Environmental Education Exam Material [Intermediate Education - Andhra Pradesh]

7/29/2019 Environmental Education Exam Material [Intermediate Education - Andhra Pradesh]

1/8

Pollution C[us_s & Eff_]ts Environm_nt[l E^u][tion

[email protected] Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh

Power Plant: Power plant is an industrial place for generation of electric power. There aredifferent types of Power plants like Thermal power plants, Hydro power plants, Nuclear Power Plants,

Solar Power Plants. It is useful in power generation, but it may cause Environmental pollution.

Causes & Effects of pollution:

1)Hot Water: Thermal Power plant uses large amount of water during process of power generation

and this water is sent out in heated form or evaporated. So, this leads to increase in temperature of

lakes, ponds, rivers etc. and atmosphere. The change in temperature decreases oxygen supply, and

affects ecosystem composition. Fish and other aquatic organisms adapted to particular temperature

range can be killed by the huge change in water temperature.

2)Emission of gases: Besides this, power plants also releases waste gases like Carbon dioxide (CO2),

Sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter and other effluents, during combustion of fuel, to air and

thus causing air pollution and global warming.

3)Emission of Ash: Fly Ash is emitted from these power plants which may contain harmful chemicals

like Mercury, Lead. This may lead to severe human diseases.

Control of pollution from Power plant:

a) Use of technology to decrease of heat from water that is released into water bodies.

b) Reducing the amount of waste gases or Greenhouse gases from power plants. Fly Ash can be used

in different ways; so, it is better using it than releasing it into atmosphere.

c) Hydro power plants are more eco-friendly than Fuel Power plants as Hydro power plants do not

emit any gases.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Garbage Dumping:Garbage is a subset of solid waste and includes animal and vegetablewastes resulting from the handling, storage, sale, preparation, cooking, and serving of foods and

household goods. Dumping or throwing out these garbage into environment is called Garbage

Dumping. This causes pollution and unhealthy atmosphere.


1) Growth of Micro-organisms: Garbage contains a lot of organic and inorganic substances. So,

harmful bacteria, fungi grow in that, release awful gases and spread diseases in its surroundings.

These micro-organisms make the surrounding atmosphere unhealthy and fill with bad odour. Also

mosquitoes, flies make this garbage more harmful.

2) Soil Contamination: When dumped into land, without proper care leads to soil pollution and

pollutes the soil, water surrounding it. This waste may turn the soil and land, infertile.Chemicals andother contaminants found in solid waste can seep into our groundwater.

Control of pollution from Garbage Dumping:

a) Proper disposal of Garbage is needed. Garbage must be sorted and disposed accordingly. Waste

should be scientifically disposed using Landfills, Incineration. Collecting, transport, and disposal mustbe done regularly.

b) Garbage must be disposed or dumped at outskirts of village/city. Place of Garbage dumping must

be bleached.

c) Recycling useful materials like paper, plastic etc. may decrease the effect of pollution through

Garbage dumping.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steam Locomotive:A steam locomotive is a locomotive that produces its power through asteam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning some combustible material, usually coal,

wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler, which drives the steam engine.



2/8



1)Air Contamination: As these Steam Locomotives uses combustible fuel, they releases huge

amounts of harmful gases, Greenhouse gases like Carbon dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides,

and smoke. So, they contaminate the air and increase the amount of harmful gases in atmosphere

largely.

2) Smoke: Steam locomotives emit large amounts of smoke and dust. This increases concentration of

particulate matter in atmosphere and causes harmful smog like photochemical smog.

3) Sound pollution: These steam locomotives also create lot of noise and sound in high volume. This

leads to sound pollution in a great way.

Control of pollution from steam locomotive:

a) Efficiency of engines in these steam locomotives should be increased by adopting efficient means

of operation. So, the amount of fuel wasted will be decreased and pollution may be regulated.

b) Emission of smoke and dust must be decreased. Also noise from the engine must be reduced by

increasing the efficiency of locomotive.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Traffic Noise:It is the noise or unpleasing sound from the traffic like vehicles, locomotives. It is

a combination of the noises produced by vehicle engines, exhaust, and tires. Traffic is the biggest

source of noise pollution especially in urban areas. In the past few years the number of automobile

vehicles has increased manifold. Thus, traffic problems created by these vehicles are important

sources of noise pollution. The sound produced by the exhaust systems of trucks, autos, buses,

motorcycles, and etc. cause a lot of noise.


