Environment is the sum total of biotic and abiotic elements or whatever happening outside a Organism.
Biotic component.
These are the living components of an environment.
Example Animals, plants.
Abiotic components.
These are the non living components of a environment.
Example water, air, solar energy.
Multidisciplinary nature of environment.
Environment as a subject has all the aspect of various subjects such as statistic, economics, computer, zoology etcetera. So it is called multidisciplinary.
Sustainable development.
it means the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Ecology.
Ecology is defined as the scientific study of the relationship of the living Organism which each other and with their environment.
It deals with the ways where the organisms are moulded by their environment, how they make use of environmental resources including energy flow and mineral cycling.
Environment and its components.
The environment is defined as the sum total of living and non living components surrounding an Organism.
Living components are called biotic components.
Non living components are called evaluative components.
Examples of biotic component are man animals, green plants, non green plants, decomposers, parasites etcetera.
Examples of abiotic component are energy, radiation, water, air, gravity, soil.
Levels of organization in ecology.
1. Individual.
Organism is an individual living being that has the ability to act or function independently. It may be planned bacteria, fungi, etcetera. It is a body made-up of organs that work together to carry out on the various processes of life.
2. Population.
3. Community.
4. Ecosystem.
5. Biome.
6. Biosphere.
Unit 1
Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies
Environmental Studies (or EVS) is an essential topic to be covered upon. It helps people to explore the environment that surrounds them. Before we proceed with our article, ‘Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies’, let’s gain a little more knowledge about Environmental Studies or EVS and its importance as well. EVS is a multidisciplinary academic field that is involved with the exploration, research, and expansion of an understanding of the living and physical environment. It also helps in a better understanding of the natural, political, technological, economic, social, and cultural aspects of environments. It can also be said that Environmental Studies or EVS is the science of physical phenomena in the environment.
Multidisciplinary meaning
Firstly, we understand the term disciplinary. The word ‘disciplinary’ means to have a disciplined study in a particular field. On the contrary, multidisciplinary refers to the combination of more than one discipline or field of study. It defines the multisectoral and multi-dimensional study in various fields. For instance, when you study various subjects such as Science, Social Science, Mathematics, English, etc., then it is considered a multidisciplinary course of study.
What do you understand by the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?
Environmental Study is a vast subject to be studied upon. It has all the aspects of various subjects such as anthropology, science, social science, statistics, economics, computers, geology, health, and sociology. It illustrates the multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional study in various fields. It also educates us about the Physical, Social, Cultural, and Biological aspects.
It brings our natural environment and human impacts altogether. It is a multidisciplinary approach that deals with every issue that affects an organism. It covers the impacts of environmental science and social aspects of the environment as well.
Why is EVS known as the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?
Environmental Studies consist of different components. They are listed below:
Anthropology – It is the study of human characteristics, their biological and psychological well being, their societies and cultures, their development and evolution. EVS is related to anthropology as it deals with the study of humans and their environment as well across space and time.
Biology – It is a branch of science that is concerned with the study of living organisms. It includes their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, development, and evolution. EVS is related to biology as it deals with the natural habitat of the living organisms.
Chemistry – It is a branch of science that studies chemicals and the substances of which matter is composed of. In EVS, for the understanding of natural phenomena, we require knowledge of chemistry.
Computers – With the advancing world, computers have become everyone’s requirement. The Environmental Protection Agency uses computers to maintain a record and to investigate chemicals that are used in soil and water.
Economics – It is a branch of knowledge that is concerned with the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services. To protect the environment from pollution, global warming, and climate change, various economic policies have been developed in analyzing and finding solutions or remedies for environmental issues.
Geology – It is the study of physical structures and the substances that are present on earth, their history, and the processes they go through. EVS also deals with the study of the earth and the environment.
Physics – It is a branch of science that studies the energy and matter in space and time and their relationship with each other. Physics works on energy conservation, atmospheric models, and various issues related to the environment.
Sociology – It is the study of social life, social change, social causes, and the social consequences of human behavior. It also deals with the relationship between modern societies and the environment.
Statistics – It is the study of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting quantitative data. It is also used to analyze data to discover patterns and suggest the best growth of the environment.
Importance of Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is essential as it helps us to understand our surrounding environment and natural phenomena. Numerous points provide us the importance of the Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies. They are:
It helps in gaining knowledge about the current environmental issues. It provides us with the necessary skills to obtain solutions for various environmental issues such as pollution, global warming, and climate change.
It helps in maintaining the ecological balance through fundamental knowledge of environmental systems and processes.
It provides us information about the changes in the environment due to anthropogenic factors. It also provides us the skills for analyzing different environmental systems and changes in the environment because of human activities.
It aims to preserve and protect biodiversity. It makes us familiar with the various species of flora and fauna. It provides us with different ways to preserve and protect them.
It provides us the consciousness about our duties towards the environment. It additionally educates us about the various environmental issues which need to be resolved at a faster pace. Environmental issues such as conservation of energy, toxic emissions, water conservation, proper disposal of wastes, rising global temperature, and many more are also explained to us by environmental studies.
Various more issues such as the depletion of natural resources, growing human population, rising numbers of natural calamities, for instance, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, drought, are all serious concerns that need to be taken seriously. EVS makes us understand the harmful and drastic effects of these issues on the environment, and humans as well.
By studying Environmental Studies, people can explore and connect with their natural and surrounding environment. It helps people in developing their insights for understanding human processes, natural phenomena, and various changes in the environment.
Scope
Scope Definition – The opportunity or the possibility to do something or deal with something is called scope. Or we can say that the extent of the particular subject or area that something deals with or to which it is relevant is called scope. Synonyms or similar meaning words – extent, range.
What is the Scope of Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?
The scope of Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies consists of various aspects such as biological, cultural, social, and physical. It is also related to other subjects such as science, geography, economics, statistics, health, technology, population, and ecology.
Biological aspects – This is one of the most essential aspects of environmental studies. It is the solution of an organism, or a population, or a community to changes in its environment. Human beings, plants, animals, microorganisms, birds, insets are all included in the biological aspects.
Cultural aspects – The environment gives knowledge about different customs, laws, dresses, values, and religious beliefs. They all are included under cultural aspects. Environmental studies help us in understanding these diverse aspects.
