SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE

Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

Unit II

Environmental Pollution-I

Definition, Cause, effects and control measures of Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution,
Noise pollution. Role of an individual in prevention of pollution.

Air pollution
Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of
humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials.
Air Quality Index

➢ Air quality is measured with the Air Quality Index, or AQI.

➢ The AQI works like a thermometer that runs from 0 to 500 degrees.
➢ However, instead of showing changes in the temperature, the AQI is a way of showing
changes in the amount of pollution in the air. Air quality is a measure of how clean
or polluted the air is.
➢ Level of pollution in that ecosystem can be measured by indicator species For example:
leafy lichens on trees if the air is unpolluted

Environment Science Unit II Notes by Sapna Dabade Page 1

 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

Classification of Air Pollutants

Air pollutants are broadly classified as
1. According to origin:
➢ Primary Pollutants : Air pollutant emitted from a source directly into the atmosphere
➢ Secondary pollutants.: air pollutant formed in the atmosphere as a result of the
chemical or the physical interactions between the primary pollutants themselves or
between the primary pollutants and other atmospheric components
2. According to chemical composition :
➢ Organic Pollutants: Organic Pollutants contain carbon and hydrogen. e.g. • Hydro
Carbon • Aldehyde and Ketones • Alcohols • Organic Sulphur compounds
➢ Inorganic Pollutants: Inorganic compounds mainly includes Carbon monoxide (CO),
Carbon dioxide (CO2) (c)Carbonates (d) Oxides of sulphur, nitrogen (e) Ozone
3. According to State of matter
➢ Natural Contaminants : Pollen grains
➢ Particulate Matter : Dust ,Mist, Smog
➢ Gases and Vapours: COx, NOx, SOx,

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

Primary Air pollutants Secondary Air pollutants

Primary pollutants are those which are directly Secondary pollutants are formed in the
emitted from identifiable source atmosphere as a result of the chemical or the
physical interactions between the primary
pollutants themselves or between the primary
pollutants and other atmospheric components
Examples Examples
(a) Particulate matter (b) Oxides of Sulphur (c) Ozone • Formaldehyde • Photochemical smog •
Oxides of Nitrogen (d) Carbon Monoxide (e) Peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN)
Radioactive Compounds
Direct control through the reduction in Complicated control process
anthropogenic activities

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Sources of Air Pollution

1) Natural sources

➢ Natural contaminants usually present in the air are pollen, fungal spores, bacteria and
marsh gas.
➢ CO from the breakdown of methane
➢ Volcanic eruptions
➢ Forest fire release smoke and harmful trace gases
➢ Salt spray from oceans
➢ Dust storms.

2) Man-made sources

➢ thermal power plants, industrial units,

➢ vehicular emissions,
➢ fossil fuel burning,
➢ agricultural activities
➢ Man-made Sources

While looking at the man-made contributions towards air pollution, it can be further divided into:

➢ Outdoor pollution sources

➢ Indoor pollution sources

Outdoor Pollution Sources

The major outdoor pollution sources include power generation, vehicles, agriculture/waste
incineration, industry and building heating systems. Smoke features as a prominent component.
The smoke emitted from various forms of combustion, like in biomass, factories, vehicles,
furnaces, etc.

Waste dumped in landfills generates methane, which is harmful in several ways. The reactions of
certain gases and chemicals also form harmful fumes that can be dangerous to the well-being of
living creatures.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Indoor Pollution Sources

In low- and middle-income countries, mostly burning fuels such as dung, coal and wood in
inefficient stoves or open hearths produces a variety of health-damaging pollutants. These
include carbon monoxide, methane, particulate matter (PM), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Even burning kerosene in simple wick lamps also produces significant emissions of fine particles
and other pollutants. Exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes 3.8 million premature deaths
each year.

Various Causes of Air pollution

1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels

Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum for energy in
power plants, and other factory combustibles is one the major cause of air pollution.

Billions of vehicles run on roads are powered by gasoline and diesel engines that burn petroleum
for releasing energy. Petroleum is made up of hydrocarbons, and engines don’t burn them
cleanly.

As a result, pollutants such as PM, nitric oxide and NO2 (together referred to as NOx), carbon
monoxide, organic compounds, and lead emit from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains,
airplanes, causing a high level of pollution. These modes of transportation form part of our daily
basic needs, so we rely on them heavily.

