Project on pollution

LIST OF CONTENTS 1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2. PROJECT OVERVIEW 3. INTRODUCTION: TYPES OF POLLUTION I.

AIR POLLUTION

II.

SOIL POLLUTION

III.

WATER POLLUTION

IV.

NOISE POLLUTION

V.

RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION

VI.

THERMAL POLLUTION

4. INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION 5. TYPES OF POLLUTANTS AND THEIR EFFECTS 6. CONSEQUENCES OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION 7. LAND DEGRADATION I.

CAUSES

II.

EFFECTS

III.

SOLUTION

8. CASE STUDY: MAHARASHTRA 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Maps, photographs, graphics and cartoons for this project are drawn from a variety of sources. The following institutions and persons (with their institutional affiliation) are gratefully acknowledged in this regard: West London Friends of the Earth for Types of Pollution WiseGEEK for Industrial Pollution EduGreen for Types of Pollutants and their Ill-effects 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The U.A.E.’S Environment for Consequences of Industrial Pollution Wikipedia for the information and pictures under Land Degradation Rainharvesting.org for the article under Case Study: Maharashtra ThinkQuest for the ideas expressed in Summary and Conclusions Google for making possible all the necessary searches Last, but not the least, I would like to thank Mrs. Tresa Joseph, Class X Social Studies teacher, St Joseph’s School, Abu Dhabi, for the opportunity, and for the guidelines, to do this assignment. 2

PROJECT OVERVIEW Purpose: To collect data about industrial pollution and environmental degradation.

Aim: To study about the ill-effects and consequences of various industrial pollutants and how it results in environmental degradation.

Methodology: The required information was collected with the help of computer from the World Wide Web, as well as from books.

Experience: Investing in time and energy to bring out a study of the types, causes and consequences of various industrial pollutants and land degradation, and draw a conclusion.

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INTRODUCTION: TYPES OF POLLUTION There are several types of pollution, and while they may come from different sources and have different consequences, understanding the basics of pollution can help environmentally conscious individuals minimize their contributions to these dangers. There are certain basic types of environmental pollution, and each one has detrimental effects on wildlife, human habitation, and the quality of life in the affected area.

Air Pollution Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of particulate matter such as dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors that cannot be effectively removed through natural cycles. Air pollution comes from a wide variety of sources. Some of the most excessive sources include:

Vehicle or manufacturing exhaust Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, dry soil erosion, and other natural sources Building construction or demolition

Depending on the concentration of air pollutants, several effects can be noticed. Smog increases, higher rain acidity, crop depletion from inadequate oxygen, higher rates of asthma, and global warming are all related to increased air pollution.

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Water Pollution Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or bacterial matter that degrades the water‟s quality and purity. Water pollution can occur in oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, and as different water sources flow together the pollution can spread.

Causes of water pollution include: Increased sediment from soil erosion Improper waste disposal and littering Leaching of soil pollution into water supplies Organic material decay in water supplies

The effects of water pollution include decreasing the quantity of drinkable water available, lowering water supplies for crop irrigation, and impacting fish and wildlife populations that require water of certain purity for survival.

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Soil Pollution

Soil, or land pollution, is contamination of the soil that prevents natural growth and balance in the land whether it is used for cultivation, habitation, or a wildlife preserve. Some soil pollution, such as the creation of landfills, is deliberate, while much more is accidental and can have widespread effects.

Soil pollution sources include: Hazardous waste and sewage spills Non-sustainable farming practices, such as the heavy use of inorganic pesticides Strip mining, deforestation, and other destructive practices Household dumping and littering Soil contamination can lead to poor growth and reduced crop yields, loss of wildlife habitat, water and visual pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.

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Noise pollution refers to undesirable levels of noises caused by human activity that disrupt the standard of living in the affected area. Noise pollution can come from: Traffic Airports Railroads Manufacturing plants Construction or demolition Concerts Effects may include hearing loss, wildlife disturbances, and a general degradation of lifestyle.

Radioactive Pollution Radioactive pollution is one of the types of pollution that is rare but extremely detrimental, even deadly, when it occurs. Because of its intensity and the difficulty of reversing damage, there are strict government regulations to control radioactive pollution.

Sources of radioactive contamination include: Nuclear power plant accidents or leakage Improper nuclear waste disposal Uranium mining operations

Radiation pollution can cause birth defects, cancer, sterilization, and other health problems for human and wildlife populations. It can also sterilize the soil and contribute to water and air pollution. 7

Thermal Pollution Thermal pollution is excess heat that creates undesirable effects over long periods of time. Many types of thermal pollution are confined to areas near their source, but multiple sources can have wider impacts over a greater geographic area.

