Pollution: Types, Causes, Consequences - Research Paper Example

?POLLUTION: TYPES, CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS POLLUTION: TYPES, CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS [Institute’s name] POLLUTION: TYPES, CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Abstract Since pollution is such a devastating problem, there has been widespread awareness and steps to mitigate this global problem. The essay attempts to uncover the causes and consequences, surrounding different types of pollution, which broadly include water pollution, land pollution and air pollution. There is a mention of individual steps that can be taken to tackle this problem effectively. Acknowledgments The essay could not have come about unless with the help of our professor, who taught us the skill of researching, writing and editing. Contents I.Introduction 7 a)Defining Pollution 8 b)Defining Pollutants 8 II.Literature Review 8 a)Land Pollution 9 b)Air Pollution 10 c)Water Pollution 12 III.Recommendations 13 a)Preventing Land Pollution 14 b)Preventing Air Pollution 14 c)Preventing Water Pollution 15 IV.Conclusion 15 References 16 Pollution I. Introduction Pollution has always occurred in this universe, since mankind found itself ways to make their life a bit easier. Writing on pollution itself is an extremely difficult task, because the topic is quite broad. However, since this is one of the major problems that humans suffer today, and it has adversely affected the quality of life people enjoy, pollution has become a common social problem, which needs to be addressed. This topic has been discussed and debated from a scientific point of view, regarding the chemistry of the environment. Social scientists have also focused upon this problem to find out the root causes of the problem, so that the problem can effectively be tackled. Recently, a new subject, known as environmental studies has also been introduced in the past few decades, and this has also addressed this malignant problem of pollution. Health specialists have also studied the effects on humans’ health, as a result of pollution. Within this problem of pollution, there is much that needs to be addressed. As there are different types of pollution, which occur in today’s world, one needs to be focus upon the causes and consequences of these different types of pollution. However, it is inherently necessary to discuss the definition of pollution. a) Defining Pollution Effects of Pollution by Soctt Foreman defines pollution as “the addition of any substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate faster than the environment can accommodate it by dispersion, decomposition, recycling, or storage in some harmless form” (Example Essays, n.d). Apart from this stringent scientific definition, the general definitions, given by people, include pollution “as anything endangering health, or a health hazard” (Hopkins, Fehanna, Haggar, 2001). Pollution occurs almost everywhere in the world, and every single second of the day. One will find pollution in any city, any town or any state. Pollution can be found anywhere. For example, in cars, home electronics, natural disasters, and even your own home. Pollution can toxify water, air, land, humans and animals, and therefore affects the entire ecology of life. Hence, it should not be taken lightly (oppapers, n.d) b) Defining Pollutants Pollution generally is caused by the amount of pollutants, present in the environment. A pollutant can be defined, as “any substance added to the environment in a sufficient concentration to have a measurable effect on humans, animals, vegetation, or building materials” (Degobert, 1992). II. Literature Review When attempting to discuss such a broad topic, it is essential to look at the different types of pollution that exist in the world today. This will make the discussion simpler and much easier. There are broadly six types of pollution, which include air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, light pollution, soil contamination, and radioactive pollution. For the purpose of this essay, only three types of pollution will be discussed, which include land pollution, air pollution and water pollution. Therefore, the existing literature that exists on the causes and consequences of the different types of pollution will be talked about, through the course of this essay. a) Land Pollution According to Green StudentU, land pollution is defined as the “pollution of the Earth’s natural land surface by industrial, commercial, domestic and agricultural activities”. Land pollution is extremely hazardous; it causes us to lose around 24 tons of top soil every year, which is a matter of huge concern. Moreover, land pollution is trickier to understand, as well because humans do not realize the impacts of their activities on the land. However, one should understand that whichever action that decreases the productivity and potential of a land will be classified as dangerous, and will lead to land pollution (Pillai, 2012). Degenerative actions tend to increase land pollution, which includes deforestation, increased usage of pesticides and fertilizers, mining, inadequate waste treatment, landfill, litter and desertification. These different activities all lead to a decrease in the potential of a land. Although these cannot be avoided, one should try minimizing the impacts of such degenerative actions. Desertification is harmful, which occurs as a result of extreme use of a particular land. It essentially converts a fertile land into a dry land. Moreover, the deserted land cannot be reclaimed afterwards. It affects the bio-diversity of the place, which means that humans being and animals get affected by it. In addition, one should understand that when a land is used inefficiently, it increases the chances of increased waste, which leads to a shortage of land. For this reason, humans clear out more lands, by cutting trees. Inefficient use of land is often regarded as the indirect cause of land pollution. Within land pollution, there is soil pollution, which affects the land and also leads to other problems. Soil Pollution is when the top-most ‘soil’ layer of land is destroyed or polluted. Generally, this is caused by wrong agricultural practices, such as extreme use of fertilizers and pesticides. It also causes problems for human health, because non-biodegradable chemicals enter and accumulate in the food-chain. There are some other causes of land pollution, which broadly include increased urbanization, improper waste disposal, nuclear