Beatrice Brandello-Filippo sciuto IIB Pollution of nature Beatrice Brandello-Filippo sciuto IIB

What is pollution? we hear it every day at school. So what is it? Pollution occurs when pollutants contaminate the natural surroundings Pollutants are the key elements or components of pollution which are generally waste materials of different forms. Pollution disturbs our ecosystem and the balance in the environment. With modernization and development in our lives pollution has reached its peak; giving rise to global warming and human illness. Pollution occurs in different forms; air, water, soil, radioactive, noise, heat/ thermal and light. Every form of pollution has two sources of occurrence; the point and the non- point sources.  Let us discuss the different types of pollutions, their causes and effects on mankind and the environment as a whole.

Air pollution Air pollution: the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. Common gaseous pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and nitrogen oxides produced by industry and motor vehicles. Photochemical ozone and smog are created as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react to sunlight. 

Litter pollution Litter consists of waste products that have been disposed improperly, without consent, at an inappropriate location. Litter can also be used as a verb. To litter means to drop and leave objects, often man-made, such as aluminum cans, cardboard boxes or plastic bottles on the ground and leave them there indefinitely or for others to dispose of as opposed to disposing of them properly. Large and hazardous items of rubbish such as tires, electrical appliances, electronics, batteries and large industrial containers are sometimes dumped in isolated locations, such as national forests and other public land.

Water pollution Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g.lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifer and ground water), usually as a result of human activities. Water pollution is one of many types of pollution which results from contaminants being introduced into the natural environment. Pollution causes adverse change. Water pollution is often caused by the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater into natural bodies of water. This can lead to environmental degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In turn, this can lead topublic health problems. For example, people living downstream may use the same polluted river water for drinking or bathing or irrigation.