CBSE Science Chapter 18 Pollution of Air and Water: Class 8 Notes PDF Download
Pollution of Air and Water: Class 8 Notes
Pollution is a serious problem that affects our environment and our health. It is the contamination of natural resources by harmful substances that can cause damage to living organisms and the planet. In this article, we will learn about the causes, effects, and solutions of pollution of air and water, which are two essential elements for life.
pollution of air and water class 8 notes pdf download
What is pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of substances or energy into the environment that have undesirable effects on the quality or functioning of natural resources. These substances or energy are called pollutants. Pollutants can be solid, liquid, or gaseous, and they can be natural or man-made. Some examples of pollutants are:
Smoke, dust, smog, and gases from vehicles, factories, power plants, and fires
Chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and metals from industries, agriculture, and mining
Oil spills, sewage, garbage, and plastics from human activities and waste disposal
Radioactive materials from nuclear power plants and weapons
Heat from thermal power plants and cooling systems
Types and sources of pollution
Pollution can affect different parts of the environment, such as air, water, land, and soil. Depending on where the pollutants originate from, they can be classified as point sources or nonpoint sources. Point sources are specific locations or outlets that release pollutants into the environment, such as pipes, chimneys, or drains. Nonpoint sources are diffuse or scattered sources that release pollutants over a large area, such as runoff from farms, roads, or urban areas.
Air pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere by pollutants that can harm living beings and nonliving things. Air pollution can affect the quality of air we breathe, the visibility of the sky, and the climate of the earth. Some of the major sources of air pollution are:
Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas for energy production and transportation
Industrial processes that emit smoke, dust, fumes, and vapors
Agricultural activities that produce methane, ammonia, and other gases from livestock and crop residues
Natural events such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust storms, and pollen dispersal
Water pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies by pollutants that can affect their quality and usability. Water pollution can affect the availability and safety of drinking water, the health of aquatic organisms, and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Some of the major sources of water pollution are:
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Domestic sewage that contains organic matter, pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals
Industrial wastewater that contains toxic substances such as metals, acids, oils, and solvents
Agricultural runoff that carries fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste, and soil erosion
Marine activities that cause oil spills, dumping of waste, overfishing, and introduction of invasive species
What are the effects of pollution?
Pollution has negative impacts on various aspects of life on earth. It can affect human health, wildlife and ecosystems, and climate change.
Effects on human health
Pollution can cause various diseases and disorders in humans. Some of the common health effects are:
Respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer due to air pollution
Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid due to water pollution
Skin problems such as rashes, allergies, and infections due to contact with polluted water or air
Neurological problems such as headaches, dizziness, and memory loss due to exposure to heavy metals or chemicals
Cancer and genetic mutations due to exposure to radioactive or carcinogenic substances
Effects on wildlife and ecosystems
Pollution can also harm the animals, plants, and microorganisms that live in different habitats. Some of the ecological effects are:
Loss of biodiversity and extinction of species due to habitat destruction, fragmentation, or degradation
Alteration of food chains and webs due to changes in population size, distribution, or behavior of organisms
Reduction of productivity and fertility of soil and water due to nutrient depletion or imbalance
Increase of invasive species and diseases that can outcompete or infect native species
Effects on climate change
Pollution can also contribute to the global phenomenon of climate change, which is the long-term change in the average weather patterns of the earth. Some of the climatic effects are:
Global warming and rising of sea levels due to the greenhouse effect of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide
Ozone depletion and increased ultraviolet radiation due to the destruction of the ozone layer by gases such as chlorofluorocarbons and halons
Acid rain and smog formation due to the reaction of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides with water and sunlight
Changes in precipitation patterns, storm frequency and intensity, droughts and floods, and seasonal variations due to the disturbance of atmospheric circulation
How can we prevent pollution?
Pollution is a global problem that requires collective action from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations. There are many ways to prevent or reduce pollution of air and water, such as:
Ways to reduce air pollution
Some of the ways to reduce air pollution are:
Using renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass instead of fossil fuels
Improving energy efficiency and conservation by using less electricity, appliances, and vehicles
Adopting cleaner modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, public transit, carpooling, or electric vehicles
Implementing emission standards and regulations for industries, power plants, and vehicles
Planting more trees and vegetation that can absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen
Ways to reduce water pollution
Some of the ways to reduce water pollution are:
Treating domestic sewage and industrial wastewater before discharging them into water bodies
Reducing the use of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and plastics that can leach into water sources
Practicing organic farming, composting, mulching, and crop rotation that can enhance soil quality and prevent erosion
Preventing oil spills, dumping of waste, overfishing, and introduction of invasive species in marine environments
Conserving water by usi