Physical aspects – The environment which is shaped by human activities are considered as physical aspects, for example, bridges, roads, buildings, industries, etc. Apart from them, natural resources such as land, air, water, minerals, vegetation, landforms like hills, oceans, mountains, forests, etc.
Social aspects – It illustrates the standard of living, tastes, preferences, educational status, etiquettes of individuals living in society. Environmental Studies give acquaintance about people who have linguistic, cultural, and educational differences in societies.
How the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies helps in solving environmental problems?
Environmental Studies deals with various areas – conservation of natural resources, controlling pollution, the impact of the growing human population on the environment. A multidisciplinary nature is required to address these complex environmental problems. These problems are connected with different sectors like agriculture, land degradation, economic loss, contamination of natural resources, forestry, habitat fragmentation, ozone layer depletion, solid waste management, etc.
The emerging climatic and environmental concerns need multidisciplinary solutions. Environmental issues are an alarming indication of upcoming disasters. Therefore, to gain knowledge about these issues, the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies is a must.
There are various ways in which our environment can be conserved. Some of them are listed below:
Replacing disposal items with reusable ones. Proper disposal of wastes Recycling of paper, plastics, etc. Neutralizing the poisonous emissions by the factories Conserve resources like water and electricity Support eco-friendly products more Afforestation and reforestation Enhancement of the use of public transport Limit the use of paper By spreading awareness about the importance of the environment
A pure, harmless, and pollution-free environment is every individual’s right. These issues can be solved when people acquaintance with the need of conserving the environment. For this, knowledge of Environmental Studies is needed.
Conclusion
EVS is a multidisciplinary academic field that is involved with the exploration, research, and expansion of an understanding of the living and physical environment. It has all the aspects of various subjects such as anthropology, science, social science, statistics, economics, computers, geology, health, and sociology. It brings our natural environment and human impacts altogether. Environmental Studies is essential as it helps us to understand our surrounding environment and natural phenomena.
It provides us with the necessary skills to obtain solutions for various environmental issues such as pollution, global warming, and climate change. It aims to preserve and protect biodiversity. Environmental Studies deals with various areas – conservation of natural resources, controlling pollution, the impact of the growing human population on the environment. Environmental issues such as conservation of energy, toxic emissions, water conservation, proper disposal of wastes, rising global temperature, and many more are also explained to us by environmental studies.
The emerging climatic and environmental concerns need multidisciplinary solutions. Environmental issues are an alarming indication of upcoming disasters. Therefore, to gain knowledge about these issues, the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies is a must. The scope of Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies consists of various aspects such as biological, cultural, social, and physical. It is also related to other subjects such as science, geography, economics, statistics, health, technology, population, and ecology.
Q1 What is the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?
Ans The Multidisciplinary Nature means the combination of more than one discipline or field of study. It defines the multi-sectoral, and multi-dimensional study in various fields. EVS is a diverse subject that contains all the knowledge of various either subjects such as science, geology, statistics, health, economics, sociology, etc. This is meant by the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies.
Q2 What is the nature of Environmental Studies?
Ans Environment refers to the surroundings around someone or something. The study about the environment is known as Environmental Studies. In this, we study every detail and aspect of our environment. It gives knowledge about natural resources such as air, water, land; physical environment such as infrastructure; biological species such as humans, animals, insects, birds.
Q3 Why is Environmental Science a multidisciplinary field?
Ans Environmental Science is an educational field that brings physical, biological, and information sciences altogether. Zoology, biology, mineralogy, oceanology, physics, chemistry, plant science, limnology, soil science, geology, physical geography, and atmospheric science, are all included in information sciences. Since Environmental Science consists of knowledge based on numerous subjects, it is known as a multidisciplinary field.
Q4 How the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies helps to solve environmental problems?
Ans Environmental Studies deals with various areas – conservation of natural resources, controlling pollution, the impact of the growing human population on the environment. A multidisciplinary
nature is required to address these complex environmental problems. These problems are connected with different sectors like agriculture, land degradation, economic loss, contamination of natural resources, forestry, habitat fragmentation. Therefore, to gain knowledge about these issues, Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies is a must.
Q5 How environmental issues be solved?
Ans For solving environmental issues, every individual must take responsibility to conserve our environment. A multidisciplinary nature is required to address complex environmental problems. A pure, harmless, and pollution-free environment is every individual’s right. These issues can be solved when people acquaintance with the need of conserving the environment. There are various small ways in which the environment can be saved.
Replacing disposal items with reusable ones. Recycling of paper, plastics, etc. Conserve resources like water and electricity Support eco-friendly products Afforestation and reforestation Enhancement of the use of public transport Neutralizing the poisonous emissions by the factories
UNIT 2: ECOSYSTEM
Ecology is defined as a scientific study of relationship of the living organisms with each other and with their environment.
Environment:
Everything that surrounds or affects an organism during its life time is collectively known as its environment.
Components of environment:
2 components 1. Biotic 2. Abiotic
Living components are called biotic component and non-living components are called abiotic component. Examples of biotic components: Green plants, Non-green plants, Decomposers, Parasites, Animals, Man etc.
Examples of abiotic components: Energy, Radiation, Solar energy, Water, Air, Temperature, Fire, Gravity, Soil etc.
Levels of organisations in ecology:
6 levels 1. Individual 2. Population 3. Community 4. Ecosystem 5. Biome 6. Biosphere
Individual:
An individual has the ability to act or function independently. It may be plant, animal, bacterium, fungi etc. it is a body made up of organs or other parts that work together to carry out on various processes of life.
Population:
Population is a group of organisms usually of the same species, occupying a defined area during a specific time. The main factors that made population increase are birth and immigration. The main factors that make population decrease are death and emigration. The main limiting factors for growth of a population are abiotic and biotic components. Population density is the relation between the number of individuals of a population and the area they occupy.
Community:
Population of plants and animals seldom occur by themselves. When population of different species comes together to survive then they form a community. Individuals of any one species depend on individuals of different species with which they actively interact in several ways. Generally, community is named after the dominant species. Example: Animals require plants for food and trees for shelter. Plants require animals for pollination, seed dispersal and soil microorganism to facilitate nutrient supply. A grassland community is dominated by grasses, though it may contain herbs, shurbs and trees along with associated animals of different species.
