.
Pollution is the introduction of pollutants (whether chemical substances, or energy such as noise,
heat, or light) into the environment to such a point that its effects become harmful to human health, other living organisms, or the environment. Pollution control is a term used in environmental management. It means the control of emissions and effluents into air, water or soil. Without pollution controls the undesirable waste products from human consumption, industrial production, agricultural activities, mining, transportation and other sources will accumulate or disperse and degrade the natural environment. In the hierarchy of controls, pollution prevention and waste minimisation are more desirable than pollution control.
The major forms of pollution are
Air pollution
Water pollution
Sound pollution
Effects
Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen can cause acid rain which reduces the pH value of soil.
Soil can become infertile and unsuitable for plants. This will affect other organisms in the food web.
Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to carry out photosynthesis.
Invasive species can out compete native species and reduce biodiversity. Invasive plants can contribute debris and biomolecules (allelopathy) that can alter soil and chemical compositions of an environment, often reducing native species competitiveness.
Biomagnification describes a situation where toxins may be pass through trophic levels, becoming exponentially more concentrated in the processTo protect the environment from the adverse effects of pollution, many nations worldwide have enacted legislation to regulate various types of pollution as well as to mitigate the adverse effects of pollution.
Published: December 09, 2007