Module 6: Pollution and Waste Disposal (PDF)

Module 6 Module Title: Pollution and Methods of Waste Disposal Module Description: This module discusses the different types of pollution and its sources and harmful effects to the organisms and the environment. Furthermore, this also emphasizes the methods of waste disposal to minimize more so an...

Module 6 Module Title: Pollution and Methods of Waste Disposal Module Description: This module discusses the different types of pollution and its sources and harmful effects to the organisms and the environment. Furthermore, this also emphasizes the methods of waste disposal to minimize more so answer the problems of water, air, and land pollution. Purpose of the Module: This module let the students learn about the importance of minimizing pollution and the effect of proper waste disposal. Module Guide: In using this module, students must bear in mind that they should have focus in all the things they will read. At the same time, they must imagine that they are inside the classroom while answering the activities given. If words are vague and hard to understand, students must find time to unlock the meaning of those words on their own. Students must follow the following: 1. Read the lessons carefully and with understanding 2. Answer all the activities as instructed after each lesson 3. Follow all the instruction written in this module and 4. Submit necessary requirements on or before the deadline. Module Outcomes:. 1. Describe the different types of pollution and how this affects the organisms and the environment. 2. Demonstrate ways on proper waste disposal. 3. Discuss simple practices that reduces pollution. 4. Appreciate the importance of minimizing pollution to the health of organisms and the environment. Module Requirements: At the end of this module, the students are expected to fully digest the importance of minimizing pollution. In addition, they can practice proper waste disposal. Key Terms: Pollution, Pollutants, Waste  Learning Plan Lesson 1: Pollution and Methods of Waste Disposal https://www.google.com/search?q=pollution&source https://www.google.com/search?q=air+pollution+in+the+philippines&tbm https://www.google.com/search?q=land+pollution+in+the+philippines&tbm https://www.google.com/search?q=noise+pollution+in+the+philippines&tbm Let’s Hit These: At the end of this lesson, students should be able to: 1. Describe the different types of pollution and how this affects the organisms and the environment. 2. Demonstrate ways on proper waste disposal. 3. Discuss simple practices that reduces pollution. 4. Appreciate the importance of minimizing pollution to the health of organisms and the environment. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 2 of 31  Let’s Get Started: Directions: Observe the illustration below and answer the question that follow. https://www.google.com/search?q=pollution&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved What is the illustration all about? What is the implication of this? What are the ways to minimize the problem? How can you help and the one of the solution? [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 3 of 31  The most alarming of all man’s assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and seas with dangerous and even lethal materials. This pollution is for the most part irrevocable; the chain of evil it initiates not only in the world that must support life but also in living tissues is for the most part irreversible. In this now universal contamination of the environment, chemicals are the sinister and little-recognized partners of radiation in changing the very nature of the world- the very nature of life. -Rachel Carson, Silent Spring Disposing of hazardous waste is expensive and risky. It is better to stop producing waste in the first place. -Joel Hirschhorn, “Cutting Production of Hazardous Waste” [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 4 of 31  How do you go to school? Do you walk or take a ride? https://www.google.com/search?q=student+riding+a+tricycle+&tbm=isch&ved= https://www.google.com/search?q=filipino+students+riding+a+bicycle&tbm= https://www.google.com/search?q=filipino+student+walking+to+school&tbm https://www.google.com/search?q=filipino+students+riding+a+bus&tbm=isch&ved If you take a ride, which one is it- a tricycle, a bicycle, a jeepney, or a bus? Taking a ride, you reach the school faster. But you pay a price not only for the cost of the ride but also for the noise and air pollution. Both are harmful to your health. So, if the distance is not too far, why do you not walk to school? Walking is good to your health. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 5 of 31  The vegetables and fruits that you eat are sometimes sprayed with pesticides to kill the insects pestering the plants. The framers have higher yields, they earn more, and there is more supply of these commodities. However, most pesticides are harmful to human health. They may cause cancer and other kinds of diseases. They also pollute the air, the water, and the land. Industries, in general, are good. They provide employment for the people; they produce goods that people need. But some of these by- products of factories pollute the water, the land, and the air. Pollution A pollutant may be defined as a substance whose presence, quantity, physical or chemical reactions pose a risk to health or to the environment. Pollution may be defined as the introduction of a substance that is deleterious to health or the environment. Four Types of Pollution 1. Air