But, their overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases are polluting the atmosphere.
Carbon Monoxide caused by improper or incomplete combustion and generally emitted from
vehicles is another major pollutant along with Nitrogen Oxides, that is produced from both
natural and man-made processes.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to outdoor air pollution contributes to
as much as 0.6 to 1.4 percent of the burden of disease and 4.2 million deaths every year.

2. Agricultural Activities

Ammonia is a very common byproduct of agriculture-related activities and is one of the most
hazardous gases in the atmosphere. The use of insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers in
agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful chemicals into the air and can
also cause water pollution.

Farmers also set the field and old crops on fire in order to keep them clean for the next round of
sowing. The burning to clean fields is said to cause pollution by releasing harmful gases in the
air.

3. Waste in Landfills

Landfills are land areas in which waste is deposited or buried. These deposited or buried wastes
generate methane. Methane is a major greenhouse gas that is highly flammable and very
hazardous.

E-waste is another grave concern involving a lot of unscientific dismantlings such as chemical
leaching, burning wires and others.

4. Exhaust From Factories and Industries

Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic

compounds, and chemicals into the air, thereby depleting the quality of air.

Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of the earth, and there is no area that has
not been affected by it. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other
chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution.

5. Mining Operations

Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large equipment.
During the process, dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
This is one of the reasons which is responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers
and nearby residents.

6. Indoor Air Pollution

Household cleaning products, painting supplies emit toxic chemicals in the air and cause air
pollution. Have you ever noticed that once you paint the walls of your house, it creates some sort
of smell that makes it literally impossible for you to breathe?

Suspended particulate matter popular by its acronym SPM, is another cause of pollution.
Referring to the particles afloat in the air, SPM is usually caused by dust, combustion, etc.

Around seven million premature deaths caused every year due to the combined effects of
ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution cause, WHO says.

7. Natural Events

There are certain natural events such as volcanoes, forest fires, and dust storms, which are
nature-born and cause air pollution.

Disastrous Effects of Air pollution

1. Respiratory and Heart Problems

The effects of air pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart
conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart attacks and strokes along with
cancer, among other threats to the body. Several million are known to have died due to the direct
or indirect effects of Air pollution.

2. Child Health Problems

Air pollution is detrimental to your health even before you take your first breath. Exposure to
high air pollution levels during pregnancy causes miscarriages as well as premature birth, autism,
asthma and spectrum disorder in young children.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

It also has the potential to damage early brain development in a child and cause pneumonia that
kills almost a million children below 5 years. Children are at a greater risk of short term
respiratory infections and pulmonary diseases in areas exposed to air pollutants.

3. Global Warming

Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due to global
warming.

With increased temperatures worldwide, an increase in sea levels and melting of ice from colder
regions and icebergs, displacement, and loss of habitat have already signaled an impending
disaster if actions for preservation and normalization aren’t undertaken soon.

4. Acid Rain

Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere during the
burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air pollutants,
becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can cause great
damage to humans, animals, and crops.

5. Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a condition where a high amount of nitrogen present in some pollutants gets
developed on the sea surface and turns itself into algae and adversely affects fish, plants, and
animal species.

The green-colored algae that are present on lakes and ponds are due to the presence of this
chemical only.

6. Effect on Wildlife

Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals
present in the air can force wildlife species to move to a new place and change their habitat. The
toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect sea animals.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
7. Depletion of the Ozone Layer

Ozone exists in the Earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.

As the ozone layer becomes thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth and can cause skin and
eye-related problems. UV rays also have the capability to affect crops.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Impressive Solutions for controlling Air Pollution

1. Use the Public Mode of Transportation

Encourage people to use more and more public modes of transportation to reduce pollution.
Also, try to make use of carpooling. If you and your colleagues come from the same locality and
have the same timings, you can explore this option to save energy and money.

2. Better Household Practices

Discard fireplaces and/or wooden stoves used for heating homes. Use gas logs in place of wood.
Also, eliminate the use of gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment. Avoid setting fire to
garbage, dry leaves, or other materials in your yard, and lighting bonfires in the open. Try to
mulch or compost your yard waste. Use cleaning products and paints that are environmentally
friendly.

3. Conserve Energy

Switch off fans and lights when you are going out. A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to
produce electricity. You can save the environment from degradation by reducing the number of
fossil fuels to be burned.

4. Understand the Concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Do not throw away items that are of no use to you. Instead, reuse them for some other purpose.
For example, you can use old jars to store cereals or pulses.

