Unit- III Pollution

Syllabus:
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Environmental Pollution: Definition, Causes, effects and control measures of Air Pollution,
Water Pollution, Soil Pollution, Marine Pollution, Thermal Pollution, Nuclear hazards. Solid
waste management: causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial wastes. E-
waste. Role of an individual in prevention of pollution. Pollution case studies, Disaster
Management: floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides.

1. Introduction
According to Odum (1971), “Pollution is an undesirable change in the characteristics of air,
water and land that harmfully affect the life and also create health hazards for all living
organisms on globe”.
There are two types of pollution, i) Natural and ii) Man-made. Natural pollution is limited in
occurrence. Ex: volcanic eruptions, emissions of natural gas, soil erosion, ultraviolet rays and
cosmic rays. Most of the pollutions are man-made and more hazardous.

2. Classification of pollution

Types of pollution

Air Soil Water Marine Thermal Nuclear

pollution pollution pollution pollution pollution Hazards

3. Air Pollution

3.1 Definition: “It is an imbalance in the quality of air due to certain substances present in
concentrations which can cause undesirable effects on the living organisms existing on
earth”. Such substances are called as pollutants.
Examples of air pollutants are as follows.
Gases: SO2, SO3, NO, NO2, NOx, CO, CO2 , HC etc.
Particulate matter: Smoke, Dust, Soot, Fumes, Aerosols. Liquid droplets, Pollen grains etc.
Radioactive substances: Radon-222, Iodine-131, Strontium-90 and Plutonium-239 etc.

Air pollutants are further classified into two types, Primary and Secondary.

Primary pollution:

The pollution which is caused by the primary pollutants those are emitted directly from the
point source e.g.carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen, sulphur, hydrocarbons, radioactive
substances etc.

Secondary pollution:

The pollution caused by secondary pollutants which are formed by interaction of primary
pollutants with other primary pollutants or with some natural constituents of atmosphere
like ozone, peroxyacetyl Nitrate, photochemical smog etc.
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3.2 Causes/Sources of air pollution:

Causes of air pollution

Man made sources:

Natural sources:
The natural sources of air pollution are Thermal power plants, industrial units,vehiclular
volcanic eruptions, forest fires, biological emissions ,fossil fuel burning etc
decay, pollen grains of flowers etc.Radio Thermal power plants have become the major
active minerals present in the earth crust sources for generating electricity in India.
are the sources of radioactivity in the Automobile exhaust is another major source of
atmosphere. air pollution.

Automobiles release gases such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen etc. Further the
man made sources could be classified into Stationary sources such as Industrial processing,
Power plants, Fuel combustion, Solid waste disposal, Residential and industrial areas, Onsite
incineration and Open burning sites. The mobile sources include Highway vehicles, Railroad
locomotives and Aircraft.

3.3 Effects of air pollution:

Air pollution can create the following effects.

Effects on Human health:

1. Oxides of carbon especially carbon monoxide can bind with haemoglobin of the
blood and forms carboxyhaemoglobin thereby reduces the oxygen carrying capacity
of the blood.
2. Breathing and suffocation happens when exposed dust and air pollutants containing
oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur.
3. Bronchitis, asthma and respiratory disorders occur due to oxides of Nitrogen,
Sulphur, Carbon and Ozone
4. Lead in the air can cause nephrotoxicity.
5. Eye irritation, loss of visibility, headache coughing, wheezing and gradual lung
function impairment is the main cause of effect on human health.
6. In extreme exposure to UV radiations results in eye cataract, skin cancer and death.
Effects on plants

1. Exposure of plants to oxides of nitrogen, carbon and sulphur results in decrease in

photosynthesis and reduced crop yield
2. The air pollutants enter the plant through stomata and causes
a. Necrosis : killing or collapse of tissue.
b. Chlorosis: reduction in the chlorophyll.
c. Abcission: dropping of leaves.
d. Epinasty: downward curvature of the leaf
3. Further, air pollutants accumulated on plants causes’ threat to animals and humans
if they are consumed.
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Effects on animals:

1. Air pollutants causes acid rain and low pH results in acidification of the lakes.
2. Plankton number and their productivity is decreased.
3. Fishes are killed through low dissolved oxygen content in water and DNA damage is
reported in the fishes of Antarctica due to air pollution
Effects on buildings and materials:

1. Air pollutants causes acid rain which induces corrosion, weathering of cement and
pain and damage to the internal iron rods
2. Huge economic losses incur to retain the aesthetic beauty of the buildings.
3. Presence of SO2 and moisture can accelerate corrosion of metallic surfaces.
4. Sulphuric acid damages buildings and causes disfigurement of statues made up of
marble and limestone.
5. Ozone in the atmosphere can cause cracking of rubber.
6. Oxides of nitrogen and ozone can also cause fading of cotton and rayon fibres.

