Types of Environmental Pollution - Term Paper Example

Environmental Pollution As man sought to adopt simpler and more efficient production methods, environmental pollution increased immensely. Air and water have been greatly affected as a result of human activities. This paper evaluates these activities and other factors responsible for air and water pollution. Enlightening on the devastating effects that such pollution would have on the environment and human health, recommendations to curb the menace would be provided. Introduction Pollution refers to introducing, either directly or indirectly, substances, heat, vibration or noise into the air, water or even land through human activity, posing the danger of harming human health or the environment, causing material damage or interference of legitimate uses of environment. The Industrial Revolution saw the increase in air and also water pollution as argued by Farmer (33). As man sought ways to make life simpler and more productive, there was increase in release of pollutants into the environment. It is through such activities that humans engage in on a day-to-day basis that the world has recorded immense pollution of air and water with the associated negative effects on the environment and human health calling for adoption of appropriate prevention and control strategies. Air Pollution Air pollution involves the contamination of either outdoor or indoor environment by biological, physical or chemical agents which cause a modification of atmospheric natural characteristics. It includes a mixture of both gases and solid particles. Some could be visible such as the smog hanging over in many industrialized cities while some could be invisible. The US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA observes that adults in America breathe an average of 3,000 gallons of air each day. Children breathe even more, thus the need to seriously ensure that air is free of harmful substances. Various human activities result in air pollution. Car and plane emissions and chemical emissions from factories comprise a majority of human causes of air pollution as documented by the National Geographic. Other activities that pollute the air include burning of fossil fuels like natural gas and gasoline. EPA, indicates that even the simple everyday activities like dry cleaning, painting and filling cars with gas contribute to air pollution. There are also natural causes of air pollution. Hill cites some of these as dust, mold spores and pollen which would be suspended in the air as particles (23). Sulfur dioxide has been pointed out by Farmer as a major contributor to air pollution which could result from natural causes such as volcanic activity, but also from industrial effluent (61). Whereas living organisms have been noted to greatly contribute to emission of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases, it is the contribution by human activities that poses the greatest threat to air in the environment. Air pollution has negative effects on human health and the environment. The World Health Organization, WHO associates both indoor and outdoor air pollution with health risks like asthma, heart disease and emphysema among other deadly conditions. Air pollution with particulate matter poses the risk of various cancers, with long term exposure associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The greenhouse gases emitted through burning of fossil fuels and emissions from engines and industries propagate global warming. Farmer gives carbon dioxide and methane as examples of such gases (60). It is carbon dioxide that has been greatly cited as the cause for the current warmer global temperatures. Sulfur dioxide in the air causes acid rain which interferes with the fertility of arable land and causes corrosion of property. Sulfur dioxide suspended in the air also reflects light back from the atmosphere, keeping off sunlight from the earth resulting in cooling. Volcanic eruptions have been noted to cause cooling of such nature that could last for years because of the emitted sulfur dioxide. Water Pollution Water is a critical natural resource. It covers about 70% of the surface of the Earth and constitutes 60% of human body (Farmer 104). Plentiful and clean water ensures the prosperity of communities. Dirty water remains one of the biggest threats in the world, threatening public health and quality of life, with EPA noting that only 28% of clean global streams are accessible to communities around the world. The leading water pollutants include mercury, low dissolved oxygen levels, bacteria and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous. Burning of fossil fuels causes the release of chemicals that mix with water vapor and result in formation of acid rain. When not burnt, such fossil fuels like oil spilling from tankers could form thick sludge in water. Agricultural runoff, air deposition and hydrological modifications are the leading causes of water pollution according to EPA. Furthermore, Hill observes that agricultural activities encourage water impairment for streams, lakes, rivers and estuaries as these water sources are diverted to farm lands (31). Urban runoff that involves storm water from parking lots, streets and other paved surfaces carry pollutants into water bodies. Runoffs constitute 10% of how