The phenomenon of pollution is not a new one as there are different forms of pollution prevailing in our environment. There are various types of pollution and most of them are interrelated. This paper will delineate some of the major types of pollution and the remedial measures to minimize the pollution. The scientists have declared that the burning of the fossil fuels coal and petroleum results in the production of the carbon dioxide as one of the most major products of greenhouse gasses. Another reason for an increase in air pollution is the high amount of saturation of CFC’s and HCFC’s (chloro fluro carbon and hydro chloro fluro carbon).
The burning of the coal and the fossil fuels are one of the primary reasons for creating air pollution. It is evident that the air pollution largely affects the environment as it leads to the acid rain and damaging plants and animals at the same time. The air pollution also has an adverse effect on the biodiversity and the survival of the species. The main sources of the air pollution tend to be the gaseous and particulate pollutants. The acid rain is formed when the sulfur and the nitrogen oxides react with the already present oxygen and water in the air to form an acidic compound. These acidic compounds are hazardous in nature, when comes to lakes and percolate within the soil causing damage to the eco-system. (LaMarco)
Just like air pollution the water pollution is another dilemma of the modern era as it is also a serious form of environmental pollution. The water pollution not only damages our ecosystem but also has a negative impact on our lives. The contamination of water with chemicals and other pesticides may have a serious impact on animals and human lives. There are different forms of water pollution that are causing a potential threat to our environment.
The most leading water pollution type is the surface water pollution. This water pollution is mainly caused by the contact of hazardous material or chemical with the water, like aquifers, rivers, lakes, lagoons, ocean, etc. it is studied that in many parts of the world as the large industries tends to dump their waste material into the water bodies. These industries are doing this because of lack of proper dumping arrangements. When they dump their waste material within the water bodies, the water gets contaminated by the presence of metals and other chemical substances. The water pollution also increases the percentage of air pollution, because when the contaminated water evaporates the solved chemicals reach to the atmosphere and result in air pollution. This polluted water is one of the leading causes of acid rain, which is another biggest environmental issue. (Secure Waters)
The issue of water pollution is not just confined to the disposal of waste material within the water bodies, but oil spills are the second biggest reason. It is reported that the oil spills within the sea because of hydrocarbon production, is the second leading cause of water pollution. These oil spills have an adverse effect on the sea life. Similarly, the use of pesticides to grow crops is another leading cause of water pollution. It is studied that the sediment soil washed off field is considered to be the biggest source of water pollution. The farmers use pesticides to protect their farms, and these chemicals react with the water and reach to the water bodies causing big environmental threat.
There are several steps that can be taken to minimize the air pollution and to make our environment friendlier. Recently, the Obama government has made a promise to make America more energy independent and to cut-down the carbon emanation by considering as well as focusing on alternative sources like solar and wind energy. Obama and Congress are also declaring to start work more considerately with other nations on climate change programs. On the other hand, Obama and Congress are willing to introduce “Green Transportation” and “Renewable Energy” methods to cut-down the carbon production and to have control on the issue of air pollution that is causing the big issue of global warming. (Legro)
The concept of “Green Transportation” considered being a leading step to control the air pollution. The majority of environmental scientists consider that “Green Transportation” can reduce the percentage of air pollution and can control the issue of “Global Warming.” In most advanced countries like America, the fuel consumption of automobiles are much great and therefore, the carbon dioxide produced by these automobiles indirectly increasing the pollution and ultimately the global temperature because of the high amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Through proper legislation, the air pollution can be reduced by implementing the law on industry or market to produce automobiles that are environment-friendly and with less carbon emission. (Lisa)
Recycling minimizes or reduces the pollution and protects the environmental conditions. The energy preservation in manufacturing new products from recycled resources goes a long way to serving as well as helping the global temperature and climate change. By reducing and minimizing the utilization of energy in the manufacturing of new products means fewer numbers of greenhouse gasses. Any reduction in fossil fuel consumption results in the lessening of greenhouse gasses emission.3- Recycling preserves the natural resources as well as recycling saves the space that is used to for the waste disposal. Conclusively, recycling saves the economics as well as the environment and natural resources. (Amy)
There is a need of proper legislation in order to control the water pollution and environment. The water pollution can be minimized by posing heavy fines to the industries that are directly dumping their toxic material within the water channels. Secondly, the governments should force the farmers to grown the omega or natural crops, instead of using fertilizers and pesticides to have more production.
Lastly, there is a need for proper legislation for the off-shore oil companies that are operating within the seas for hydrocarbon production. It should be ensured that their equipment are of good quality and their BOPs (Blowout Preventers) of the rigs are working fine when they are operating within the sea waters to avoid the oil spills as results of blowouts. In a nutshell, there are several ways to protect the environment and to minimize the air and water pollution. The only need of the time is to have proper legislation and the rule of law to protect our ecosystem.
Work Cited
LaMarco, Nicky. "Air Pollution Effects Us All, How Does It Happen?" Bright Hub. Bright Hub, 14 Jan. 2009. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science environmental/articles/17296.aspx>.
"Secure Waters" "Http://www.securewatersinc.com/6-types-of-water-pollution/." Secure Waters. 18 Feb. 2014. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://www.securewatersinc.com/6-types-of-water pollution/>.
Legro, Tom. "Obama Addresses Climate Change in U.N. Speech." PBS Newshour. NewsHour Productions LLC, 22 Sept. 2009. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/international-july-dec09-obamaun_09-22/>.
Gardiner, Lisa. "Air Pollution and Climate Change." Windows to the Universe. National Easrth Science Teachers Association, 17 June 2008. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.
Amy Carson. "The Pros (and Cons) of Recycling's Impact on the Environment." Bright Hub. Bright Hub, 07 Aug. 2010. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/74374.aspx>.
