Environmental Pollution

Abstract

The term pollution is used to describe the introduction of harmful substances into the environment as a result of domestic, agricultural or industrial activities. Substances which pollute the air include gases like oxides of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen and the hydrocarbons emitted by thermal plants, motor vehicles and chemical industries. The increase in the level of carbon dioxide produces greenhouse effect, while nitrogen and sulphur oxides come down as acid rain causing destruction of vegetation and aquatic life. Water is normally polluted by effluents from industries, pesticides and fertilizers washed down from agricultural fields and city sewage. The greatest release of hazardous waste to the environment is from industries. Toxic chemicals flowing into rivers often kill fish. People who eat the contaminated fish have been known to develop health related problems, at times even fatal. Oil spills are also a major cause of water pollution which, if happens near the shore may seriously affect coastal flora and fauna. The increasing level of noise is also another cause of pollution which effects the environment. Pollution in any form is harmful to human life, and unless checked in time may threaten our very survival.