Question

Mention various forms of pollution.

Answer 1

1. Air Pollution: An concentration of chemicals in the atmosphere that pose a health risk is indicated by air pollution. The main causes of air pollution are numerous enterprises. Petroleum refineries, for instance, release air pollutants like SO₂, NO₂, CO, and others. Chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, sugar mills, and other industries are responsible for one-fifth of air pollution. The amount of dust produced by cement manufacturers is enormous. Approximately 60% of air pollution is caused by automobile emissions, and in urban areas, that percentage can reach 80%.
2. Water Pollution: Water pollution is the contamination of water by foreign matter that deteriorates its quality. It includes river pollution and ocean pollution. Industrial waste water is the major source of water pollution. This waste water may contain acids, alkalis, salts, poisons, oils, and in some cases, harmful bacteria. Mines, especially gold and coal mines, are responsible for large quantities of acid water.
3. Soil Pollution: Soil pollution is the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil. In simple terms, soil pollution means the alteration of soil due to human activities. Soil pollution usually results from the disposal of solid wastes and semi-solid wastes in agricultural practices, industrial processes and insanitary habits. Soil pollution causes several diseases in men and animals. Diseases like bacillary dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and paratyphoid fevers, caused by bacteria, are transmitted from soil to man. In animals, diseases such as leptospirosis, Q fever, and anthrax are transmitted through soil.