1)Health effects: High traffic noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in

blood pressure, and an increase in stress and constriction, and an increased incidence of coronary

artery disease. Traffic Noise causes Hearing Problems, Cardiovascular Issues, Sleep Disturbances,

and Interference in Verbal Communication etc.

2)Mental Problems: Exposure to loud traffic sound can lead to elevated stress levels as well asstimulate violent behavior. A constant traffic noise in the vicinity can also trigger headaches, make

people tense and anxious, and disturb emotional balance.

Control of pollution from Traffic Noise:

a) Regular servicing of the vehicles is an effectual measure to lower the intensity of sound produced

by them.Lack of maintenance will not only increase noise levels, but also decrease the efficiency ofthese machines.

b) Horns in vehicles should not be honk unless it is absolutely necessary.

c) Noisy vehicles and locomotives should be reported. Use of silencers to the vehicles must be

increases which decrease the level of Traffic Noise.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Space Shuttle:The space shuttle is a spacecraft designed for transporting people, satellites and

cargo to and from orbit around Earth. They are helpful in improving the system of space technology,

but also causes significant amount of pollution. During the launch of space shuttle, a huge amount of

fuel is used and lots amount of gases are released into the atmosphere.


1)Emission of Smoke: Space Shuttles emit large amount of smoke and harmful gases produced during

combustion of propellants in them to the atmosphere and space. Smoke creates a huge amount of

damage to the environment. Space Shuttles also produce hydrochloric acid, which produces acid

rains.

2)Depletion of Ozone layer: Space Shuttles release chlorine gas directly into the stratosphere, wherethe chlorine reacts with oxygen to form ozone-destroying chlorine oxides. This leads to depletion of


3/8



Ozone layer. Combustion products in the space shuttle exhaust such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide,

and water vapor are greenhouse gases and may contribute to global warming.

Control of pollution from Space Shuttle:

a) Eco-friendly or Green propellants must be used in space shuttles.

b) Gases and smoke from the space shuttles should not be emitted to stratosphere and atmosphere

directly. They must be safely disposed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drainage into River:Many towns and factories are built near rivers so that they can use waterfrom the river. But sometimes the water is not cleaned before it is put back into the river and huge

amount of waste is dumped into rivers. This dirtying of water is referred to as Drainage into River.

This pollution can be in a variety of forms like Rubbish (crisp packets, newspaper and bags), Oil,

Poisonous substances, Cans, bottles and other solid objects, Human waste / excrement etc.


1)Agriculture: The fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural use can be washed through the soil by

rain, to end up in rivers. Fertilizers and pesticides are harmful because they cause algae to grow. The

algae then destroy water plants.

2) Factories & Industries: Factories use water from rivers to power machinery or to cool down

machinery. Dirty water containing chemicals is put back in the river. Water used for cooling is

warmer than the river itself, and this is also a form of pollution.

3) Solid Waste: People throw rubbish, solid waste such as bottles and crisp packets, domestic waste

directly into rivers.

This large drainage into river kills aquatic plants and animals.This polluted water also carriesdiseases and also the river gives out bad odour. This uncontrolled drainage into water decreases the

amount of oxygen in river water.

Control of pollution from Drainage into River:

a) Industries and factories should not throw waste into river without proper treatment and analysis.b) The use of fertilizers and pesticides should be decreased.

c) Awareness should be developed in people regarding drainage into river and change should be

brought.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emission from vehicles:Vehicle emissions are composed of the by-products that come out ofthe exhaust systems or other emissions. These emissions contribute to air pollution and are a major

ingredient in the creation of smog in some large cities. The main vehicle emissions are Nitrogen

oxides, volatile organic compounds, Ozone, Carbon monoxide (CO), toxics, Particulate matter,

Carbon dioxide (CO2).

Causes & Effects of pollution:1)Health problems: Inhalation of compounds formed by nitrogen oxides is harmful. It may lead to

respiratory, cardiac problems. Ozone emitted by vehicles at ground level, irritates the respiratory

system. Carbon Monoxide combines with hemoglobin to produce carboxyhemoglobin, which is

ineffective for delivering oxygen to bodily tissues. Toxics cause excessive bleeding and depress the

immune system.

2)Increase of Greenhouse gases: Most of the emissions like Carbon dioxide, from the vehicles are

greenhouse gases. Some emissions may form photochemical smog in atmosphere. Oxides may

promote the formation of acid rains.

Control of pollution from Vehicle Emissions:

a) Vehicle Engine efficiency has been steadily improved with improved engine design. Every vehiclemust be tested on basis of emissions control. Better fuels like CNG should be used.


