Pollution:

Pollution is also called environmental pollution. The addition to the

environment of any substance or energy form e.g. heat at rate faster than
the environment can accommodate by depression, breakdown, recycling,
and storage in some harmless form. Pollution of the natural environment is
largely unintended and unwanted consequences of human activities in
manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and waste disposable.

High levels of pollution are largely a consequence of industrialization,

urbanization and the rapid increase of human population in modern times.
Pollutants commonly are classified according to the part of the environment
primarily effected by them either by air, water or land. Sub grouping depends
on characteristics of the pollutants themselves: chemical, physical, thermal
and others. Many pollutants affect more than one resource. The substances
that pollute the atmosphere are either gases, finely divided solids, or finely
dispersed liquids aerosols. Five major classes of pollutants are discharged
into the air. Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur Oxides, Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen
Oxides and particulates (dust, ash).

The principal source of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels e.g.
coal, oil and derivatives of the latter, such as gasoline-in internal
combustion, engines or for heating or industrial purposes.

Water Pollution:

Nature has taken hundreds and thousands of years to shape this

world up. And we, the human beings, are determined to destroy the earth
at the earliest. Water is being contaminated and polluted like anything.

Geographically, 70 % of earth is made up of water and the rest is

made up of land. But as a matter of fact, human beings are bringing the
entire 70 % of water under peril and intoxicating it through a careless
attitude to the environment. Industrial effluents, sewage and farm wastes
are the major pollutants threatening the sanctity of our water resources.

The organic and inorganic contaminants are acids, alkalis,

carbohydrates, dyes, fats, soaps, waxes, gases, suspended matter, oil, toxic
metals and pesticides including radioactive materials and heated effluents
that impose thermal load on receiving waters. Biological pollutants include
bacteria, viruses, plants and animals.

“You can live without oil and you can even live without love, but you
cannot live without water.” These are the words of Daniel Moynihan, former
US Ambassador to India, underlining the seriousness of the water crisis in US
but are relevant for the entire world.

Water is the basic ingredient in the entire life cycle. The living cell is
mostly water. Blood and sap are about 90 per cent water. The composition
of blood and seawater is very similar, which lends support to the theory that
life was created in the ocean waters. An adult’s body is about 65 per cent
water. A loss of 15 per cent to this liquid proves usually fatal through
dehydration. Humans require 2 to 3 liters of water a day just to maintain the
racial liquid balance within the body. More than 4 liters may be required
when the person is active. Not all this need be taken directly because our
food intake also contains some water. Tomatoes contain 90 per cent water,
potatoes 80 per cent and meat about 60 per cent. It is estimated that an
average person eats about 50 tons of food and drinks about 40,000 liters of
water in a lifetime. This is subject to variations from country to country.

Enormous quantities of pure water are the basic requirement for every
product we make. To refine a ton of sugar, 4,000 liters of really pure water
are required. A ton of paper needs 300,000 liters of moderately pure water
while for generating one kilowatt of electricity in a thermal plant about 3,500
liters are needed. A ton of steel needs 240,000 liters of water. Agriculture
demands supply of water that far exceeds industrial needs. Actually water
used in agriculture cannot be recirculated as is often possible in industry.
For growing a ton of cotton 8 million liters of water are needed while a ton of
sugar crop consumes nearly a million liters of water.

Water pollution includes the accumulation in oceans, lakes, streams,

and ground water of substances that are either directly harmful to life or that
have harmful secondary or long term effects. The principle sources of water
pollution are sewage, industrial waste, garbage and refuse, and agriculture
fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Any body of water has a capacity to
absorb or break down introduce materials and sewage and some organic
industrial waste `are broken down naturally by microorganisms into forms in
which they are useful to aquatic life. But if the capacity of a body of water to
dissolve, disperse or recycle is exceeded, all additional substances become
polluted.

Types of water pollution:

Oil Pollution:
Oil pollution is one of the highest publicized forms of Ocean Pollution.
The majority of oil pollution is from spills or leakages of oil that originate
from land or rivers, which in turn flow to the sea. The more direct form of oil
pollution occurs when ships transporting the substance leak or crash.