Ecosystem:
An ecosystem is defined as a structural and functional unit of biosphere consisting of community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil and people. Ecosystems vary greatly in size and elements but each is a functioning unit of nature. Everything that lives in an ecosystem is dependent on the other species and elements that are also part of that ecological community. If one part of the ecosystem is damaged or disappears, it has an impact on everything else. When an ecosystem is healthy it means that all the elements live in balance and are capable of reproducing themselves. Ecosystem is consists of abiotic and biotic components.
Biome:
The terrestrial part of the biosphere is divisible into enormous regions called biomes, which are characterized by climate, vegetation, animal life and general soil type. No two biomes are alike. The climate determines the boundaries of a biome and abundance of plants and animals found in each of them. The most important climate factors are temperature and precipitation. Examples of biomes are: Tundra, Taiga, Tropical Rain Forest, Savannah, Grassland, Desert etc. Aquatic systems are not called biome, however they are divided into distinct life zones. Examples of Aquatic ecosystems are Fresh Water Ecosystem, Marine Ecosystem, Estuaries, Coral Reef etc.
Biosphere:
Biosphere represents a highly integrated and interacting zone comprising of atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water) and lithosphere (land). It is a narrow layer around the surface of the earth. Life in biosphere is adundant between 200 metres below the surface of the ocean and about 6000 metres above the sea level.
Biosphere is absent at extremes of North and South poles, the highest mountains and the deepest oceans. The energy required for the life within the biosphere comes from the Sun. the nutrients necessary for living organisms come from air, water and soil. The same chemicals are recycled over and over again for life to continue.
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 night time ambient noise levels in excess of 30 dB.
The word noise is derived from the Latin word ‘Nausea’, which means sickness in which one feels the need to vomit. Noise is the unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in human beings. The intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The faintest sound that the human ear can hear is 1 Db. Due to increasing noise around the civilization, noise pollution has become a matter of concern. Some of its major causes are vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines, loudspeakers, crackers, etc. When used at high volume, some other appliances also contribute to noise pollution, like television, transistor, radio, etc.
Types of Noise Pollution
Following are the three types of pollution:
Transport Noise Neighbourhood Noise Industrial Noise
Transport Noise
It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the number of vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older people, headache, hypertension, etc.
Neighbourhood Noise
The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources are musical instruments, transistors, loudspeakers, etc.
Industrial Noise
It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines. According to many researches, industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around 20%.
Causes and Sources of Noise Pollution
Following are the causes and sources of noise pollution:
Industrialisation: Industrialisation has led to an increase in noise pollution as the use of heavy machinery such as generators, mills, huge exhaust fans are used, resulting in the production of unwanted noise.
Vehicles: Increased number of vehicles on the roads is the second reason for noise pollution.
Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting in the production of unwanted noise in the neighbourhood.
Construction sites: Mining, construction of buildings, etc add to the noise pollution.
Noise Pollution Examples
Following are the examples of noise pollution:
Unnecessary usage of horns Using loudspeakers either for religious functions or for political purposes Unnecessary usage of fireworks Industrial noise Construction noise Noise from transportation such as railway and aircraft
Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health
Noise pollution can be hazardous to human health in the following ways:
Hypertension: It is a direct result of noise pollution which is caused due to elevated blood levels for a longer duration.
Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise that are beyond the range of sound that human ears can withstand damages the eardrums, resulting in loss of hearing.
Sleeping disorders: Lack of sleep might result in fatigue and low energy level throughout the day affecting everyday activities. Noise pollution hampers the sleep cycles leading to irritation and an uncomfortable state of mind.
Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure level, stress and cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal person and a person suffering from any of these diseases might feel a sudden shoot up in the level.
Prevention of Noise Pollution
Some noise pollution preventive measures are provided in the points below.
Honking in public places like teaching institutes, hospitals, etc. should be banned. In commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings, adequate soundproof systems should be installed.
Musical instruments’ sound should be controlled to desirable limits. Dense tree cover is useful in noise pollution prevention. Explosives should not be used in forest, mountainous and mining areas.
WATER POLLUTION:
Water pollution is the contamination of water sources by substances which make the water unusable for drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. Pollutants include chemicals, trash, bacteria, and parasites. All forms of pollution eventually make their way to water. Air pollution settles onto lakes and oceans. Land pollution can seep into an underground stream, then to a river, and finally to the ocean. Thus, waste dumped in a vacant lot can eventually pollute a water supply. When water gets polluted, it adversely affects all life forms that directly or indirectly depend on this source. The effects of water contamination can be felt for years to come.
Causes of water pollution:
1. Domestic sewage 2. Solid waste 3. Toxic waste 4. Sediment 5. Thermal pollution 6. Petroleum (oil) pollution
Domestic sewage
Fig: sewage pollution
Domestic sewage is the primary source of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) and putrescible organic substances. Because pathogens are excreted in feces, all sewage from cities and towns is likely to contain pathogens of some type, potentially presenting a direct threat to public health. Putrescible organic matter presents a different sort of threat to water quality. As organics are decomposed naturally in the sewage by bacteria and other microorganisms, the dissolved oxygen content of the water is depleted. This endangers the quality of lakes and streams, where high levels of oxygen are required for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. Sewage-treatment processes reduce the levels of pathogens and organics in wastewater, but they do not eliminate them completely (see also wastewater treatment).
Domestic sewage is also a major source of plant nutrients, mainly nitrates and phosphates. Excess nitrates and phosphates in water promote the growth of algae, sometimes causing
unusually dense and rapid growths known as algal blooms. When the algae die, oxygen dissolved in the water declines because microorganisms use oxygen to digest algae during the process of decomposition (see also biochemical oxygen demand). Anaerobic organisms (organisms that do not require oxygen to live) then metabolize the organic wastes, releasing gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, which are harmful to the aerobic (oxygen-requiring) forms of life. The process by which a lake changes from a clean, clear condition— with a relatively low concentration of dissolved nutrients and a balanced aquatic community—to a nutrient-rich, algae-filled state and thence to an oxygen-deficient, waste-filled condition is called eutrophication. Eutrophication is a naturally occurring, slow, and inevitable process. However, when it is accelerated by human activity and water pollution (a phenomenon called cultural eutrophication), it can lead to the premature aging and death of a body of water.
