The Main Causes of Water Pollution
Water Pollution
Mankind must continually look into his rear-view mirror when it comes to the environment, and in doing so he must understand his history accurately and with a clear view supported by empirical data. When it comes to pollution we need to separate out the various types of pollution, and as you know some pollution occurs naturally and is very much part of the standard cycles.
Consider if you will the pollution caused by a volcano erupting, methane burp in the ocean, or erosion causing mineral deposits to leach contaminating what would normally be fresh water, then flowing to the ocean effecting sea life, delta regions, and changing the distribution and chemical balance of the water. When it comes to water pollution caused by mankind there are several serious challenges.
The first comes from nitrates from agriculture which run-off into fresh surface water, underground aquifers, and into the oceans. There are many dead zones off the coasts from these activities. Dead zones are areas where the oxygen has been depleted in the water, therefore nothing grows, little or no fish or aquatic life – this is a stain on mankind’s stewardship indeed.
Another big cause of water pollution is the acidification caused by man-made emissions and chemicals into the air. Still, Mother Nature is also a big contributor in this case as well – volcanoes for instance. But that still doesn’t make it okay for humans to unnecessarily pollute the air causing acid rain, and run-off into the water.
Then of course, there is human waste, trash and garbage, as well as discharges from non-treated biological waste. Sewer treatment plants overflow too often, but then many areas do not have sewer treatment plants at all. There are also overflows from animal waste and livestock, and these too can be quite damaging to the environment.
Industrial waste, household waste, and polluted urban run-off are all serious. Taken individually, it’s really nothing the water cannot handle, but cumulatively, it’s a real challenge, and the results are in folks, we haven’t done such a hot job, we need to do better – that means everyone.
We also have all heard about oil spills and what have you, but we should realize that crude oil spills are not as bad for the environment as refined petroleum products. It’s not that crude oil doesn’t make a mess or cause problems, it surely does, but crude oil also leaks out into rivers and oceans and has for millions of years in various places, and that’s nothing new. It is part of the cycle of geological eras.
Yes, mankind needs to do a better job policing itself when it comes to pollution, after all we have to drink the water, and we also eat fish. So the Planet’s water is the last thing we need to be polluting if we wish to survive, that is to say; if we want to live long and prosper. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this.
Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you’ve enjoyed today’s discussion and topic. http://www.WorldThinkTank.net – Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.
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Three Types Of Pollution On Our Environment
The Effects of Noise, Water and Air Pollution
Pollution comes in many different forms, all of which do some kind of damage to our environment, but there are three main types of pollution that are so prevalent these days that we experience their effects on a daily basis.
Of all the types of pollution, air pollution is the most frequently talked because it affects practically everyone living on the planet.
Air pollution is also frightening because sometimes, it is impossible for the naked eye to determine whether the air we are breathing is polluted or not.
- Vehicle Exhaust. Carbon is emitted into the air every time you use your car. And since millions of people all over the world use cars regularly, you can just imagine the amount of air pollution that can result.
- Industrial Wastes. During the manufacturing process, tons of harmful particles are released into the air. This is why factories are considered to be among the largest contributors to the problem of air pollution.
- Chemicals. Cleaning agents, cosmetics and other common solutions that we use at home usually contain toxic substances that contribute to air pollution.
Other types of pollution in the air include smoke from cigarettes and from illegal burning practices. Such pollutants increase the risk of cancer, asthma and nasal problems.
The Earth is made up mostly of water but ironically, water is also one of the important resources that we are quickly running out of due to excessive use and pollution.
- Industrial Wastes. Governments have already banned the practice of dumping industrial wastes into rivers and seas but these wastes still manage to affect the planet’s water supply.
- Deforestation. As more houses and buildings are put up, more trees need to be cut down. This leaves our forests bare and unable to prevent erosion.
- Garbage Disposal. Carelessly thrown cigarette butts, candy wrappers, bits of plastic and many other types of pollution usually end up in our rivers and oceans.
Water pollution does not only deplete our water resource but it can also severely affect marine life. In fact, many plant and animal species have already become extinct or an in the endangered list due to the dumping of different types of pollution into our waters.