3.4 Controlling Air pollution

1. Siting of industries after proper Environmental Impact Assessment studies.

2. Minimizing activities which cause pollution.
3. Modification of process and requirements.
4. Use of appropriate material.
5. Using low sulphur coal in industries.
6. Removing sulphur from coal.
7. Removing oxides of nitrogen during the combustion process and controlling the flow
of air and fuel in industrial boilers.
8. Vehicular pollution can be checked.
9. Using mass transport system, bicycles etc.
10. Shifting of less polluting fuels
11. Using non-conventional sources of energy.
12. Using biological filters and bio-scrubbers.
13. Planting more trees.
14. Reduction of pollution at source.

4. Soil pollution:
Soil is the upper layer of the earth crust which is formed by weathering of rocks. Organic
matter in the soil makes it suitable for living organisms. Dumping of various types of
materials especially domestic and industrial wastes causes soil pollution. Wastes include
garbage, rubbish materials like glass, plastics, paper,fibres etc. Leachates from dumping
sites and sewage tanks are harmful and toxic which pollute the soil. Soil contains many
nutrients.
Macro nutrients: Nitrogen, Potassium,Calcium,Magnesium,Phosphorus and Sulphur.
Micro nutrients: Chlorine,Iron,Boron,Manganese,Zinc,Copper,Molybdenum and Nickel
4.1 Causes for soil pollution

1. Seepage from a landfill

2. Discharge of industrial waste into the soil
3. Percolation of contaminated water into the soil
4. Rupture of underground storage tanks
5. Excess application of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer

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 6. Solid waste seepage
4.2 Some Chemicals involved in causing soil pollution
1. Petroleum hydrocarbons
2. Heavy metals
3. Pesticides
4. Solvents
4.3 Effects of Soil pollution

1. Sewage and industrial effluents which pollute the soil affect human health.
2. Chemicals like acids, alkalis, pesticides, insecticides etc. discharges affect soil fertility
by causing changes in physical, chemical and biological properties
3. Food chain is affected.
4. Sewage sludge has many types of pathogenic bacteria, viruses which causes various
types of diseases.
5. Decomposing organic matters in soil also produces toxic vapours.
6. Chemicals in soil may percolate and contaminate ground water.
4.4 Control of soil pollution:

1. Effluents should be properly treated before discharging.

2. Solid waste should be properly collected and disposed off by appropriate method.
3. From the wastes, recovery of useful products should be done.
4. Biodegradable organic waste should be used for generation of biogas.
5. Cattle dung should be used for methane generation.
6. Microbial degradation of biodegradable substances is also one of the scientific
approaches for reducing soil pollution.

5.0 Water pollution

Water pollutants are the undesirable substances released through anthropogenic industrial
activities. They include sediment pollutants, radioactive substances, sewage, disease causing
agents, organic and inorganic contaminants such as metals.

5.1 Causes

Water pollution is caused by natural as well as human activities. Pollution from natural
resources includes the decomposed vegetable, animal and weathered products which are
brought into main water resources. Pollution from human activities includes domestic as
well as industrial pollution.

1. Discharge of wastewater from commercial and industrial waste (intentionally or

through spills) into surface waters;

2. discharges of untreated domestic sewage, and chemical contaminants, such as

chlorine, from treated sewage;

3. release of waste and contaminants into surface runoff flowing to surface waters
(including urban runoff and agricultural runoff, which may contain chemical
fertilizers and pesticides);

4. Waste disposal and leaching into groundwater;

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 5. Eutrophication and littering.

Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff and domestic sewage

➢ Industrial wastes contain harmful metal compounds such as metals like mercury,
cadmium, lead, chromium, organic wastes such aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons
changes the quality of surface and ground water.

