Impact of Air and Water Pollution
Introduction
Pollution is a problem that has been in existence since the foundation of the earth. However, due to the development in technology, it has increased in the 19th and in the 20th century. There are many types of pollution but water and air pollution are the most common. Air pollution refers to the changes in the components of the air caused by some constituents and gases found in the atmosphere (Davies and Mazurek pp. 53). On the other hand, water pollution refers to the presence of components and constituents in water that interfere with not only the freshness but also the quality of the water (Water Pollution Para 1). Components and constituents that cause pollution are known as pollutants and they can occur naturally or they can be caused by human activities. Since human beings depend heavily on the environment, they are greatly affected by any form of pollution. There is much concerning pollution but this paper shall narrow down to the sources of the pollutants as well as the effects of the pollution on the society. In addition, the paper shall also discuss some of the efforts undertaken by companies and individuals to preserve the local environment and economy.
Water pollution
All sources of water like lakes, oceans, rivers, streams and underground water to mention just a few are affected by water pollution. It can either occur directly or indirectly. Direct pollution occurs when pollutants get into water sources directly and indirect pollution occurs when the pollutants become sources of food for microorganisms that cause the pollution. As highlighted earlier in the introductory part, water pollution has got a long history. Initially, human waste and other type of waste were disposed in the rivers until when people started to suffer from various diseases and illnesses. For instance, in a place like United States, history records that human waste and industrial waste was being disposed in Rives like Cuyahoga River in Ohio until when laws were established to ban disposal of such waste in the water bodies (EPA Par 1).
Sources of Water Pollutants
There are many sources of water pollutants and they originate from various sources. There are one point and non-point pollutants (EPA Para 2). Microorganisms are the most common sources of water pollution which are inclusive of Shigella, Salmonella, Escherichia and Vibrio. Such microorganisms live in the intestinal tract of human beings and other warm blooded animals. Apart from bacteria, there are viruses’ liker retrovirus and rotavirus that cause water pollution. In addition, there are some protozoa which are also serious causes of pollution and are mostly found in the intestinal tract of wild animals. There are non point water pollutants which get in to the water sources from various sites like acid rain and water from land and urban centers containing various pollutants. The same pollutants can also cause indirect pollution as they can contain components like nitrogen and phosphorous which are important sources of food of some plants that grow in water. Consequently, such weeds increase and they result to water pollution since they consume the oxygen present in water. Although all sources of water pollution are dangerous, non point souses are very dangerous as they are very difficult to prevent and worse still, studies record that 40% of water pollution in United States is as a result of non point water pollutants (EPA 2008).
There are organic water pollutants comprising of the elements that contain carbon which include pesticides, insecticides and herbicides and get into the water from agricultural farms during the rainy seasons. Similarly, the products used for water treatment can also cause water pollution especially after reacting with organic mater. Other types of organic pollutants include various compounds and products that are flushed in the toilets. Although waste is taken to land fills, research conducted indicates that more often than not, water contain such pollutants (Rubin Para 2).
Inorganic pollutants are inclusive but limited to phosphorous, acidic materials, silt and nitrogen. Currently, there are a lot of chemicals that are used daily that cause water pollutions such as detergents. In addition, there are a lot of activities like burning of fossil oils that lead to formation of acid rain and eventually lead to water pollution. The truth is, there are many pollutant of water present in the environment, and that is the reason why water bodies are heavily polluted.
Air pollution
Air pollution has been in existence ever since the atmosphere was created. This is due to the fact that even in the past, fire which gives away smoke and ash was still being used not only for cooking but also to provide warmth. The most important issue concerning air pollution is the fact that it has lead to the destruction of the ozone layer which protects the earth from the ultra violet rays of the sun. As much as air pollution has got a long history, it goes on increasing especially as a result of various technological developments. History records that there was great increase of the air pollution especially in the era of industrial revolution. As years progress, new contents are being found in the atmosphere as a result of air pollution which still on increase even currently (Davies and Mazurek pp. 55).
