Environmental Pollution: Earth's Spheres

Environmental Pollution

• The lithosphere includes the soil, which covers the rock crust.
• The hydrosphere includes all surface and groundwater resources, making up 80% of the Earth's surface.
• The atmosphere is composed of an entire mass of air containing N2, O2, H2O, CO2, and other gases.
• Measures to control pollution:
  • Raise chimneys to disperse smoke and particulate matter.
  • Recycle and reuse harmful chemicals.
  • Control fuel use and exhaust emissions.
  • Locate industries away from residential areas.
  • Use non-combustive sources of energy (e.g., solar, tidal, wind power).
  • Promote afforestation and use of plants that reduce pollutants.

Water Pollution

• Sources:
  • Sewage (organic and inorganic waste).
  • Agricultural pollution (inorganic fertilizers, pesticides).
  • Industrial pollution (effluents).
  • Oil pollution (oil leaks).
  • Thermal pollution (hot effluents, heated water).
  • Marine pollution (industrial waste, sewage, fertilizers).
• Effects:
  • Underground water pollution.
  • Damage to machines and aquatic life.
  • Health problems (e.g., headaches, fevers, kidney issues).
• Control measures:
  • Prohibit untreated effluent discharge.
  • Remove solid waste before releasing water.
  • Purify water through biological treatment and disinfection.
  • Recycle sewage for bio-gas and organic fertilizer.
  • Monitor water quality and promote afforestation.

Noise Pollution

• Causes:
  • Natural sounds (thunder, rain, wind).
  • Man-made sounds (factories, urban areas, public places).
  • Automobiles and aircraft.
  • Loud speakers and communication devices.
  • Unnecessary horn blowing.
  • Socio-religious ceremonies.
• Effects:
  • Health problems (nerves, digestion, sleep disorders).
  • Deafness.
  • Barrier to communication.
• Control measures:
  • Use silencers and lubricators.
  • Discourage unnecessary horn blowing.
  • Locate industries away from populated areas.
  • Protect ears from damage.
  • Establish sound-proof cabins.
  • Educate citizens about noise pollution.

Soil Pollution

• Sources:
  • Pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Chemicals (industrial waste, acid rain).
  • Dead bodies and solid waste.
  • Radioactive elements.
  • Air and water pollutants.
• Effects:
  • Soil quality degradation.
  • Decreased productivity.
  • Harm to living organisms.
  • Increased salinity.
• Control measures:
  • Use manure and bio-fertilizers.
  • Implement proper irrigation facilities.
  • Use natural pesticides.
  • Improve mining techniques.
  • Properly dispose of industrial waste.
  • Plant soil-binding grasses and afforest.
  • Control overgrazing.
  • Educate people.

Global Environmental Challenges

• Climate change:
  • Causes: greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, and land-use changes.
  • Effects: temperature increase, sea-level rise, ocean circulation changes, and ecosystem disruption.
  • Control measures:
    • Reduce carbon dioxide production.
    • Reduce vehicular traffic.
    • Educate people.
• Deforestation:
  • Causes: industrialization, fossil fuel use, and lack of awareness.
  • Effects: fertile area shifts, temperature increase, and ocean flooding.
  • Control measures:
    • Reduce fossil fuel use.
    • Reduce vehicular traffic.
    • Educate people.

Acid Rain

• Sources:
  • Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus oxides.
  • Burning of coal and phosphates.
• Effects:
  • Damage to iron and cement structures.
  • Harm to plants and animals.
• Control measures:
  • Desulfurize coal.
  • Use alkali pots.
  • Whitewash buildings with lime.

Ozone Layer Depletion

• Cause:
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
• Effects:
  • Ozone layer destruction.
  • Harm to life on Earth.
• Control measures:
  • Reduce chlorine use.
  • Research alternative compounds.
  • Spray alkanes to neutralize CFCs.

Biodiversity Threats

• Major threats:
  • Population growth and resource consumption.
  • Global warming.
  • Habitat conversion and sprawl.
  • Exotic and invasive species.
  • Over-hunting/commercial exploitation.
  • Environmental degradation.
• Effects:
  • Loss of natural habitats.
  • Deprivation of species.
  • Loss of biodiversity.
• Control measures:
  • Conserve resources.
  • Reduce population growth.
  • Preserve natural habitats.
  • Promote sustainable development.