallies.
• Political campaigns with sound systems.

6. Urbanization & Population Growth

• Increased number of vehicles, industries, and crowded living spaces.
• Overuse of horns in traffic jams.

7. Natural Causes
• Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
• Landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes.
• Ocean waves and animal noises (less significant compared to man-made
sources).

Measures to Control Noise Pollution

The pervasive noise pollution can be controlled only through cooperation between all
the stakeholders, i.e. individuals, families, society and the Government. The following
steps can be taken to control or minimise noise pollution:

• TVs, radio and other electronic gadgets should not be played at a high volume.
• Restricting the use of loudspeakers and amplifiers. For example, several states
have protocols for maximum sound limits during the night-time.
• The use of firecrackers, which are noisy and cause air pollution, should be
restricted.
• Green belts are created through the plantation of trees along highways.
• Proper lubrication and timely maintenance of industrial machines and transport
vehicles.
• Innovative designs and adequate maintenance of vehicles.
 • Acoustic materials that can absorb sound energy can be used to interrupt the
path of sound.
• Creating noise mounds, noise attenuation walls, well-maintained roads and
smooth surfacing of roads can ensure noise abatement.
• Retrofitting locomotives, continuously welded rail tracks, the use of electric
locomotives, or the deployment of quieter rolling stock will reduce train noises.
• Appropriate insulation and introduction of noise regulations for take-off and
landing of aircraft.

Effects

Auditory effects Auditory effects

Above 90 dB Whistling and buzzing ears (reduce hearing ability)
Above 150 dB Deafness (permanent loss of hearing called sociocusis)
Non auditory effects Anxiety, stress, headache, high BP, stomach disorders, eye
strain, nausea, fatigue, impatience.