pollution 2. Water Pollution 3. Land Pollution 4. Noise Pollution Air Pollution The atmosphere is made up of roughly 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% of other gases like carbon dioxide, inert gases (mostly argon), and moisture. The presence of contaminants in the atmosphere which is injurious to life and property is considered air pollution. Pollutants 2 Types of Pollutants 2.1 Conventional or Criteria Pollutants 2.2 Unconventional Pollutants [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 6 of 31  Conventional or Criteria Pollutants Are group of seven major pollutants (sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates, volatile compounds, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and lead) that contribute to the largest volume of air quality degradation and are considered the most serious threat of all air pollutants to human and health welfare. Produced primarily from burning of fossil fuels, especially in coal-powered electric plants, and in cars and trucks, as well as in processing natural gas and oils. Others, especially sulfur and metals, are by products of mining and manufacturing processes. 1. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Is a colorless, corrosive gas that damages both plants and animals. Sulfur dioxide dissolves easily in water to form sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a major component of acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests and crops, change the acidity of soils, and make lakes and streams acidic and unsuitable for fish. Sulfur dioxide also contributes to the decay of building materials and paints, including monuments and statues. Sources: Electric utilities, especially those that burn coal. Some other sources of sulfur dioxide include petroleum refineries, cement manufacturing, paper pulp manufacturing, and metal smelting and processing facilities. Locomotives, large ships, and some non-road diesel equipment currently burn high-sulfur fuel and release sulfur dioxide into the air. In nature, volcanic eruptions can release sulfur dioxide into the air. 2.Nitrogen oxides Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are two gases whose molecules are made of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. These nitrogen oxides contribute to the problem of air pollution, playing roles in the formation of both smog and acid rain. Sources: Natural sources include volcanoes, oceans, biological decay, and lightning strikes. The exhaust gases of cars and trucks are major sources of nitrogen oxides, as are the emissions from electrical power generation plants. 3.Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning. Sources: Fuel-burning appliances and devices such as: Clothes dryers, Water heaters, Furnaces or boilers, Fireplaces, both gas and wood burning. Gas stoves and ovens, Motor vehicles, Grills, generators, power tools, lawn equipment, Wood stoves and Tobacco smoke. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 7 of 31  4.Particulate Material Particulate material consists of solid or liquid substances that may be visible or invisible. The particles affect visibility and can be transported over long distances by wind. The small particles, less than PM 10, are particularly danger ous to human health as they can pass through nostril hairs (cilia) and enter the lungs. Aerosols Sources: Includes dust, ash, soot, lint, smoke, pollen, spores, algal cells, and many other suspended materials. 5.Volatile Organic Compounds These are organic gases include isoprenes, terpenes, and methane. These volatile hydrocarbons are generally oxidized to CO and CO2 in the atmosphere. Synthetic organic chemicals, such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, phenols, chloroform, and trichloroethylene, are released by human activities. Sources: Plants, bogs, and termites while the synthetic organic chemicals sources are incompletely burned fuels from vehicles, power plants, chemical plants, and petroleum refineries. 6.Ozone (O3) Is a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms? Often called "smog," ozone is harmful to breathe. Ozone aggressively attacks lung tissue by reacting chemically with it. When ozone is present, there are other harmful pollutants created by the same processes that make ozone. Sources: Ozone develops in the atmosphere from gases that come out of tailpipes, smokestacks, and many other sources. When these gases encounter sunlight, they react and form ozone smog. 7.Lead Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children. Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney, and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood. Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus. Sources: Important sources of environmental contamination include mining, smelting, manufacturing, and recycling activities, and, in some countries, the continued use of leaded paint and leaded aviation fuel. More than three quarters of global lead consumption is for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 8 of 31  Unconventional Pollutants Compounds that are produced in less volume than conventional pollutants but are especially toxic or hazardous. Among these are asbestos, benzene, beryllium, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and vinyl chloride. Most of these materials have no natural source in the environment (to any great extent) and are, therefore, only anthropogenic in origin. Although some authorities list unconventional pollution as primarily consisting of factors, such as noise, light or