Some of the oil washes up on the shore and becomes tar-like lumps;
some coat the fur of animals (e.g. sea otters) affecting their natural heating
system. Also, some oil finds its way to other water sources (such as lakes,
rivers, and personal water supplies) causing hazardous water to be
consumed. In extreme cases, rivers, lakes and wells have been known to
ignite. For example, in 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio ignited.

Toxic Wastes:
Toxic waste is the most harmful form of pollution to marine creatures
and humans alike. Once a form of toxic waste affects an organism, it (the
toxic waste) can be quickly passed along the food chain and might
eventually end up as seafood, causing various problems. Toxic wastes arrive
from the leakage of landfills, dumps, mines and farms. Sewage and
industrial wastes introduce chemical pollutants such as PCB, DDT, and Sevin.
Farm chemicals (insecticides and herbicides) along with heavy metals (e.g.,
mercury and zinc) can have a disastrous affect on marine life and humans
alike.

Radioactive wastes, reactor leaks, natural radioactivity, and

radioactive particles, which originate from the Atmospheric Testing Program
from explosions of nuclear weapons, are dispersed in water all over the
world. The effect of these radioactive particles is currently being researched.

All of these factors allow seafood to have a chance of being hazardous

to human health. For example, if a fish is contaminated with the metal
Mercury (by either eating it or consuming a creature who had), birth defects
and nervous system damage in humans may result. Also, Dioxin causes
genetic and chromosomal mutations in marine life and is suspected of
causing cancer in humans.

Medical wastes, such as stale blood vials, hypodermic needles, and

urine samples that have been found in ocean around the U.S. are being
researched to determine if swimmers have a chance of contracting Hepatitis
or AIDs from such wastes. Other wastes have been known to cause viral and
bacterial diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea.

Ocean Dumping:
The lawful ocean dumping of various pollutants was once common
practice, but is now regulated. However, the wastes that were dumped into
the ocean in the early 1900's remain there still. Human wastes, ground-up
garbage, water from bathing, and plastics all contribute to ocean dumping.

Examples of trash found in the ocean are: syringes, laboratory rats,

human stomach lining, Navy decontamination kits, test tubes with various
substances (with radioactive markings), tampon applicators, and a wallet-
sized photo of a dead communist dictator.
 One of the main causes of trash finding its way to the ocean is the fact
that some sewage pipes share their space with storm water drains. Rainfall
(at least 1/4 of an inch), causes the sewage pipes to flood and the sewage
wastes (basically anything you flush down your toilet), mingles with the
storm water drain which flows unhindered to a water source.

Balloons have been known to find their way into animals such as sperm
whales, blocking their digestive tracts; causing the animals to die. Plastic six-
pack rings choke various animals and animals for food mistake other waste.
Basically any unnatural trash can be harmful to ocean life.

Noise Pollution:

The word noise, which is derived from the Latin word ‘nausea’, has
been defined in different ways. In law, noise may be defined as ‘an
excessive, offensive, persistent or starling sound. In short, the best definition
of noise is ‘sound which is undesirable by the recipient’. This subjective
definition of noise differs from the scientific definition of noise.

Noise is one of the undesirable products of technological civilization.

Admits this civilization, wherever we go, noise surrounds us. The roar of
traffic, the passage of trains and aeroplanes, the bustle our ears. Even home
is invaded by noise. The noise from whatever source it comes from is
undoubtedly, physiologically as well as psychologically harmful, it is ‘an
invisible but insidious form of pollution. Noise as a potentially harmful
pollutant is being recognized as a great nuisance these days affecting the
quality of life, particularly, in urban areas.

As cities grow and there are more motor vehicles, air traffic, factories
and people, the level of noise grows accordingly. Noise is often defined as
unwanted sound. Noise problems are becoming increasingly severe,
especially in urban areas. Noise has come to be regarded as a major urban
pollutant capable of causing annoyance and hearing loss and perhaps even
adverse physiological and psychological effects. According to its magnitude,
its continuity and varying susceptibility of different individuals, noise can
induce temporary or permanent impairment of hearing.
Sources of noise pollution:

Noise pollution has been strengthening its grip on the society since last
two decades. Damages caused by other problems are reversible to some
extent whereas in case of noise pollution, it’s irreversible. The major sources
of noise pollution are:
• Loud speakers
• Automobiles
• Aircrafts
• Trains
• Construction works
• Projection of satellites into space
• Industry & Machinery.
• Entertainment