Solid waste
Fig: plastic pollution
The improper disposal of solid waste is a major source of water pollution. Solid waste includes garbage, rubbish, electronic waste, trash, and construction and demolition waste, all of which are generated by individual, residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial activities. The problem is especially acute in developing countries that may lack infrastructure to properly dispose of solid waste or that may have inadequate resources or regulation to limit improper disposal. In some places solid waste is intentionally dumped into bodies of water. Land pollution can also become water pollution if the trash or other debris is carried by animals, wind, or rainfall to bodies of water. Significant amounts of solid waste pollution in inland bodies of water can also eventually make their way to the ocean. Solid waste pollution is unsightly and damaging to the health of aquatic ecosystems and can harm wildlife directly. Many solid wastes, such as plastics and electronic waste, break down and leach harmful chemicals into the water, making them a source of toxic or hazardous waste.
Toxic waste
Waste is considered toxic if it is poisonous, radioactive, explosive, carcinogenic (causing cancer), mutagenic (causing damage to chromosomes), teratogenic (causing birth defects), or bioaccumulative (that is, increasing in concentration at the higher ends of food chains).
Sources of toxic chemicals include improperly disposed wastewater from industrial plants and chemical process facilities (lead, mercury, chromium) as well as surface runoff containing pesticides used on agricultural areas and suburban lawns (chlordane, dieldrin, heptachlor). (For a more-detailed treatment of toxic chemicals, see poison and toxic waste.)
Sediment
Sediment (e.g., silt) resulting from soil erosion or construction activity can be carried into water bodies by surface runoff. Suspended sediment interferes with the penetration of sunlight and upsets the ecological balance of a body of water. Also, it can disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish and other forms of life, and when it settles out of suspension it can smother bottom-dwelling organisms.
Heat is considered to be a water pollutant because it decreases the capacity of water to hold dissolved oxygen in solution, and it increases the rate of metabolism of fish. Valuable species of game fish (e.g., trout) cannot survive in water with very low levels of dissolved oxygen. A major source of heat is the practice of discharging cooling water from power plants into rivers; the discharged water may be as much as 15 °C (27 °F) warmer than the naturally occurring water. The rise in water temperatures because of global warming can also be considered a form of thermal pollution.
Petroleum (oil) pollution
Fig: oil pollution
Petroleum (oil) pollution occurs when oil from roads and parking lots is carried in surface runoff into water bodies. Accidental oil spills are also a source of oil pollution—as in the devastating spills from the tanker Exxon Valdez (which released more than 260,000 barrels in Alaska’s Prince William Sound in 1989) and from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig (which released more than 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010). Oil slicks eventually move toward shore, harming aquatic life and damaging recreation areas.
Effects of water pollution:
Water pollution can bring about disastrous consequences – for instance, a factory that pumped out a very toxic waste product into the sea directly contributed to causing neurological illness to an entire town for many decades (The Minimata Incident). The following are the effects of water pollution:
Water pollution drastically affects human health; in fact, it can kill. In 2015 alone, a study revealed that waterborne illnesses caused 1.8 million deaths worldwide.
It can cause contamination of drinking water – thereby contributing to waterborne illnesses.
Water pollution also affects the ecosystem – it can cause a phenomenon called eutrophication. This can cause fish and other aquatic organisms to die.
Toxic elements dissolved in water can make their way to humans through fish or other aquatic organisms.
Water pollution also leaches chemicals into the soil that may impact the growth of plants or other food crops.
Controls of water pollution:
Four steps to control water pollution
Step 1: Implementing Control measures
This is the first step of the process, and strict control measures should be implemented for the activities causing water pollution. The community should reduce activities such as plastic usage and sewage dumping. There are many things that society can do to implement control measures for water pollution.
Step 2: Wastewater treatment
This is the next step in controlling water pollution. We can control water pollution by reducing the proportion of wasted water. The pollutants should be removed from water through chemical, biological or physical treatments.
Step 3: Purification
Further, water purification initiatives should be carried out thoroughly to destroy the pollutants and harmful elements from water to a substantial extent.
Step 4: Spreading awareness
After all these three steps, spreading awareness and raising public consciousness for better participation in reducing water pollution are necessary steps. The combined initiatives from
all communities to reduce water pollution can increase or maintain water quality in the long run.
Five ways to reduce water pollution in our surroundings
1. Waste management
This is one of the most common issues that lead to water pollution in our surroundings and water bodies. Individuals or organisations often dump the waste in the water, and as a result, water is polluted badly. We can take care of our dumping activities here. Dump every waste, such as flowers, broken crockeries, plastic, or any other garbage, in dustbins only, reduce the plastic waste, etc.
2. Controlling air pollution
Air pollution also affects water quality. Emission from vehicles, factories or fossil fuel burning leads to increase in carbon dioxide or C02 in the air. The water vapour absorbs this C02 to some extent. As a result, it causes acid rain, which increases acid content in water bodies, endangering aquatic life as well as human lives. A holistic approach is needed to cut CO2 emissions by reducing fossil fuel burning or cutting down the wastage of energy to reduce air pollution.
3. Controlling soil erosion
Soil erosion happens when a ground soil moves from one place to another due to winds or water. Moreover, this soil often moves to the water bodies and deteriorates the water quality. In turn, water pollution increases. One can easily prevent soil erosion by planting more trees. Forestation helps in curbing soil erosion.
4. Plastic waste reduction
Plastic is a non-biodegradable material, which means it cannot be decomposed. Thus, whenever plastic waste reaches water bodies, they remain there and do not decompose. In turn, the water quality drops tremendously since plastic waste causes toxicity in the water. To avoid this, we can decrease the use of plastic in our lives. Moreover, creating awareness around plastic waste management can also help a lot.