5. Emphasis on Clean Energy Resources

Use of Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal is on the rise these days.
Governments of various countries have been providing grants to consumers who are interested in
installing solar panels for their homes. Undoubtedly, this can go a long way to curb air pollution.

6. Use Energy-Efficient Devices

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
CFL lights consume less electricity than their counterparts. They live longer, consume less
electricity, lead to lower electricity bills, and also help you to reduce pollution by consuming less
energy.

Several attempts are being made worldwide on personal, industrial, and governmental levels to
curb the intensity at which air pollution is rising and regain a balance as far as the proportions of
the foundation gases are concerned.

Control of Air Pollution

Air pollution cannot be fully abated but can be controlled if certain measures are taken.
Controlling measures for air pollution can be mainly divided into

➢ Preventive measures
➢ Control measures • i.e. Control of gaseous/ particulate pollutants • From industry/
automobiles using equipments

Preventive Measures

These measures are mainly aimed at correction right at the source so there will be lesser amount
of pollutant emitted from the industry/ automobiles. Some of the important preventive measures
are

➢ Using low sulphur coal in power plants

➢ Using natural gas in place of coal for power generation.
➢ Using LPG/ CNG instead of diesel or petrol in automobiles.
➢ “Modifications” in industrial processes and/ or equipments to reduce the emissions
➢ Section of suitable site and zoning for industrial unit: Zoning means setting aside separate
areas for industries so that they are far from residential areas. This will help in proper
dispersion of pollutants resulting in lower concentration of pollutants in the air of
residential area.
➢ By using proper environment impact studies before setting the industry.

Control Measures

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
The most common method of eliminating or reducing pollutants to an acceptable level includes:
Collecting the pollutants by using equipments to prevent its escape into atmosphere.

Destroying the pollutants by thermal or catalytic combustion

Changing the pollution to less toxic form.

By releasing the pollutants through tall chimneys for greater dispersion. Tall chimneys will
liberate the pollutants beyond the inversion layer there by reducing the concentration of
pollutants near the source. But the liberated pollutants will settle somewhere and cause of the air
pollutants even far away from the source.

Control technologies: Depending upon the situation different control technologies are adopted.
For dealing with the particulate matter the following control technologies are used,

1. Settling chambers 2. Cyclone separators 3. Fabric filters

4. Electrostatic precipitators 5. Wet collector (scrubbers)

The first two of the above are used for coarse particulates where as the other three are used for
fine particulates.
Legal Protection
➢ The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 and amended in
1987 for the prevention, control and abatement of Air pollution in India.
➢ Traffic Emissions Standards: The Government has decided to enforce Bharat Stage VI
norms from 2020.
➢ The Green Bench and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) give judicial safeguard to
environmental protection.
Steps taken by the Central and the State governments in India:
➢ Road traffic rationing, encourage public transport, carpooling.
➢ Increase green cover alongside roads (planting avenue trees).
➢ Promoting Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
➢ Enactment and Enforcement of stricter environmental laws
➢ Maintenance of air standards by proper enforcement and monitoring

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
➢ Reducing carbon emissions
➢ Encourage use of renewable energy
➢ Limiting the sale of firecrackers and developing eco-friendly crackers
➢ Make Environmental Impact Assessment mandatory

Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—
contaminate a water body i.e. stream, river, lake, pond ocean, aquifer and degrad water quality
and make it toxic to humans or the environment
Water pollutants
Floating debris, organic material, inorganic plant nutrients (nitrates and phosphates), toxic
metals, synthetic compounds, suspended solids, hot water, oil, radioactive pollution, Pesticides,
Microbial pollutants

Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or in directly into water water
bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Water pollution affects plants
and organisms living in these bodies of water. The effect is damaging to individual species and
populations and natural biological communities.
Water pollution, both to groundwater and surface water, is a major global problem, the effects of
which influence human and other biological systems

Types of water Pollution

Physical water pollution: Suspended solids originate from eroded stream banks, construction,
and logging sites. They are a form of physical water pollution.
Inorganic water pollution: Water pollution due to inorganic chemicals. Inorganic materials
include things like ammonia, chemical waste, fertilizers, and heavy metals.
Organic water pollution: Water pollution due to inorganic chemicals . Organic materials are
things like petroleum, insecticides and herbicides, detergents, disinfecting cleaners, and
prescription drugs.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Microbial water pollution: water pollution caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogens
can be bacteria, protozoa or viruses. Bacteria, for example, are commonly found in water.
However, when they start to increase above safe levels, water contamination occurs.
Thermal water pollution: Thermal pollution is the rise or fall in the temperature of a natural
body of water caused by human influence. A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of
water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers.

