Pollution:

Pollution is also called environmental pollution. The addition to the

environment of any substance or energy form e.g. heat at rate faster than

the environment can accommodate by depression, breakdown, recycling,

and storage in some harmless form. Pollution of the natural environment is

largely unintended and unwanted consequences of human activities in

manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and waste disposable.

High levels of pollution are largely a consequence of industrialization,

urbanization and the rapid increase of human population in modern times.

Pollutants commonly are classified according to the part of the environment

primarily effected by them either by air, water or land. Sub grouping depends

on characteristics of the pollutants themselves: chemical, physical, thermal

and others. Many pollutants affect more than one resource. The substances

that pollute the atmosphere are either gases, finely divided solids, or finely

dispersed liquids aerosols. Five major classes of pollutants are discharged

into the air. Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur Oxides, Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen

Oxides and particulates (dust, ash).

The principal source of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels e.g.

coal, oil and derivatives of the latter, such as gasoline-in internal

combustion, engines or for heating or industrial purposes.

Water Pollution:

Nature has taken hundreds and thousands of years to shape this

world up. And we, the human beings, are determined to destroy the earth

at the earliest. Water is being contaminated and polluted like anything. 

Geographically, 70 % of earth is made up of water and the rest is

made up of land. But as a matter of fact, human beings are bringing the

entire 70 % of water under peril and intoxicating it through a careless

attitude to the environment. Industrial effluents, sewage and farm wastes

are the major pollutants threatening the sanctity of our water resources.

The organic and inorganic contaminants are acids, alkalis,

carbohydrates, dyes, fats, soaps, waxes, gases, suspended matter, oil, toxic

metals and pesticides including radioactive materials and heated effluents

that impose thermal load on receiving waters. Biological pollutants include

bacteria, viruses, plants and animals.

“You can live without oil and you can even live without love, but you

cannot live without water.” These are the words of Daniel Moynihan, former

US Ambassador to India, underlining the seriousness of the water crisis in US

but are relevant for the entire world.

Water is the basic ingredient in the entire life cycle. The living cell is

mostly water. Blood and sap are about 90 per cent water. The composition

of blood and seawater is very similar, which lends support to the theory that

life was created in the ocean waters. An adult’s body is about 65 per cent

water. A loss of 15 per cent to this liquid proves usually fatal through

dehydration. Humans require 2 to 3 liters of water a day just to maintain

the racial liquid balance within the body. More than 4 liters may be required

when the person is active. Not all this need be taken directly because our

food intake also contains some water. Tomatoes contain 90 per cent water,

potatoes 80 per cent and meat about 60 per cent. It is estimated that an

average person eats about 50 tons of food and drinks about 40,000 liters of

water in a lifetime. This is subject to variations from country to country.

Enormous quantities of pure water are the basic requirement for every

product we make. To refine a ton of sugar, 4,000 liters of really pure water

are required. A ton of paper needs 300,000 liters of moderately pure water

while for generating one kilowatt of electricity in a thermal plant about

3,500 liters are needed. A ton of steel needs 240,000 liters of water.

Agriculture demands supply of water that far exceeds industrial needs.

Actually water used in agriculture cannot be recirculated as is often possible

in industry. For growing a ton of cotton 8 million liters of water are needed

while a ton of sugar crop consumes nearly a million liters of water.

Water pollution includes the accumulation in oceans, lakes, streams,

and ground water of substances that are either directly harmful to life or that

have harmful secondary or long term effects. The principle sources of water

pollution are sewage, industrial waste, garbage and refuse, and agriculture

fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Any body of water has a capacity to

absorb or break down introduce materials and sewage and some organic

industrial waste `are broken down naturally by microorganisms into forms in

which they are useful to aquatic life. But if the capacity of a body of water to

dissolve, disperse or recycle is exceeded, all additional substances become

polluted.

Types of water pollution:

Oil Pollution:

Oil pollution is one of the highest publicized forms of Ocean Pollution.

The majority of oil pollution is from spills or leakages of oil that originate

from land or rivers, which in turn flow to the sea. The more direct form of oil

pollution occurs when ships transporting the substance leak or crash.