5. Implementing regulations after mutual discussions
By discussing the rules with the people around us, we can create community awareness about the regulations needed to curb water pollution. A proper regulation chart can be developed where anyone cannot dump any waste in the water or reduce any activities that affect the water quality. After mutual discussions, awareness in the area can also be spread, e.g:, by placing signboards and warning boards.
SOIL POLLUTION:
Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil with anomalous concentrations of toxic substances.It is a serious environmental concern since it harbours many health hazards. For example, exposure to soil containing high concentrations of benzene increases the risk of contracting leukaemia. An image detailing the discolouration of soil due to soil pollution is provided below. It is important to understand that all soils contain compounds that are harmful/toxic to human beings and other living organisms. However, the concentration of such substances in unpolluted soil is low enough that they do not pose any threat to the surrounding ecosystem. When the concentration of one or more such toxic substances is high enough to cause damage to living organisms, the soil is said to be contaminated.Causes of soil pollution:There are numerous causes of soil pollution that occur every day or even every minute. For ease of reference, they are generally split into two: man-made (anthropogenic) causes and naturally occurring causes.Man-Made PollutantsAnthropogenic (man-made) soil pollution originates in several types of processes, some deliberate (industrial) and some accidental. Human-caused soil pollution can work in conjunction with natural processes to increase the toxic contamination levels in the soil. Accidental spills and leaks during storage, transport or use of chemicals (e.g. leaks and spills of gasoline and diesel at gas stations); Foundry activities and manufacturing processes that involve furnaces or other processes resulting in the possible dispersion of contaminants in the environment; Mining activities involving the crushing and processing of raw materials, for instance, heavy metals, emitting toxic substances; Construction activities Agricultural activities involving the diffusion of herbicides, pesticides and/or insecticides and fertilizers; Transportation activities, releasing toxic vehicle emissions Chemical waste dumping, whether accidental or deliberate – such as illegal dumping The storage of waste in landfills, as the waste products may leak into groundwater or generate polluted vapours. Cracked paint chips falling from building walls, especially lead-based paint.Construction sites are the most important triggers of soil pollution in urban areas, due to their almost ubiquitous nature. Almost any chemical substance handled at construction sites may pollute the soil. However, the higher risk comes from those chemicals that can travel more
easily through the air as fine particulate matter. The chemicals that travel as particulate matter are more resistant to degradation and bioaccumulate in living organisms, such as PAHs.
Additionally, construction dust may easily spread around through the air and is especially dangerous because of its lower particle size (less than 10 microns). Such construction dust can trigger respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis, and even cancer. Moreover, the sites that involve the demolition of older buildings can release asbestos, a toxic mineral that can act as a poison in soil. Asbestos particles can be redistributed by the wind.
Natural Pollutants
Apart from the rare cases when a natural accumulation of chemicals leads to soil pollution, natural processes may also have an influence on the human released toxic chemicals into the soil, overall decreasing or increasing the pollutant toxicity and/or the level of contamination of the soil. This is possible due to the complex soil environment, involving the presence of other chemicals and natural conditions which may interact with the released pollutants.
Natural processes leading to soil pollution:
Natural accumulation of compounds in soil due to imbalances between atmospheric deposition and leaking away with precipitation water (e.g., concentration and accumulation of perchlorate in soils in arid environments)
Natural production in soil under certain environmental conditions (e.g., natural formation of perchlorate in soil in the presence of a chlorine source, metallic object and using the energy generated by a thunderstorm)
Leaks from sewer lines into subsurface (e.g., adding chlorine which could generate trihalomethanes such as chloroform).
Controls of soil pollution:
1. CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS SHOULD BE USED LESS
Chemical fertilizers are more damaging than beneficial. While the right quantity can help the land become more fertile, too much might potentially can poison it. Chemical fertilizers in excess could harm the soil in a variety of ways. It has the potential to alter the soil’s pH values. It could also wipe off beneficial soil bacteria. Not only that but the runoff from such soils pollutes the water supply. As a result, utilizing chemical fertilizers is a two-edged sword.
2. BY PROMOTING REFORESTATION AND AFFORESTATION.
Soil erosion, which is produced by deforestation, is one of the major sources of soil contamination. With an ever-increasing population, it is only logical that humanity requires more and more room to expand their civilization. It is frequently accomplished at the expense of soil health. Reforestation of a deforested area should be encouraged to avoid this from
happening. In addition, afforestation in the arid plains should be encouraged. Plant roots link soil particles together and even catch beneficial microbes in the soil. It also guarantees that the subsurface water table is maintained.
3. PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE RECYCLED AND REUSED
These actions not only reduce waste output, but they also reduce soil pollution. Plastic now makes up a considerable component of the trash stream. The vast majority of these wastes are buried in landfills.
Plastics and other debris decay slowly in landfills, releasing harmful compounds into the soil. These poisonous chemicals are extremely damaging to soil health and are a significant source of soil contamination. By repurposing and recycling items, we can ensure that fewer wastes are thrown in landfills, resulting in less soil pollution.
4. INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY
It is critical that everyone participates in order to remedy a problem like soil pollution. Things are more likely to work out if they are involved. People could be educated about soil pollution through awareness activities. People would help even subconsciously if they are aware.
5. PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL
Efficient garbage disposal, whether for industrial or residential trash, is one of the most effective strategies to reduce land pollution. This is especially true when it comes to the disposal of poisonous and hazardous waste.
6. ENCOURAGE THE USE OF ORGANIC MANURE
One of the best sources of nutrients for the soil is natural manure. It’s 100% natural and safe. It replenishes the soil’s critical nutrients and improves its overall health. It doesn’t produce any toxic by-products that could affect the soil or the environment. Purchase organic products including cleansers, pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Organic products have the advantage of being biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Effects of soil pollution:
Soil influences almost all aspects of our daily lives. Sometimes we fail to understand it. As a result of this, we sometimes fail to understand the effect that soil pollution has on our daily lives. Polluted soil means stunted crops or even a toxic underground water table. Some major effects of soil pollution are listed below.
1. Effect on Health of Humans
Considering how soil is the reason we are able to sustain ourselves, the contamination of it has major consequences for our health. Crops and plants that are grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then pass it on to us. This could explain the sudden surge in small and terminal illnesses.