Parameters to determine water quality

pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity (Fresh water) Salinity (Sea water)

Direct and Indirect parameters

Direct measurement is performed by monitoring the level of the pollutant itself, e.g. nitrates in a
lake or temperature levels in a lake or stream.
An indirect method would monitor the effects of the pollutants on other factors, e.g. dissolved
oxygen, B.O.D., presence or absence of indicator species
Indirect measurement involves the monitoring and measurement of organisms in the ecosystem
and more specifically indicator species or index species. These are species that by virtue of their
abundance or absence will indicate the level of pollution in that ecosystem. For example: leafy
lichens on trees if the air is unpolluted

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

Sources of Water Pollution

Point Sources Non- Point Sources
Point source pollution is caused due to a a Nonpoint source pollution is not caused due to
single source. a single specific source.
Exam. Industrial waste water pipe into Exam. Urban, Agricultural runoff, Mining,
nearby river, storm drain, oil tank spills Construction, when runoff from rain or snow
melt flows overland to enter rivers and lakes.
Point source pollution is easy to identify. Nonpoint pollution is harder to identify and
address the source.
Point source pollution is localized into the Nonpoint source pollution is widely diffused
point of pollution.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

Point source pollution is easy to control Nonpoint source pollution is not easy to
since the source is identifiable. control since the sources are unidentifiabl
Point source pollution is concentrated Nonpoint source pollution is more diluted than
around the source of the pollution. point source pollution.
Point source pollution can be stopped by Nonpoint source pollution is often tackled
taking actions within a single community. through global action.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)

SEWAGE AND WASTEWATER

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Inadequate sewage collection and treatment are sources of water pollution. According to the
United Nations, more than 80% of the worldwide wastewater goes back in the environment
without being treated or reused.
URBANIZATION AND DEFORESTATION
Even though it does not have a direct impact on water quality, urbanization and deforestation
have a lot of indirect effects. For instance, cutting down trees and concreting over large areas
generates an acceleration of flows which does not give enough time for water to infiltrate and be
purified by the ground.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture has an impact on water pollution due to the use of chemicals such as fertilizers,
pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or insecticides running off in the water, as well as livestock
excrement, manure and methane (greenhouse effect). Regarding aquaculture, pollution is directly
in the water, as excess food and fertilizers are causing dystrophication.
INDUSTRIES
Industries produce a lot of waste containing toxic chemicals and pollutants. A huge amount of
the industrial waste is drained in the fresh water which then flows into canals, rivers and
eventually in the sea. Another source of water pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, causing air
pollution like acid rain which then flows to streams, lakes, and other stretches of water.
MARINE DUMPING
Everyday, garbage such as plastic, paper, aluminum, food, glass, or rubber are deposited into the
sea. These items take weeks to hundreds of years to decompose, and thus they are a major cause
for water pollution.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE
Generated - among others - by power plants and uranium mining, radioactive waste can linger in
the environment for thousands of years. When these substances are released accidentally or
disposed improperly, they threaten groundwater, surface water, as well as marine resources.
OIL LEAKS AND SPILLS
The age-old phrase “like water and oil” is used when describing two things that do not mix easily
or at all. Just as the saying states, water and oil do not mix, and oil does not dissolve in water.
Large oil spills and oil leaks, while often accidental, are a major cause of water pollution. Leaks

