What Are the Different Types & Sources of Environmental Pollution?

Environmental pollution is a vexing problem that is rapidly emerging as one of the most important issues facing humans in the 21st century. Pollution threatens public health, environmental health and the overall quality of human life in multiple ways. It is especially troublesome in large cities where demand is high for convenient transportation and electricity.

Water Pollution

• Water pollution is the introduction of biological, chemical or physical substances into freshwater or oceans that degrade the quality of the water. Water pollution comes from both suspended solids such as plastic foam and toxic pollutants such as pesticides or industrial waste. Water pollution can be difficult to contain or control, especially in moving bodies of water such as rivers.

Trash

• A significant portion of pollution stems from the trash and waste material people dispose of every day. Daily household items like food come in many different packaging materials such as cardboard, plastic and glass. While these materials are recyclable, they become sources of pollution when they are simply thrown away. Designated areas for trash such as landfills are not only an eyesore but can also cause serious problems to the environment and health of both humans and animals. Toxic wastes in landfills can leach into groundwater and rivers, adding more pollution to the environment. Landfills also leach toxic metals such as mercury into the water supply.

Pesticides

• While pesticides help ensure pests such as insects and bacteria do not destroy crops, they pollute the environment and cause problems for animals. Pesticides are synthesized using toxic chemicals. The pesticide DDE, for example, inhibits birds from providing adequate calcium for their eggs, leading to fragile eggshells. Pesticides are usually common on large-scale farms.

Noise Pollution

• Noise pollution is essentially the sounds and noises that humans generate themselves or through tools and industry. Automobiles, buses, trains and airplanes all create noise pollution that disturbs both humans and animals. Loud industrial machinery can even cause permanent hearing loss in humans. Many researchers consider noise pollution to be a significant cause of increased levels of stress and irritability.