➢ Agricultural run-off contains excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides which

might result in eutrophication and pesticide poisoning of food chain
➢ Domestic sewage contains high amounts of detergents, oils, organic and inorganic
wastes which alters the quality of ground and surface water if mingled.
➢ Mining wastes, accidental oil spillage, marine waste dumping, urban development,
leakages from landfills also cause ground and surface water pollution.
5.2 Effects of water pollution on human health:

They can cause kidney failure through metals, cancer through radioactive substances,
nervous failure through organic contaminants such as pesticides, birth defects in humans
through disease causing agents etc.

5.3 Methods for controlling water pollution

1. Pesticides and fertilizers should be used properly

2. Integrated pest management will reduce the usage of excess pesticides
3. Domestic and industrial waste water should be treated.
4. Primary, secondary and tertiary treatment of water should be carried.
5. Separate drainage should be given for rainwater and sewage.
6. Planting trees will reduce the water pollution.

6.0 Noise pollution

Sound that is unwanted or disrupts one’s quality of life is called as noise. When there is lot
of noise in the environment, it is termed as noise pollution. Sound becomes undesirable
when it disturbs the normal activities such as working, sleeping, and during conversations.
It is an underrated environmental problem because of the fact that we can’t see, smell, or
taste it. World Health Organization stated that “Noise must be recognized as a major threat
to human well-being

6.1 Causes of noise pollution

1. Heavy vehicles and old vehicles
2. Noise making machines in industry or factories
3. Absence of silencers
4. Social functions, Election rally or campaign
5. Lack of proper legislation to ensure low sound production

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6.2 Effects of noise pollution:

1. Interferes with man’s communication: In a noisy area communication is severely affected.

2. Hearing damage: Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

1. It depends on intensity and duration of sound level.

2. Auditory sensitivity is reduced with noise level of over 90dB in the mid-high
frequency for more than a few minutes.

3. Physiological and psychological changes: Continuous exposure to noise affects

the functioning of various systems of the body.

➢ It may result in hypertension, insomnia(sleeplessness),gastro intestinal, blood

pressure changes etc.
➢ High noise level can contribute to cardiovascular effects.
➢ An impact of noise on animal life is the reduction of usable habitat that noisy
areas may cause.
➢ It can also cause memory loss, severe depression, and panic attacks.
➢ It also leads to peptic ulcers, behavioural changes, emotional changes etc

6.3 Controlling of noise pollution

1. Reduction in sources of noise: Sources of noise pollution like heavy vehicles and old
vehicles may not be allowed to play in the populated areas.
2. Noise making machines should be kept in containers with sound absorbing media.
The noise path will be in interrupted and will not reach the workers.
3. Proper oiling will reduce the noise from the machinery.
4. Use of sound absorbing silencers: Silencers can reduce noise by absorbing sound. For
this purpose various types of fibrous material could be used.
5. Planting more trees having broad leaves.
6. Social awareness programs should be taken up to educate the public about the
causes and effects of noise pollution.
7. Through law: Legislation can ensure that sound production is minimized at various
social functions.
8. Unnecessary horn blowing should be restricted especially in vehicle congested areas.
9. Factories and industries should be located far from the residential areas.
10. Workers should be provided with equipments such as ear plugs and ear muffs for
hearing protection.

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7. Marine pollution
Marine pollution is “direct or indirect introduction of matter or energy by
mankind into marine life that is harmful to living resources, hazardous to human
health, hinders marine activity and adversely affects sea water .”

7.1 Sources of marine pollution

1. Rivers, which bring pollutants from their drainage basins.

2. Catchment area i.e., coastline where human settlements in the form of hotels,
industry, agricultural practices have been established
3. Oil drilling and shipment.
4. Leaking toxic substances, radioactive wastes
5. Automotive wastes, off shore production.
6. Heavy metals
7. Disposal of sewage.
8. DDT-Bioaccumulation
9. Most obvious inputs via pipes discharging directly into marine waters.
10. Global atmospheric inputs to the sea from air discharges.
11. 80% of non-biological marine pollution comes from land based activities.

7.2 Effects of Marine pollution

Oil in the sea water affects sensitive flora and fauna. Phytoplanktons, zooplankton, algal
species, various species of invertebrates, coral reefs, fish, birds and mammals are affected
by oil pollution.

Fishes show mortality because the fish gills get laden with oil after the slimy mucus of gills is
affected.