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
and spills often are caused by oil drilling operations in the ocean or ships that transport oil.
wildlife.
Effects of water pollution
ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Water pollution truly harms biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. The toxic chemicals can
change the color of water and increase the amount of minerals - also known as eutrophication -
which has a bad impact on life in water. Thermal pollution, defined by a rise in the temperature
of water bodies, contributes to global warming and causes serious hazard to water organisms.
ON HUMAN HEALTH
Water pollution has very negative effects on public health. A lot of diseases result from drinking
or being in contact with contaminated water, such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery or skin
infections. In zones where there is no available drinking water, the main risk is dehydration
obviously
Control measures
• Administration of water contamination control ought to be in the hands of the
government.
• Scientific procedures have to be adopted for ecological control of catchment territories of
rivers, lakes or streams.
• Industries should release the used water into tanks or other water bodies only after
removing the hazardous pollutants from the used water.
• Forests control contamination as they act as common ventilation systems. Trees can
diminish sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide pollutants and henceforth more trees are ought to
be planted.
• Awareness must be spread regarding the effects of water contamination utilizing the
media.
• Laws and practices must be set up to anticipate water contamination and these laws must
be adapted occasionally based on the requirements.
• Research in Health engineering must be funded and encouraged.
• Sanitation system must be developed. The advantages of cleanliness should be explained
to both the urban and rural areas. Proper drainage systems must be installed.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
• Major towns and cities have sewage treatment plants. These plants separate the
undissolved particles and chemicals. Chemical treatment is additionally given to isolating
undesirable dissolved chemicals. The treated water is either permitted to go into the
reservoirs or declined in houses. This is a very effective way to control water pollution.
• Ponds, lakes, and wells which will be used by humans meant for human use should be
routinely cleaned and treated, so that it remains fit for human use. It is an essential step
that should not be avoided. An arrangement of standard testing of lakes can be done
periodically to guarantee the purity of the water.
• Self-cleanliness must be kept up and drinking water should not be polluted. Drinking
water must be kept covered in a neat place. We should not put our hands into the drinking
water holders.
• Treatment of drainage water is also very important to control water pollution. In cities, a
huge amount of water is put into drains every day which has harmful pollutants like
house hold detergents and dish washing soaps. If this water goes to reservoirs before
treatment that will contaminate the ground water as well as the water in the reservoir. The
water that flows through the city drainage system should be properly treated and harmful
pollutants have to be removed before they are introduced into reservoirs.
• Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into
streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality” according to the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is important to avoid pollutants from
contaminating the water and helps to use water more efficiently.
• Globally, agriculture accounts for 70% of water resources, so it is essential to have
climate-friendly crops, efficient irrigation that reduces the need for water and energy-
efficient food production. Green agriculture is also crucial to limit the chemicals that
enter the water.

Soil Pollution

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Soil pollution is an environmental problem that has serious consequences. It is defined as "the
presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants), in soil, in high enough concentrations
to pose a risk to human health an/or the ecosystem".
Causes
1. Anthropogenic (manmade) causes
2. Natural causes

1. Anthropogenic causes
Anthropogenic soil pollution stems from either deliberate (industrial) processes and/or accidental
processes. Man-made pollution can can cause extreme, toxic harm to the environment.
Accidental spills and leaks: This refers to accidental leaks during storage or transport. For eg.
Gasoline leaking at a petrol station.
Foundry activities: Refers to any producing activity that involes the dispersion of contaminants
out into the environment. For eg. Furnancing
Mining: The process of destroying and reworking raw materials- heavy metals release toxic
chemicals into the atmosphere.
Agriculture activities: Pesticides, insecticides and/or fertilisation.
Transportation: The emission of toxic vehicle gases.
Chemical waste dumping: whether done intentionally or mistakingly- illegal dumping.
Storage of waste in landfills: waste materials may leak into the ground and spread.
Cracking paint: Especially lead paint, cracked chips of paint peeling off building walls is
harmful.
Sewage waste: industrial or from households, sewage that contain high amounts of metal and
harmful components are damaging to the soil.
Deforestation
2. Natural causes
Natural factors that pollute the earth have been around for decades- volcano expolosions, melting
of glaciers, air and rainfall changes etc. Although these do contribute to the pollution of earth,
they have not caused drastic effects (such as soil pollution), and it is the added pollution of
manmade causes that severely pose our environment at risk