visual blight others include toxic pollutants in the definition. Although the former, non-toxic category may seem less important, they can also present hazards. For example, drivers of automobiles can be blinded by lights, resulting in accidents, and light pollution may also adversely affect nocturnal wildlife. In addition, it is in the interests of society to preserve and promote visually harmonious landscapes. Indoor Air Pollution Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Immediate Effects These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution if it can be identified. Soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants, symptoms of some diseases such as asthma may show up, be aggravated, or worsened. Certain immediate effects are like those from colds or other viral diseases Long-Term Effects Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 9 of 31  Primary Causes of Indoor Air Problems Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants. Pollutant Sources There are many sources of indoor air pollution. These can include: Fuel-burning combustion appliances Tobacco products Building materials and furnishings as diverse as: o Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation o Newly installed flooring, upholstery, or carpet o Cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices Excess moisture Outdoor sources such as: o Radon o Pesticides o Outdoor air pollution. Sources of Air Pollution Mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains Stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories Area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces Natural sources – such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes Mobile sources account for more than half of all the air pollution in the United States and the primary mobile source of air pollution is the automobile, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Stationary sources, like power plants, emit large amounts of pollution from a single location, these are also known as point sources of pollution. Area sources are made up of lots of smaller pollution sources that aren't a big deal by themselves but when considered as a group can be. Natural sources can sometimes be significant but do not usually create ongoing air pollution problems like the other source types can. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 10 of 31  Effects of Air Pollution Effects On Humans People experience a wide range of health effects from being exposed to air pollution. Effects can be broken down into short-term effects and long-term effects. Short-term effects, which are temporary, include illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. They also include discomfort such as irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin. Air pollution can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Bad smells made by factories, garbage, or sewer systems are considered air pollution, too. These odors are less serious but still unpleasant. Long-term effects of air pollution can last for years or for an entire lifetime. They can even lead to a person's death. Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people's nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Some scientists suspect air pollutants cause birth defects. Nearly 2.5 million people die worldwide each year from the effects of outdoor or indoor air pollution. People react differently to different types of air pollution. Young children and older adults, whose immune systems tend to be weaker, are often more sensitive to pollution. Conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease can be made worse by exposure to air pollution. The length of exposure and amount and type of pollutants are also factors. Effects On the Environment Like people, animals, and plants, entire ecosystems can suffer effects from air pollution. Haze, like smog, is a visible type of air pollution that obscures shapes and colors. Hazy air pollution can even muffle sounds. Air pollution particles eventually fall back to Earth. Air pollution can directly contaminate the surface of bodies of water and soil. This can kill crops or reduce their yield. It can kill young trees and other plants. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide particles in the air, can create acid rain when they mix with water and oxygen in the atmosphere. These air pollutants come mostly from coal-fired power plants and motor vehicles. When acid rain falls to Earth, it damages plants by changing soil composition; degrades water quality in rivers, lakes, and streams; damages crops; and can cause buildings and monuments to decay. Like humans, animals can suffer health effects from exposure to air pollution. Birth defects, diseases, and lower reproductive rates have all been attributed to air pollution. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 11 of 31  Global Warming Global warming is an environmental phenomenon caused by natural and anthropogenic air pollution. It refers to rising air and ocean temperatures around the world. This temperature rise is at least partially caused by an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat energy in the Earth’s atmosphere. (Usually, more of Earths heat escapes into space.) Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that has had the biggest effect on global warming. Carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels (coal, gasoline, and natural gas). Humans have come to rely on fossil fuels to power cars and planes, heat homes, and run factories. Doing these things pollutes the air with carbon dioxide. Regulation: Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, is a comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 12 of 31  Water Pollution Any physical, biological, or chemical change in water quality that adversely affects living organisms or makes water unsuitable for desired uses can be considered pollution. Sources of Water Pollution Point sources: factories, power plants, sewage treatment plants, underground coal mines, and oil wells. They discharge pollution from specific locations, such as drainpipes, ditches, or sewer outfalls. These sources are discrete and identifiable, so they are relatively easy to monitor and regulate. Examples include factories, sewage treatment plants (which remove some, but not all, pollutants), underground mines, and oil tankers. Nonpoint sources: Runoff from farm fields and feedlots, golf courses, lawns and gardens, construction sites, logging areas, roads, streets, and parking lots. Diffuse, having no specific location where they discharged into a particular body of water. They are much harder to monitor and regulate than point sources because their sources are hard to identify. Sources of Water Pollution in the Philippines On its website, Greenpeace reports the water pollution in the Philippines is mostly wastewater from the following sources: 1. Industrial: The metal varies according to industry — lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and cyanide. 2. Agricultural: Organic — decayed plants, dead animals, livestock manure, soil runoff; and non-organic — pesticides and fertilizers. 3. Domestic sewage: Contains pathogens that threaten human health and life. 4. Other sources: Oil, mine or chemical spills and illegal dumping in or near water. Agricultural activities are by far the leading cause of water pollution. Sediment eroded from agricultural lands is the largest source. Other major agricultural pollutants include fertilizers and pesticides, bacteria from livestock and food processing wastes, and excess salt from soils of irrigated cropland. Industrial facilities which emit a variety of harmful inorganic and organic chemicals, are a second source of water pollution. Mining is the third biggest source. Surface mining disturbs the land by creating major erosion sediments and runoff of toxic chemicals. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 13 of 31  Biological Pollution Major Categories of Water Pollutants Category Examples Sources Cause Health Problems 1.Infectoius agents Bacteria, viruses, Human and animal parasites excreta Pesticides, Industrial, 2.Organic Chemicals plastics, household, and farm detergents, oil, use gasoline Industrial effluents, 3.Inorganic chemicals Acids, caustics, household cleaners, salts, metals surface runoff Uranium, thorium, Mining and 4. Radioactive materials cesium, iodine, processing of ores, radon power plants, weapons production, natural sources Cause Ecosystem Disruptions Soil, silt Land erosion 1.Sediment Nitrates, Agricultural and 2.Plant nutrients phosphates, urban fertilizers, ammonium sewage, manure Animal manure, Sewage, agricultural 3.Oxygen-demanding plant residues runoff, paper mills, wastes food processing Heat 4. Thermal changes Powerplants, industrial cooling [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 14 of 31  Infectious agents The most serious water pollutants in terms of human health worldwide are pathogenic organisms. Among the most important water born diseases are typhoid, cholera, bacterial and amoebic dysentery, enteritis, polio, infectious hepatitis, and schistosomiasis. Malaria, yellow fever, and filariasis are transmitted by insect that have aquatic larvae. The main source of these pathogens is untreated or improperly treated human wastes. Animal wastes from feedlots or fields near waterways and food processing factories with inadequate waste treatment facilities also are sources of disease-causing organisms. Fecal Coliform Bacteria and Oxygen Demand Detecting specific pathogens in water is difficult, time consuming, and costly, so water quality is usually described in terms of concentrations of coliform bacteria-any of the many types that live in the colon, or intestines, of humans and other animals. The most common of these is Escherichia coli (or E. coli), which lives symbiotically in many animals, but other bacteria, such as Shigella, Salmonella, or Listeria, can also cause fatal disease. If any coliform bacteria are present in a water sample, infectious pathogens are usually assumed to be present also. Therefore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers water with any coliform bacteria at all to be unsafe from drinking. An oxygen content above 6 parts per million (ppm) will support game fish and other desirable form of aquatic life. At oxygen levels below 2 ppm, water will support mainly worms, bacteria, fungi, and other detritus feeders and decomposers. Plant Nutrients and Cultural Eutrophication Oligotrophic (oligo= little + trophic = nutrition). Rivers and lakes that have clear water and low biological productivity. Eutrophic (eu + trophic = well nourished) waters are rich in organisms and organic materials. Eutrophication, an increase in nutrient levels and biological productivity, often accompanies successional changes in lakes. Cultural eutrophication is mainly caused by increased nutrient input into a water body. Increased productivity in an aquatic system sometimes can be beneficial. Fish and other desirable species may grow faster, providing a welcome food source. Often, however, eutrophication produces “blooms” of algae or thick growths of aquatic plants stimulated by elevated phosphorus or nitrogen. Bacterial populations then increase, fed by larger amounts of organic matter. The water often becomes cloudy, or turbid, and has unpleasant tastes and odors. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 15 of 31  Toxic Tides Excessive nutrients support blooms of deadly aquatic microorganisms in polluted nearshore waters. Red tides- and other colors depending on the species involved-have become increasingly common were nutrients and waste wash down rivers. Pfiesteria piscicida, an extraordinarily poisonous dinoflagellate that only recently has been recognized as a killer of fish and shellfish in polluted rivers and estuaries. Human are harmed if they eat contaminated seafood or even if they breathe airborne Pfiesteria cells or secretions. Symptoms of Pfiesteria poisoning include headaches, blurred vision, aching joints, difficulty breathing, memory loss, and long-term damage to the brain, liver, and other organs. Inorganic Pollutants Some toxic inorganic chemicals are naturally released into water from rocks by weathering processes. Humans accelerate the transfer rates in these cycles thousand of times, above natural background levels by mining, processing, using, and discarding minerals. Metals Many metals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, are highly toxic in minute concentrations. Because metals are highly persistent, they accumulate in food chains and have cumulative effect in human. Mine drainage and leaching of mining waste are serious sources of metal pollution in water. Acids and Bases Acids are released as a by-product of industrial processes, such as leather tanning, metal smelting and plating, petroleum distillation, and organic chemical synthesis. Coal mining is an especially important source of acid water pollution. Sulfuric compounds in coal react with oxygen and water to make sulfuric acid. Acid precipitation damages living organisms directly, these acids leach aluminum and other elements from soil and rock, further destabilizing ecosystems. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 16 of 31  Sediment Sediment (e.g., silt) resulting from soil erosion can be carried into water bodies by surface runoff. Suspended sediment interferes with the penetration of sunlight and upsets the ecological balance of a body of water. Also, it can disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish and other forms of life, and when it settles out of suspension it can smother bottom-dwelling organisms. Thermal pollution Heat is considered to be a water pollutant because it decreases the capacity of water to hold dissolved oxygen in solution, and it increases the rate of metabolism of fish. Valuable species of game fish (e.g., trout) cannot survive in water with very low levels of dissolved oxygen. A major source of heat is the practice of discharging cooling water from power plants into rivers; the discharged water may be as much as 15 °C (27 °F) warmer than the naturally occurring water. Petroleum (oil) pollution Petroleum (oil) pollution occurs when oil from roads and parking lots is carried in surface runoff into water bodies. Accidental oil spills are also a source of oil pollution— as in the devastating spills from the tanker Exxon Valdez (which released more than 260,000 barrels in Alaska’s Prince William Sound in 1989) and from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig (which released more than 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010). Oil slicks eventually move toward shore, harming aquatic life and damaging recreation areas. Groundwater and oceans Groundwater—water contained in underground geologic formations called aquifers—is a source of drinking water for many people. For example, about half the people in the United States depend on groundwater for their domestic water supply. Although groundwater may appear crystal clear (due to the natural filtration that occurs as it flows slowly through layers of soil), it may still be polluted by dissolved chemicals and by bacteria and viruses. Sources of chemical contaminants include poorly designed or poorly maintained subsurface sewage-disposal systems (e.g., septic tanks), industrial wastes disposed of in improperly lined or unlined landfills or lagoons, leachates from unlined municipal refuse landfills, mining and petroleum production, and leaking underground storage tanks below gasoline service stations. In coastal areas, increasing withdrawal of groundwater (due to urbanization and industrialization) can cause saltwater intrusion: as the water table drops, seawater is drawn into wells. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 17 of 31  There Are Many Ways to Purify Drinking Water Most developed countries have laws establishing drinking water standards. But most developing countries do not have such laws or, if they do have them, they do not always enforce them. In developed countries, wherever people depend on surface water, it is usually stored in a reservoir for several days. This improves the clarity and taste by increasing dissolved oxygen content and allowing suspended matter to settle. The water is then pumped to a purification plant and treated to meet government drinking water standards. In areas with very pure groundwater or surface water sources, little treatment is necessary. Some cities have found that protecting watersheds that supply their drinking water is a lot cheaper than building