Some of the oil washes up on the shore and becomes tar-like lumps;

some coat the fur of animals (e.g. sea otters) affecting their natural heating

system. Also, some oil finds its way to other water sources (such as lakes,

rivers, and personal water supplies) causing hazardous water to be

consumed. In extreme cases, rivers, lakes and wells have been known to

ignite. For example, in 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio ignited.

Toxic Wastes:

Toxic waste is the most harmful form of pollution to marine creatures

and humans alike. Once a form of toxic waste affects an organism, it (the

toxic waste) can be quickly passed along the food chain and might

eventually end up as seafood, causing various problems. Toxic wastes arrive

from the leakage of landfills, dumps, mines and farms. Sewage and

industrial wastes introduce chemical pollutants such as PCB, DDT, and Sevin.

Farm chemicals (insecticides and herbicides) along with heavy metals (e.g.,

mercury and zinc) can have a disastrous affect on marine life and humans

alike.

Radioactive wastes, reactor leaks, natural radioactivity, and

radioactive particles, which originate from the Atmospheric Testing Program

from explosions of nuclear weapons, are dispersed in water all over the

world. The effect of these radioactive particles is currently being researched.

All of these factors allow seafood to have a chance of being hazardous

to human health. For example, if a fish is contaminated with the metal

Mercury (by either eating it or consuming a creature who had), birth defects

and nervous system damage in humans may result. Also, Dioxin causes

genetic and chromosomal mutations in marine life and is suspected of

causing cancer in humans.

Medical wastes, such as stale blood vials, hypodermic needles, and

urine samples that have been found in ocean around the U.S. are being

researched to determine if swimmers have a chance of contracting Hepatitis

or AIDs from such wastes. Other wastes have been known to cause viral and

bacterial diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea.

Ocean Dumping:

The lawful ocean dumping of various pollutants was once common

practice, but is now regulated. However, the wastes that were dumped into

the ocean in the early 1900's remain there still. Human wastes, ground-up

garbage, water from bathing, and plastics all contribute to ocean dumping.

Examples of trash found in the ocean are: syringes, laboratory rats,

human stomach lining, Navy decontamination kits, test tubes with various

substances (with radioactive markings), tampon applicators, and a wallet-

sized photo of a dead communist dictator.

One of the main causes of trash finding its way to the ocean is the fact

that some sewage pipes share their space with storm water drains. Rainfall

(at least 1/4 of an inch), causes the sewage pipes to flood and the sewage

wastes (basically anything you flush down your toilet), mingles with the

storm water drain which flows unhindered to a water source.

Balloons have been known to find their way into animals such as

sperm whales, blocking their digestive tracts; causing the animals to die.

Plastic six-pack rings choke various animals and animals for food mistake

other waste. Basically any unnatural trash can be harmful to ocean life.

Noise Pollution:

The word noise, which is derived from the Latin word ‘nausea’, has

been defined in different ways. In law, noise may be defined as ‘an

excessive, offensive, persistent or starling sound. In short, the best

definition of noise is ‘sound which is undesirable by the recipient’. This

subjective definition of noise differs from the scientific definition of noise.

Noise is one of the undesirable products of technological civilization.

Admits this civilization, wherever we go, noise surrounds us. The roar of

traffic, the passage of trains and aeroplanes, the bustle our ears. Even home

is invaded by noise. The noise from whatever source it comes from is

undoubtedly, physiologically as well as psychologically harmful, it is ‘an

invisible but insidious form of pollution. Noise as a potentially harmful

pollutant is being recognized as a great nuisance these days affecting the

quality of life, particularly, in urban areas.

As cities grow and there are more motor vehicles, air traffic, factories

and people, the level of noise grows accordingly. Noise is often defined as

unwanted sound. Noise problems are becoming increasingly severe,

especially in urban areas. Noise has come to be regarded as a major urban

pollutant capable of causing annoyance and hearing loss and perhaps even

adverse physiological and psychological effects. According to its magnitude,

its continuity and varying susceptibility of different individuals, noise can

induce temporary or permanent impairment of hearing.

Sources of noise pollution:

Noise pollution has been strengthening its grip on the society since last

two decades. Damages caused by other problems are reversible to some

extent whereas in case of noise pollution, it’s irreversible. The major sources

of noise pollution are:

Loud speakers

Automobiles

Aircrafts

Trains

Construction works

Projection of satellites into space

Industry & Machinery. 