Oil disrupts the insulating capacity of the feathers. Death occur due to loss of buoyancy and
subsequent drowning of birds.

Leakage from oil tanker near Alaska in 1989 caused damage to coral reefs and resuted in the
death of about 390 thousand birds.

During gulf war, 200 million gallons of oil spill spread in the Persian gulf badly affected
marine ecosystem.

7.3 Control measures of Marine pollution

1. Toxic pollutants from industries and sewage treatment plants should not be discharged in
coastal waters.
2. Run off from non-point sources should be prevented to reach coastal areas.
3. Sewer overflows should be prevented by having separate sewer and rain water pipes.
4. Dumping of toxic, hazardous wastes and sewage sludge should be banned.
5. Developmental activities on coastal areas should be minimised.
6. Oil blast should not be dumped into sea.
7. Ecologically sensitive coastal areas should be protected by not allowing drilling.

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8. Thermal pollution
It is defined as presence of waste heat in the water which can Cause undesirable
changes in the natural environment.

8.1 Causes

Discharge of heated water or hot waste material into water bodies from

• Nuclear power plants

• Industrial Effluents
• Domestic sewage
• Hydro-Electric power
• Coal fired power plants

8.2 Effects of thermal pollution

• The dissolved oxygen content of water is decreased as the solubility of oxygen in

water is decreased at high temperature.
• High temperature becomes a barrier for oxygen penetration into deep cold waters.
• Toxicity of pesticides, detergents and chemicals in the effluents increases with
increase in temperature.
• The composition of flora and fauna changes.
• Metabolic activities of aquatic organisms increase at high temperature and require
more oxygen, whereas oxygen level falls under thermal pollution.
• Discharge of heated water near the shores can disturb spawning and can even kill
young fishes.
• Fish migration is affected due to formation of various thermal zones.

8.3 Control measures of thermal pollution

1. Cooling towers –two types

a. Wet cooling tower

• Hot water is sprayed over baffles.

• Cool air entering from sides takes away the heat and cools the water.
• This cool water can be recycled or discharged.

• Large amount of water is lost through evaporation and in the vicinity of

wet cooling tower extensive fog is formed which is no good for
environment and causes damage to vegetation.

b. Dry cooling tower:

• The heated water flows in a system of pipes.

• Air is passed over these hot pipes with fans.
• There is no water loss in this method.
• The installation and operation cost of dry cooling tower is many times higher than
wet cooling tower.

2. Cooling ponds:

• Water from condensers is stored in ponds where natural evaporation cools

the water which can then be re-circulated or discharged in nearby water body.
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 • This is a part of process known as wet cooling
3. Spray ponds:

• The water from condensers is received in spray ponds.

• Here the water is sprayed through nozzles where fine droplets are formed.
• Heat from these fine droplets is dissipated to the
atmosphere.

4. Artificial lakes
• Creation of artificial lakes is one of the more feasible options.
• While the capital costs are higher than traditional rain water harvesting
systems, artificial lakes, besides lending a helping hand to nature in correcting
ecological imbalances, also hold potential for generating regular source of
income

9. Nuclear hazards
• Radioactive substances are present in nature.
• They undergo natural radioactive decay in which unstable isotopes simultaneously
give out fast moving particles, high energy radiations or both, at affixed rate until a
new stable isotope is formed.
• The isotopes release energy either in the form of gamma rays or alpha and beta
particles.
• The alpha particles are fast moving positively charged particles whereas beta
particles are high speed negatively charged electrons.
• Alpha particles can be interrupted by a sheet of paper while beta particles can be
blocked by a piece of wood or a few millimetres of aluminium sheets.
• The gamma rays can pass through paper and wood but can be stopped by concrete
wall,lead slabs or water.

9.1 Sources of radioactivity

• Natural sources: sources of natural radioactivity include cosmic rays from outer
space,radioactive radon-222,soil,rocks,air water and food which contain one or more
radioactive substances.
• Anthropogenic causes: These sources are nuclear power plants, nuclear accidents,
X-rays, diagnostic kits etc., where radioactive substances are used.