Although not as directly damaging to the environment, noise pollution does affect human health considerably. Excessive exposure to noise can increase the risk of stress disorders and other problems in the nervous system.
- Urban Sounds. Technological and industrial developments over the years have made urban living quite comfortable but they have also made cities noisier. Airplanes taking off, cars honking on the streets, music blaring in the clubs — these all contribute to the problem of noise pollution.
- Office Noises. Due to space conservation, offices today are arranged in a cubicle format, where noises like the ringing of phones, the clicking of keyboards and people talking are heard all throughout the day.
- Home. Even when you come home, you are not safe from the different types of pollution in sound. The drone of electrical appliances alone is enough to cause headache and stress.
The best way to protect ourselves from these types of pollution, as well as many others, is through proper education. By learning the causes and solutions to these problems, we can do a better job of protecting the environment and ourselves.
Toning Down The Problem of Noise Pollution
So Who or What Are The Causes of Noise Pollution?
We are all familiar with pollution that is found in the air, water or land, but few people realize that there is such a thing as noise pollution. Basically, noise pollution is any loud, constant sound that is disruptive of an otherwise quiet and peaceful environment.
In addition to being annoying to the ear, too much noise can also increase the likelihood of stress-related disorders.
So What Causes Noise Pollution?
Most of the causes of noise pollution can not really be eliminated as they are part of urban life as we know it. What we can do is to simply avoid exposure to them as much as we can. Following are some of the most common causes of noise pollution:
- Airplanes. The sound of an airplane taking off is so loud that constant exposure to it may result in partial hearing loss. This is why people who work in airports wear protective ear coverings to protect them from this type of noise pollution.
- Automobiles. Most of us who live in the city may have already gotten used to the sound of cars passing by outside or horns relentlessly blowing while stuck in traffic. But these sounds can actually cause an increase in blood pressure levels and may even trigger the development of stress disorders.
- Office noise. Just because you don’t work in a noisy factory doesn’t mean you are safe from noise pollution. Many companies today use the cubicle-style setup for their offices because this maximizes space. But the open environment also creates more noise. Even if you are sitting quietly inside your cubicle, you cannot shut off the constant sounds of telephones ringing, people typing on keyboards, and other common office sounds.
- Home appliances. Modern appliances have made home living very comfortable but they are also noise pollutants. When several of these appliances are turned on at the same time, they can create a drone that can be quite disruptive to a peaceful home environment. In fact, studies have shown that kids who live in such noise-polluted homes do poorly in school and are more susceptible to stress and other illnesses.
How Can We Minimize or Find A Noise Pollution Solution?
As mentioned earlier, we really can’t stop the causes of noise since these are vital parts of everyday living. But there are things we can do to minimize the negative effects that it can have on our minds and bodies.
- Relax. Too much noise can stress levels, but we can neutralize this by regularly doing relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
- Reduce noise. If you live in a noisy environment, you can shut off a lot of the outside noise by using double-paned windows in your house. When listening to your iPod, keep the volume low enough so that people around you won’t have to shout for you to hear them.
Noise pollution is not something that we should take for granted. You may not feel the effects right now but constant exposure to noise can eventually take its toll on you. As early as now, try to limit the noise around you so that can protect not only your ears but your emotional health as well.
What Are The Long Term Effects of Oil Pollution?
Oil Spills and The Disastrous Consequences
Oil pollution in our seas and oceans is primarily caused by accidental oil spills from tankers. While these events do receive a lot of media attention, few people will remember them later.
Unfortunately, the effects of oil pollution last so much longer than that. In fact, even when the oil spill itself has been cleared, there are still many side effects that will cause a lot of damage to marine life and to our waterways. The environmental threat is devastating.
In order to protect ourselves better from its long-term effects, it would be good to educate ourselves first as to what oil pollution is in the first place. Basically, this is the contamination of our waters due to different types of oils and their by-products. As mentioned, most of the pollution comes from oil spills but there are many other possible contaminants, as you will see further in this article.
Factors That Cause Oil Pollution
Oil Pollution
Although oil spills are arguably the most significant cause of pollution of our waters, there are many other major contaminants that need to be addressed as well. One of these is the illegal dumping of oil-based waste into our coastal waterways.
