The term pollution refers to adding pollutants to the natural environment, which leads to negative impacts on it. Pollution was always the result of man-made, and the level of environmental pollution has increased with the increase in population and the developments brought about by human civilization. The types of pollution can vary according to the part of the environment that is contaminated or the type of pollutant. However, given the wide range of ways in which our species can pollute the environment, we also have pollution from noise, light, radiation, heat, and plastic pollution.
Pollution affects us psychologically and physically and on all aspects of our lives But have you ever wondered how many kinds of pollution there are around us?
air pollution
Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants such as toxic gases, biological particles, and particles into the atmosphere. Pollutants can be produced from many sources, including both natural processes and human activity. Volcanic eruptions, lake eruptions, automobiles, industrial waste, etc.are some examples of sources of air pollution. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, etc. are some examples of air pollutants. Such pollution can cause the most damage to the health and well-being of all life on Earth.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is the pollution of water bodies - such as lakes, rivers, ponds, groundwater, etc. - resulting from pollutants. Like air pollution, water pollution is one of the most harmful types of pollution, as a large amount of all types of pollutants produced on land end up in water bodies.
The most important water pollutants are toxic waste released by industries, pathogens emitted in wastewater, harmful chemicals present in agricultural drainage etc. Water pollution can lead to pandemics and even epidemics that can exterminate the entire population, or even more than one species. Hence, water pollution has a very harmful effect on the environment, society, and the economy where it occurs.
Soil contamination
When the land of an area becomes polluted, it leads to soil pollution or degradation. Soil is important for the growth of all plants, including crops. Consequently, the deterioration of soil quality leads to lower yields and poor crops grown in it. Agricultural and industrial chemicals are common soil pollutants.
Noise Pollution
When the environment is teeming with pointless noises and harmful to animals and plants, this is called noise pollution. Some of the most common sources of noise pollution are transportation vehicles, machinery and industries, loud music, people shouting, etc. In the long term, this type of pollution can lead to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The mental health of individuals may also be affected by noise.
Plastic pollution
Just like the name suggests, plastic pollution results from a build-up of plastic in the environment. Plastic, a non-degradable material, is extremely harmful to all life on Earth. Every year, thousands of animals lose their lives due to plastic pollution. Swallowing these plastics or tripping over plastic items kills these animals. Most of the plastic waste generated in the world ends up in the oceans, causing severe damage to the marine ecosystem.
Radioactive pollution
When radioactive materials are found in areas where their presence is unwanted or unintended, they lead to a type of pollution called radioactive contamination. Such substances are extremely toxic to all life on Earth. And the radioactive materials lead to mutations in the genetic material of living things, causing different types of cancers. Exposure to such toxic substances can adversely affect various body systems. Death or deformation are common effects of exposure to radioactive waste. A common cause of radiation pollution is the irresponsible management of such wastes or radiation disasters.
Light pollution
The pollution of the night environment due to artificial light is known as light pollution. This type of pollution is caused by excessive street lighting, floodlights used in stadium, lights used in industrial areas etc. The negative effects of light pollution include spoiling the aesthetic environment of a place, causing disturbances in the ecosystem, and harming the health of living organisms as well.
Thermal pollution
The induced change in temperature of large areas of water leads to thermal pollution. This type of pollution degrades the water quality; As the warm waters do not provide ideal living conditions for aquatic plants and animals. For example, when water used as a coolant in power plants or used in industries is released into a natural water body, the warm or hot water mixes with the rest of the water, raising the temperature of the water ecosystem in general. Higher temperatures also alter the composition of the dissolved elements in the water. Animals and plants that live in a previously adapted area over a certain temperature range can die due to this sudden change in temperature. Consequently, aquatic life undergoes thermal shock due to thermal pollution.
visual pollution
Everyone loves to see clean greenery and stunning views. When human activity creates ugly barriers to viewing these clear, open views, this is called visual pollution. Installing billboards, open storage of litter, intersecting electrical wiring networks on top in streets, etc. represent visual pollution. This type of pollution causes distraction, eye fatigue, and other psychological problems.
Garbage accumulation
When human-generated waste is not disposed of in the correct way, garbage accumulates. In this respect, waste can include anything that humans throw away after their use such as bottles, packaging materials, electronic waste, metal waste, etc. Some of these pollutants are dangerous to the environment. When chemicals from such wastes seep into the soil or enter water bodies, they cause soil pollution and water pollution. Ultimately, these wastes enter the bodies of living organisms, making them sick or causing death.
