Pollution is the addition to the ecosystem of something that has a deleterious effect on it. One of the main causes of pollution is the high energy consumption in modern, growing populations.
Various forms of pollution are found. In this section we will discuss:
Air pollution.
Water pollution.
Land pollution.
Air pollution:
Air pollution is an accumulation in the atmosphere of substances, in sufficient concentrations, endanger human health, or produce other measured effects on living material and other materials. Among the major sources of pollution are electric power and heat, the burning of solid waste, industrial processes, and particularly transport. The six major types of pollutants are carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and photochemical oxidants.
Examples of air pollution:
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution or unwanted sounds that are transported by air is an irritant and harmful effect on humans and other animals. Careful planning of streets and buildings in cities and better control over noisy vehicles can add to the fight against noise pollution.
Tobacco smoke
Tobacco smoke is one of the main forms of pollution in buildings. It is not just the smoker who is infected, but all those who breathe the polluted air. There is a very strong link between smoking and lung cancer. Bronchitis is common among smokers and unborn babies of mothers who smoke also suffer from the harmful effects of smoking.
Exhaust fumes from vehicles
Pollution from exhaust gases from vehicles, which is responsible for 60% of all urban air pollution and up to 80%. There is a wide range of harmful chemicals in these gases with lead is one of the most dangerous.
Combustion of coal
Coal combustion without special precautions can have serious consequences. If the wind does not blow away toxic gases, it can have fatal consequences and can lead to death.
Acid Rain
Acid rain is the name of pollution when sulfur and nitrogen combine with atmospheric moisture to produce highly acidic rain, snow, hail, or fog. The acid eats into stone, brick and metal objects and pollute water sources. Coal in South Africa is rich in sulfur and power stations in Mpumalanga
Control:
Although some people can help combat air pollution in their own neighborhood, an effective control can be best achieved through legislation. Some controls are generally enforced measures include
Providing more smoke-free zones;
Control over the types of fuel used in cars, airplanes, power plants, etc.
Water pollution:
Water pollution is the introduction into fresh or ocean waters in the chemical, physical or biological material, which reduces water quality and affects the organisms living in it. This process ranges from simple addition of dissolved or suspended solids to discharge of the most insidious and persistent toxic substances (such as pesticides, heavy metals, and non-degradable, bio-chemical compounds).
Examples of Water Pollution:
Industrial wealthy
Wastewater from having been used in production processes. This wastewater may contain acids, alkalis, salts, poisons, oils, and in some cases harmful bacteria.
Mining and agricultural waste
Mines, especially gold and coal mines are responsible for large amounts of acidic water. Agricultural pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides can be washed into rivers and stagnant water.
Sewage disposal and domestic wastes
Sewage and domestic and agricultural wastes were often allowed to pollute rivers and dams.
Control:
The following measures can be used to stop water pollution:
Every intelligent people should be wise enough not to pollute water in any way;
Research and legislation the pollution of water, but not totally avoided, it must be effectively controlled.
Soil contamination:
Land pollution is the degradation of Earth's surface through misuse of the soil by poor agricultural practices, mineral exploitation, industrial waste dumping, and indiscriminate disposal of urban waste. It includes visible waste and litter and pollution of the soil itself.
Examples of Land Pollution:
Soil contamination
Soil contamination is mainly due to chemicals in herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (poison that kills insects and other invertebrate pests). Litter is waste being dumped in public places like streets, parks, picnic areas, at bus stops and near shops.
Waste Disposal
Accumulation of waste threatens human health in residential areas. Waste decays, encourages pests and facing urban areas in the ugly, dirty and unhealthy places to live in.
Control:
The following measures can be used to monitor soil pollution:
Anti-litter campaigns can educate people against littering;
Organic waste can be dumped in places far from inhabited areas;
Inorganic materials such as metals, glass and plastic, but paper can be recycled and
reused.
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