4/8



b) Technologies like Catalytic converter, Exhaust gas recirculation, Air injection etc. should be used

so as to decrease the amount of emissions from the vehicles.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washing Animals in Drinking Water: Animal bodies contain large number of harmfulmicro-organisms like Bacteria, Fungi, protozoa which may cause many diseases to human beings. In

many rural areas, animals are washed, cleaned in drinking water lakes and ponds. This makes the

water in that lakes or ponds unfit for drinking purpose.Water should be used as per the requirement ofanimals. Drinking water should not be used for washing animals.


1) Water Contamination: Water in the ponds and lakes will be contaminated with various types of

micro-organisms and animal waste. Animals pollute the water through their sewage effluent and thus

increase Ammonium levels in water. Animal wastes usually create the most serious health-related

water pollution problems. Drinking of water, from these ponds, will definitely causes diseases and

problems.

2)Disease Transmission: It is known that many diseases are transmitted through animals. Washing of

effected animals in drinking water will transmit diseases. Also, this washing is also harmful aquatic

life in the pond or lake.

Control of pollution from Washing Animals in Drinking water:

a) The control measure is very clear that the animals should be cleaned and washed in normal place

other than drinking water body. For this, rural farmers and people should be educated about this and

prevent them from washing animals in drinking water.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Smoking:Smoking is a practice in which a substance, most commonly tobacco, is burned and thesmoke is tasted or inhaled. Smoking not only affects the smokers health, it also greatly influences the

surrounding atmosphere. Smoke and cigarette butts affect the environment the most, resulting into air,

water and land pollution.


1)Air contamination: Approximately 4000 chemicals are present in cigarettes, which are breathed out

and released in the atmosphere during smoking.The chemicals and carcinogenic particles move up,(since smoke is less dense than air) and stay in the atmosphere, causing the air to become dirty and

more toxic. Most of these chemicals like nicotine are cancer causing substances and may lead to

serious health problems.

2)Land and water pollution: Smokingalso affects the land we live on and the water that we drink.Millions of cigarette butts are discarded onto the ground every day and some are disposed into water.

This leads to the contamination of land and water.

Control of pollution from Smoking:a) Smoking should be banned or decreased. Smokers should change their mindset and stop smoking.

They should be reminded that Smoking is injurious to health.

b) Cigarette butts should not be littered on ground, roads, water. They should be kept in ash trays and

then disposed properly.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Garbage thrown into water: Often many cities dump garbage into the sea and the rivers,without taking any care and in a disorderly manner. This problem occurs not only near big cities and

industries but also in rural areas. Improper dumping of domestic waste and garbage causes serious

environmental problems. The waste is very harmful because it contains plastics, glass, cans and

organic waste, which do not decompose or, when they do, they produce toxic substances. This

garbage in water is increasing day by day. So, it must be controlled.


5/8




1) Water Contamination: Throwing away garbage into water bodies like rivers, oceans will

contaminate the water and causes severe pollution. Some substances will be toxic and dangerous if

consumed. The water quality will be decreased. The organic waste will increase growth of micro-

organisms and decreases dissolved oxygen.

2)Harmful to aquatic life: Most of this garbage consists of harmful substances that endanger the life

of aquatic animals and plants. Also this throwing of garbage into water decreases the level of

dissolved oxygen and makes the aquatic life suffocate.

Control of pollution from Garbage thrown into water:

a) Garbage should be properly disposed in oceans. Harmful and Toxic substances should be removed.

Proper disposal of waste decreases the level of pollution.

b) Garbage should be minimized through recycling. It is better to dispose it in landfills than in water.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nuclear Explosion: A nuclear explosion is a man-made explosion that occurs as a result of therapid release of energy from an intentionally generated high-speed nuclear reaction like nuclear

fission, nuclear fusion. Generally, nuclear explosions occur during wars, nuclear weapon testing and

trail. This nuclear explosion causes severe environmental problems due to radioactivity of the

explosion and huge amount of energy released.


1)Radioactivity: Nuclear explosion is involved with large amounts of radioactivity which is very

harmful to the life on earth. Nuclear Explosions produce radioactive waste. Nuclear waste may

generate low to medium radiation over long period of times. The radioactivity may contaminate and

propagate through air, water, and soil as well. The main issue is the fact that nuclear waste cannot be

degraded or treated chemically or biologically. The decaying process of radioactive wastes takes a

very long time in progress. Radioactivity may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, genetic mutations

and tumors formation. Soil, water also changes their nature due to radioactivity.2) Other effects: some other effects like Blast damage, Thermal radiation, Electromagnetic pulse,

Ionizing radiation may also contribute to pollution of air and land.