Long-term exposure to such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the body, causing congenital illnesses and chronic health problems that cannot be cured easily. In fact, it can sicken the livestock to a considerable extent and cause food poisoning over a long period of time. The soil pollution can even lead to widespread famines if the plants are unable to grow in it.
2. Effect on Growth of Plants
The ecological balance of any system is affected due to the widespread contamination of the soil. Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the soil changes so radically in a short period of time. Fungi and bacteria found in the soil that bind it together begin to decline, which creates an additional problem of soil erosion.
The fertility of the soil slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local vegetation to survive. The soil pollution causes large tracts of land to become hazardous to health. Unlike deserts, which are suitable for their native vegetation, such land cannot support most forms of life.
3. Decreased Soil Fertility
The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility and therefore decrease the soil yield. The contaminated soil is then used to produce fruits and vegetables, which lack quality nutrients and may contain some poisonous substances to cause serious health problems in people consuming them.
4. Toxic Dust
The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the environment and causes serious effects on the health of some people. Besides, the unpleasant smell causes inconvenience to other people.
5. Changes in Soil Structure
The death of many soil organisms (e.g., earthworms) in the soil can lead to alteration in soil structure. Apart from that, it could also force other predators to move to other places in search of food.
A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of pollution. Such attempts at cleaning up the environment require plenty of time and resources to be pitched in. Industries have been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste, which aim at minimizing the area that becomes polluted.
Organic methods of farming are being supported, which do not use chemical-laden pesticides and fertilizers. The use of plants that can remove pollutants from the soil is being encouraged. However, the road ahead is quite long, and the prevention of soil pollution will take many more years.
6. Poisoning of the Underground Water Table
Soil pollution also leads to the poisoning of the underground water table. Since this water is stored beneath the layers of the soil, the toxins in the soil could easily percolate slowly and steadily into the water table.
We must also remember that this is the water that is available for consumption and usage through wells and tube wells. When such toxic water is consumed or used over a period of time, it causes a lot of ill effects on our health. Diseases like arsenic poisoning, food poisoning, and others are caused by the prolonged consumption of this toxic underground water. These diseases could also prove to be quite fatal.
Possible Solutions to Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is a complex problem that ought to be solved. It is essential that we all realize how important soil is to us. The earlier we realize this, the better we will be able to solve the problem of soil pollution. It is a complex problem, and thus, it requires everyone, from an individual to the government, to work in complete unison. Listed below are a few things that could help in reducing soil pollution.
1. Reduced Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers do more harm than good. While proper amounts could enhance the fertility of the soil, an excess of it actually poisons the soil. The excess of chemical fertilizers could pollute the soil in several ways. It could mess with the pH levels of the soil.
It could also destroy the good microorganisms in the soil. Not only that, but the runoff from such soils also causes water pollution as well. Thus, using chemical fertilizers is like a double-edged sword.
2. Reforestation and Afforestation Should be Promoted
One of the major causes of soil pollution is soil erosion, which is caused due to deforestation. It is natural that, with an ever-growing population, humankind needs more and more space to
expand their civilization. Often, it is achieved at the cost of the health of the soil. To prevent this from happening, reforestation of a deforested area should be promoted.
Also, afforestation should be promoted and encouraged in the barren lands. The roots of the plants bind the soil particles together and even capture good microorganisms in the soil. It also ensures the maintenance of the underground water table.
3. Recycle and Reuse Products
These steps not only reduce waste generation but also ensure that soil pollution is reduced. At present, plastic forms a significant portion of the generated waste. More often than not, this wastes is buried in landfills.
In these landfills, these plastics and other materials decompose slowly and release toxic materials into the soil. These toxic substances are very harmful to the health of the soil and are a major source of soil pollution.
By reusing and recycling things, we would ensure that lesser wastes are dumped in these landfills, and this, in turn, would reduce soil pollution.
4. Get the Locals Involved
In order to ensure that a problem like soil pollution is solved, it is essential that every individual must get involved. It is with their involvement that things can work out better. Awareness programs could be designed so that people understand soil pollution better. If people are aware, they will help, even subconsciously.
5. Promote Use of Natural Manure
Natural manure is one of the best sources of nutrients for the soil. It is harmless and completely organic. It adds essential nutrients to the soil and restores the health of the soil. It has no harmful by-products that could harm the soil or the environment in any way.
MARINE POLLUTION:
Marine pollution is defined by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as: “the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment … which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life.” (UNCLOS, 1982)
It can change the physical, chemical, and biological state of the ocean and coastal areas, posing a threat to marine wildlife and ecosystems, and the industries and livelihoods dependent on them, such as fisheries and tourism. Toxic chemicals also become concentrated in the food chain and can impact human health.
There are three significant forms of oceanic and coastal pollution:
nitrogen-phosphorous pollution from agriculture, sewage, and urban and industrial run-off;
chemical pollution that comprises, but is not limited to, pesticides, petroleum, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, heavy metals and industrial discharge; plastic-debris pollution.
NITROGEN AND PHOSPHOROUS POLLUTION
Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, also called nutrient or eutrophic pollution, has a global impact on ocean bodies and is particularly concentrated in coastal areas near the estuaries of major rivers.
Agriculture is a primary source of nitrogen and phosphorous, through the run-off of excess nutrients from animal manure and chemical fertilisers. On average, around 20% of nitrogen fertiliser is lost through surface run-off or leaching into groundwater and up to 60% can vaporise into the atmosphere, a portion of which will subsequently fall on the ocean (World Resources Institute, n.d.).
There has been a tenfold increase in global fertilizer use since the mid-20th century and
nitrogen discharges from rivers into the sea rose by 43% between 1970 and 2000, with more than three times as much coming from agriculture as from sewage (Breitburg et al., 2018). However, there are regional variations. While agriculture is the leading source of nutrient pollution in the United States and the European Union, urban wastewater is often the primary source in South America, Asia and Africa (World Resources Institute, n.d.).
