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Environmental Pollution reduction has been the need of the hour as it is causing adverse changes in our environment. Changes from environmental pollution have detrimental repercussions for plants, animals, and humans and is one of the most critical problems ever faced on a global scale.
- The major pollutants are solid, liquid, or gaseous substances.
- In higher quantities, it can be caused by human activity or natural phenomena.
- Limiting our demands is the most essential task, as this adds to pollution.
- Pollution may come in a variety of forms, ranging from the water we drink to the music we listen to.
- All of these variables contribute to pollution in the environment, causing detrimental consequences on the ecosystems and other living species.
Read More: Environmental Pollution Effects
| Table of Contents |
Key Terms: Environmental Pollution, Pollution, Ecosystem, Pollution Reduction, Awareness, Pollution Control, Health Hazards, Environment, Global Warming, Waste Disposal, Waste Management
What is Environmental Pollution?
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Pollution is defined as the creation of dangerous compounds or foreign particles into the environment that has a negative impact. Due to the severe effects of pollution seen across different sectors of interest, the topic has been the focus of attention for some time. As a result, several studies and ideas have been developed to find solutions to safeguard our environment.
- Environmental pollution occurs due to an undesirable changes in the surrounding, leading to several harmful effects on plants and animals.
- A pollutant can be defined as a substance which causes pollution.
- Pollutants can be in liquid, solid or gaseous forms. A substance can become a pollutant if its concentration becomes greater than the natural abundance, thus increasing in concentration either due to human activities or natural phenomena.
- Pollutants are degraded and rapidly broken down by means of natural processes which are equivalent to vegetable degradation.
Environmental Pollution
- The most important of all essential concerns is how to protect the environment from pollution.
- Degradation of air quality, water quality, and other factors such as soil quality are critical issues that must be addressed.
- Pollutants can be characterised as notable pollutants, fund pollutants, and light pollutants.
- The pollutant concentration is measured in order to determine risk assessment in public health.
What is Pollution?
Pollution can be defined as the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are also known as Pollutants. Pollutants can be natural in form, for example, volcanic ash. However, they can also be given rise to by human activity, such as waste produced by factories.
Also Read: Environment Protection Act, 1986
Effects of Environmental Pollution
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Pollutants originate at one point but then get transported to other places by the action of wind or water. Many of the pollutants are dumped into the soil by human beings as well. It further leads to air, water and soil pollution.
- In case the soil gets polluted, the useful microorganisms perish, thus the fertility of the soil is lost, reducing crop production.
- Similarly, water pollution can be equally harmful to organisms, especially because it requires purification before drinking.
- In case of air pollution, it can lead to several respiratory diseases, harming the human body.
Environmental Pollution Infographic
Reducing Environmental Pollution
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One of our key responsibilities is environmental protection, which is a natural means of caring for ourselves and future generations. Several factors can assist in reducing the negative influence of our consumption patterns. Below are six practical measures to prevent pollution that may be adopted in our daily lives:
Right Transportation Options
Transportation facilities that emit less pollution can significantly reduce air pollution. Car use can be avoided for a short-distance journey and instead, use environmentally-friendly vehicles like bicycles or an e-bike.
Right Chemical Usage
Make use of environmentally friendly chemicals to reduce air pollution. The chemicals we use to clean our utensils, automobiles, and homes end up in the sewage system, where they are collected as groundwater.
Water Conservation
Using water wisely so that residents in dry places get water for their essential needs. The utilization of water in a controlled manner is the need of the hour.
Food Choices
Food transportation across the country is costly as it consumes a lot of fuel. We can reduce our fuel usage by choosing food products that are cultivated locally and naturally utilizing feasible techniques.
Avoid Medicine Flushing
Medicines with large dosages that end up in the sewage system are difficult to segregate from the water system and can harm those who drink them.
Changing Energy Sources
Using renewable energy sources such as water, air, and solar energy to generate electricity. This helps to save traditional and finite resources.
