What is pollution?

Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, which can cause adverse effects on living organisms, natural resources, and ecosystems.
It is the presence of pollutants in the air, water, soil, or other parts of the environment that exceed the normal or acceptable levels and can result in environmental degradation, ecological imbalances, and risks to human health

Types of Pollution

There are several types of pollution based on the environmental medium they affect. The main types of pollution include:

Contamination of the air by pollutants such as particulate matter, gases (e.g., sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic chemicals.
It is commonly caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, burning of fossil fuels, and various human activities.

Contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater. It includes the presence of pollutants such as sewage, industrial waste, chemicals, heavy metals, oil spills, and excessive nutrients (eutrophication).
Water pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems, degrade water quality, and threaten human health.

Contamination of soil by hazardous substances, including industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and improper waste disposal.
Soil pollution can affect soil fertility, crop quality, and can leach into groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

Excessive, unwanted, or disruptive noise that can have detrimental effects on human health and well-being.
It includes noise from transportation, industrial activities, construction sites, and urban areas.
Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and other health issues.

Excessive or misdirected artificial lighting that disrupts natural light cycles. It interferes with astronomical observations, disrupts ecosystems and wildlife behaviour, and affects human sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.

The release of excessive heat into water bodies, typically from industrial processes or power generation.
Elevated water temperatures can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and harm aquatic organisms.

Contamination by radioactive materials, usually from nuclear power plants, mining activities, or improper handling and disposal of radioactive waste.
It poses risks to human health and the environment due to the release of ionizing radiation.

contamination of the environment due to improper handling, disposal, and management of biomedical waste from healthcare facilities.
It involves the release of infectious and hazardous materials, posing risks to human health and the ecosystem through the spread of diseases and environmental contamination.

contamination caused by improper disposal or recycling of electronic waste, such as old computers, mobile phones, and electronic devices.
It releases toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment, posing health risks to humans and ecosystems.
E-waste pollution is a growing concern due to the rapid advancement of technology and increased electronic consumption.
Each type of pollution poses significant environmental and health risks, and efforts to reduce pollution levels are crucial for protecting ecosystems, preserving natural resources, and ensuring human well-being.