9.2 Effects of Radiations

• Genetic damage is caused by radiations which induce mutations in the DNA, thereby
effecting genes and chromosomes.
• Somatic damage includes burns, miscarriages, eye cataract and cancer of bone,
thyroid, breast, lungs and skin.
• Radioisotopes enter the environment during mining of uranium.
• Alpha particles cannot penetrate the skin to reach internal organs whereas beta
particles can damage the internal organs.

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9.3 Controlling measures of nuclear hazardous

• Siting of nuclear power plants should be carefully done after studying long term and
short term effects.
• Proper disposal of wastes from laboratory involving the use of radioisotopes should
be done.

10. Solid Waste Management

10.1 Meaning of Solid Waste and its Management

Solid waste is defined as discarded solid produced from domestic, commercial, trade,
industrial, agricultural, institutional, mining activities and public services. It creates public
health problems like outbreak of epidemic diseases. To handle the problem of solid waste in
an efficient manner is known as the solid waste management. The management strategy
includes the following steps.

a. Material flow in a society

b. Reduction in raw material usage
c. Reduction in solid waste quantity
d. Reuse of materials
e. Energy recovery
f. Day to day solid waste management.

10.2 Sources

1.Urban waste – medical waste from hospitals;municipal solid waste from

homes,offices,markets,horticulture waste from parks,gardens,orchards,etc.,
2. Waste from homes(domestic waste): polythene bags,empty metal and aluminium
cans,scrap metals,glass bottles,waste papers,dipers,clothes,food waste,etc.,
3. Industrial waste: factory rubbish, packing materials, organic wastes, acids, alkalis and
metals – toxic and hazardous materials.
4. Chemical industries, metal and mineral processing, nuclear power plants, thermal power
plants.
5. Rubber,plastic,paper,glass,wood,oils,paints,asphalt,tars,dyes,ceramics,abrasvies,heavy
metals, asbestos

10.4 Management of Solid waste

The management of solid waste should include the following general steps:

1. Waste generation or reduce use of raw materials

2. Onsite handling, storage and processing
3. Collection, transport, sorting and recycling
4. Treatment and reuse
5. Disposal options.

Waste generation
1. Wastes are generated at the start of the process of raw materials
2. The composition of the wastes has to be understood.
3. The process of wastes generated at each step of the manufacturing a material has to be
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 understood and reduced.
Onsite handing, Storage and Processing:

1. The waste composition has to be understood and the source reduction at the processing
should be made.
2. The wastes can be handled at the processing stage by segregation and disposal at the on-
site

Collection, transport, sorting and recycling

1. Storage of wastes could be made in containers. Containers should also be durable, easy
to handle, economical as well as resistant to corrosion, weather conditions, and metals,
glass tips etc.

2. It is necessary to provide facilities at the point of generation of waste for storage of

wastes until they are collected.

3. The design of an efficient collection system needs careful selection of type and size and
location for containers.

4. Small containers are used for single-family households while large containers are
required for residential, industrial and institutional units.

5. Smaller containers are usually handled manually whereas larger and heavier containers
require mechanized handling.

6. The containers may be stationary or hauled to the disposal stations for emptying before
returned to the storage site.

Collection Vehicle

The collection vehicles may be small and simple or large, complex and energy intensive.
The most commonly used vehicle is the dump truck fitted with a hydraulic lifting
mechanism.
The collection vehicle selected must be suitable to the terrain type and density of waste
Generation
Resource Reduction

1. Reducing the waste before it is generated is a logical way to save cost as well as natural
resources.

2. It reduces the municipal and commercial costs involved in waste collection and
disposal and helps in protecting the local environment.

3. The source reduction should be a part of community waste management plan.

4. Source reduction will promote the product reuse, and its lifetime and also reduce the
probable toxicity of the material to the environment. For example Plastics and paper
recycling.

Treatment, Disposal and Reuse Options

a) Land filling
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i) Sanitary landfill: garbage spread over in thin layers, compacted and covered with clay or
plastic foam.
ii) In modern, the landfills the bottom is covered with an imperamble liner, usually several
layers of clay, thick plastic and sand.
iii) The liner protects the ground water from being contaminated due to percolation of
leachate.
iv) Leachate is pumped from the bottom and send for the treatment.

Methane produced by anaerobic decomposition is collected and burnt to produce electricity

or heat

Land filling:

1. Trench method: This method involves excavation of trench into which waste is deposited
and covered with a layer of soil

2. Area method: In this method waste may be deposited in layers and so form terraces
over the available area. In this type of operation excessive leachate generation may occur
and is difficult to control.