Thermal pollution may be caused by: Power plants Urban sprawl Air pollution particulates that trap heat Deforestation Loss of temperature moderating water supplies As temperatures increase, mild climatic changes may be observed, and wildlife populations may be unable to recover from swift changes.

All types of pollution are interconnected. For example, light pollution requires energy to be made, which means the electric plant needs to burn more fossil fuels to supply the electricity. Those fossil fuels contribute to air pollution, which returns to the earth as acid rain and increases water pollution. The cycle of pollution can go on indefinitely, but once you understand the different pollution types, how they are created, and the effects they can have, you can make personal lifestyle changes to combat poor conditions for yourself and others around you.

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INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION Industrial pollution is pollution which can be directly linked with industry, in contrast to other pollution sources. This form of pollution is one of the leading causes of pollution worldwide; in the United States, for example, the Environmental Protective Agency estimates that up to 50% of the nation's pollution is caused by industry. Because of its size and scope, industrial pollution is a serious problem for the entire planet, especially in nations which are rapidly industrializing, like China.

This form of pollution dates back to antiquity, but widespread industrial pollution accelerated rapidly in the 1800s, with the start of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution mechanized means of production, allowing for a much greater volume of production, and generating a corresponding increase in pollution. The problem was compounded by the use of fuels like coal, which is notoriously unclean, and a poor understanding of the causes and consequences of pollution.

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There are a number of forms of industrial pollution. One of the most common is water pollution, caused by dumping of industrial waste into waterways, or improper containment of waste, which causes leakage into groundwater and waterways. Industrial pollution can also impact air quality, and it can enter the soil, causing widespread environmental problems.

Because of the nature of the global environment, industrial pollution is never limited to industrial nations. Traces of industrial pollutants have been identified in isolated human, animal, and plant populations as well. Industrial pollution hurts the environment in a range of ways, and it has a negative impact on human lives and health. Pollutants can kill animals and plants, imbalance ecosystems, degrade air quality radically, damage buildings, and generally degrade quality of life. Factory workers in areas with uncontrolled industrial pollution are especially vulnerable.

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A growing awareness of factory pollution and its consequences has led to tighter restrictions on pollution all over the world, with nations recognizing that they have an obligation to protect themselves and their neighbors from pollution. As these countries industrialize, they add to the global burden of industrial pollution, triggering serious discussions and arguments about environmental responsibility and a desire to reach a global agreement on pollution issues.

TYPES OF POLLUTANTS AND THEIR ILL-EFFECTS Modernization and progress have led to our world getting more and more polluted over the years. Industries, vehicles, increase in the population, and urbanization are some of the major factors responsible for this pollution. The following industries are among those that emit a great deal of pollutants into the air: thermal power plants, cement, steel, refineries, petro chemicals, and mines.

Listed below are the major industrial pollutants, their sources and effects: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including petrol, diesel, and wood. It is also produced from the combustion of natural and synthetic products such as cigarettes. It lowers the amount of oxygen that enters our blood. It can slow our reflexes and make us confused and sleepy.

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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are gases that are released mainly from airconditioning systems and refrigeration. When released into the air, CFCs rise to the stratosphere, where they come in contact with few other gases, which lead to a reduction of the ozone layer that protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the principle greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activities such as the burning of coal, oil, and natural gases.

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Lead is present in petrol, diesel, lead batteries, paints, hair dye products, etc. Lead affects children in particular. It can cause nervous system damage and digestive problems and, in some cases, cause cancer.

Ozone occurs naturally in the upper layers of the atmosphere. This important gas shields the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, at the ground level, it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Vehicles and industries are the major source of ground-level ozone emissions. Ozone makes our eyes itch, burn, and water. It lowers our resistance to colds and pneumonia.

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Nitrogen oxide causes smog and acid rain. It is produced from burning fuels including petrol, diesel, and coal. Nitrogen oxides can make children susceptible to respiratory diseases in winters.

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) consists of solids in the air in the form of smoke, dust, and vapor that can remain suspended for extended periods and is also the main source of haze which reduces visibility. The finer of these particles, when breathed in can lodge in our lungs and cause lung damage and respiratory problems.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gas produced from burning coal, mainly in thermal power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smelting of metals, produce sulphur dioxide. It is a major contributor to smog and acid rain. Sulfur dioxide can lead to lung diseases

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CONSEQUENCES OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION Pollution is far from something that is merely unsightly. All over the world, industrial pollution has raised a number of alarms. There are a number of serious health consequences that can result from unchecked pollution. The inhalation of gases released by industries can cause breathing difficulties and are poisonous in large quantities if the air supply is restricted. Many chemicals or substances used in factories have put people working in these places at an increased risk for developing certain types of cancers. Health hazards from asbestos dust have also been recognized in many workers. Some harmful gases combine with moisture in the earth‟s atmosphere and produce acids which return to the earth in raindrops. This acid harms not only the fish in rivers but plants and trees as it is drawn up from the earth. It eats away at buildings too. These problems are particularly severe in some of the industrialized regions.