Entertainment

Effects of noise pollution:

The effects of noise pollution are multifaceted and interrelated. Noise

pollution has ill effects not only on the human beings but also on other living

and non- living things. A few common effects may be discussed as following:

Noise Effects on Human Beings

Noise Hazards Noise Nuisance

Permanent hearing loss

Neurol-humoral stress response Destruction of artifacts

EfficiencyMental stressFrustrationTask interferenceIrritability

ComfortSleep interferenceCommunicationInvasion of PrivacyDamage of artifacts

EnjoymentConcentrationInterferenceMeditationRecreationalHearing Loss

Effects of High Intensity Noise on Human Beings

0 Threshold of

audibility

150 Significant Change in pulse rate

110 Stimulation of reception in skin

120 Pain threshold

130-135 Nausea, vomiting dizziness, interference –with

touch and muscle sense

140 Pain in ear, prolonged exposure caused

insanity

160 Minor permanent damage if prolonged

190 Major permanent damage in short time

Soil Pollution: Land- an inelastic resource is the most important natural resources of

any region which not only provide the basis for economic activities but is the

main factor for the very existence and development of the community.

Required for agriculture afforestation, housing, industry, commerce and

many other purposes, this resource following burgeoning population, rapid

industrialization, urbanization and other human activities, has come under a

tremendous pressure. The process of modernization and imprudent land use

is causing degradation and pollution of this resource.

The term “soil pollution” does not have a very precise meaning. This is

because there are different types and degrees of pollution and the people

have varying standards by which the judge pollution effects. Soil pollution

Noise dB Effects Observed

mainly involves the deposition on land of solid wastes such as cans, bottles,

plastic containers, paper, and used cars that cannot be broken down quickly

or, in some cases, at all. Aside from recycling, disposal methods include

concentrating such materials in landfills, burning them in incinerators, or

dumping them in ocean. The term land pollution also includes the

accumulation on land of toxic chemicals (in solid or liquid form) produced by

industry and of radioactive wastes from nuclear processing facilities.

Massive mountains of solid wastes are disposed each day by our

consumer society. It is estimated that about 10 billion tones of solid wastes

are produced every year in the world and are dumped into the

surroundings. Solid wastes are an integral part of our life as they devour

our precious landscape spoiling the aesthetics of the surroundings.

  Solid wastes are unwanted materials thrown away in solid form, arising

from the normal community activity. It includes garbage i.e. kitchen and

food wastes, rubbish materials like paper, rag, glass bottles, metallic cans,

plastics, fibers, residues from home fuels, street sweeping, building debris,

rubbles and abandoned vehicles.

Sources of soil Pollution:

Sources of Land pollution are many. Land or the soil pollution stems

principally from the following:

Indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes

Mining or ore processing etc.

Contamination of soil with man-made chemicals, and

Improper land use and planning.

Effects of soil Pollution:

The effects of land pollution are numerous, interrelated and of adverse

consequences on the entire ecological system. Land pollution caused by

indiscriminate disposal of solid and semi-solid wastes, particularly in the

urban areas besides presenting unsightly scene, poses a grave threat to

human health. Huge piles of garbage at the disposal sites and littered around

in the towns remains a dwelling place for flies, bacteria, mosquitoes and

other harmful insects. The atmosphere in the vicinity of disposal sites of

wastes is affected by the obnoxious smells and pathogens emitted or

produced in the process of decomposition of garbage which eventually is a

cause of intestinal and respiratory diseases in human beings. Presence of

explosives, highly toxic substances, plastic and diseased culture etc. In the

solid wastes put the health and safety of sanitary workers at risk which may

ensure from occupational diseases, contact with the toxic materials in the

course of collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste. The adverse

economic effects of solid wastes, too, are far reaching. The squandering of

limited and non-renewable mineral resources such as copper, zinc, lead and

tin etc. disposed of and indiscriminately dumped in solid wastes- beyond

recovery inevitably produce a disruptive economic impact.

