Definitions [9]
Pollutant is any such constituent which causes pollution.
Pollution is the addition of any such constituent to air, water or land which deteriorates the natural quality of the environment.
Air pollution means degradation of the air quality which harmfully affects the living organisms as well as certain objects.
or
Contamination of air by harmful substances like poisonous gases, smoke, particulate matter, microbes, etc., is called air pollution.
Define the following term:
Oil spills
Oil spills are the accidental discharges of petroleum into oceans or estuaries. The sources of spills are overturned oil tankers, offshore oil mining, and oil refineries.
Water pollution means any change in the water quality which makes it unsuitable for use by humans and by other living organisms.
Define the following term:
Noise
Noise is defined as any unpleasant, loud, undesired sound that interferes with one’s hearing and concentration, and the pollution caused by noise is termed noise pollution.
Noise is defined as any unpleasant/loud undesired sound interfering with one's hearing and concentration and the pollution caused due to noise is termed as noise pollution.
The natural process of aging of a lake due to gradual enrichment of its water with nutrients, leading to increased biological productivity, is called eutrophication.
A sustainable system of human waste management that safely recycles human excreta without using water is called ecological sanitation (Ecosan).
Key Points
- Soil degradation: Excessive use of chemical fertilisers reduces soil microbes, causes mineral imbalance, erosion, and lowers plant disease resistance.
- Water pollution: Nitrates and phosphates reach water bodies, causing eutrophication, oxygen depletion, algal blooms, and death of aquatic life.
- Human health hazards: Nitrate-contaminated water causes methaemoglobinaemia, blue baby syndrome, respiratory disorders and cancer risks.
- Pesticide toxicity: Persistent pesticides (DDT, BHC, aldrin, PCBs) bioaccumulate, damaging kidneys, brain, nervous system and threatening ecological security.
- Organic farming is an eco-friendly agricultural system that avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides and maintains natural balance in farming.
- It uses organic wastes, biofertilizers, animal manure, and microbes to supply nutrients and maintain soil fertility.
- Crop rotation, biological pest control, and resistant local varieties are used to manage weeds and diseases naturally.
- Organic farming promotes sustainable agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity, ensuring safe food for humans and environment.