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Some of the gases are thought to be making the world warmer and certain gases in the atmosphere like carbon dioxide (which we exhale) trap the sun‟s rays and warm the planet. These gases exist naturally but they are also produced when fossil fuels are burnt.

The amount of oil and gas burned has steadily increased over the last few decades as a result of rapid industrialization, giving off more and more of these harmful gases. This means that more of the sun‟s heat is trapped in the atmosphere causing the temperature of the planet to rise. Scientists fear that ice from the poles and from mountains will start to melt which will cause a rise in the sea level and a flooding of coastal areas. The climate may also change, arid regions becoming drier and tropical regions wetter.

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LAND DEGRADATION Land degradation is a concept in which the value of the biophysical environment is affected by one or more combination of human-induced processes acting upon the land. Natural hazards are excluded as a cause; however human activities can indirectly affect phenomena such as floods and bushfires. It is estimated that up to 40% of the world's agricultural land is seriously degraded.

Causes

Land degradation is a global problem, mainly related to agricultural. The major causes include: Land clearance, such as clear cutting and deforestation Agricultural depletion of soil nutrients through poor farming practices Livestock including overgrazing Urban conversion Irrigation and over drafting Land pollution including industrial waste Vehicle Off-roading Weeds

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Effects The main outcome of land degradation is a substantial reduction in the productivity of the land. The major stresses on vulnerable land include: Accelerated soil erosion by wind and water Soil acidification or alkalinization Salination Destruction of soil structure including loss of organic matter Derelict soil Severe land degradation affects a significant portion of the earth's arable lands, decreasing the wealth and economic development of nations. Land degradation cancels out gains advanced by improved crop yields and reduced population growth. As the land resource base becomes less productive, food security is compromised and competition for dwindling resources increases, the seeds of famine and potential conflict are sown.

We often assume that land degradation only affects soil fertility. However, the effects of land degradation often more significantly affect receiving water courses (rivers, wetlands and lakes) since soil, along with nutrients and contaminants associated with soil, are delivered in large quantities to environments that respond detrimentally to their input.

Land degradation therefore has potentially disastrous effects on lakes and reservoirs that are designed to alleviate flooding, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity.

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Solution The problem of land degradation can be overcome by land improvement. Land improvement or land amelioration is making land more usable by humans. In terms of agriculture amelioration includes: 

Hydrological improvement (drainage, irrigation, leaching of saline soils, landslide and flood control)



Soil improvement (fertilization, establishment of proper chemical balance).



Soil stabilization/erosion control



Road construction



Afforestation, as a means for both water conservation and land protection

Uncontrolled land utilization expanded the above traditional categories with actions for combating soil degradation: 

Combating desertification



Polluted land reclamation



Land rehabilitation after industrial or mining usage

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CASE STUDY: MAHARASHTRA “Industrialization is a national priority and it has to take place. In Maharashtra we have demonstrated that industrialization would bring prosperity,” says Sharad Pawar, former chief minister of Maharashtra who has been an important player in national politics as well. “We have been able to concentrate on industrialization consistently and thus there is a mad rush among the industries to set up their plant in Maharashtra,” he says with a proud air. What he says is not untrue. But what Pawar‟s statement hides is another story.

The state of the Maharashtra generates the highest amount of tax revenue and has the highest GDP among all the states. A recent survey identified it as the most investment friendly state of the country. Even before India‟s independence, it was the most industrialized state, accounting for half of national cotton and sugar production at the time. Its capital Mumbai — known as the business capital of India — hosts almost half of the industrial units in the state. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has created 265 industrial estates. Officials in the state industry department say that industrialists are more powerful here than the chief minister. 20

“Maharashtra‟s coast has a well developed petroleum industry, which attracts different chemicals units. Besides, the state unofficially projected the sea as a free dumping ground for these hazardous industrial units,” says Rashmi Patil, professor at the Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. “The state is well connected to the international market through air and sea. Chemicals industry, which thrives on the export market, is more interested in Maharashtra and Gujarat,” she adds. Maharashtra accounts for one-fourth of the national annual turnover of the chemicals sector. After using virtually every inch of space in cramped urban areas like Mumbai, the state government is now taking industrial development to rural areas.