water purification plants. Simple measures can be used to purify drinking water. In tropical countries that lack centralized water treatment systems, the WHO urges people to purify water by exposing a clear plastic bottle filled with contaminated water to intense sunlight. The sun’s heat and UV rays can kill infectious microbes in as little as 3 hours. Painting one side of the bottle black can improve heat absorption in this simple solar disinfection method, which applies the solar energy sustainability principle. Regulation of Water Pollution The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275) aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture, and community/household activities). [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 18 of 31  Land Pollution Suggested videos: Air Pollution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dTtvtlct9k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6rglsLy1Ys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBQbt6DCxWE Water Pollution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZhqEUyxhmM Land Pollution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_lbqTx21yA Sound Pollution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ4BakagMvM https://www.google.com/search?q=land+pollution&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved What is Land Pollution? Land pollution refers to the deterioration of the earth’s land surfaces, at and below ground level. The cause is the accumulation of solid and liquid waste materials that contaminate groundwater and soil. These waste materials are often referred to as municipal solid waste (MSW), which includes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. When waste is deposited onto an area of land, the permeability of the soil formations below the waste can increase or reduce the risk of land pollution. The higher the permeability of the soil, the more likely that land pollution will occur. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 19 of 31  The Main Causes of Land Pollution Litter Littering, the improper disposal of waste products, is unfortunately common. Every cigarette butt tossed on the ground or food wrapper tossed out of a car window is a small contribution to a monumental issue. Urbanization and Construction While urbanization is not in itself littering, large quantities of people living, producing trash, and littering in a dense area does inevitably lead to land pollution. To accommodate this increased population, construction activities also occur, which result in large waste materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, and bricks. When these materials are not properly disposed of, it contributes to the land pollution of that area. To help reduce the environmental impact of construction sites, it’s important to work with partners that offer comprehensive builder solutions to achieve cost-effective construction recycling and waste disposal plans. Mining Mining is the extraction of minerals and other geological materials from the ground, which are then used for a wide range of purposes, including but not limited to, producing gasoline for automobiles, generating electricity, and selling materials such as gold and silver. This extraction and the methods used, however, deplete the earth of its natural resources and cause damage and pollution in its wake. That’s why finding alternatives for energy (think solar and wind power) that aren’t mined from the earth’s surface are so vital in helping to reduce land pollution moving forward. Agriculture Agriculture is foundational for both everyday life, as well as the economy as a whole. It also, however, can have profound effects on the planet. Agricultural pollution occurs when contamination created as a by-product of raising livestock and growing food crops is released into the environment, and the contamination is vast. Effects of Land Pollution Land pollution touches essentially every area of the living world, including: Water that isn’t safe to drink Polluted soil, which leads to a loss of fertile land for agriculture Climate change, which causes an onslaught of disastrous problems, including flash floods and irregular rainfalls The endangerment and extinction of species in wildlife Habitat shifting, where some animals are forced to flee where they live in order to survive An increase in wildfires, due to polluted areas often becoming very dry Increased air pollution, which burning waste contributes to [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 20 of 31  How to Prevent Land Pollution Given the disastrous effects of land pollution, taking preventive measures to reduce its impact moving forward is crucial. Using Fewer Pesticides and Chemicals in Agriculture Given that the use of pesticides and chemicals in farming and agriculture greatly contribute to land pollution, finding alternatives will help to reduce the environmental impact. Farmers, for instance, can use natural ingredients by switching from bio- fertilizers to manure. On the individual level, supporting environmentally conscious, local farmers at your closest farmer’s market or local grocery store can help to build up business for farmers with more sustainable farming practices. Another option is to contribute to or volunteer in an urban garden in your neighborhood. Reforestation Reforestation involves replanting an area with trees. This can be needed for areas that have experienced wildfires, for instance, or where trees had been chopped down and milled. This process helps to bind the soil, which helps to protect it from land pollution and prevents soil erosion and flooding. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle At the individual level, there are many things we can do to reduce our contribution to land pollution. One of the simplest ways to do this is to reuse or recycle items so that you aren’t creating waste out of a material or item that still has a purpose. With the growing awareness around what can be recycled and an increase in recycling bins in many cities, it has never been easier to recycle. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 21 of 31  Noise Pollution https://www.google.com/search?q=noise+pollution&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa What Is Noise Pollution? Noise pollution is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated sound levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms. According to the World Health Organization, sound levels less than 70 dB are not damaging to living organisms, regardless of how long or consistent the exposure is. Exposure for more than 8 hours to constant noise beyond 85 dB may be hazardous. If you work for 8 hours daily in close proximity to a busy road or highway, you are very likely exposed to traffic noise pollution around 85dB. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 22 of 31  This type of pollution is so omnipresent in today’s society that we often fail to even notice it anymore: street traffic sounds from cars, buses, pedestrians, ambulances etc. construction sounds like drilling or other heavy machinery in operation airports, with constant elevated sounds from air traffic, i.e. planes taking off or landing workplace sounds, often common in open-space offices constant loud music in or near commercial venues industrial sounds like fans, generators, compressor, mills train stations traffic household sounds, from the television set to music playing on the stereo or computer, vacuum cleaners, fans and coolers, washing machines, dishwashers, lawnmowers etc. events involving fireworks, firecrackers, loudspeakers etc. conflicts generate noise pollution through explosions, gunfire etc. The dysfunctions, in this case, are likely caused by the conflict and insecurity and less by the noise pollution in itself, although that compounds stress levels too. Human Diseases Caused by Noise Pollution Whether we realize we are subjected to it or not, noise pollution can be hazardous to our health in various ways. Hypertension is, in this case, a direct result of noise pollution caused elevated blood levels for a longer period of time. Hearing loss can be directly caused by noise pollution, whether listening to loud music in your headphones or being exposed to loud drilling noises at work, heavy air or land traffic, or separate incidents in which noise levels reach dangerous intervals, such as around140 dB for adult or 120 dB for children. Sleep disturbances are usually caused by constant air or land traffic at night, and they are a serious condition in that they can affect everyday performance and lead to serious diseases. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 23 of 31  Child development. Children appear to be more sensitive to noise pollution, and a number of noise-pollution-related diseases and dysfunctions are known to affect children, from hearing impairment to psychological and physical effects. Also, children who regularly use music players at high volumes are at risk of developing hearing dysfunctions. In 2001, it was estimated that 12.5% of American children between the ages of 6 to 19 years had impaired hearing in one or both ears Various cardiovascular dysfunctions. Elevated blood pressure caused by noise pollution, especially during the night, can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. Dementia isn’t necessarily caused by noise pollution, but its onset can be favored or compounded by noise pollution. Psychological dysfunctions and noise annoyance. Noise annoyance is, in fact, a recognized name for an emotional reaction that can have an immediate impact. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 24 of 31  Effects of Noise Pollution on Wildlife and Marine Life Our oceans are no longer quiet. Thousands of oil drills, sonars, seismic survey devices, coastal recreational watercraft and shipping vessels are now populating our waters, and that is a serious cause of noise pollution for marine life. Whales are among the most affected, as their hearing helps them orient themselves, feed and communicate. Noise pollution thus interferes with cetaceans’ (whales and dolphins) feeding habits, reproductive patterns and migration routes, and can even cause hemorrhage and death. Other than marine life, land animals are also affected by noise pollution in the form of traffic, firecrackers etc., and birds are especially affected by the increased air traffic. Social and Economic Costs of Noise Pollution The World Health Organization estimates that one out of three people in Europe is harmed by traffic noise. More than the purely medical effects of noise pollution on the individual, there is a significant social and economic impact. Since noise pollution leads to sleep disturbance, it affects the individual’s work performance during the day, it leads to hypertension and cardiovascular disease and costs the health system additional time and money, and it negatively affects school performance in children. Tips for Avoiding Noise Pollution Wear earplugs whenever exposed to elevated noise levels Maintain a level of around 35 dB in your bedroom at night, and around 40 dB in your house during the day If possible, choose your residential area as far removed from heavy traffic as you can Avoid prolonged use of earphones, especially at elevated sound levels If possible, avoid jobs with regular exposure to elevated sound levels [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 25 of 31  Methods of Waste Disposal https://www.google.com/search?q=methods+of+waste+disposal&tbm=isch&ved Importance of waste management: Waste management reduces the effect of waste on the environment, health, and so on. It can also help reuse or recycle resources, such as; paper, cans, glass, and so on. There is various type of waste management that include the disposal of solid, liquid, gaseous, or hazardous substances. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration when discussing waste management, such as disposal methods, recycling methods, avoidance and reduction methods, and transportation of waste. The process of waste management involves treating solid and liquid waste. During the treatment, it also offers a variety of solutions for recycling items that aren’t categorized as trash. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 26 of 31  Methods of waste disposal: Non-biodegradable and toxic wastes like radioactive remnants can potentially cause irreparable damage to the environment and human health if not strategically disposed of. Waste disposal has been a matter of concern, the main problem growth in population and industrialization. Here are a few methods of waste disposal. Landfills: Throwing daily waste/garbage in the landfills is the most popularly used method of waste disposal used today. This process of waste disposal focuses attention on burying the waste in the land. https://www.google.com/search?q=landfill&tbm=isch&ved [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 27 of 31  Recycling: Recycling is the process of converting waste products into new products to prevent energy usage and consumption of fresh raw materials. Recycling is to reduce energy usage, reduce the volume of landfills, reduce air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve natural resources for future use. https://www.google.com/search?q=recycling&tbm=isch&ved Composting: Composting is an easy and natural bio-degradation process that takes organic wastes i.e. remains of plants and garden and kitchen waste and turns into nutrient-rich food for your plants. https://www.google.com/search?q=composting&tbm=isch&ved [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 28 of 31  Incineration: Incineration involves the combustion of waste materials. With this method, the waste material is heated to very high temperatures and is converted into materials such as heat, gas, steam, and ash. https://www.google.com/search?q=incineration&tbm=isch&ved Ban on Incineration. Under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or R.A. 9003 and the R.A. 8749 or the Clean Air Act, it prohibits and penalizes open burning defined “as the thermal destruction of waste by means of direct exposure to fire.” Implementing rules of R. A. 8749 provides that “no person shall be allowed to burn any materials in any quantities which shall cause the emission of toxic and poisonous fumes. Such material include but not limited to plastic,” among others. Any violations will be meted by a fine of not less than Php10, 000.00 but not more than Php100, 00.00 or six (6) years of imprisonment or both. [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 29 of 31  References: Cunningham,William P. & Cunningham, Mary Ann. (2006). Principles of Environmental Science Inquiry and Applications Third Edtion. Mcgraw Hill. Miller, Tyler G., Spoolman & Scott E, Klooster, (2011). Introduction to Environmental Science Second Edtion. Cengage Learning Asia Pte.Ltd. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/air-pollution/ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air- quality https://www.britannica.com/science/water-pollution https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/sources.htm https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/sulfurdioxide.htm https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/air-quality/nitrogen-oxides https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/toxins/ind ex.html https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air- unhealthy/ozone https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and- health https://www.texasdisposal.com/blog/land-pollution/ https://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/noise-pollution/ https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/waste-disposal-and- management-all-you-need-to-know-1718288-2020-09-04 [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 30 of 31  Suggested Videos Air Pollution: https://earthjournalism.net/stories/beyond-lockdown-can-the-philippines-sustain-low- air-pollution-levels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6rglsLy1Ys Water Pollution: https://borgenproject.org/water-pollution-in-the-philippines/ https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Ecology/Environmental_Science/06%3A_Envir onmental_Impacts/6.02%3A_Pollution/6.2.02%3A_Air_Pollution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dTtvtlct9k Land Pollution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dTtvtlct9k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJnt6ArcB7U Noise Pollution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k333BNk8Uc [GE ELEC 1]: [ Environmental Science] 31 of 31