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Natural pollution is generally the excessive accumulation of salt and other compunds in soil, that
unbalance the soil's natural mineral levels and pollutes it.
Sources of Soil Pollution
Soil pollution mainly occurs due to the following:
1. Industrial wastes
2. Urban wastes
3. Agricultural practices
4. Radioactive pollutants
5. Biological agents
Industrial wastes – Disposal of Industrial wastes is the major problem for soil pollution
Sources: Industrial pollutants are mainly discharged from various origins such as pulp and paper
mills, chemical fertilizers, oil refineries, sugar factories, tanneries, textiles, steel, distilleries,
fertilizers, pesticides, coal and mineral mining industries, drugs, glass, cement, petroleum and
engineering industries etc.
Effect: These pollutants affect and alter the chemical and biological properties of soil. As a
result, hazardous chemicals can enter into human food chain from the soil or water, disturb the
biochemical process and finally lead to serious effects on living organisms.
Urban wastes – Urban wastes comprise of both commercial and domestic wastes consisting of
dried sludge and sewage. All the urban solid wastes are commonly referred to as refuse.
Constituents of urban refuse: This refuse consists of garbage and rubbish materials like plastics,
glasses, metallic cans, fibres, paper, rubbers, street sweepings, fuel residues, leaves, containers,
abandoned vehicles and other discarded manufactured products. Urban domestic wastes though
disposed off separately from industrial wastes, can still be dangerous. This happens because they
are not easily degraded.
Agricultural practices – Modern agricultural practices pollute the soil to a large extent. With
the advancing agro-technology, huge quantities of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and
weedicides are added to increase the crop yield. Apart from these farm wastes, manure, slurry,
debris, soil erosion containing mostly inorganic chemicals are reported to cause soil pollution
Radioactive pollutants/ - Radioactive substances resulting from explosions of nuclear testing
laboratories and industries giving rise to nuclear dust radioactive wastes, penetrate the soil and

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
accumulate giving rise to land/soil pollution.
Ex: 1. Radio nuclides of Radium, Thorium, Uranium, isotopes of Potassium (K-40) and Carbon
(C-14) are commonly found in soil, rock, water and air.
2. Explosion of hydrogen weapons and cosmic radiations include neutron, proton reactions by
which Nitrogen (N-15) produces C-14. This C-14 participates in Carbon metabolism of plants
which is then into animals and human beings.
3. Radioactive waste contains several radio nuclides such as Strontium90, Iodine129, Cesium-
137 and isotopes of Iron which are most injurious. Strontium get deposited in bones and tissues
instead of calcium.
4. Nuclear reactors produce waste containing Ruthenium-106, Iodine-131, Barium140,
Cesium-144 and Lanthanum-140 along with primary nuclides Sr-90 with a half life 28 years and
Cs-137 with a half life 30 years. Rain water carries Sr-90 and Cs-137 to be deposited on the soil
where they are held firmly with the soil particles by electrostatic forces. All the radio nuclides
deposited on the soil emit gamma radiations.
5. Biological agents – Soil gets a large amount of human, animal and bird excreta
which constitute a major source of land pollution by biological agents.
Ex: 1. Heavy application of manures and digested sludge can cause serious damage to
plants within a few years
What are the Negative Consequences of Soil Pollution?
Soil pollution harbours a broad spectrum of negative consequences that affect plants, animals,
humans, and the ecosystem as a whole. Since children are more susceptible to diseases, polluted
soil poses a greater threat to them. Some important effects of soil pollution are detailed in this
subsection.
Effects on Human Beings
Soil contaminants can exist in all three phases (solid, liquid, and gaseous). Therefore, these
contaminants can find their way into the human body via several channels such as direct contact
with the skin or through the inhalation of contaminated soil dust.
The short term effects of human exposure to polluted soil include:
Headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Coughing, pain in the chest, and wheezing.

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Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Irritation of the skin and the eyes.
Fatigue and weakness.
A variety of long-term ailments have been linked to soil pollution. Some such diseases are listed
below.
Exposure to high levels of lead can result in permanent damage to the nervous system. Children
are particularly vulnerable to lead.
Depression of the CNS (Central Nervous System).
Damage to vital organs such as the kidney and the liver.
Higher risk of developing cancer.
It can be noted that many soil pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons and industrial solvents
have been linked to congenital disorders in humans. Thus, soil pollution can have several
negative effects on human health.
Effects on Plants and Animals
Since soil pollution is often accompanied by a decrease in the availability of nutrients, plant life
ceases to thrive in such soils. Soils contaminated with inorganic aluminium can prove toxic to
plants. Also, this type of pollution often increases the salinity of the soil, making it inhospitable
for the growth of plant life.
Plants that are grown in polluted soil may accumulate high concentrations of soil pollutants
through a process known as bioaccumulation. When these plants are consumed by herbivores,
all the accumulated pollutants are passed up the food chain. This can result in the loss/extinction
of many desirable animal species. Also, these pollutants can eventually make their way to the top
of the food chain and manifest as diseases in human beings.

Effects on the Ecosystem

Since the volatile contaminants in the soil can be carried away into the atmosphere by winds or
can seep into underground water reserves, soil pollution can be a direct contributor to air and
water pollution.
It can also contribute towards acid rain (by releasing huge quantities of ammonia into the
atmosphere).