Air pollution:

A man can live without food for a month, without water for two or three

days, but he cannot live without breathing even for a minute. According to

research, it is estimated that an average adult male breathes in 15 kg of air

a day, in comparison to about 1.5 kg of the food consumed and 2.5 kg of

water intake. Hence it is obvious that the quantum of pollutants that enter

our body through respiration would be manifold in comparison to those

taken in through polluted water or contaminated food.

Air is a mixture of gases comprising 78 per cent nitrogen, 21 per cent

oxygen and a little less than 1 per cent argon, together with 0.03 per cent

carbon dioxide. These elements make upto 99.9 per cent of dry air. As long

as this composition is maintained, the air is pure. If this composition is

altered, i.e. the oxygen level gets reduces or other harmful gases enter the

atmosphere, then the air is said to be polluted and inhalation of this polluted

air can lead to respiratory disorders

The atmosphere the earth envelope is a mixture of various gases, with

a total mass of about 5.1 x (10)15 tones about 0.00001percent off the planers

mass. The composition of the atmosphere has been stable over the period

human life has been in existence, which indicates that it is suited to us.

The composition of the unpolluted air is given in table:

Constituent Volume per cent

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Argon

Carbon dioxide

Balance @

78.09

20.94

0.93

0.03

0.01

About 99.99 % of the mass of the atmosphere is concentrated within a

height of about 80 kilometer of the earth’s surface. This is one of the factors

that make our planet hospitable of life through some basic functions. The

atmosphere shields and protects us from harmful things like ultra violet

radiation from space and extraterrestrial bodies like comets and asteroids

reaching and hitting the Earths surface. It functions as a medium of storage

and distribution for much substance that is integral parts of vital life

processes that take place continuously on the Earth. For example, it stores

and distributes water vapor and heat energy to make our climate moderate.

It stores and distributes oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, which are

integral constituents of all life forms. An important function of, the

atmosphere, which is of interest in air pollution is that, it stirs, dilutes and

distributes the various pollutants that we put into it. The behavior of the

atmosphere is the major factor, which completely determines whether, our

pollution, haunts us or will blow away to trouble someone else.

Air pollution is a particular problem in urban areas, where the ultra

violet rays in sunlight combine with hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide to form

photochemical smog. On a somewhat wider scale, So2 a nitrogen oxide from

the burning fossil fuel can combine with atmospheric water vapor to form

acid rain which is damaging to water, forest and soil resources. As a result of

the increased consumption of fossil fuel, levels of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere have risen steadily in the 20th century and show signs of

increasing atmospheric temperature worldwide owing to the greenhouse

effect.

Types of Air Pollution:

Air pollution is indication of disturbances to the composition of

compounds in the atmosphere, as it may be summarized as shown:

Excess emission of gases/vapors into atmosphere

Saturation of chemical compounds/particulates

Rate of dissipation < (smaller than) rate of absorption through various

cycles (i.e. carbon and nitrogen cycle)

Emergence of new chemical reactions of reactive and non-

biodegradable compounds.

Following are some of his common pollutants occurring in the air:

1. Gases Pollutants:

Sources: The sources of gaseous pollutants are the vehicles, industries,

manufacturing processes and even agricultural activities.

Combustion of fossil fuels release oxides of Sulphur and nitrogen. SO2

is released even from petroleum refineries and nitrogen oxides are produced

from the power generators carbon monoxide is another harmful gas released

during combustion.

Agricultural activities are responsible for air pollution, to some extent.

Because of spraying and dusting, organic phosphates and chlorinated

hydrocarbons are added. Ammonia produced from fertilizer factories and

from cold storage systems is added to the air.

Particulate pollutants: The particulate pollutants include dust from

crushing and grinding due to road mix plants and the construction work.

Silica particles and asbestos particles, fibers from textile mill are other

particulate pollutants, particulate fluorides; lead particles are still other

pollutants of this class. Pollen grains and the spores when produced in

excess also act as natural pollutants.

Smog: The mixture of smoke and fog together produced smog (‘smo’ from

smoke and ‘g’ from fog). It is actually fog carrying carbon particles. Smog is

the result of heavy traffic on the highways.

Photochemical oxidants: These pollutants are the secondary pollutants.

NO2 and hydrocarbons react with each other in presence of light. The major

oxidants are ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate [PAN].