3 R’s of Waste Management
Read More: Mendeleev’s Periodic Table
Pollution Control
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When we consider the consequences of air, soil, and water pollution, we see how important it is to minimize pollution. Individual measures should be done to decrease environmental pollution in the neighbourhood, resulting in a cleaner environment. Pollution develops as a result of waste discharge and ineffective waste disposal. From the beginning to the end, we should have a solid waste management strategy. Below mentioned are two strategies:
Waste Management
The neighbourhood generates a lot of solid trash. We also have medical, agricultural, mining, and industrial garbage in addition to home waste. The incorrect disposal of these materials pollutes the environment. As a result, caution must be exercised while disposing of these wastes to limit contamination levels in our environment.
Waste Collection and Disposal
The produced residential garbage is collected in bins and delivered to municipal personnel, who transport it to a disposal location. The further process in waste management are:
- The garbage is sorted and segregated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories at the site.
- Plastic garbage (non-biodegradable waste) such as bottles, plastic bags, and other non-biodegradable wastes are recycled.
- Biodegradable wastes, on the other hand, are put on the ground and turned into compost.
- If garbage is not collected for disposal, it eventually ends up in the sewers.
- The animals consume some of the excrement. Metal debris and plastic bags, which are non-biodegradable, clog sewers and induce incontinence.
- The polythene bags are swallowed by cats and clog their throats. This makes it difficult for them to breathe, and they may die as a result.
Waste disposal & Pollution Control Strategies
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| Important Topics Related to Environmental Pollution Reduction | ||
|---|---|---|
| Garbage: Sources, Classification, Disposal | Our Environment: Types, Components and Functions | Human Impact on the Environment |
| Water Pollution Control | Types of Waste | Air Vs Water Pollution |
| Atmospheric Pollution | Noise Pollution Effects | Water Pollution Effects |
Creating Awareness of Environmental Pollution
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It is important to create awareness about the environment and the rising environmental pollution. Thus,
- Advising people on how to reduce pollution using campaigns or discussing within our neighbourhoods for suggestions on environmental pollution protection.
- Creating groups of like-minded individuals for environmental protection such that more awareness gets created.
- Discovering the sources of pollution in our neighbourhoods by researching.
- Sharing information with as many people as possible so that they are aware of the dangers of pollution and how to avoid them.
- Using social media as an efficient platform for sharing our thoughts with our peers.
Read More: Ecology & Environment
Things to Remember
- Environmental Pollution has become a major worry in the fight to safeguard our world.
- To minimize pollution, we must adopt a variety of approaches.
- Planting trees, limiting the use of non-renewable resources, and efficient trash disposal are just a few of them.
- Our planet is heading toward an ill future for all living things. As a result, we must become aware of the elements that contaminate our environment.
- As part of our public awareness campaign, we all should offer pollution reduction guidance to everyone.
- People might consider organizing campaigns, or even starting with their local neighbourhood, to encourage others to follow pollution-reduction guidelines.
- Forming an environmental group is another way to raise awareness. For a brighter future, everyone should adopt the strategies and methods for reducing pollution.
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| Important Topics From Chapter 14: Environmental Chemistry | ||
|---|---|---|
| Components of Ecosystem | Waste Management Causes | Environemental Chemistry |
| Soil Erosion | Important Questions from Chapter 14 | Environmental Chemistry MCQs |
| Acid Rain | Green Chemistry | Energy Flow in Ecosystem |
| Abiotic Factors | Water Scarcity Causes | Groundwater Pollution |
Previous Year Questions on Environmental Pollution Reduction
- The book ‘Silent Spring’ is related to which pollution? [NEET 2015]
- Sound above what level are considered hazardous? [NEET 2014]
- Which statement about photochemical smog is incorrect?[NEET 2012]
- What is Green Chemistry? [NEET 2008]
- Which of these is not a green house gas? [NEET 2019]
- Dobsons Units is used to measure thickness of? [NEET 2021]
- Which of these is a green house gas? [KEAM]
- Excess nitrate in drinking water can cause? [KEAM]
- Which is not a green house gas? [KEAM]
- Which metal causes the water unsuitble for drinking? [JEE MAIN 2019]
- Addition of phosphate fertilisers causes water bodies to? [JEE MAIN 2015]
- Validate the assertiona and reasoining on impact of ozone? [JEE MAIN 2019]
- Which of the following statements is incorrect about BOD? [JEE MAIN 2018]
- What does BOD stand for? [JEE MAIN 2016]
- Choose the wrong statement on environmental protection. [JEE MAIN 2019]
- Eutrophication is due to? [AMUEEE 2011]
- The process of nutrient enrichment and loos of species diversity is? [AMUEEE 2014]
Sample Questions
Ques. What are the main causes of soil pollution? (2 Marks)
Ans. The main causes behind soil pollution is:
- Urban commercial and domestic waste
- Industrial waste
- Chemical fertilizers
- Pesticides
Ques. What is the cause of water pollution? (2 Marks)
Ans. The causes behind water pollution are:
- Marine commerce
- Dumping of several radioactive substances into the water bodies
- Industrial effluents
Ques. Explain the two strategies used to control pollution and reduce waste? (2 Marks)
Ans. The two Strategies used for pollution control and reduction of waste are:
- Waste Management - The neighbourhood produces a lot of solid waste. In addition to household waste, we have medical, agricultural, mining, and industrial waste. The environment is being polluted by improper disposal of these items. As a result, proper care must be taken accordingly while disposing of these wastes to keep contamination levels in our environment to a minimum.
