Question

Define Pollution. What measures as an individual would you take to reduce environmental pollution?

Answer 1

Hint: Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful material into the environment. These harmful pollutants are called pollutants that deteriorate the environment. Pollution affects all types of ecosystems: land, marine and aerial. Several measures one should take to protect the environment from pollution.

Complete answer:
Pollution is any undesirable change in physical, chemical, biological characteristics of air, land, water and soil. Agents that bring about such an undesirable change are called pollution, the government of India has passed the environment act,1986 to protect and improve the quality of our environment.

AIR POLLUTION-We are dependent on air for our respiratory needs. Air pollutants cause injury to all living organisms. They reduce the growth and yield of crops and cause premature death of plants. Air pollutants also deleteriously affect the respiratory system of humans and of animals. Harmful effects depend on the concentration of pollutants, duration of exposure and the organism.

WATER POLLUTION-Human beings have been abusing the water -bodies around the world by depositing into them all kinds of waste. We tend to believe that water can wash away everything not taking cognizance of the fact that the water bodies are our lifeline as well as that of all other living organisms. Realising the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the water bodies, the government of India has passed the water act, 1974 to safeguard our water resources.

NOISE POLLUTION- Noise is an undesirable high level of sound. Loudspeakers for pleasure and entertainment cause this pollution. Chronic exposure to noise can cause permanent damage to the hearing ability of humans. Noise can also cause sleeplessness, increased heartbeat, altered breathing patterns and considerable stress to humans.

SOIL POLLUTION- It has become a major cause for agriculturists as the soil is degrading at a very high speed. The development of fertile topsoil takes centuries. But, it can be removed easily by human activities such as over-cultivation, unrestricted grazing, etc. Waterlogging is caused due to irrigation without a proper drainage system. This causes water to lose its fertility.

MEASURE TO BE TAKEN TO REDUCE POLLUTION:
1. Avoid going to places using your private vehicle, avail public facilities or use eco-friendly bicycles to go for short distances.
2. There should be cut back to use of fertilizers, pesticides instead one should avail agro- based chemicals which are eco - friendly.
3. Excessive and undesirable burning of vegetation should be stopped.
4. Use of loudspeakers, honking should be avoided.
5. Adopt 3 R'S of solid wastes management: reduce, reduce, and recycle.
6. Industry wastes should not be thrown directly into the sewages or river as it contaminates the water and causes death of the organisms living in them.
7. Last but not the least, plant and grow as many plants as we can. The practice of growing trees helps us in solving many environmental problems.

Note: Environment is deteriorating day by day due to industrial pollution, toxic chemicals, automobiles emission and natural resource depletion. Pollution in its various forms has been increasing day by day. It can only be solved only if we take preventive measures.