Effects of noise pollution:

The effects of noise pollution are multifaceted and interrelated. Noise

pollution has ill effects not only on the human beings but also on other living
and non- living things. A few common effects may be discussed as following:

Noise Effects on Human Beings

Noise Hazards Noise Nuisance

Permanent hearing loss

Neurol-humoral stress response

Destruction of artifacts

Efficiency Enjoyment
Comfort
Mental stress Concentration
Sleep interference
Frustration Interference
Communication
Task interference Meditation
Invasion of Privacy
Irritability Recreational
Damage of artifacts
Hearing Loss
Effects of High Intensity Noise on Human Beings

Noise dB Effects Observed

0 Threshold
of audibility
150 Significant Change in pulse rate
110 Stimulation of reception in skin
120 Pain threshold
130-135 Nausea, vomiting dizziness, interference –with
touch and muscle sense
140 Pain in ear, prolonged exposure caused
insanity
160 Minor permanent damage if prolonged
190 Major permanent damage in short time

Soil Pollution:
Land- an inelastic resource is the most important natural resources of
any region which not only provide the basis for economic activities but is the
main factor for the very existence and development of the community.
Required for agriculture afforestation, housing, industry, commerce and
many other purposes, this resource following burgeoning population, rapid
industrialization, urbanization and other human activities, has come under a
tremendous pressure. The process of modernization and imprudent land use
is causing degradation and pollution of this resource.

The term “soil pollution” does not have a very precise meaning. This is
because there are different types and degrees of pollution and the people
have varying standards by which the judge pollution effects. Soil pollution
mainly involves the deposition on land of solid wastes such as cans, bottles,
plastic containers, paper, and used cars that cannot be broken down quickly
or, in some cases, at all. Aside from recycling, disposal methods include
concentrating such materials in landfills, burning them in incinerators, or
dumping them in ocean. The term land pollution also includes the
accumulation on land of toxic chemicals (in solid or liquid form) produced by
industry and of radioactive wastes from nuclear processing facilities.

Massive mountains of solid wastes are disposed each day by our

consumer society. It is estimated that about 10 billion tones of solid wastes
are produced every year in the world and are dumped into the
surroundings. Solid wastes are an integral part of our life as they devour
our precious landscape spoiling the aesthetics of the surroundings.

Solid wastes are unwanted materials thrown away in solid form, arising
from the normal community activity. It includes garbage i.e. kitchen and
food wastes, rubbish materials like paper, rag, glass bottles, metallic cans,
plastics, fibers, residues from home fuels, street sweeping, building debris,
rubbles and abandoned vehicles.

Sources of soil Pollution:

Sources of Land pollution are many. Land or the soil pollution stems
principally from the following:
• Indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes
• Mining or ore processing etc.
• Contamination of soil with man-made chemicals, and
• Improper land use and planning.

Effects of soil Pollution:

The effects of land pollution are numerous, interrelated and of adverse

consequences on the entire ecological system. Land pollution caused by
indiscriminate disposal of solid and semi-solid wastes, particularly in the
urban areas besides presenting unsightly scene, poses a grave threat to
human health. Huge piles of garbage at the disposal sites and littered around
in the towns remains a dwelling place for flies, bacteria, mosquitoes and
other harmful insects. The atmosphere in the vicinity of disposal sites of
wastes is affected by the obnoxious smells and pathogens emitted or
produced in the process of decomposition of garbage which eventually is a
cause of intestinal and respiratory diseases in human beings. Presence of
explosives, highly toxic substances, plastic and diseased culture etc. In the
solid wastes put the health and safety of sanitary workers at risk which may
ensure from occupational diseases, contact with the toxic materials in the
course of collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste. The adverse
economic effects of solid wastes, too, are far reaching. The squandering of
limited and non-renewable mineral resources such as copper, zinc, lead and
tin etc. disposed of and indiscriminately dumped in solid wastes- beyond
recovery inevitably produce a disruptive economic impact.