Control of pollution from Nuclear Explosions:

a) The waste products from the Nuclear Explosion should be disposed carefully and properly. Care

should be taken to reduce the level of radiation from Nuclear Explosions.

b) Nuclear explosions should be done far away from the habitat area so that effects of nuclear

explosion will be less.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loudspeaker Noise:Loudspeaker is generally used to generate sound with high intensity. They

are mostly used for advertisement purpose, religious purpose, business promotion. Especially, duringelections and rallies, there will be huge noise pollution because of loudspeakers used. Maximum

intensity for which human ear can tolerate is about 75 dB, but these loudspeakers cross this limit and

causes damage to ear. The amplified sound from these Loudspeakers causes serious pollution and

hearing problems. Sometimes, noise from these loudspeakers may cause heart attacks and shocks.


1)Health problems: Loudspeaker Noise causes several hearing problems like hearing impairment and

also it decreases the efficiency of human. It also causes Lack of concentration, Fatigue, increase in

Blood Pressure, hypertension etc. sometimes it may also cause Memory loss.

2) Unwanted use: Most of the loudspeakers are used unwantedly. Loudspeakers both at day and night

time cause severe sound pollution. This makes the surrounding areas difficult to live peacefully.Control of pollution from Loudspeaker Noise:


6/8



a) Proper laws should be made to reduce the pollution due to Noise from Loudspeakers and sound

systems. Loudspeakers should not be used at night time.

b) Use of several loudspeakers with small intensity is better than the use of one loudspeaker of high

intensity. They should be used only when required. The volume of loudspeakers should be adjusted so

not to create pollution.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Natural Disaster Noise:Natural Disasters like earthquake, thunders, storms, cyclones,volcanic eruptions causes huge amount of air, water, and noise pollution. Environmental effects of

natural disasters are dangerous and fatal. Most of these disasters produce high level of noise and

sound. As natural disasters are unstoppable, the pollution from them is also unpreventable.


1)Noise Pollution: Lot of sound is produced during natural disasters like earthquake, floods, and

storms due to rapid contact between rocks, water, and soil. This type of noise pollution is small when

compared other types, but it has significant effect on environment. Natural disasters may produce high

intensity sounds when compared to other sounds which are very dangerous to environment and life on

planet.

2)Health Hazards: Noise pollution is also caused due to some sudden disasters like thunders and

lightning cause serious pollution and cause huge health hazards.

Control of pollution from Natural Disaster Noise:

a) Pollution from this noise from natural disasters cannot be prevented. But some precautions and care

should be taken to be away from the effects of this noise.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chemical Waste from Industry:Chemical waste is made from harmful chemicals mostlyproduced by large factories and industries. During the production and manufacturing in industries,

many waste materials and by-products are produced along with desired products. Most of these are

useless and toxic. These chemicals are generally thrown into land or rivers or oceans. But these

chemicals also contain harmful substances and also cause pollution.


1)Harmful Chemicals: Some forms of chemical wastes are, spent acids and bases, insolvent

substances, both chlorinated and non-chlorinated, contaminated glassware and plastic that has been

used in laboratories, organic solvents etc. These wastes are hazardous and can be effectively harmful,

even leading to chronic diseases. Many occupational hazards are also caused due to the chemicals

produced as wastes.

2)Huge Pollution: The factories are usually situated near rivers or seas and dispose of their chemical

wastes in the rivers. This leads to contamination in water bodies, causing difficulty for aquatic life to

survive in that region. Also contamination gets highly concentrated as it reaches higher in the food-chain, causing problems to other creatures including humans.

Control of pollution from Industrial chemical waste:

a) Proper disposal of this chemical waste is required to minimize the effect of pollution from this

waste.

b) The by-products and wastes from industrial processes should be decreased and reduce the chemical

waste. Toxic or harmful waste should be separated and disposed properly.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Waste Tyre Dumping: Tyres are very important for transport, vehicles etc. during their use,but after their lifetime they become huge cause for pollution. Waste tyres are considered a problem

because they are difficult to get rid of safely through normal means such as leaving them in a landfill

to decay or incinerating them. Tyres generally do not decay as quickly as other waste.


7/8



Causes & Effects of Pollution:

1)Human Health Problems: Indiscriminate and illegally discarding of waste tyres in the environment

make waste tyres reservoir of rain water hence providing breeding space for mosquitoes and other

vectors of diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever. Rats can also live in waste tyres.Thecomposition of tyres include hazardous chemicals like cadmium, lead and chromium which poses

further risk to human health and the environment.

