Pollution

We explain what pollution is and what types of pollution exist. Also, causes, consequences and solutions to reduce it.

What is pollution?

pollution is the introduction of a polluting agent, which can be liquid, solid or gaseous, into a natural environment. Due to their chemical characteristics, these agents or elements produce instability and damage the functioning of the ecosystem.

The types of pollutants are varied and affect different media such as water, air or soil. Generally, pollution is a product of human activity that intervenes in nature, although there are also natural processes that expel elements into the environment that generate an imbalance in the environment.

The main types of soil contaminants are:

• Non-degradable. Elements that do not degrade over time, generally, their degree of contamination is constant, which generates great damage to the environment. For example: glass.
• Slow degradation. Elements that produce a high degree of concentrated pollution for an extended period and then decay. For example: DDT (dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane).
• Biodegradable Elements that are capable of being decomposed naturally by the action of plant or animal biological agents. For example: cardboard.

See also: Acid rain

Types of pollution

Depending on the area it affects, pollution can be:

• Air pollution. This is environmental pollution produced by various causes such as the burning of fossil fuels in the industrial sector.
• Water pollution. These are those polluting agents that affect rivers, seas and lakes. Generally, it is produced by the dumping of elements such as fertilizers, waste, garbage and fossil fuels. It can also be produced by natural processes such as the decomposition of organic and mineral materials.
• Soil pollution. It is the presence of polluting chemical substances that affect the Earth's crust and prevent its natural development.
• Noise pollution. It is the presence of sound frequency levels that alter the conditions in which living beings in a natural area develop.
• Radioactive contamination. This is pollution resulting from accidents or nuclear or mining activities. These elements can affect the soil, air or water courses.
• Thermal pollution. This is the influence generated by residual substances that lead to an increase in the temperature of a natural area.
• Visual pollution It is about the emergence of visual elements in a landscape, which negatively impact the human eye.

Causes of pollution

When talking about pollution, a distinction must be made between waste produced by natural processes and waste produced by man.

Natural pollution usually occurs due to: waste from volcanic eruptions, presence of toxic materials in rocks and soils, forest fires, among others.

The term “pollution” is most frequently used to refer to those polluting processes generated by man. The causes of this type of pollution vary depending on the environment affected. They can be:

• Environmental pollution. Burning of fossil fuels in industries and transportation, use of chemicals in the soil that rise to the atmosphere, mining that produces harmful gases.
• Soil pollution. Indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides, urban garbage, soil compaction, nuclear accidents.
• Water pollution. Dumping of urban or industrial waste, maritime traffic, deforestation, global warming.
• Noise pollution. Intrusion of vehicles, installation of large industries, trains and mass transportation.
• Visual pollution. Air traffic, wiring, antennas, garbage, advertising on public roads.

Consequences of pollution

Among the main consequences of pollution are:

• Damage to the health of living beings. Because they are exposed to a greater number of diseases and stressful situations.
• Increase in global warming. Due to the polluting gases expelled into the atmosphere that cause the weakening of the ozone layer.
• Loss or imbalance in ecosystems. Due to the extinction or migration of species that see the ecosystem in which they live deteriorated.
• Loss or decrease of natural resources. Due to the depletion of natural resources that are essential for life on Earth.
• Poisoning of the waters. Because water pollution poses a great risk to all living beings that cannot do without it.
• Soil erosion. Due to industries and mining and their excessive use of pesticides, fertilizers.
• Degradation of natural landscapes. Due to noise and visual pollution.

Solutions to reduce pollution

Reduce pollution levels It is a commitment that must be assumed by all citizens in conjunction with projects and regulations that come from institutions and governments.

There are certain habits that can be incorporated to reduce pollution levels of soil, air, water and landscapes. Some are:

• Recycle packaging.
• Opt for reusable products or containers.
• Do not throw garbage on public roads or in river courses.
• Reduce the use of polluting means of transportation.
• Reduce plastic consumption.
• Reduce water consumption.
• Reforest.
• Use renewable energies.
• Reduce the use of aerosols.
• Avoid making annoying noises.

References

• “The consequences of environmental pollution” in WHO.
• “5 keys to healthier cities” in Global Health Institute.
• “Pollution” in National Geographic.
• “Pollution” in World Wild Life.