Air pollution:

A man can live without food for a month, without water for two or three
days, but he cannot live without breathing even for a minute. According to
research, it is estimated that an average adult male breathes in 15 kg of air
a day, in comparison to about 1.5 kg of the food consumed and 2.5 kg of
water intake. Hence it is obvious that the quantum of pollutants that enter
our body through respiration would be manifold in comparison to those
taken in through polluted water or contaminated food.

Air is a mixture of gases comprising 78 per cent nitrogen, 21 per cent

oxygen and a little less than 1 per cent argon, together with 0.03 per cent
carbon dioxide. These elements make upto 99.9 per cent of dry air. As long
as this composition is maintained, the air is pure. If this composition is
altered, i.e. the oxygen level gets reduces or other harmful gases enter the
atmosphere, then the air is said to be polluted and inhalation of this polluted
air can lead to respiratory disorders

The atmosphere the earth envelope is a mixture of various gases, with

a total mass of about 5.1 x (10)15 tones about 0.00001percent off the planers
mass. The composition of the atmosphere has been stable over the period
human life has been in existence, which indicates that it is suited to us.
The composition of the unpolluted air is given in table:

Constituent Volume per cent

Nitrogen 78.09
Oxygen 20.94
Argon 0.93
Carbon dioxide 0.03
Balance @ 0.01

About 99.99 % of the mass of the atmosphere is concentrated within a

height of about 80 kilometer of the earth’s surface. This is one of the factors
that make our planet hospitable of life through some basic functions. The
atmosphere shields and protects us from harmful things like ultra violet
radiation from space and extraterrestrial bodies like comets and asteroids
reaching and hitting the Earths surface. It functions as a medium of storage
and distribution for much substance that is integral parts of vital life
processes that take place continuously on the Earth. For example, it stores
and distributes water vapor and heat energy to make our climate moderate.
It stores and distributes oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, which are
integral constituents of all life forms. An important function of, the
atmosphere, which is of interest in air pollution is that, it stirs, dilutes and
distributes the various pollutants that we put into it. The behavior of the
atmosphere is the major factor, which completely determines whether, our
pollution, haunts us or will blow away to trouble someone else.
 Air pollution is a particular problem in urban areas, where the ultra
violet rays in sunlight combine with hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide to form
photochemical smog. On a somewhat wider scale, So2 a nitrogen oxide from
the burning fossil fuel can combine with atmospheric water vapor to form
acid rain which is damaging to water, forest and soil resources. As a result of
the increased consumption of fossil fuel, levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere have risen steadily in the 20th century and show signs of
increasing atmospheric temperature worldwide owing to the greenhouse
effect.

Types of Air Pollution:

Air pollution is indication of disturbances to the composition of

compounds in the atmosphere, as it may be summarized as shown:
• Excess emission of gases/vapors into atmosphere
• Saturation of chemical compounds/particulates
• Rate of dissipation < (smaller than) rate of absorption through various
cycles (i.e. carbon and nitrogen cycle)
• Emergence of new chemical reactions of reactive and non-
biodegradable compounds.

Following are some of his common pollutants occurring in the air:

1. Gases Pollutants:
Sources: The sources of gaseous pollutants are the vehicles, industries,
manufacturing processes and even agricultural activities.
Combustion of fossil fuels release oxides of Sulphur and nitrogen. SO2
is released even from petroleum refineries and nitrogen oxides are produced
from the power generators carbon monoxide is another harmful gas released
during combustion.
Agricultural activities are responsible for air pollution, to some extent.
Because of spraying and dusting, organic phosphates and chlorinated
hydrocarbons are added. Ammonia produced from fertilizer factories and
from cold storage systems is added to the air.
Particulate pollutants: The particulate pollutants include dust from
crushing and grinding due to road mix plants and the construction work.
Silica particles and asbestos particles, fibers from textile mill are other
particulate pollutants, particulate fluorides; lead particles are still other
pollutants of this class. Pollen grains and the spores when produced in
excess also act as natural pollutants.

Smog: The mixture of smoke and fog together produced smog (‘smo’ from
smoke and ‘g’ from fog). It is actually fog carrying carbon particles. Smog is
the result of heavy traffic on the highways.

Photochemical oxidants: These pollutants are the secondary pollutants.

NO2 and hydrocarbons react with each other in presence of light. The major
oxidants are ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate [PAN].