2. Radioactive pollutants:

Nuclear activities are responsible for addition of the new type of pollutants

to the air. Nuclear fission from nuclear reactors and testing for nuclear

weapons are other sources of such pollution. These pollutants persist for

many years. After effects of atomic blast of 1945, are still observed in

Japan.

The atomic reactor at Chernobyl in former USSR blew off and a thick cloud of

radioactive substances decipated in the atmosphere. Radioactive pollutants

are the most dangerous, because they affect the chromosomes and bring

about hereditary disorders.

Sources and Methods of air pollution:

We can classify major sources that lead to air pollution to the following

categories:

Motor vehicle exhaust

Heat and power generation facilities

Industrial processes

Auto manufacturing

Fertilizers plants

Building demolition

Solid waste disposal

Solvent evaporation

Volcanic eruption

Fuel production

Roadway construction

Electrical components manufacturing

Extraction of metals

Forest fires

Agriculture

Source Smoke Parti-culates

Sox NOx CO Hydro-carbons

ToxicMetals

Others

Fossil fuel Combustion

X X X X X X X ---

Transportation X X X X X X X ---Incineration X X --- --- --- --- --- OdoursMetallurgical --- --- X X X --- X FluoridesOperations Chemical Industries

--- X X X --- --- X Ordours, fluorides, hydrogen sulphides, organic vapours

Sewage --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Odours, hydrogen sulphides

Field burning X X X --- --- --- --- ---Mining --- X --- --- --- --- X ---

Major pollutants Methods of pollution

Motor vehicle exhaust Combustion of fuel led to the

production of oxides of lead,

nitrogen and sulfur

Particulates release will cause

haze and smog resulting in the

poor vision in the area

Oxides of lead, nitrogen and

sulfur dissolves in water vapor

and altering its pH and causing

it more acidic

Heat and power generation

facilities

Emission of excess heat to

atmosphere causing warming of

the atmosphere

Waste biomass not properly

incinerated, incomplete

combustion and unrecycled

remaining waste leads to the

release of carbon monoxide

(CO), and methane (CH4 ]

Industrial processes

Production of thick black

smoke emitted without a proper

filtering system lead to an

increase of carbon dioxide

emission

Emission of CFCs

(chlorofluorocarbon) in

atmosphere will through a free

radical reaction altering the

structure of the ozone molecule

(O3) by breaking the bond to

produce free radicals. CFCs can

be found in refrigerant products

like refrigerator, aerosol spray

Production of nitric acid ( HNO3 )

through Oswald process

involves a series of combustion

 

Auto Manufacturing Emits about 1180 tons of

organics; 54 tons of NOx (oxides

of nitrogen); 730 pounds of SO2;

and 7 tons of carbon monoxide

(CO)

Increase production of

vehicles has led to the increase

of usage organic products, and

heavy metals

Fertilizers Plants

Emission of corrosive

byproducts like sulphuric acid

(H2SO4) by Contact process and

hydrochloric acid (HCl), which

increase the acidity of water

vapor in the atmosphere

Over production of ammonia

(NH3) for fertilizer production,

which are not contained in a

proper manner may increase

alkalinity of atmosphere

Building demolition Crumbling rubble and debris

which floats and settles in the

atmosphere, causing haze and

smog (i.e. benzene, asbestos,

beryllium, inorganic arsenic)

Solid waste disposal Accumulation of waste leads

to production of strong odor and

humidity, right conditions for

pests (houseflies) and bacteria

growths which further

aggravates the odor in the area

Radioactive and hazardous

waste not disposed in enclose

area will cause the release of

radioactive vapors or

substances into atmosphere

Solvent evaporation

Vaporization of complex

organic solvents which are non

biodegradable (i.e. non -

methane organic compounds:

ethane, ethylene, aldehydes,

ketones)

Production of strong

unpleasant odor (i.e. lubricants,

paints)

Organic vapors reacting with

chemical compounds in

atmosphere which acts as

insulator earth, thereby

producing greenhouse effects

(i.e. methane, carbon dioxide)

