Meenu Sadhotra
The introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects can be defined as pollution.
Air pollution, water pollution, noise and soil pollution are the most dangerous forms of pollution causing health disorders to the human beings. The water is not safe to drink, the air is not pure to inhale, the crops are not safely grown and a lot more. It is very important that for the healthy survival of life on the planet in future, preventive measures need to be taken to control the widely spreading pollution. The pollutants disturbing our natural ecosystem are hazardous gases emitted from the chimneys factories, deposited matter like dust and smog, insecticide, pesticides, organic compounds from industries like acetic acid and benzene, discharging of waste into the water bodies and the list goes on. Be it any type of Pollution, industrialization along with greenhouse effect have the adverse impacts on our ecosystem. The ever ending greediness and exploitation of natural resources is paving a way towards serious abasement of these resources. We need to execute sustainable development.
Air pollution is mainly caused by the vehicles emitting the harmful and poisonous gases, smoke from factories and open burning, burning of fossil fuels. We need to understand that it makes it difficult for plants, animals and humans to survive as the air becomes contaminated. When the oxygen level in the environment reduces due to emissions of Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide the imbalance caused by the increase or decrease of the percentage of these gases can be harmful for survival.
When the toxic waste of factories and industries is directly released into water bodies, it contaminates them, thus causing water pollution. Water pollution not only affects the marine life, but also causes serious health disorders. Soil pollution is caused by the presence of harmful chemicals in the natural soil environment caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals, improper disposal of waste and use of fertilizers and insecticides. It directly affects our health as we eat the crops grown in this soil only.
The probable sources of noise pollution are the factories and industries where big machines with generators and compressors are used, airplane engines, train sounds, home appliances, sounds from construction sites, traffic noise of moving trucks, buses, cars, and automobiles with blow horns. It cuts down the ear sensitivity to the sound which is obligatory to administer body rhythm and affects the cognitive health and causes combative behaviour, disturbed sleep, and stressful life.
Environmental pollution has negatively affected the life of both human-beings and animals. Major respiratory problems and lung diseases like asthma are caused by the smoke emitted from industries. Contaminated water kills the animals that depends upon water like fishes, crabs etc. Noise-pollution gives rise to auditory problems leading to deafness and sometimes even adversely affects the brain.
When pollutants are introduced into a natural environment, they can lead to negative consequences. Litter, noise, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal pollution, visual pollution, and water pollution are all major sources of pollution. Solid and liquid particles, as well as certain gases, are the primary sources of air pollution. Car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mould spores, volcanoes and wildfires are all sources of these particles and gases. Aerosols are the particles of both solid and liquid that float in our atmosphere.
Though measures have been taken to reduce the effects of air pollution, a lot of irreversible damage has been done. For instance, the effects of global warming have drastically increased; this is very apparent with the rise in sea levels and melting glaciers. If the ice caps continue to melt, then we will have to face drastic repercussions. Scientists have proposed a hypothetical scenario where the greenhouse effect becomes “uncontrolled.” Here, greenhouse gases build up and temperatures continue to rise steeply. Oceans will start to evaporate, adding more water vapour into the earth’s atmosphere. This intensifies the effect, reaching a point where temperatures are sufficiently high for rocks start sublimating.
Soil pollution or land pollution results from the deposition of solid waste, accumulation of biodegradable material, deposition of chemicals with poisonous chemical compositions, etc on the open land. Waste materials such as plastics, polythene, and bottles, cause land pollution and render the soil infertile. Moreover, the dumping of dead bodies of animals adds to this issue. Soil pollution causes several diseases in man and animals like Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid, etc.
Principle of 3R’s: To save the environment, use the principle of 3 R’s; Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.
Reuse products again and again. Instead of throwing away things after one use, finding a way to use them again. Reduce the generation of waste products.
Recycle: Paper, plastics, glass, and electronic items can be processed into new products while using fewer natural resources and lesser energy.
To prevent and control air pollution, better-designed equipment, and smokeless fuels should be used in homes and industries. More and more trees should be planted to balance the ecosystem and control greenhouse effects.
Noise pollution can be minimised by better design and proper maintenance of vehicles. Industrial noise can be reduced by soundproofing equipments.
To control soil pollution, we must stop the usage of plastic. Sewage should be treated properly before using it as fertilizers and as landfills. Encourage organic farming as this process involves the use of biological materials and avoiding synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance.
Several measures can be adopted to control water pollution. Some of them are water consumption and usage that can be minimized by altering the techniques involved. Water should be reused with treatment.
The melting icebergs in Antarctica resulted in rising sea levels due to the world’s environmental pollution, which had become a serious problem due to global warming, which had become a significant concern. Rising carbon pollution poses a risk for causing natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, and other natural disasters.
STEPS TO COMBAT POLLUTION :
The way to combat pollution is to follow national and international conventions like Ramsar Convention, Stockholm Convention etc.
Individual’s Role :
*We should minimize wastage of resources such as electricity. Therefore, we should always switch off appliances when not in use.
*We should prefer walking or use cycles instead of using motor vehicles, especially when distances to be travelled are small.
*We can make considerable contribution by using mass transport (buses, trains, etc) instead of using personal vehicles.
*Taking personal vehicles for periodic pollution checks at centres approved by authorities.
*We should reuse items whenever possible.
*Products that are made of recycled material should be given preference.
*Use gunny bags made of jute instead of plastic bags.
*Take part in environment conservation drives such as tree planting drives.
*Dispose potentially harmful products such as cells, batteries, pesticide containers, etc properly.
*Use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues.
*Organize drives to clean streets and clean drains with help of other people of locality.
*Spread awareness and inspire other people to prevent pollution. We should be encouraged to acquire information and innovations from world over and implement them locally.
Governments emphasise the need to plant more trees, minimise the use of plastics, improve natural waste recovery, and reduce pesticide use. This ecological way of living has helped humanity save other creatures from extinction while making the Earth a greener and safer ecology. It is the responsibility of every individual to save our planet from these environmental contamination agents. If preventive measures are not taken then our future generation will have to face major repercussions. The Government is also taking steps to create public awareness. Every individual should be involved in helping to reduce and control pollution.
We need to understand that if heightening levels of pollution is not regulated in time it will start having a negative impact on our ecosystem. Lets pledge to save our ecosystem.
(The author is Asstt. Prof. (Selection Grade) Zoology, GDCW, Kathua)
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