2. Radioactive pollutants:
Nuclear activities are responsible for addition of the new type of pollutants
to the air. Nuclear fission from nuclear reactors and testing for nuclear
weapons are other sources of such pollution. These pollutants persist for
many years. After effects of atomic blast of 1945, are still observed in
Japan.
The atomic reactor at Chernobyl in former USSR blew off and a thick cloud of
radioactive substances decipated in the atmosphere. Radioactive pollutants
are the most dangerous, because they affect the chromosomes and bring
about hereditary disorders.
Sources and Methods of air pollution:

We can classify major sources that lead to air pollution to the following
categories:

• Motor vehicle exhaust

• Heat and power generation facilities
• Industrial processes
• Auto manufacturing
• Fertilizers plants
• Building demolition
• Solid waste disposal
• Solvent evaporation
• Volcanic eruption
• Fuel production
• Roadway construction
• Electrical components manufacturing
• Extraction of metals
• Forest fires
• Agriculture

Source Smoke Parti- Sox NOx CO Hydro- Toxic Others

culates carbons Metals
Fossil fuel X X X X X X X ---
Combustion
Transportatio X X X X X X X ---
n
Incineration X X --- --- --- --- --- Odours
Metallurgical --- --- X X X --- X Fluorides
Operations --- X X X --- --- X Ordours,
Chemical fluorides,
Industries hydrogen
sulphides,
 organic
vapours
Sewage --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Odours,
hydrogen
sulphides
Field burning X X X --- --- --- --- ---
Mining --- X --- --- --- --- X ---

Major pollutants Methods of pollution

• Combustion of fuel led to the
production of oxides of lead,
nitrogen and sulfur
• Particulates release will cause
haze and smog resulting in the
Motor vehicle exhaust poor vision in the area

• Oxides of lead, nitrogen and

sulfur dissolves in water vapor
and altering its pH and causing it
more acidic
• Emission of excess heat to
atmosphere causing warming of
the atmosphere
• Waste biomass not properly
incinerated, incomplete
Heat and power generation
combustion and unrecycled
facilities
remaining waste leads to the
release of carbon monoxide
(CO), and methane (CH4 ]

Industrial processes • Production of thick black smoke

emitted without a proper filtering
system lead to an increase of
carbon dioxide emission
 • Emission of CFCs
(chlorofluorocarbon) in
atmosphere will through a free
radical reaction altering the
structure of the ozone molecule
(O3) by breaking the bond to
produce free radicals. CFCs can
be found in refrigerant products
like refrigerator, aerosol spray
• Production of nitric acid ( HNO3 )
through Oswald process involves
a series of combustion

• Emits about 1180 tons of

organics; 54 tons of NOx (oxides
of nitrogen); 730 pounds of SO2;
and 7 tons of carbon monoxide
(CO)
Auto Manufacturing

• Increase production of vehicles

has led to the increase of usage
organic products, and heavy
metals
Fertilizers Plants • Emission of corrosive byproducts
like sulphuric acid (H2SO4) by
Contact process and hydrochloric
acid (HCl), which increase the
acidity of water vapor in the
atmosphere
• Over production of ammonia
(NH3) for fertilizer production,
 which are not contained in a
proper manner may increase
alkalinity of atmosphere

• Crumbling rubble and debris

which floats and settles in the
atmosphere, causing haze and
smog (i.e. benzene, asbestos,
Building demolition
beryllium, inorganic arsenic)

• Accumulation of waste leads to

production of strong odor and
humidity, right conditions for
pests (houseflies) and bacteria
growths which further
Solid waste disposal aggravates the odor in the area

• Radioactive and hazardous

waste not disposed in enclose
area will cause the release of
radioactive vapors or substances
into atmosphere
Solvent evaporation • Vaporization of complex organic
solvents which are non
biodegradable (i.e. non -
methane organic compounds:
ethane, ethylene, aldehydes,
ketones)
• Production of strong unpleasant
 odor (i.e. lubricants, paints)
• Organic vapors reacting with
chemical compounds in
atmosphere which acts as
insulator earth, thereby
producing greenhouse effects
(i.e. methane, carbon dioxide)

