POLLUTION There are several types of pollution, and while they may come from different sources and have different consequences, understanding the basics about pollution can help environmentally conscious individuals minimize their contribution to these dangers. In total, there are nine recognized sources of pollution in the modern world. These sources of pollution dont simply have a negative impact on the natural world, but they can have a measurable effect on the health of human beings as well. 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, such as the carbon cycle or the nitrogen cycle. 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, and higher rates of asthma. Many scientists believe that global warming is also related to increased air pollution. Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or bacterial matter that degrades the waters 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 a certain purity for survival. 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. 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 Some noise pollution may be temporary while other sources are more permanent. Effects may include hearing loss, wildlife disturbances, and a general degradation of lifestyle. Radioactive pollution is rare but extremely detrimental, and 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. Thermal pollution is excess heat that creates undesirable effects over long periods of time. The earth has a natural thermal cycle, but excessive temperature increases can be considered a rare type of pollution with long term effects. 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. Light pollution is the over illumination of an area that is considered obtrusive. Sources include: -Large cities -Billboards and advertising -Nighttime sporting events and other nighttime entertainment Light pollution makes it impossible to see stars, therefore interfering with astronomical observation and personal enjoyment. If it is near residential areas, light pollution can also degrade the quality of life for residents. Visual pollution - eyesores - can be caused by other pollution or just by undesirable, unattractive views. It may lower the quality of life in certain areas, or could impact property values and personal enjoyment. Sources of visual pollution include: -Power lines -Construction areas -Billboards and advertising -Neglected areas or objects such as polluted vacant fields or abandoned buildings -While visual pollution has few immediate health or environmental effects, whats causing the eyesore can have detrimental affects. Personal pollution is the contamination of ones body and lifestyle with detrimental actions. This may include: -Excessive smoking, drinking or drug abuse -Emotional or physical abuse -Poor living conditions and habits -Poor personal attitudes In some cases, personal pollution may be inflicted by caregivers, while in other cases it is caused by voluntary actions. Taking positive steps in your life can help eliminate this and other sources of pollution so you can lead a more productive, satisfying life. Fighting Pollution 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. Pollution affects all the elements of an ecosystem, including air, water and soil. Solutions must be found to combat all types of pollution so that delicate ecosystems can thrive once again. Clean energy is renewable energy which doesnt deplete natural resources or cause environmental harm. Renewable energy includes bioenergy, wind, hydroelectricity, solar and geothermal energy. 1.Bioenergy is produced from living things such as trees and plants. Certain crops are grown, such as corn and soybeans and harvested to produce energy in the form of biofuel. 2.Wind turbines convert kinetic energy by moving air into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity. No emissions or solid wastes are produced during the production wind energy, but can often have the negative impact of noise pollution. 3.Hydroelectricity is electricity produced by the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. Many of the worlds dams also serve as hydroelectric plants. This is currently the most widely used form of renewable energy. 4.Solar power is energy produced from the heat and light of the sun. 5.Geothermal energy is the naturally occurring thermal energy that is produced by the Earths molten inner core. Electric cars are powered exclusively by electricity instead of gasoline, which is stored in the cars rechargeable batteries. In the past, major automakers would not commit to producing this type of vehicle since the battery charges had very limited driving ranges before needing to be recharged. In addition, the recharging times were extremely long and production costs were very high. With new battery technology, electric cars are more cost effective, have an increased energy storage and require shorter recharging times. This means that automakers have finally embraced this technology.water preventing ; Dont litter, especially in or near water sources.Organize a community cleanup event near a river or lake where you live.Use green household cleaners and laundry detergents.Use natural lawn fertilizers, such as manure instead of chemical fertilizers.Buy organic food that is produced without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.Dispose of hazardous materials, such as paint, motor oil, antifreeze and lawn fertilizers responsibly, never down household drains or in the gutter.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:50:31 +0000
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