Types of Environmental Pollution
The well-known pollution types include air, soil, and water. There are other types also which are relatively new but important to understand, these include noise, light, nuclear, thermal, visual pollution etc. All kinds have an impact on the environment.
Air Pollution
Definition :
Air pollution occurs when a significant quantity of harmful gases and particulate matter is present in the air.
This leads to a decline in air quality, necessitating control and monitoring. If left uncontrolled, it causes illnesses, allergies, or premature mortality in individuals.
In general, it is the contamination of air by smoke, gases (chiefly carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide), suspended particles, particulate matter and other air pollutant.
Water Pollution
Definition :
Water pollution refers to the contamination of any aquatic body, including lakes, groundwater, seas, and oceans.
Example :
Examples include:
inadequate sewage treatment,
contaminated water,
absence of wastewater treatment,
presence of heavy metals, and
wastewater discharging into lakes or streams;
industrial waste infiltrating groundwater, and the unlawful disposal of materials in water bodies.
Soil Pollution
Definition :
Soil pollution occurs when there is a significant concentration of hazardous substances, contaminants, or impurities in the soil. It poses a significant threat to flora, fauna, humans, and the soil itself. The quality of soil directly affects crops and farming, resulting in a significant reduction in crop yield. Soil pollution, sometimes referred to as soil contamination, soil deterioration, or land degradation, alters the qualities of soil.
Noise Pollution
Definition :
Noise pollution is an unwelcome and detrimental sound that adversely affects human health and the environment.
It is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.
Construction, transport, and daily human activities all play a role in generating the noise. We are exposed to high sound levels throughout the day, whether at home, at work, or in public places such as schools, hospitals, parks, schools, and other public places. Noise above 80 – 85 decibels is termed as noise pollution;
Radioactive/ Nuclear Pollution
Definition :
Radioactive or nuclear pollution is a different type of pollution, it is caused because of radioactive contamination (radio-logical contamination). It is not very common in everyday life but of particular concern where radioactive material and radioactive substances are used.
