University:
McMaster University
Course:
EARTHSC 1G03 | Earth and the Environment
Academic year:

2023
Views:

293

Pages:

2
Author:

Sabrina S.

Further Summary on Pollution Lecture Notes - 1G03 Key Understanding: ● Pollution can be described as the process of putting toxic materials and products in the physical surroundings and having unfavourable impacts on the living organisms and the environment. ● Knowledge of the various categories of pollution and the resulted effects is important in coming up with measures of reversing the impacts. Types of Pollution (Important for Mid-Term) Air Pollution - air pollution refers to the emission of pollutants in to the environment. - These pollutants may originate from commercial and industrial processes, automobiles, or even forest fires. These are the main pollutants; carbon monoxides, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. ● Consequential effects of air pollution affect the health of humans. This can result in respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease as well as ca. - living conditions are also affected through effects such as bringing about acid rain, smog, and global warming. Water Pollution:Water pollution means that pollutants have invaded water sources like water rivers, lakes and oceans. Some of the contaminants include; ● effluents from industrial undertakings, runoff from agricultural activities, sewage, and plastics. - These pollutants can tremendously influence the existence of aqua-organisms and greatly influence the system’s equilibrium. By polluting water, human health is also affected because polluted water leads to the spread of some diseases. - The common health effects of contaminated water are cholera, dysentery and gastrointestinal diseases among them. Also, contamination of the food items can result in a slow impact on the health of individuals since toxins can biocumulate. Soil Pollution : Pollution of the soil entails the deposition of unwanted chemicals and other substandard products into the soil. - This can be through agriculture activities, industrial disposal of wastes and poor management of wastes and their disposal. - Some of the major species are pesticide, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Here is how the aspect of soil pollution affects the environment. - Some of the effects include the deterioration of soil productivity, removal of vegetation cover and pollution of water sources. For people, it bring skin diseases, respiratory diseases and other illness associated with polluted soil.