2)Air pollution: Complete combustion of a tyre, will produce carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide that

contribute to greenhouse effects. Incomplete combustion release dioxins and noxious gases.

Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants such as polynuclear aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs), furans, hydrogen chloride, benzene, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury, zinc,

chromium and vanadium are released into the atmosphere.

3) Water Pollution: Tyre combustion results in oily decomposition waste. The oily discharge can flow

into nearby streams, ditches and waterways or can leach into the ground water. In cases where water

is used to put out the fire, chemical compounds like aromatic liquids and paraffin may be carried by

the water. The situation can pollute nearby streams or may seep into the ground water.

4) Soil Pollution: Immediate pollution resulting from decomposing liquid products penetrating thesoil. Gradual pollution caused by leaching of ash and unburned residues. Gradual leaching of oily

discharge can occur and the toxic residues of the burnt tyre such as zinc salts can cause harm to life.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

War Noise:War includes bomb explosions, military operations, vehicles, gun shots, missile firesetc. wars cause many types of pollution like air pollution due to gases and smoke, land pollution due

to destruction, water pollution due to contamination. Most of these operations produces large amount

of sound in high intensity. Thus, these war fares will definitely cause significant amount of sound

pollution.


1)Health problems: Normally, many of soldiers working at military face serious hearing problemsbecause of the noise pollution from this wars and military activities. They are exposed to continuous

high levels of sound and noise and this decreases their hearing ability and also may even cause

diseases like Hyperacusis in which tolerance to sound intensity is lost.

2)Noise pollution: The military operations like bomb explosions, gun shots, etc. will lead to

destruction of buildings, properties, etc. and this causes huge sounds and noise. Each and every

destruction and explosions will generate high intensity of sounds which cross the threshold limit of

sound intensity and causes severe noise pollution.

Control of pollution from War Noise:

a) Wars should be minimized or avoided.

b) Control of noise from war is quite difficult. But noise should be minimized during military trailsand operations.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Glass Bottles:Glass is useful in many ways. It can be used as container, bottles, shield invehicles, reflector, etc. Glass bottles are generally made for alcohol, cold drink, beverage purpose. But

glass takes thousands of years to decompose into earth. A glass bottle that is sent to a landfill can take

up to a million years to break down. Now-a-days, many glass bottles and articles are thrown into

waste and garbage which adds more pollution.


1) Pollution: When these glass bottles thrown into garbage, after their use, they become harmful to

the environment causing huge pollution. Most of the glass, remains in crystal form and become


8/8



dangerous. In recent days, many glass bottles and containers are thrown out without any proper care

and disposal.

Control of pollution from Glass Bottles:

a) Recycling is the most important measure in controlling the pollution from Glass bottles. Many of

the glass bottles can be recycled and reused. For this, glass bottles should be separated out and

recycled. Glass bottles should not be broken. Small pieces of glass bottles may cause more pollution

than full bottle.

b) Glass bottles should not be dumped into water bodies or land because they pollute land and water

and also may become fatal to aquatic life.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Industrial Noise: Industrial Noise refers to noise that is created in the factories which are jarringand unbearable. Sound becomes noise only it becomes unwanted and when it becomes more than that

it is referred to as "noise pollution". Heavy industries like shipbuilding and iron and steel have long

been associated with Noise Induced Hearing Loss. Industrial noise is usually considered mainly from

the point of view of environmental health and safety because sustained exposure can cause permanent

hearing damage.


1)Noise pollution: This is posing to be a big challenge and is a threat to safety and health of the

people who are working in the industry and common people as well.Various machines used inindustries are also a major cause of noise pollution. The different machines which are responsible for

creating noise include the compressors, motors and other machinery. This huge noise may even cause

accidents at industries and factories.

2)Health problems: Continuous exposure to Industrial Noise Pollution leads to hearing impairment

but it has various other effects such as increase in blood pressure, increased stress, Fatigue, Stomach,

ulcers, Headaches, Sleep disturbance, Annoyance, Speech Problems, Aggression, Anxiety.

Control of pollution from Industrial Noise:a) Growing trees in the premises of industries, which act as absorbents of noise, is best option for

reducing pollution from Industrial Noise.

b) Factories and industries should be located in far off places from the residential areas. Installation of

sound detectors will help in analyzing the sound frequencies on a regular basis.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALL THE BEST

Documents

Environmental Education Exam Material [Intermediate Education - Andhra Pradesh]