Non-agricultural sources of excess nitrogen and phosphorus include stormwater, wastewater, fossil fuel burning, aquaculture and domestic waste (EPA, n.d.). In the Baltic Sea, atmospheric depositions from burning fossil fuels accounts for 25% of nitrogen input. Similarly, in the Chesapeake Bay in the United States, atmospheric deposition accounts for
30% of all nitrogen input, while the smog from industry and vehicles in China blown over Yellow Sea is a significant source of nitrogen causing severe eutrophication (World Resources Institute, n.d.).
A serious impact of eutrophication is the algal blooms that can be toxic to marine ecosystems. When the dense algal blooms die off, their decomposition severely depletes the dissolved oxygen in the water, potentially causing “dead zones” where the oxygen levels are so low that fish and other organisms struggle to survive. This impacts fisheries and tourism. One of the world’s largest dead zones occurs every summer in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of nutrient pollution from human activities throughout the vast Mississippi River watershed. In 2017, it reached a record size of 8,776 square miles (NOAA, 2019).
CHEMICAL POLLUTION
A host of chemical pollutants are having a harmful effect on ocean health. These chemicals come from a range of sources including crude oil and other petroleum products, antifoulants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. It is estimated that the total amount of chemicals entering the ocean rose by 12% between 2003 and 2012. Although the level coming from North America and Europe dropped by 60% during that period, in the Pacific it rose by 50% (UN, 2016).
Marine water quality and wildlife are seriously affected by oil from spills, discharge and shipping. Major oil spills capture headlines and are difficult to clean up but are in fact declining due to improved technologies and policies. In 1990, 1.1 million tonnes of oil were lost in spills. By 2015 this was down to around 25,000 tonnes, but this still represents over 10% of the oil entering the ocean (Anderson, 2013). The remainder enters the ocean via rivers, drains, coastal activities and shipping.
The most dangerous pollutants are the persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances. Even chemicals banned decades ago, like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are still found in high concentrations in deep sea creatures despite being banned by the 2001 Stockholm Convention (Jamieson et al., 2017). Since they do not break down easily, these chemicals accumulate in marine organisms, becoming more concentrated further up the food chain. Animals like seals, polar bears and large fish can have contamination levels in their bodies millions of times higher than the surrounding water.
Pollutants recognised as endocrine disruptors and teratogens, which impact the ability of marine species to reproduce or reduce offspring survival rates, present a growing concern (IPSO, 2019). Personal care products in particular contain cryptic chemicals that have a significant impact on human and ocean health (Dinardo and Downs, 2018). For example, oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreens, has been found to negatively impact coral health and reproduction (Downs et al., 2016).
PLASTIC POLLUTION
Plastic pollution in the ocean has captured the attention of the global public in recent years, following the publication of alarming statistics and the circulation of distressing images showing the harm plastic is causing to ocean wildlife. Marine plastic pollution is flagged as a major threat by the 2019 IPBES Assessment, which warns that it has increased tenfold since 1980, affecting at least 267 species, including 86% of marine turtles, 44% of seabirds and 43% of marine mammals (IPBES, 2019).
An important 2015 study calculated that 275 million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million tonnes entering the ocean (Jambeck et al., 2015). Taking an average of 8 million tonnes of plastic flowing into the ocean every year, that is equivalent to dumping the contents of one garbage truck every minute. If no action is taken, this is expected to increase to two per minute by 2030 and four per minute by 2050. Considering that the best research currently available estimates that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastics in the ocean today, a business-as-usual scenario would result in 1 tonne of plastic for every 3 tonnes of fish by 2025, and more plastics than fish (by weight) by 2050 (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
It is estimated that between 1.15 and 2.41 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean every year from rivers, with over 74% of this occurring between May and October. The top 20 polluting rivers, 15 located in Asia, account for 67% of this global total, while the top 122 polluting rivers contribute over 90% (Lebreton et al., 2017).
Other sources are coastal mismanagement, abandoned fishing gear and microplastic particles from household cleaners, personal care products and viscous clothing. Ocean currents are gathering much of the plastic within the five sub-tropical ocean gyres – including the infamous 1.6 million km2 Great Pacific Garbage Patch (Lebreton et al., 2018). This is causing some, even very remote places to be inundated with plastic. Henderson Island in the Pacific has been named the most polluted island on the planet when it comes to plastics, while plastics have been found at the depths of the Mariana Trench and embedded in ice in the Arctic.
Causes of marine pollution:
There are many causes of ocean pollution. Of all the facts, there is one constant: most pollution in our oceans begins on land and is caused by humans. Here are some of the major causes of marine pollution:
Nonpoint source pollution (Runoff)
Nonpoint source pollution comes from a variety of different locations and sources. The result of this is runoff, which occurs when rain or snow moves pollutants from the ground into the
ocean. For instance, after a heavy rainstorm, water flows off roads into the ocean, taking oil left on streets from cars with it.
Intentional discharge
Manufacturing plants in some areas of the world release toxic waste into the ocean, including mercury. While it’s intentionally being released into the sea, sewage also contributes to ocean pollution, as well as plastic products. According to Ocean Conservancy, eight million metric tons of plastic goes into our oceans every year.
Oil spills
Ships are major contributors to ocean pollution, especially when crude oil spills occur. Crude oil lasts for years in the ocean and is difficult to clean up. Littering
Atmospheric pollution, which refers to objects carried by the wind to the ocean, is a big problem. Items such as plastic bags and styrofoam containers become suspended in the water and don’t decompose.
Ocean mining
Deep-sea ocean mining causes pollution and disruption at the lowest levels of the ocean. Drilling for substances such as cobalt, zinc, silver, gold and copper creates harmful sulfide deposits deep in the ocean.
Effects of Ocean Pollution
Ocean pollution has many consequences that directly and indirectly affect marine life, as well as humans. Here are some of the most common effects of ocean pollution: Harmful to marine animals
Sea animals are common victims of ocean pollution. Oil spills, for instance, will ensnare and suffocate marine animals by permeating their gills. When the oil gets into seabird feathers, they may not be able to fly or feed their young. Animals that aren’t killed by crude oil may suffer from cancer, behavioral changes and become unable to reproduce.
Marine animals also mistake small plastic debris for food or become entangled in or strangled by plastic bags and discarded fishing nets. Animals most vulnerable to harm from plastic debris in the ocean include dolphins, fish, sharks, turtles, seabirds and crabs.