- Waste Disposal and Collection - Residential rubbish is collected in containers and handed to municipal workers, who take it to a disposal facility. At the landfill, trash is sorted and separated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories.
Ques. What is Environmental Pollution? (2 Marks)
Ans. The environment is defined as both natural and man-made surroundings, including natural resources such as water, land, air, and raw materials, as well as man-made resources such as cultural heritage, socio-economic institutions, and people. Environmental pollution is defined as the introduction of dangerous compounds into the environment that alters the physical, chemical, and biological features of the air, land, and water, posing a threat to human and other species' lives.
Ques. How can Individuals become more aware of the need to reduce pollution? (3 Marks)
Ans. Two approaches to reduce environmental pollution and promote public awareness is to look for pollution-reduction materials online and to share knowledge through groups and campaigns.
Furthermore, Social media has become such a useful tool for exchanging ideas with your peers. Remember, it's only when you speak up that these new ideas, which are swiftly becoming a necessity, reach a wider audience.
Also, one thing that people must know is that even a single small act of reducing pollution will add to the global campaign of reducing the environmental pollution.
Ques. Why is it necessary to reduce pollution? (3 Marks)
Ans. Pollution adds to the natural imbalance and disrupts the usual flow of life, putting living things in danger of a range of health problems. Pollution prevention benefits the environment by preserving and safeguarding natural resources while also boosting economic growth by allowing industries to produce more efficiently and reducing the amount of garbage that has to be handled by families, businesses, and communities. As a result, pollution must be reduced and the environment must be protected.
Ques. What Can You Do to Help the Environment? (3 Marks)
Ans. Using alternative energy sources, reducing air pollution include conserving water, switching to locally produced foods, avoiding flushing drugs, and driving fewer automobiles are all solutions for protecting the environment.
Pollution prevention through education is better and more viable than pollution control. Individuals should urge others to change their lifestyles and behaviours if they are harmful to the environment. Individuals should reduce resource waste, such as electricity.
Ques. How are People polluting the entire environment? (3 Marks)
Ans. Humans have a variety of effects on the physical environment, including overcrowding, pollution, fossil fuel combustion, and deforestation. Change in Climate, Erosion of Soil, poor air quality, and undrinkable water are all factors that are polluting the environment. Household activities, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation are the other major causes of pollution. Some pollutants concentrations are lowered through dispersion, dilution, deposition, or degradation after they have been discharged into the environment.
Ques. Explain any 3 Practical measures to prevent pollution that may be adopted in our daily lives. (3 Marks)
Ans. The three practical measures to prevent pollution are:
- Usage of Chemicals- Use ecologically friendly chemicals to prevent air pollution because the chemicals we use to clean our utensils, autos, and homes wind up in the sewage system and are collected as groundwater.
- Conservation of Water- Using water properly is one of the most efficient strategies to reduce pollution. Its use deprives populations in dry areas of their basic need for water unnecessarily. As a result, it's best to use water in moderation so that others can benefit.
- Food Choices- Because transporting food across the country uses a lot of energy, we can save money by choosing food that is grown locally and naturally using sustainable methods
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