Pollution: state of the environment when it is contaminated or damaged by harmful

substances, called pollutants.

Egs of pollutants: smoke, dust and waste
As population increased and industry expanded, pollutants produced also increased.
Land Pollution
The degradation or deterioration of the land through the improper disposal of waste or
contamination by harmful substances.
Causes

Improper disposal of waste

Waste unwanted and useless materials
Domestic waste mostly rubbish and leftover food
Industrial waste consists of used materials, by-products, discarded packaging and
chemical discharges
Electronic waste (e-waste) electrical appliances and equipment contains hazardous
materials such as lead and mercury

Excessive use of pesticides in farming

Damage the soil when used excessively
Also causes water pollution when they get washed into streams, rivers and lakes

Consequences

Environment
Destroys the natural beauty of the place
Affects surroundings and leads to other forms of pollution
Negative impact on the environment, human health and animals

Human Health
Waste dumps are breeding ground for pests such as flies, mosquitoes, rats and
cockroaches - Pests cause the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever

Animals
Animals get poisoned

Measures

International level
Countries work together to find solutions for land pollution

National level
Public education and education in schools
Laws and regulations to ensure proper waste disposal
Recycling and reducing wastage

Individual level
Use own bags when we go shopping
Refrain from littering and dispose waste properly
Recycle, etc.

Water Pollution
The contamination of water which makes it unsuitable for drinking, washing and recreational
activities. Two types freshwater pollution and seawater pollution.
Causes

Improper disposal of sewage

Sewage waste matter that is carried away from homes and industries by sewers (pipes)
for treatment or disposal

Occurrence of oil spills

Accidental release of oil into the seas and oceans by supertankers

Consequences

Endangering marine life

The rapid growh of algae and floating plants (Eutrophication) sunlight cannot reach
other plants in water and deprives other plants and marine life of oxygen
Oil slick blocks sunlight and oxygen from reaching planktons and other marine
organisms

Human Health
Water contamination health problems like diarrhoea, cholera and bilharzias
Food poisoning

Poisoning of seabirds and other animals

Caught in oil slick

High economic costs

Affects fishing and tourism industries

Measures

International level
International agreements to protect rivers lakes and seas eg. the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

National level
Laws and regulations to prosecute people and companies found guilty of polluting water
Ensure that adequate sewerage systems are in place
Recycle sewage

Individual level
Reduce waste
Participate in projects to clean up waterways and beaches

Air Pollution
The accumulation of harmful substances in the atmosphere caused by the release of pollutants
such as smoke, gases and dust into the air.
Causes

Volcanic eruptions and dust storms

Release of large amounts of dust in over-cultivated and over-grazed arid areas

Forest fires
Caused either by accident or by plantation operators who clears the land

Burning of fossil fuels

Fossil fuels energy sources like coal, oil and natural gas
Release of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide into the
atmosphere

Increased use of motor vehicles

Exhaust fumes include smoke and dust, and gases as nitrogen oxide and carbon
monoxide

Consequences

Reduced visibility

Human Health
Causes respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis, and other problems like eye

irritations and sore throats

Damage to buildings and crops

Certain chemicals in moist air react with brick and metal
Acid rain rain that contains sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide and becomes acidic

Global Warming
Harmful gases trap heat in the atmosphere

Measures

International level
Co-operation among countries to ensure a reduction in the emission of pollutants

National level
Laws and regulations to reduce air pollution, egs. catalytic converters for petrol-driven
cars, installation of pollution-control devices for factories and power plants
Public education
Building alternative forms of transport that do not release harmful gases

Individual level
Use public transport, or cycle or walk
Conserve electricity
Advise friends to keep air clean, like quit smoking

Noise Pollution
When a noise irritates and harms people
Causes

Motor vehicle noise

High traffic volume

Construction noise
Piling of foundations, cutting of iron bars and steel plates, knocking and drilling of
concrete and the operation of heavy equipment

Consequences

Human Health
Exposure to excessive noise can result in headaches, poor concentration, fatigue from

lack of sleep and loss of psychological well-being

Measures

International level
Establishment of a standard Noise Control Ordinance which spells out the measures to
take to reduce and control noise levels in countries

National level
Laws and regulations to control noise pollution
Careful planning of streets and buildings
Building anti-noise barriers and noise-absorbing structures in places where the noise
level is high

Individual level
Use public transport, or cycle or walk
Limit and avoid the use of noisy appliances and tools, especially at night
Turn down the volume of sound when watching television or listening to music

Global Warming
Greenhouse gases are so called because they act like the glass panels of a greenhouse, trapping
solar energy and keeping Earth warm. They include gases like carbon dioxide, methane, water
vapour, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Causes

Increase in Agricultural activities

Land clearance less CO2 absorbed
More CO2 released in air as trees and fossil fuels are burnt
Large quantity of methane produced by waste and rotting plants in sewage ponds and
landfills

Increase in motor vehicles

Nitrous oxide released from vehicle exhausts

Increase in the use of products containing CFCs