Volcanic eruption

Toxic and poisonous gases of

SO2 , NO2 and PbS2 spewed out

Heat produce during eruptions

will increase the temperature of

atmosphere, altering the rate of

chemical reactions occurring

Fuel production Fractional distillation of crude

oil to produce kerosene,

gasoline and refinery gas by the

cracking process (pyrolisis)

involves the use of high heat

energy at 450°C splitting larger

alkane molecules into smaller

alkane and alkene molecules

which are more easily vaporized

and are therefore more useful

fuels 

Fuel extraction, processing,

refining and distribution add an

additional 14% of carbon

dioxide emissions (CO2)

30% of hydrocarbon emissions

are released through

evaporation, which occurs from

both fuel tanks and gasoline

tanks

Roadway construction Manufacture of construction

equipment comparable to the

degree of pollution of auto

manufacturing

Asphalt fumes which are

bothersome and toxic, which

involves the release of both

particulate benzene (C6H6) –

soluble organics and individual

aromatic hydrocarbons

Electrical components

manufacturing

Process of making

semiconductors involves the

usage of hazardous heavy

metal (i.e. arsenic and lead)

Emission of toxic byproducts

into river and atmosphere (i.e.

sulphates, nitrates and

sulphides)

Extraction of metals

Extractions of pure metal involves

the heating of coke (carbon); (i.e.

iron and silicon) produce carbon

dioxide and carbon monoxide

Extractions of Group 1 and 2

metals (sodium, potassium,

magnesium, calcium) through

electrolysis involves the usage

of graphite (carbon) and

mercury as the electrode

Forest fires

Release of particulates into

atmosphere causing smog and

haze results in the poor vision

of sight in the area

Agriculture

Improper sanitation results in

the accumulation of faces and

urine causing strong odor and

smell contamination in the area

Air Pollution and Health Hazards:

All the air pollutants severely affect the health of human beings. Some of the main air pollutants

and their side effects on human health are given below the in the table:

Pollutants Sources And Side Effects

ChloroformSources:

Disinfectors

Side Effects:

Cancer

Para-dichlorobenzeneSources:

Air freshener, campers

Side Effects:

Cancer

Tetra chloroethyl Sources:

Vapour from cloth-dryer liquid that left in clothes

Side Effects:

Heart disorder, damages to kidney and herpes

cancer.

Styrene

Sources:

Carpets and plastic

Side Effects:

Damages to kidney and herpes

Radon-222Sources:

Radioactive soil, foundation stone, water sources.

Side Effects:

Lung cancer

Smoke form

Cigarette

Sources:

Cigarette

Side Effects:

Lung and respiratory system cancer, heart damage

Carbon MonoxideSources:

Kerosene cooking stove board, damaged fire store

in living room.

Side Effects:

Headache, improper heartbeats, excessive

sleepiness.

Nitrogen Oxide Sources:

Wood board

Side Effects:

Lung irritation, fever to children, headache.

1,1,1-TrichloroethaneSources:

Aerosol spray

Side Effects:

Headache and respiratory difficulties

Asbestos Sources:

Pipe isolation and tile.

Side Effects:

Lung damages and cancer

Air Quality Standards:

Each country ha set its national air quality standards which much not be

exceeded if public health and welfare are to be protected.

The central Board for Prevention and Control of Pollution of India has

prescribed the following air quality standards for some pollutants.

Area Category Suspended

particulate

matter

Sulphur

dioxide

Oxides of

nitrogen

Carbon

monoxide

Industrial and mixed

use

500 120 120 5000

Residential and rural 200 80 80 2000

Sensitive (hill stations,

tourist resorts, national

parks, monuments,

health resorts etc.)

1

00

30 501000

The values for Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen present annual

averages when monitored uniformly over twelve months of the year, with a

frequency of not less than once a week with a sampling time of 8 hours, The

concentration of the pollutant shall be 95 per cent of the time within the

prescribed limits.

At present the monitoring programmers in India are not geared up for

systematic work. These standards are invariably exceeded in many regions

of the country, usually the densely populated urban industrial areas. Another

important aspect is that the technology employed in most of the industrial

units as well as automobiles is not updated with in-built pollution control

devices.

