Pollutant
Pollutant[edit | edit source]
Introduction[edit | edit source]
A Pollutant is any undesirable solid, liquid, or gaseous matter present in the environment. These substances become pollutants when they adversely affect the natural environment and living organisms. The undesirability of a substance often depends on its concentration, as low concentrations of many substances are tolerable or even essential.
Types of Pollutants[edit | edit source]
There are several types of pollutants, categorized based on their origin and nature.
Primary Pollutants[edit | edit source]
Primary pollutants are directly emitted from identifiable sources into the atmosphere, water bodies, sediments, or soil. Examples include sulfur dioxide from factories and carbon monoxide from vehicles.
Secondary Pollutants[edit | edit source]
Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. Instead, they form in the environment through chemical reactions. An example is ozone, which forms in the atmosphere from precursor pollutants.
Sources of Pollution[edit | edit source]
Pollutants originate from various sources:
Natural Sources[edit | edit source]
These include volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and dust storms.
Anthropogenic Sources[edit | edit source]
Human activities such as industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and waste disposal are significant contributors to environmental pollution.
Impact of Pollutants[edit | edit source]
Pollutants can have numerous detrimental effects on the environment and human health, affecting air quality, water resources, soil fertility, and contributing to global issues like climate change.
Control and Regulation[edit | edit source]
Efforts to control pollution involve regulatory measures, pollution control technologies, and public awareness campaigns. Laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in many countries regulate the emission of pollutants.
Research and Monitoring[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research in environmental science helps in understanding the impact of pollutants and developing effective strategies for their management and reduction.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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