• Toxic and poisonous gases of

SO2 , NO2 and PbS2 spewed out

Volcanic eruption • Heat produce during eruptions

will increase the temperature of
atmosphere, altering the rate of
chemical reactions occurring
Fuel production • Fractional distillation of crude oil
to produce kerosene, gasoline
and refinery gas by the cracking
process (pyrolisis) involves the
use of high heat energy at 450°C
splitting larger alkane molecules
into smaller alkane and alkene
molecules which are more easily
vaporized and are therefore
more useful fuels
• Fuel extraction, processing,
refining and distribution add an
additional 14% of carbon dioxide
emissions (CO2)
• 30% of hydrocarbon emissions
are released through
 evaporation, which occurs from
both fuel tanks and gasoline
tanks

• Manufacture of construction
equipment comparable to the
degree of pollution of auto
manufacturing

Roadway construction • Asphalt fumes which are

bothersome and toxic, which
involves the release of both
particulate benzene (C6H6) –
soluble organics and individual
aromatic hydrocarbons
• Process of making
semiconductors involves the
usage of hazardous heavy metal
(i.e. arsenic and lead)
• Emission of toxic byproducts into
Electrical components
river and atmosphere (i.e.
manufacturing
sulphates, nitrates and
sulphides)

Extraction of metals
Extractions of pure metal involves
the heating of coke (carbon); (i.e.
iron and silicon) produce carbon
 dioxide and carbon monoxide

• Extractions of Group 1 and 2

metals (sodium, potassium,
magnesium, calcium) through
electrolysis involves the usage of
graphite (carbon) and mercury
as the electrode

• Release of particulates into

atmosphere causing smog and
haze results in the poor vision of
Forest fires
sight in the area

• Improper sanitation results in the

accumulation of faces and urine
Agriculture
causing strong odor and smell
contamination in the area
Air Pollution and Health Hazards:

All the air pollutants severely affect the health of human beings. Some of the
main air pollutants and their side effects on human health are given below
the in the table:

Pollutants Sources And Side Effects

Chloroform Sources:

Disinfectors

Side Effects:

Cancer
Para-dichlorobenzene Sources:

Air freshener, campers

Side Effects:

Cancer
Tetra chloroethyl Sources:

Vapour from cloth-dryer liquid that left in clothes

Side Effects:

Heart disorder, damages to kidney and herpes

cancer.

Sources:

Styrene Carpets and plastic

Side Effects:

Damages to kidney and herpes

Radon-222 Sources:
 Radioactive soil, foundation stone, water sources.

Side Effects:

Lung cancer
Smoke form Sources:
Cigarette
Cigarette

Side Effects:

Lung and respiratory system cancer, heart damage

Carbon Monoxide Sources:

Kerosene cooking stove board, damaged fire store

in living room.

Side Effects:

Headache, improper heartbeats, excessive

sleepiness.
Nitrogen Oxide Sources:

Wood board

Side Effects:

Lung irritation, fever to children, headache.

1,1,1-Trichloroethane Sources:

Aerosol spray

Side Effects:

Headache and respiratory difficulties

Asbestos Sources:

Pipe isolation and tile.

Side Effects:

Lung damages and cancer

Air Quality Standards:

Each country ha set its national air quality standards which much not be
exceeded if public health and welfare are to be protected.

The central Board for Prevention and Control of Pollution of India has
prescribed the following air quality standards for some pollutants.

Area Category Suspended Sulphur Oxides of Carbon

particulate dioxide nitrogen monoxide
matter
Industrial and mixed 500 120 120 5000
use
Residential and rural 200 80 80 2000
Sensitive (hill stations, 1 30 50 1000
tourist resorts, national
00
parks, monuments,
health resorts etc.)

The values for Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen present annual
averages when monitored uniformly over twelve months of the year, with a
frequency of not less than once a week with a sampling time of 8 hours, The
concentration of the pollutant shall be 95 per cent of the time within the
prescribed limits.

At present the monitoring programmers in India are not geared up for

systematic work. These standards are invariably exceeded in many regions
of the country, usually the densely populated urban industrial areas. Another
important aspect is that the technology employed in most of the industrial
units as well as automobiles is not updated with in-built pollution control
devices.