Sources of the pollutants
There are different types of pollutants usually classified as primary and secondary pollutants. Although there are many types of air pollutants, there are some which are most common and more dangerous than the rest which are inclusive of particulate mater, carbon monoxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, lead, sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (Davies and Mazurek pp. 54).
Primary pollutants include the contaminants that are released into the atmosphere directly and are inclusive of smoke, dust chemicals like mercury and lead as well as carbon monoxide. On the contrary, secondary pollutants are created into other forms after being released in to the atmosphere. There are also some other pollutants which are inclusive of heavy metals and other toxic substances. While some pollutants only stay in the atmosphere temporarily, others can persist for a long time leading to adverse effects in future. Some other pollutants can diffuse easily and affect people in far off places. In addition, some are able to cause serious problems even in very small amounts while others can only be harmful while released in large quantities.
Effects of Pollution
There are various effects of air and water pollution to the society that range from, social, economic and health problems. Air pollution has been linked with dangerous health effects since 2.5 million of people die every year due to asthma, bronchitis, lung diseases and allergic reaction. All such health conditions are caused and aggravated by different pollutants in the air. On the same note, water pollution causes the same health problems which are mostly fatal. There are many water borne diseases like cholera and are transmitted through water pollution especially when sewage or other waste finds its way in to the water bodies (Davies and Mazurek PP. 54 ).
There are various economic impacts of air pollution and water pollution as well. In large water bodies like the oceans, water pollution leads to death of fish and the same has got a great economic impact especially where fishing is an important economic activity. Other marine animals and plants t are also affected and the same has a great impact economically because it leads to the destruction of natural environment. Water pollution along the beaches destroys the ecosystem and as a result, tourism industry is also affected. Moreover, people are an important resource in each and every country and the increased death rate due to diseases caused by air and water pollution also leads to economic problems. Moreover, a lot of money is spent by the health care system to treat diseases which result from pollution and the same is also a serious economic impact.
Efforts to Conserve the Environment
In United States, there are a number of acts which have been passed as a measure of curbing both air and water pollution. A Water Control Act was passed in the mid 20th century and in the year 1965; a Water Quality Act was passed by the legislative. In the year 1977, the Water Quality Act was amended and it became a law which is meant to protect both the surface and the underground water. Although there are other measures which are taken by the United States government, such laws are very significant. Similarly, the government is committed to reduce the air pollution through the establishment of various laws. Moreover, in a country like United States, government is promoting use of alternative sources of fuel like solar, wind and other sources that can limit emission of green house gases. The government is also working very hard to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and such a strategy is also meant to conserve the environment as well as the economy (Rubin Para 8).
Since education is very important, the government and the private organizations are working hard to educate the public on the dangers of pollution. In addition, education is also being conducted on conservation methods that can be adopted to curb both the air and water pollution. As a result, members of the community are joining hands to clean the already polluted environment which is a very effective method of environmental conservation (Wolfersberger Para 7). The same study illustrate that a project in Kansas City incorporates such and other measures to prevent pollution.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Although water and air pollution has been in existence for a long time, the intensity of the same has increased currently and is still on the increase. There are many natural causes but human activities are the greatest contributor. That being the case, it is possible to reduce pollution although some people believe that nothing can be done to reduce it. There are many measures which are taken to curb pollution apart from establishment of various laws and all are important as they reduce the effects of pollution to the society and the environment. It is important for everyone to take the responsibility of conserving the environment and the economy.
Works Cited
Clarence, Davies, J. & Jan, Mazurek. Pollution control in the United States: evaluating the system. Washington, D.C: Resources for the Future, 1998. Print.
EPA. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. 2009. Web. 30 September 2010.
EPA. What is Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution? 2008. Web. 30 September 2010.
Rubin, Ken. Reply to Ask-An-Earth-Scientist. Web. 30 September 2010.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Rivers and Streams, in National Water Quality Inventory.” National Water Quality Inventory: Report. 2000. Print.
Water Pollution. 30 September 2010 .Web.
Wolfersberger, Chrissy. Sustainable Skylines – Kansas City. 2010. Web. 30 September 2010.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]