rain water ends up. When it rains, toxic chemicals, sediments, oil, pesticides, fertilizers and grease gets washed down to the streams and other human water sources. It also carries with it bacteria from leaking septic and pet waste systems. Farmer also indicates sedimentation as another cause of water pollution (105). Such sediments could be contaminated such as those flowing from waste dischargers and runoffs. They could also be suspended and bedded which loosely accumulate at the bottom of water bodies. Such sediments cause water to be rendered unusable because of dirt or hardness. Water pollution has adverse effects on human life and the environment. The increased use of phosphorous and nitrogen fertilizers and other nutrients has resulted in the deposition of such contaminants into water bodies causing large algal blooms. The death and decomposition of such algae causes a reduction in the amount of dissolved oxygen, ending up in hypoxic zones where organisms cannot survive. Marine debris, a result of persistent depositing of solid materials in the aquatic environment could cause shrinkage of water sources. Furthermore, Farmer observes that marine animals could swallow such debris leading to starvation or suffocation (179). This could also find itself accumulating in fish which could be poisonous when eaten by humans. For example, WHO notes that mercury, known to interfere with nervous system development among young children and fetuses, could end up being consumed this through such ways. Directly, pullulated water has been the leading cause of cholera and typhoid. Finally, marine debris could threaten public safety and end up hurting the economy with regards to the resultant deterred tourism and costly cleanups or result in flooding when accumulated in rivers and streams. Recommendation It has been appreciated that both air and water pollution have adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. This has seen countries come together to find solutions to these forms of environmental pollution. The National Geographic cites Kyoto Protocol as one of the critical agreements between countries that aimed at cutting down on carbon emissions. Such agreements promote collaborative efforts in ensuring that the whole world works towards the same course of curbing environmental pollution. Therefore, the remedy for air and water pollution lies in collaborative efforts among the various countries around the world. Such efforts should go into making air and water bodies free from pollutants. As such, individual countries could adopt legislations that would discourage emissions that would cause environmental pollution. Imposing higher taxes on gasoline and other fossil fuels or on carbon emissions would discourage use of fuels that pollute the environment as environmentally-friendly alternatives are adopted. Such measures would cause people and companies to have greater incentives for energy conservation and less pollution. Local governments could play a significant role in providing solutions on how to dispose chemicals and medicines (Hill 56). Such disposal plans should ensure that air and water are not contaminated in any way. Together with this, these local governments should ensure that sewerage systems function efficiently to avoid leakages into water sources. At individual level, there are measures that could also be adopted to cut on air and water pollution. As noted by National Geographic, recycling and flying and driving less reduces the carbon footprint attributed to individuals. That is, such measures reduce on the amount of carbon dioxide that a person would be responsible for contributing to the atmosphere. With regards to water pollution, it would be critical to observe proper waste disposal practices. Such waste should not be allowed to contaminate water bodies. Use of environmentally safe liquids at home or in public places should be fostered. Should one be in need of using pesticides and chemicals in the gardens and farms, caution should be taken not to use such chemicals in excess. This would go a long way in curbing runoffs of such materials into water sources. In fact, Farmer advocates for use of organic manure instead (181). Therefore, individuals have a great role to play in curbing water pollution. Conclusion A majority of human activities contribute to air and water pollution though some natural processes have also been shown to play a role. These pollutants negatively affect human health and further interfere with the ecosystem. In extreme cases, air and water pollution cause mortality. As such, there would be need to undertake legislative and social responsible measures to curb the problem. Collaborative efforts would be more effective in pursuing this course. Works Cited Environmental Protection Agency. “Learn the Issues.” 21 Mar. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. Farmer, A. Managing Environmental Pollution. New York, NY: Routledge, 2013. Print. Hill, M. K. Understanding Environmental Pollution. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Cambridge UP, 2010. Print. National Geographic. “Air Pollution.” 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. World Health Organization. “Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health.” Mar. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. Read More