3. Cell method: This method involves the deposition of waste within pre constructed
bonded area. It is the preferred method in industries, since it encourages the concept of
progressive filling and restoration.

b) Composting

Due to shortage of space for landfill in bigger cities, the biodegradable yard waste is allowed
to degrade or decompose in an oxygen rich medium. A good quality nutrient rich and
environmental friendly manure is formed which improves the soil conditions and fertility.

c) Incineration

1. Burning plants capable of burning large amount of materials at high temperature.

2. The initial cost is very high.
3. During incineration high levels of dioxins, furans ,lead and cadmium may be emitted with
the fly ash of incinerator.

Pyrolysis is a form of treatment that chemically decomposes organic materials by heat in the
absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis transforms hazardous organic materials into gaseous
components, small quantities of liquid, and a solid residue (coke) containing fixed carbon
and ash. Pyrolysis of organic materials produces combustible gases, including carbon
monoxide, hydrogen and methane, and other hydrocarbons. Pyrolysis typically occurs under
pressure and at operating temperatures above 430°C (800 °F).

Recycling of Hazardous Waste

Recycling of non-ferrous metallic wastes such as zinc dross, brass dross, used lead acid
batteries, copper oxide mill scale and used lubricating oil offer attractive options for
resource recovery in an environmentally sound manner.

10. 5 Control measures adapted for solid waste management in urban areas
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 1. We have to Carry our own cloth or jute bag when shopping
2. Say no to all plastic bags as far as possible
3. Reduce the use of paper bags also.
4. Reuse the soft drinks poly bottles for storing water.
5. Segregate biodegradable and the non biodegradable are put into separate bins and
disposed off separately.
6. Dig a compost pit in our garden and put all the biodegradable materials into it.
7. See to it that all garbage is thrown into the municipal bin as the collection is
generally done from there.
8. When we go out do not throw paper and other wrappings or even leftover food
here and there, make sure that it is put in the correct place, which is into a
dustbin.
What is vermi composting?

1. Vermi-composting involves the stabilization of organic solid waste through earthworm

consumption which converts the material into worm castings.
2. Vermi-composting is the result of combined activity of micro-organisms and
earthworms.
3. The vermi-compost (manure) is relatively more stabilized and harmonizes with soil
system without any ill effects.
4. Kitchen waste can be handled by vermin composting and the manure obtained can be
used for improving the growth of kitchen garden plants.

Explain the control measures of industrial wastes

A. Source Reduction
B. Collection, seggregation and transportation of wastes
C. Treatment
D. Disposal
E. Reuse

Comment on Industrial wastes

Sources
Effects
Control measures

11. Role of Individuals in prevention of pollution

(a) Each individual should change his or her lifestyle in such a way as to reduce
environmental pollution.

1. Help more in pollution prevention than pollution control

2. Use eco-friendly products
2. Cut down the use of CFCs as they destroy the ozone layer. Do not use
Polystyrene cups that have CFC molecules in them which destroy ozone
3. Use the chemicals derived from peaches and plums to clean computer chips and
4. circuit boards instead of CFCs
5. Use CFC free Refrigerators. The manufacture and operation of such devices
should be encouraged that don’t pollute.

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Following are the practical hints for an individual to prevent pollution:

a. Save electricity by not washing it when not required because electricity saved
electricity generated without polluting the environment.
b. Adopt and popularize renewable energy sources.
c. Improve energy efficiency. This will reduce the amount of waste energy•
d. Promote reuse and recycling whatever possible and reduce the production of
wastes.
e. Use mass transport system. For short visits use bicycle or go on foot.
f. Decrease the use of automobiles
g. Use pesticides only when absolutely necessary that too in right amounts.
h. Use rechargeable batteries, it will reduce metal pollution.
i. Use less hazardous chemicals wherever possible.
j. Reduce your dependency on fossil fuel especially coal or oil

j. The solid waste generated during one manufacturing process can be used as
a raw material for some other processes.
k. Do not put pesticides, paints, solvents, oils or other harmful chemicals into
the drain or ground water.
l. Use only the minimum and required quantity of water for various activities
m. When building a home save (don’t cut) trees.
n. Plant more trees as trees can absorb many toxic gases and can purify the air.
o. Check population growth so that demand of materials is under controls.