research, chemicals from industries, metals production industries, and industrial activities in general (Pillai, 2012). Land Pollution has disastrous consequences, some of which include lost of forest cover, less rain, and eventually less vegetation. The different kinds of pollution can also merge, and give rise to problems like global warming, greenhouse effect and acid rains. Because of high deforestation, there has been an increase in extinction of species. Because of non-biodegradable substances in the food-chain, there is an extinction of species and effects on the food pyramid, because of biomagnifications. Therefore, land pollution is dangerous, and combined with other forms of pollution, human lives can be placed seriously at risk. b) Air Pollution Air pollution has always occurred in the lives of human beings, since the first fire has been lit. While many people feel that this problem may have been effectively tackled, that is not the case. Countries with ambitious rates of economic growth have broken down the limits for acceptable levels of air pollution (Tiwary, Colls, 1997). It is important to understand that human beings cannot live without a good quality of air supply, so if air pollution continues to increase, is the survival of humans at risk? In China alone, air pollution costs about 3.8% of China’s gross domestic product (GDP). GreenStudentU defines air pollution as the ‘accumulation of hazardous substances into the atmosphere that danger human life and other living matter”. This results in negative effects to the environment and health of people. Different gases, released into the air, such as sulfur oxide increases the chances of respiratory diseases in individuals. Moreover, it creates a specific type of rain, which contains sulfuric or nitric aids. This pollutes drinking water, vegetation; erode man-made structures, as well as leads to problems in aquatic life. Air pollution has also resulted in damage to the ozone layer, above Antarctica. This is often linked to the phenomenon of global warming, which is a direct result of the depletion of ozone in the planet’s atmosphere. Global warming results in the high amount of ultraviolet radiation, which when it reaches the world will increase crops and plants. It will also endanger the lives of living organisms on Earth. The main cause of this type of air pollution occurs, as a result of CFCs, from refrigerators, air conditions and sprays. Therefore, our daily appliances are creating such a malignant problem. Other causes of air pollution also include the emissions of harmful gases by motor vehicles. This releases greenhouse gages into the air, which also leads to global warming. Almost 232 million types of vehicles are driven by U.S citizens every day. In fact, they contribute to around 45% of the global warming. The gases in the atmosphere increase, which leads every adult to breathe into around 3,000 gallons of polluted air each day. In a quick overview, there are many things that contribute to air pollution. This includes sulfur dioxide, mentioned above, which leads to smog. Volcanoes also eject sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels, and their burning releases carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide and particular matter into the air. Different manufacturers release harmful gases from their factories, into the air. Power plants and wildfires also result in this kind of pollution. Pollutants also include swamp gas, which is methane (Pollution essay.net, n.d). Humans have realized that air pollution is an extremely serious problem, which affects the human body negatively. It has been estimated that around 50,000 people in the United States could have died, as a result from air pollution annually. People, who have heart conditions and lung disorders are at a higher risk, because of air pollution. Diseases, such as bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease tend to appear in those people, who are exposed to air pollution frequently. Additionally, air pollutants, which include different gas emissions destroy the natural eco-systems. They can also kill plants and trees, and can kill animals, and disturb the marine eco-system in high polluted rivers. The marine eco-system also comes under water pollution (Thinkquest, n.d). c) Water Pollution Water Pollution is an increasing problem in the contemporary world. Much of the water pollution has occurred, as a result of factory waste, which washes down in rivers and lakes, which render the water undrinkable for many people. Waste treatment facilities also wash down their waste into water outlets, this polluting the water. Mining waste and oil refineries do the same thing. Oil spills and failing septic systems also encourage water pollution. In 1998, the majority of the pollution incidents in water occurred as a result of sewage, around 24% in England and Wales. 1.2 trillion gallons of sewage, stormwater and industrial waste are discharged into U.S. waters every year. Therefore, human sewage is a major contributor to water pollution. As the different chemicals wash into the water outlets, over two-thirds of U.S estuaries and bays have been affected, because of this problem. Concentrating on U.S, Americans use over 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides every year, which eventually washes into water outlets. Fertilizers and pesticides have been identified as the main cause of water pollution. This is effectively linked to agriculture, because this problem has been created, due to the spreading of agriculture around the world (GreenStudentU, n.d). In United States alone, the cause of pollution in 48% of stream and river water, and 41% of lake water, mainly because of agricultural activities (Sustainabletable, 2011). According to a research, almost 50-70% of the pollution of the surface waters originate mainly from agricultural lands, in the form of fertilizers, and animal wastes (Roberts, 2007). Aquifers, which are pools of water beneath the surface of the earth have reported an increase in nitrate concentration, because of the intense use of fertilizers (Brouwer, Crabtree, 1999). The building of dams for irrigation purposes also leads to the halt in the stream flow, which leads to the degradation of aquatic and riparian habitats. During the rainy season, surface run –off from agricultural lands may get dumped into rivers and other water sources. These water sources are used for drinking water, and hence they pose a threat to human and animal health (Shortle, Abler, 2001). Water Pollution