According to New York Times Magazine the air quality in big cities in India is

among the worst in the world. According to one report, Delhi, the Indian

Union Capital, has 1.3 million registered vehicles, 120,000 being added

annually? Two and Three wheelers constitute about 63 per cent. The

vehicular traffic contributes more then 800 Ions of pollutant gases every

day, which constitutes more than 60 per cent of the air pollution in the city.

During peak time the emissions are estimated at

Carbon monoxide 1,500kg

Hydrocarbons 500kg

Oxides of nitrogen 1000kg

Over 400 kg of lead are released into the air every day. The two thermal

power stations emit 1,450 tons of flyash and 600 tons of Sulphur dioxides

every day. There are 5,000 noxious gas-emitting industries in the capital,

868 of which the walled city itself. As many as 28 large industries release

chlorine and other dangerous substances. The water-polluting industries are

put at 82.

Environmental Effects of Acid Rain

 

                                                Do you think that she knows what acid rain is?

Air Pollution Creates Acid Rain...

Scientists have discovered that air pollution from the burning of fossil

fuels is the major cause of acid rain. Acidic deposition, or acid rain as it is

commonly known, occurs when emissions of Sulphur dioxide (so2) and

oxides of nitrogen (nox) react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and

oxidants to form various acidic compounds. This mixture forms a mild

solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Sunlight increases the rate of most of

these reactions.

These compounds then fall to the earth in either wet form (such as

rain, snow, and fog or dry form (such as gas and particles). About half of the

acidity in the atmosphere falls back to earth through dry deposition as gases

and dry particles. The wind blows these acidic particles and gases onto

buildings, cars, homes, and trees. In some instances these gases and

particles can eat away the things on which they settle. Dry deposited gases

and particles are sometimes washed from trees and other surfaces by

rainstorms. When that happens, the runoff water adds those acids to the

acid rain, making the combination more

acidic than the falling rain alone. The combination the acid rain plus dry

deposited acid is called acid deposition. Prevailing winds transport the

compounds, sometimes hundreds of miles, across state and national

borders.

.  

Wouldn't you rather see this...?

 

 

 

Electric utility plants account for about 70 percent of annual SO2

emissions and 30 percent of NOx emissions in the United States. Mobile

sources (transportation) also contribute significantly to NOx emissions.

Overall, over 20 million tons of SO2 and NOx are emitted into the

atmosphere each year.

Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to

damage of trees at high elevations (for example, red spruce trees above

2,000 feet in elevation). In addition, acid rain accelerates the decay of

building materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and

sculptures that are part of our nation's cultural heritage. Prior to falling to

the earth, SO2 and NOx gases and their particulate matter derivatives,

sulfates and nitrates, contribute to visibility degradation and impact public

health.

Implementation of the Acid Rain program under the 1990 Clean Air Act

amendments wills confers significant benefits on the nation. By reducing SO2

and NOX, many acidified+ lakes and streams will improve substantially so

that they can once again support fish life. Visibility will improve, allowing for

increased enjoyment of scenic vistas across our country, particularly in

national parks. Stress to our forests that populate the ridges of the

mountains from Maine to Georgia will be reduced. Deterioration of

our historic buildings and monuments will be slowed. Finally, reductions in

SO2 and NOx will reduce sulphates, nitrates, and ground level ozone (Smog),

leading to improvements in public health.

Control Measures:

1) Tall chimneys of factories help to discharge pollutants at the highest

altitudes.

2) Automobiles should be checked regularly for their efficiency as regards

complete combustion of fuels.

3) Green vegetation around the industry seems to be a good solution to

reduce pollution. Trees act as biomonitor for the problem of

pollution.

4) Setting chambers, bag filters, wet collectors; gas absorbers are some

of the equipments useful in the control of air pollution.

5) If use of a row material produces more pollution, a suitable one should

replace it. For example, the use of a fuel containing less percentage

of Sulphur.

6) Modification in the equipment can pose less pollution problem. E.g.

instead of using open hearth furnace, oxygen furnace is used to

reduced pollution.

Cases Studies:

Bhopal Tragedy: On Dec 3, 1984 methyl isocyanate [MIC] accidentally

leaked out form the storage tanks of the insecticide and germicide factory at

Bhopal. This MIC killed over 3000 and seriously affected nearly lakhs of the

residents.