12. Pollution case studies

1) The Bhopal Gas tragedy

2) Arsenic pollution in ground water

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3) Chernobyl nuclear Disaster

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13. Disaster Management

Earthquakes, Cyclone and Land slides

Earthquake is a violent tremor in the earth’s crust. It sends a series of shock waves in all
directions from its place of origin. It is caused by the sudden dislocation of material within
the earth's outer layer, or crust.
Cyclone is an area of closed, circular fluid motion rotating in the same direction as the
Earth. It is usually characterized by inward spiralling winds that rotate anticlockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. Most large-
scale cyclonic circulations are centred on areas of low atmospheric pressure.

Control measures of Earthquakes

1. As earthquakes create a major impact on the building structures, mitigatory

measures on building architecture is considered in priority.

2. Earthquake resistant buildings could be constructed in the earthquake prone zones

and a vigilant monitoring on the quality of building materials will ensure a minimal
damage.

3. Further, earthquake resistant buildings will have better stress bearing materials and
the intensity of damage could be lessened.

4. Awareness over the seismically-safe construction materials could be integrated in

the academic curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering (civil).

5. Emergency preparedness in the hospitals, rescue team with prior training could be
made.

6. Seismic zones could be identified and the people in residential, hospital, educational
area could be evacuated to safety zones.

7. Telecommunications and rescue operations through fire-fighting personnel and

military should be kept active.
8. The existing buildings such as residential apartments, hospitals, educational
institutions should be vigilantly monitored by the town planning authority for the
quality of buildings in the earthquake prone areas.

4. The people should be evacuated from seismic zones to safe areas 6. Medical
emergency preparedness and rescue teams should be kept ready to combat the
disaster.

5. Dumping of wastes, excavation of soil and minerals at the earthquake prone zones
will cause serious impact and hence they should not be practiced.

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Flood/cyclone mitigation measures:

1. Early warning systems could be made to forecast on the rainfall and inundation
People living in the river flooding areas should be evacuated to safer places.

2. Check-dams and reservoirs constructed in the flood plains should be strengthened to

hold the water.

3. Wetlands acts as effective barriers for floods and they should be restored.

4. River networking is proposed to be an solution to mitigate the overflow of rivers.

5. Disaster management camps at the district and taluk levels are planned and the
awareness campaigns were made.

6. Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea for fishing

7. Emergency teams from hospitals, rescue camps can be established.

Land Slides-Causes, effects and control measures

1. Landslides occur as a result of changes on a slope, sudden or gradual, either in its

composition, structure, hydrology or vegetation.

2. The changes can be due to geology, climate, weathering, land-use and earthquakes.

3. A significant reduction in the hazards caused by landslides can be achieved by

preventing the exposure of population and facilities to landslides and by physically
controlling the landslides.

4. Developmental programs that involve modification of the topography, exploitation

of natural resources and change in the balance load on the ground should not be
permitted.

5. Some critical measures that could be undertaken to prevent further landslides are
drainage measures, erosion control measures such a bamboo check dams, terracing,
jute and coir netting and rock fall control measures such as grass plantation,
vegetated dry masonry wall, retaining wall and most importantly preventing
deforestation and improving afforestation.

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Important questions
1. Give a brief account of effects of air pollution
2. Write various methods of waste water treatment.
3. What is Minamata disease?
4. Explain the sources and effects of soil pollution
5. Write a note on Bhopal gas tragedy
6. What are the effects of cyclone?
7. Give a brief account of sources of Marine Pollution
8. Write about sources of solid wastes
9. What is Tsunami?
10. Define noise pollution and describe its effects.
11. Discuss the effects of thermal pollution.
12. What is radioactive pollution?
13. How are earthquakes and cyclones are formed?
14. What are the possible steps to reduce earthquake effects?
14. What are the possible steps to reduce floods/cyclone effects?
15. What are the causes for landslides and they can be reduced?
16. Explain the controlling aspects of noise pollution.
17. Elaborate on the role of an individual in prevention of pollution.
18. What is meant by solid waste management?
19.Discuss the essential steps for systematic solid waste management.
20.What are the causes of water pollution?
21. Describe the methods to control airpollution.
22.What are water pollutants? Discuss their effect on human health. Mention some
methods for controlling them.

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