causes problems for marine life. According to Shortle and Abler (2001), the nitrogen and phosphate in fertilizers run into the water, causing algae to bloom. This decreases fish life, and leads to a decrease in aquatic vegetation. Pesticides have also been found in groundwater, which is eventually used to drink. The water pollution is so immense that around 40% of U.S Rivers are too polluted for aquatic life to survive. III. Recommendations While there has been an increase in awareness about the levels of pollution in the world today, and the world has taken various steps towards dealing with this problem, because there is no other solution. However, one should understand that while governments and non-governmental organizations have been doing much to mitigate the effects of pollution, there have to steps, which need to be undertaken individually to combat this huge global problem, in which everyone has a part. This section discusses various recommendations to decrease this problem, and it does so, by concentrating on one type of pollution at a time a) Preventing Land Pollution You should understand that one of the best ways to decrease land pollution is through recycling, and reusing all the items that you can. Try buying biodegradable products, because non-biodegradable products affect the food chain. Try buying organic foods, especially vegetables, which do not use pesticides. Additionally, buy products that have little packaging, because this increases solid waste, which cannot be disposed effectively or recycled (GreenStudentU, n.d). Undertake proper garbage disposal, and separate the garbage before giving it to the collector. Try using less plastic, because plastic cannot be recycled. Reduce litter and garbage on the roads. b) Preventing Air Pollution Due to the increased problems that are caused by air pollution, governments have implemented plans that seek to reduce the amounts of pollution that enter the atmosphere. The Kyoto Protocol and Copenhagen conferences have also sought to decrease the levels of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. At the national level, governments have set up new emission standards for industrial pollutants. Strict regulation and legislation needs to be passed by the government, in order to decrease air pollution. On an individual level, one can car pool with friends and family for reducing gas emissions from vehicles, or ride by bicycles. Smoking also causes air pollution, so cut down on smoking. Additionally, try not buying products that come in aerosol spray cans. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners that emit fumes, because these also contribute negatively. c) Preventing Water Pollution Since the literature identified agricultural activities having a major impact on the creation of water pollution, in different water outlets, the government must implement effective agricultural schemes, which will decrease that problem. Try not contaminating the water by throwing harmful chemical supplies. The government can also implement a tax on those factories and industries, which dispose off their waste in water sources. Additionally, on an individual level, try not throwing trash into the water supplies. One should also avoid using pesticides and fertilizers that may run off into the water system. Trash, chemical and solvents should not be thrown into sewer drains. Instead of washing your driveway by a hose, you should sweep it. Do not wash paint brushes in the sink (GreenStudentU, n.d). IV. Conclusion As witnessed throughout the course of the paper, the problem ‘pollution’ is highly magnificent. One may understand that it is caused only by huge industries and factories. One can also blame certain countries for this problem. Currently, China has been categorized, as one of those countries. However, one should understand that this problem occurs at the micro-level, meaning it is created by individuals, which also includes ‘you and me’. However, with legislation and large-scale awareness programs, individuals of this Earth can all join in, and combat this problem effectively. References Degobert, P. (1992). Automobiles and Pollution. Google Books. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from books.google.com.pk/books?id=YcSOO6QIEAAC&pg=PA21&dq=Pollution+Definition&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8qK4T6TrMIqe-wbFk8wq&ved=0CFYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Pollution%20Definition&f=false http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/air_pollution_-_effects.html Hopkins, N. S., Mehanna, S., & Haggar, S. e. (2001). People and Pollution: Cultural Constructions and Social Action in Egypt - Nicholas S. Hopkins, Sohair Mehanna, Salah el- Haggar - Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=k5NF749MvoYC&pg=PA73&dq=Pollution+Definition&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8qK4T6TrMIqe-wbFk8wq&ved=0CHwQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Pollution%20Definition&f=false Pillai, P. (n.d.). Causes and Effects of Land Pollution. Buzzle. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-and-effects-of-land-pollution.html Pollution Essay. (n.d.). Example Essays.com - Over 80,000 essays, term papers and book reports!. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://www.exampleessays.com/viewpaper/61146.html Pollution Essay - College Essay - Mango19. (n.d.). Free Term Papers, Research Papers, Essays, Book Reports | OPPapers.com. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Pollution-Essay/989670 Pollution, Water Pollution, Air Pollution | GreenStudentU.com. (n.d.). GreenStudentU: Green Students, Environmental Education, & Eco-Lifestyles. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://50.61.210.67/encyclopedia/pollution Shortle, J. S., & Abler, D. G. (2001). Agriculture and Water Quality: The Issues. Environmental Policies for Agricultural Pollution Control (pp. 1-10). New York: CAB International. Tiwary, A., & Colls, J. (1997). Air Pollution - Abhishek Tiwary, Jeremy Colls - Google Books. Google Books. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=R6kEx3DJAGoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=pollution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=AJ-4T6r3GoGR-waf7sTaCg&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=pollution&f=false waterways, p. t., & single, a. (n.d.). Water Pollution, industrial agriculture leading cause - The Issues - Sustainable Table. Sustainabletable. Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/waterpollution/ Read More