According to New York Times Magazine the air quality in big cities in India is
among the worst in the world. According to one report, Delhi, the Indian
Union Capital, has 1.3 million registered vehicles, 120,000 being added
annually? Two and Three wheelers constitute about 63 per cent. The
vehicular traffic contributes more then 800 Ions of pollutant gases every
day, which constitutes more than 60 per cent of the air pollution in the city.
During peak time the emissions are estimated at

Carbon monoxide 1,500kg

Hydrocarbons 500kg

Oxides of nitrogen 1000kg

Over 400 kg of lead are released into the air every day. The two thermal
power stations emit 1,450 tons of flyash and 600 tons of Sulphur dioxides
every day. There are 5,000 noxious gas-emitting industries in the capital,
868 of which the walled city itself. As many as 28 large industries release
chlorine and other dangerous substances. The water-polluting industries are
put at 82.
Environmental Effects of Acid Rain

Do you think that she knows what acid rain is?

Air Pollution Creates Acid Rain...

Scientists have discovered that air pollution from the burning of fossil
fuels is the major cause of acid rain. Acidic deposition, or acid rain as it is
commonly known, occurs when emissions of Sulphur dioxide (so2) and
oxides of nitrogen (nox) react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and
oxidants to form various acidic compounds. This mixture forms a mild
solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Sunlight increases the rate of most of
these reactions.

These compounds then fall to the earth in either wet form (such as
rain, snow, and fog or dry form (such as gas and particles). About half of the
acidity in the atmosphere falls back to earth through dry deposition as gases
and dry particles. The wind blows these acidic particles and gases onto
buildings, cars, homes, and trees. In some instances these gases and
particles can eat away the things on which they settle. Dry deposited gases
and particles are sometimes washed from trees and other surfaces by
rainstorms. When that happens, the runoff water adds those acids to the
acid rain, making the combination more
acidic than the falling rain alone. The combination the acid rain plus dry
deposited acid is called acid deposition. Prevailing winds transport the
compounds, sometimes hundreds of miles, across state and national
borders.

.
Wouldn't you rather see this...?

Electric utility plants account for about 70 percent of annual SO 2

emissions and 30 percent of NOx emissions in the United States. Mobile
sources (transportation) also contribute significantly to NOx emissions.
Overall, over 20 million tons of SO2 and NOx are emitted into the
atmosphere each year.

Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes to

damage of trees at high elevations (for example, red spruce trees above
2,000 feet in elevation). In addition, acid rain accelerates the decay of
building materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and
sculptures that are part of our nation's cultural heritage. Prior to falling to
the earth, SO2 and NOx gases and their particulate matter derivatives,
sulfates and nitrates, contribute to visibility degradation and impact public
health.
 Implementation of the Acid Rain program under the 1990 Clean Air Act
amendments wills confers significant benefits on the nation. By reducing SO2
and NOX, many acidified+ lakes and streams will improve substantially so
that they can once again support fish life. Visibility will improve, allowing for
increased enjoyment of scenic vistas across our country, particularly in
national parks. Stress to our forests that populate the ridges of the
mountains from Maine to Georgia will be reduced. Deterioration of
our historic buildings and monuments will be slowed. Finally, reductions in
SO2 and NOx will reduce sulphates, nitrates, and ground level ozone (Smog),
leading to improvements in public health.

Control Measures:

1) Tall chimneys of factories help to discharge pollutants at the highest

altitudes.
2) Automobiles should be checked regularly for their efficiency as regards
complete combustion of fuels.
3) Green vegetation around the industry seems to be a good solution to
reduce pollution. Trees act as biomonitor for the problem of
pollution.
4) Setting chambers, bag filters, wet collectors; gas absorbers are some
of the equipments useful in the control of air pollution.
5) If use of a row material produces more pollution, a suitable one should
replace it. For example, the use of a fuel containing less percentage
of Sulphur.
6) Modification in the equipment can pose less pollution problem. E.g.
instead of using open hearth furnace, oxygen furnace is used to
reduced pollution.
Cases Studies:

Bhopal Tragedy: On Dec 3, 1984 methyl isocyanate [MIC] accidentally

leaked out form the storage tanks of the insecticide and germicide factory at
Bhopal. This MIC killed over 3000 and seriously affected nearly lakhs of the
residents.