The Maharashtra Industrial defunct effluent treatment

Development

Corporation’s

Solid waste: hazardous dilemma Mumbai, with a population of about 10 million, produces more than 5,000 tonnes of solid waste per year. There are 40,000 small- and large-scale industrial units in the city, 523 of them in the chemicals sector, 531 in textiles and 9 deal with pesticides. One-fourth of the solid waste generated in Mumbai is toxic, according to the Environmental Status of Mumbai, a publication of the Greater Mumbai Municipality Corporation. Maharashtra generates 195,000 tonnes of hazardous waste per year through 3,908 industrial units. This is supposed to be managed by MIDC. Though there has been a move to identify eight dumping sites, only one is operational.

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Rivers: weeping black tears MPCB says 75 per cent of the rivers in the state are polluted by industry.

Cost of industrial prosperity: Untreated industrial effluents flow into residential blocks at Dombivli Since the 1970s, Pimpri, one of India‟s premier industrial estates, has taken its toll. The river is so polluted that it is not even suitable for survival of crabs, considered some of the toughest creatures when it comes to surviving water pollution. A 1997 study by the University of Pune observed that the water of the river just before entered Pimpri was potable, while at the point it left Pimpri, it was highly polluted.

The fate of Patalganga River is no better. The river flows besides the industrial area called Rasayani (which means chemicals in Hindi/Marathi) in Khapoli town of Raigad district. The Society for Clean Environment, a Mumbai-based NGO which has conducted a survey of the area, estimates that more than 15 million liters of highly polluted effluents are discharged into the river every day. 22

The state government denied any pollution in the area and even defended the industrial units. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board denied that the water of the Patalganga River had become wholly unfit for human consumption due to pollution. The court set up an expert committee to ascertain the truth. It said that the MPCB needs to be more vigilant in monitoring the industrial units. Though the Mehta of MPCB says that all the industrial units in the area are pollution free now, the river still looks „faint green‟ and villagers protest saying that there is a nexus between the industrialists and PCB members.

What has aggravated the problem is the Tata Hydro Electric Power Station at Khopoli, which blocks the river flow to generate electricity for Mumbai. Some five years ago the flow in the river came to such a low that it was not even flushing away the effluents discharged by factories, turning it to an effluent drain. The petition of the BEAG said that “the peaking power requirement for Bombay city is not more important than drinking water for about 100,000 people”.

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From here, whence? Maharashtra was the first state in India to have water pollution control legislation in India in 1970. In the same year, MPCB was established. Although there are elaborate provisions in the law, factories continue polluting.

The most industrialized state of India direly needs an overhaul of the way it perceives environmental pollution. Otherwise its workers will continue to live a miserable life till a more miserable death relieves them. The chances of the politicians waking up to address this cause are quite faint, although they have the power. Now, it is up to the civil society to become more powerful. It can make a small beginning by compiling all the information available in the state on industrial pollution. Knowledge is the ultimate power. It is also the only tool for the civil society.

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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS “Pollution, Emergence with such devastating evolution In the face of the ever expanding globalization Filled with development, riches, vision But a price to pay for what nature has become Of a barren, dead paradise once full of fulfillment What can we say as to what can we really do Or what can we really do to make a move To prevent further devastation of this kind From such expanding deterioration from happening in time Is what we can rest assure of this disaster Never to happen again ever after”

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Pollution, in fact, is a part of our lives today. Natural pollution occurs naturally and won't cause excessive harm to our lives due to its regeneration ability. However, the man-made pollution is caused by human activities, and hard to get rid of. The backbones of this man-made pollution are human population and technology.

What can we say about this problem? If we bring this topic out to people in general, politicians and industrialists alike, there is an immediate agreement that pollution is wrong and it must be prevented. But we have to ask ourselves, what the degree of global pollution is now and the efforts taken to combat it. Is pollution now overpowering us? But we can be assured as the world goes on; zero pollution can never be achieved. At least, we should give an effort to minimize it, regardless of geographical boundaries.

Industrial pollution is a growing pain. It is not a problem that came suddenly from the sky- it's our fault and has been a part of our life through many years. Can you imagine living in a world where all the things we use are synthetics? We must be wise in managing our resources, and take positive action towards preventing any forms of pollution to the environment. Make the world a better place to live. 26

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fifty Simple Things You Can Do To Save The U.A.E.’s Environment Published by Union National Bank Printed by Emirates Printing Press Year: 1998

LINKS

http://www.wlfoet5.demon.co.uk/ http://www.wisegeek.com/ http://www.edugreen.teri.res.in/ http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Crisis/Industrial-pollution.htm# http://library.thinkquest.org/ http://www.cartoonstock.com/ http://www.google.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

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