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Acidic soils are inhospitable to several microorganisms that improve soil texture and help in the
decomposition of organic matter. Thus, the negative effects of soil pollution also impact soil
quality and texture.
Crop yield is greatly affected by this form of pollution. In China, over 12 million tons of grain
(worth approximately 2.6 billion USD) is found to be unfit for human consumption due to
contamination with heavy metals (as per studies conducted by the China Dialogue).
Control measures of soil pollution:
1. Soil erosion can be controlled by a variety of forestry and farm practices.
Ex: Planting trees on barren slopes Contour cultivation and strip cropping may be practiced
instead of shifting Cultivation Terracing and building diversion channels may be undertaken.
Reducing deforestation and substituting chemical manures by animal wastes also helps arrest soil
erosion in the long term.
2. Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and animals pose a disposal
problem. Open dumping is the most commonly practiced technique. Nowadays, controlled
tipping is followed for solid waste disposal. The surface so obtained is used for housing or sports
field.
3. Production of natural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical
pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in place of synthesized chemical fertilizers. Ex:
Organic wastes in animal dung may be used to prepare compost manure instead of throwing
them wastefully and polluting the
soil.
4. Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding sanitary habits. Ex: Lavatories
should be equipped with quick and effective disposal methods.
5. Public awareness: Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted to
educate people on health hazards by environmental education. Ex: Mass media, Educational
institutions and voluntary agencies can achieve this.
6. Recycling and Reuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper,
plastics, metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc should be
recycled and reused.

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
Ex: Industrial wastes should be properly treated at source. Integrated waste treatment methods
should be adopted.
7. Ban on Toxic chemicals: Ban should be imposed on chemicals and pesticides like DDT,
BHC, etc which are fatal to plants and animals. Nuclear explosions and improper disposal of
radioactive wastes should be banned

Role of an individual in prevention of pollution

Environment protection has been burning issue in last half century. In order to tackle the menace
of pollution, urgent steps have to be taken at not only global or country level, but also at local
level. In fact, the role of individuals in prevention of pollution is of critical importance, because
it is the individuals that make a community or country. Effort by each individual at his or her
level can have a significant effect on global level. It has been aptly said “charity begins at
home”.
Aware and inspired individuals are strongest tool to tackle pollution. Individuals should
encourage to modify their lifestyle and living habits if that are not healthy for environment.
Ways in Which a Individual can Help in Prevention of Pollution

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 SAGE UNIVERSITY, INDORE
Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
➢ Individuals should minimize wastage of resources such as electricity. Every unit of
electricity saved is equivalent unit of electricity produced as it not only saves the fuel that
would be used to produce that electricity, but also help to prevent pollution that is
accompanied by burning of that fuel. Therefore, person should always switch off
appliances when not in use.
➢ Individuals should prefer walking or use cycles instead of using motor vehicles,
especially when distances to be travelled are small.
➢ Individuals can make considerable contribution by using mass transport (buses, trains,
etc) instead of using personal vehicles.
➢ When going to workplace, colleagues from nearby localities should pool vehicles instead
of going in individual personal vehicles.
➢ Taking personal vehicles for periodic pollution checks at centres approved by authorities.
➢ Individuals should reuse items whenever possible.
➢ Products that are made of recycled material should be given preference.
➢ Use gunny bags made of jute instead of plastic bags.
➢ Take part in environment conservation drives such as tree planting drives.
➢ Use water resources efficiently.
➢ Use renewable resources by installing equipment such as solar heaters and using solar
cookers.
➢ Dispose potentially harmful products such as cells, batteries, pesticide containers, etc
properly.
➢ Use of refrigerators should be minimized wherever possible as they are main source of
CFC, which is responsible for Ozone layer depletion.
➢ Follow and promote family planning, as more population means more resources utilized
and more resources utilized imply more pollution.
➢ Avoid making noise producing activities such as listening to loud music.
➢ Use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues.
➢ Use organic manure instead of commercial inorganic fertilizers
➢ Organize drives to clean streets and clean drains with help of other people of locality.

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Department of Applied Science (SIRT)
➢ Spread awareness and inspire other people to prevent pollution. Individuals should be
encouraged to acquire information and innovations from world over and implement them
locally.
➢ Reduce garbage by recycling and reuse.

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