Introduction Heavy metals are among the most dangerous environmental pollutants because they:➡️Persist in the environment➡️Do not biologically degrade➡️Accumulate in living organisms➡️Move up the food chain (biomagnification) Even at very low concentrations, they can cause severe and irreversible health effects. What Are Heavy Metals? Heavy metals are metallic elements with densities higher than water and with…
To understand hazardous waste, remember one principle: Not all waste is equally harmful, but hazardous waste is dangerous because of its chemical nature. What Is Hazardous Waste? A hazardous substance is any material present or released into the environment that can:→ Harm public health→ Damage ecosystems A substance becomes hazardous if it exhibits any ONE…
To understand solid waste, imagine everything we throw away—from kitchen leftovers to demolished concrete. If it is solid and discarded, it becomes solid waste. What Are Solid Wastes? Solid waste includes:→ Garbage→ Construction debris→ Sludge from treatment plants→ Other discarded materials They originate from:→ Industries→ Commercial establishments→ Mining activities→ Agriculture→ Households A major category is…
Let us begin with a very simple idea: Plastic itself is not the villain.The mismanagement of plastic is the real problem. And when this mismanaged plastic accumulates in the environment, we call it plastic pollution. What Is Plastic Pollution? Plastic pollution means the accumulation of plastic objects and particles—like bottles, bags, or microplastic fragments—in the…
What is Radioactivity? Radioactivity is a natural property of certain unstable atoms.When the nucleus of such an atom becomes unstable, it starts breaking down or disintegrating on its own. During this breakdown, it emits: These emissions together are what we call nuclear radiation. Two Types of Radiation Radiations are grouped into: What is Radioactive Pollution?…
Imagine you are trying to study, and suddenly someone starts drilling upstairs. You feel annoyed, irritated, even mentally disturbed. This unpleasant and unwanted sound is what we call Noise. What is Noise? Noise is simply a sound that the human ear does not want to hear. It may cause:→ Annoyance→ Irritation→ Stress→ Even physical pain…
The world’s oceans face pollution from oil spills, waste dumping, ballast water, plastic, toxic chemicals, and invasive species.To address these issues, global efforts evolved through international conventions and organisations.Three major frameworks guide marine pollution control: Let’s understand them: Convention on the Dumping of Wastes at Sea (London Convention, 1972) This was the first international agreement…
Controlling water pollution involves a combination of biological, physical, chemical, and ecosystem-based strategies. Let’s explore them. 1. Bioremediation Bioremediation means using living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants) to break down or remove contaminants from soil and water. Microorganisms can even be genetically engineered to degrade pollutants more effectively. Two major types exist: A. In-situ Bioremediation (“On-site”—treatment…
Water pollution does not remain confined to rivers or lakes. Its impact spreads to human health, ecosystems, food chains, and ultimately the economy and society.Let’s break down each effect. Effects on Human Health Water polluted with sewage, chemicals, and heavy metals becomes a source of major diseases. A. Diseases from Sewage Pollution Sewage contains harmful…
Water pollution occurs not only because pollutants exist but because human activities add them at a scale that natural systems cannot handle. Let us analyse the major causes one by one. 1. Industrial Wastes Industries are one of the largest contributors to water pollution. Think of them as “point sources” continuously releasing wastewater loaded with…
