Pollution and its Types - Class 5 Notes & Olympiad Questions

Pollution

a) The environment refers to the surroundings and conditions in which living organisms exist. It includes both living and non-living elements found on Earth, such as air, water, forests, soil, sunlight, and vegetation.
b) Living things rely on the environment for their survival.
c) However, due to excessive industrialization and the pursuit of progress, humans have exploited natural resources, leading to an imbalance in the environment. This imbalance has resulted in pollution.
d) Pollution is the process of introducing harmful or unpleasant substances into the air, water, land, or soil, which contaminates and damages the environment.
e) When chemical substances are released into these components, they cause extensive harm. These harmful chemical substances are called pollutants.
f) Pollution not only causes various diseases but also poses a threat to the existence of all living organisms by disrupting the balance of ecosystems.

Air Pollution

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances like toxic gases, dust, and smoke are released into the atmosphere. Breathing in this polluted air can have negative effects on health and well-being.

Causes of Air Pollution

a) Industrial and manufacturing activities emit harmful gases.
b) Natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and forest fires release pollutants such as smoke and soot.
c) Firecrackers, the burning of plastic, old tires, garbage, and rubber in towns and cities contribute to air pollution.
d) Emissions from vehicles burning fossil fuels and greenhouse gases from thermal power plants also contribute to air pollution.

Effects of Air Pollution

a) It can lead to deadly diseases like lung cancer and respiratory ailments.
b) Air pollution can cause acid rain when emissions from factories, cars, or heating boilers combine with water in the atmosphere. This acid rain damages plant vegetation and aquatic life.

How to Control Air Pollution?

a) Instead of using personal vehicles for short distances, people should opt for public modes of transport. Carpooling is also a good option.
b) Planting more trees and vegetation helps reduce pollutants in the air.
c) Locating industrial and power plants outside city limits can significantly control air pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies when harmful substances are directly or indirectly introduced into them, making the water unsuitable for use.

Causes of Water Pollution 

a) Wastewater from factories, power plants, and manufacturing industries containing toxic substances. When this water is discharged into rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans, it degrades the water quality and affects the aquatic ecosystem.
b) Improper disposal of medications, household chemicals, and electronic waste, which can seep into groundwater and water bodies.
c) Agricultural runoff, carrying excess fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste into waterways.
d) Oil spills from ships and offshore drilling operations.

Effects of Water Pollution

a) Water pollution adversely affects aquatic life and disrupts the food chain, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem.
b) Contamination of drinking water sources leads to waterborne diseases in humans.
c) Causes diseases in human beings and other organisms that consume contaminated seafood.
d) Depletion of dissolved oxygen in water bodies leads to "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive.

Steps to Prevent Water Pollution

a) Industrial wastes should undergo proper treatment before being discharged into water bodies.
b) Disposal of wastes into rivers and lakes should be prevented.
c) Construction in coastal areas and backwaters should be regulated to minimize pollution.
d) Promote the use of eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing chemical fertiliser and pesticides.

3. Land or Soil Pollution

Land or soil pollution refers to the presence of harmful materials in the soil that can negatively impact living beings.
When garbage and waste materials are dumped on land in a way that contaminates the soil and underground water, it is known as land pollution.

Causes of Land/Soil Pollution

a) Improper disposal of garbage and waste materials leads to the decay of organic matter, creating breeding grounds for disease carriers and producing unpleasant odours.
b) Dangerous chemicals from these waste materials seep into the soil, rendering it unsuitable for agriculture.
c) Agricultural activities contribute to land pollution through the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
d) Burning of solid waste like rubber, garbage, coal, wood, and plastic generates debris that pollutes the soil.
e) Mining activities, deforestation, and careless disposal of industrial wastes into water bodies by manufacturing industries further pollute the soil.
f) Oil and fuels dumped into the soil can also have harmful effects, especially on the topsoil, making it unsuitable for plant growth.

Effects of Land/Soil Pollution

a) Soil pollution can lead to reduced soil fertility and hinder plant growth, impacting agricultural productivity.
b) Contaminants present in the soil can leach into groundwater, polluting drinking water sources.
c) Soil pollution disrupts the balance of soil microorganisms and beneficial organisms, affecting soil ecosystems.
d) Consumption of crops grown in polluted soil can lead to health issues in humans and animals.

Steps to Prevent Land/Soil Pollution

a) Proper waste management practices should be implemented, avoiding careless dumping of solid wastes containing materials like tin, copper, iron, and glass.
b) Sensible and responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides should be promoted in agricultural practices.
c) Soil erosion should be prevented by implementing measures such as growing small plants and grasses, and creating natural barriers to prevent soil runoff.
d) Encouraging sustainable land management practices, such as organic farming, and soil conservation techniques, can help maintain soil health.
e) Promoting awareness among individuals and communities about the importance of soil conservation and the proper disposal of hazardous materials.

4. Noise Pollution

Noise pollution refers to the presence of unwanted and excessive sound in the environment, which can have negative effects on the well-being of living beings. Loud noises can lead to tiredness, irritability, and disturbance, affecting both physical and mental health.

Sources of Noise Pollution

a) Machinery, vehicles, and construction activities generate loud noises.
b) Home appliances and electronic devices can contribute to noise pollution.
c) Loudspeakers used for religious functions or political purposes.
d) Noise generated by transportation systems like railways and aircraft.
e) Excessive honking of horns.

Effects of Noise Pollution

a) Noise pollution can cause hearing disorders and damage to the auditory system.
b) Disturbed sleep patterns and difficulty in concentration and communication.
c) Increased stress levels, anxiety, and irritability in humans.

Steps to Reduce Noise Pollution

a) Implement regulations and policies to restrict honking in public places like schools, hospitals, and residential areas.
b) Install soundproof systems in commercial areas and industrial buildings to minimize noise emissions.
c) Increase the presence of trees and vegetation, as they can act as natural barriers and absorb sound.
d) Avoid the use of explosives in forest, mountainous, and mining areas to reduce noise disturbances.
e) Promote awareness and education regarding the impacts of noise pollution and encourage individuals to adopt quieter and more considerate practices.

Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Waste

Treatment of Waste

Treatment of waste is crucial regardless of whether it is biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Both types of waste can harm living organisms and the environment. To address this, we can follow the three Rs: Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce.

1. Recycle

a) Recycling involves turning waste materials into new products. By recycling, we can save energy and resources.
b) For example, plastic bottles can be recycled into new plastic products, reducing the need for new plastic production.

2. Reuse

a) Reusing items instead of throwing them away helps to reduce waste.
b) For instance, instead of buying disposable water bottles, we can use refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.

3. Reduce

a) Reducing waste means generating less waste in the first place. We can achieve this by being mindful of our consumption habits.
b) For example, opting for reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags.

4. Separate waste

a) It is important to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at home. This allows for proper disposal or treatment of each type.
b) Biodegradable waste can be composted, while non-biodegradable waste can be sent for recycling or appropriate disposal.