There are laws that prohibit such types of waste disposal but hundreds of factories around the world still dump their waste into rivers and seas, without giving a thought to the possible consequences their actions can entail.
There are also other factors that cause oil pollution that are purely accidental. Oil spills due to the collision of tankers fall under this category, as well as accidents that occur during the process of drilling for oil. When these accidents are dealt with immediately, the long-term effects of the spill may be minimized. Unfortunately, it usually takes a long time to stop the leakage. In the meantime, a huge area of the water will already be contaminated with oil.
Dire Consequences From Oil Spills
The contamination of the water may be the most obvious manifestation of oil pollution, but it is certainly not the most serious. Instead, the damage is felt most by the organisms that live in the water or use the water in their daily routines.
Oil pollution affects birds. When birds get in contact with the contaminated water, the oil will cause almost instant damage to their feathers. It diminishes their ability to fly, as well as to protect themselves from extreme changes in temperature. Natural instinct will tell the birds to clean off their feathers using their beak but this will cause them to ingest some of the oil, which will then damage their internal organs. So either way, the birds who get affected will have a very slim chance of survival.
Oil pollution affects marine mammals. Like the birds, marine mammals will have greatly reduced insulation ability due to the oil. Even those animals that have not been in direct contact with the oil will also be at risk by eating contaminated fish.
Oil pollution also affects humans. Just because we don’t live in the water doesn’t mean we are safe. Throughout the years, oil contamination has caused the shutting down of many beach resorts, as well as the demise of many fishing industries around the world.
As inhabitants of the Earth, it is our duty to protect the planet in any way we can. So even if we are not directly responsible for the oil pollution in our waters, we can still do our part by spreading the word and educating the people who may be unwittingly causing the problem.
Solution to Land Pollution – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Small Steps to Eliminate Land Pollution
Land pollution is a problem that governments and eco-friendly organizations have been trying to solve for the past several years. But finding a solution to this problem is not something that should be entrusted to just a few people. On the contrary, every person on Earth should contribute to the elimination of land pollution, even through small and simple ways.
Causes of Land Pollution
There are many possible causes of pollution. It can be something as small as throwing a candy wrapper on the side of the street, or something on a larger scale, like industrial wastes from multi-million dollar factories. Following are some of the most common causes that we should know about:
- Landfills
Did you ever stop to think what happens to the contents of your garbage cans after the collector takes it away? Most likely, it ends up in a landfill in your community or city. These landfills are basically huge holes in the ground that contain garbage. Once full, they are covered with soil and left to decompose. It sounds logical, but the decomposition process actually releases all sorts of chemicals into the soil, making landfills one of the largest causes of land pollution.
- Mining
Strip mining, in particular, causes a lot of damage to the soil. Because of our desire to mine various minerals from our lands, we are unknowingly causing our lands to become polluted.
- Agriculture – Not Organic Agriculture
Farming in itself does not cause land pollution. In fact, the constant tilling, planting and harvesting, not to mention the use of organic fertilizers, can enrich the soil further. Often artificial fertilizers are used, along with other harmful chemicals like pesticides, this is when the soil becomes contaminated with toxic substances.
Land Pollution Solution
Governments all over the world have already started enacting laws that aim to stop land pollution, such as the ban on strip mining and the enforcement o proper crop fertilization. As individuals, there are also several things we can do to help stop the land pollution problem.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
These are words that we have already heard so many times but now is the time to really put them into action. First, we should reduce our production of waste by being practicing smart buying. Second, with a little bit of creativity, we can easily reuse many old items instead of automatically buying new ones. Finally, we should recycle everything that can be recycled. You can bring old newspapers to a paper recycling facility, or you can donate old clothes to the Salvation Army. A collective effort from the entire community can be very useful for such activities.
- Save energy
Turn off the lights when you don’t need them, and unplug electrical appliances that won’t be used for a while. You can also take public transport instead of using the car. Such practices will not only save you money but will save the planet’s fossil fuels as well.
- Practice organic gardening
Do not use any fertilizer or pesticides that contain harmful artificial chemicals. Also, have your own compost pit in the backyard to make your soil richer.
These steps may seem insignificant but if all of us start improving our ways, then the environment will surely benefit and land pollution will no longer be a problem.