Depletion of oxygen in seawater
As excess debris in the ocean slowly degrades over many years it uses oxygen to do so, resulting in less 02 in the ocean. Low levels of oxygen in the ocean lead to the death of ocean animals such as penguins, dolphins, whales and sharks.
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in seawater also cause oxygen depletion. When a great deal of oxygen depletion occurs in an area of the ocean, it can become a dead zone where no marine life can survive.
A threat to human health
Pollutants in the ocean make their way back to humans. Small organisms ingest toxins and are eaten by larger predators, many of which are seafood that we eventually eat. When the toxins in contaminated animals get deposited in human tissue, it can lead to long-term health conditions, cancer and birth defects.
Ocean Pollution Solutions
Given the long-term, disastrous effects of ocean pollution, anything we can do to avoid contaminating our seas is a good idea. Here are some ocean pollution solutions that can make a big difference.
Reduce chemical fertilizer use
Excess chemical fertilizer eventually makes its way into the oceans. Choose organic fertilizers, which tend to be lower in nutrients, and use them at half strength or half as often as suggested.
Opt for reusable bottles and utensils
Throw-away plastic bottles and utensils, including straws, are massive ocean polluters. Rather than contributing to the threat to marine life, opt for reusable bottles and utensils. Hold a cleanup
Organize a social distancing cleanup at the beach or a nearby park. The more trash you pick up and properly dispose of, the less waste goes into our oceans. Properly dispose of plastics and trash
One of the simplest ways to reduce ocean pollution is to properly dispose of plastics and other recyclable materials, so they don’t end up in the ocean. In outdoor spaces, such as beaches and parks, dispose of trash in a secure receptacle or take it home with you.
To help encourage proper disposal, we recommend downloading our Waste Wizard App which allows you to input common waste items and see how to properly dispose of them.
With a few small changes to our daily routines, we can all do our part to help reduce the amount of pollution going into our oceans.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION:
Environmental pollution is any addition of erroneous substances or energies to the environment that causes a change to the composition of the environment. These variables can be air, water, soil, noise, and light and changes to their natural values can have profound consequences for ecosystems and human life.
Environmental Pollution is the effect caused by undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful impacts on plants, animals, and human beings. A substance that causes Pollution is known as a Pollutant. Pollutants can be solid, liquid, or gaseous substances present in greater concentrations than in natural abundance and may produce due to human activities or natural happenings.
Types of Environmental Pollution
Based on the part of the environment that is polluted, Pollution is of the following types:
1. Air Pollution 2. Water Pollution 3. Soil Pollution 4. Noise Pollution 5. Marine Pollution
Air Pollution:
Causes of Air Pollution:
Following are the important causes of air pollution:
1. Burning of Fossil Fuels
The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.
2. Automobiles
The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among individuals.
3. Agricultural Activities
Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides, pesticides and fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it.
4. Factories and Industries
Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its quality.
5. Mining Activities
In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.
6. Domestic Sources
The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air. The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. It not only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.
Effects of Air Pollution:
The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:
1. Diseases
Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few decades. Children living near polluted areas are more prone to pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects of air pollution.
2. Global Warming
Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air. This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s temperature is known as global warming. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.
3. Acid Rain
The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which damages human, animal and plant life.
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.
5. Effect on Animals
The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution also compels the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place. This renders them stray and has also led to the extinction of a large number of animal species.
Controls of Air Pollution:
Following are the measures one should adopt, to control air pollution:
1. Avoid Using Vehicles
People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only prevents pollution, but also conserves energy.
2. Energy Conservation
A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do not forget to switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save the environment at the individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such as CFLs also controls pollution to a greater level.
3. Use of Clean Energy Resources
The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger level. Various countries, including India, have implemented the use of these resources as a step towards a cleaner environment.
Other air pollution control measures include:
1. By minimising and reducing the use of fire and fire products. 2. Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the pollutants can be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects. For example, if the reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw materials can be substituted with other less polluting materials.
3. Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India, petrol and diesel are being replaced by CNG – Compressed Natural Gas fueled vehicles. These are mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully operating with ideal emission engines.
4. Although there are many practices in India, which focus on repairing the quality of air, most of them are either forgotten or not being enforced properly. There are still a lot of vehicles on roads which haven’t been tested for vehicle emissions.
5. Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and maintain existing pieces of equipment so that the emission of pollutants is minimised.
6. Sometimes controlling pollutants at the source is not possible. In that case, we can have process control equipment to control the pollution.
7. A very effective way of controlling air pollution is by diluting the air pollutants. 8. The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree plantation. Plants and trees reduce a large number of pollutants in the air. Ideally, planting trees in areas of high pollution levels will be extremely effective.
Functions of Ecosystem
The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:
1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders stability.
2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.
4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.
5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involve the exchange of energy.
FOOD CHAIN
Food chain is a linear sequence of organisms which starts from producer organisms and ends with decomposer species. A food chain shows a single pathway from the producers to the consumers and how the energy flows in this pathway.The sun is the source of energy, which is the initial energy source. This is used by the producers or plants to create their own food, through photosynthesis and grow. Next in this chain is another organism, which is the consumer that eats this food, taking up that energy.
FOOD WEB:
A food web is the combination of all the food chains in an ecosystem. In a typical food chain, we might see something like a mouse eating a plant and then being eaten by an owl. However, the mouse isn’t the only thing eating the plants. There are probably many different animals eating them.
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION:
Ecological succession is the steady and gradual change in a species of a given area with respect to the changing environment. It is a predictable change and is an inevitable process of nature as all the biotic components have to keep up with the changes in our environment.
The main causes of ecological succession include the biotic and climatic factors that can destroy the populations of an area. Wind, fire, soil erosion and natural disasters include climatic factors.
Ecological succession is important for the growth and development of an ecosystem. It initiates the colonization of new areas and the recolonization of the areas that had been destroyed due to certain biotic and climatic factors. Thus, the organisms can adapt to the changes and learn to survive in a changing environment.
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Greetings! I found this blog post to be incredibly informative and well-written. Your ability to break down complex topics into easy-to-understand language is truly a gift. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m excited to read more of your posts in the future!