POLLUTION TYPE

Pollution affects us everywhere. It is in the air we breathe, the water we drink and even the food we eat. Scientists have estimated a total of 6 primary pollution type based on the specific media they affect. These 6 pollution type are namely water pollution, air pollution, land pollution, thermal pollution, noise pollution and radioactive pollution.

Air pollution type

When there is an excess of particular gases in the atmosphere, either due to smoke, disturbances etc. then the effect is called air pollution. Most of the time, these compounds are not biodegradable - which means that they affect the air around us in a very negative manner. Air pollution type can happen from motorcycles, solid waste deposits, forest fire occurrences, various wastes from industrial outlets etc.

Water pollution type

This type of pollution occurred due to the presence of foreign waste matter which makes the water quality poorer. Most common water bodies affected by water pollution type are oceans, streams, bays, rivers and lakes etc. Various germs in combination with poisonous materials make the water unsuitable for drinking or general use purposes.

Land pollution type

The constant deposit of solid wastes coupled with accumulation of toxic matter inside the soil leads to land pollution. These wastes when combined together lead to certain changes in the overall soil composition. On an average it has been estimated that more than six million hectares get destroyed due to land pollution every single year!

Noise pollution type

Numerous heavy industrial vehicles, heavy machinery and above average noise levels have all caused tremendous noise pollution in our environments. Road traffic, domestic noises and even traffic emanating from rail and air all have given rise to increasing noise levels. In fact the human threshold of hearing is at 0 decibels and the threshold decibel of a chainsaw is around 117 decibels!

Radioactive pollution type

Nuclear energy has emitted due to a number of nuclear tests conducted around the world. Although nuclear energy as such is considered clean and not harmful, it is usually the nuclear reaction wastes emitted which is a cause for worry. This pollution type takes years to manifest its effects. While alpha and beta rays can be blocked by certain materials, it is the gamma rays which are the most destructive. These damage cells far and wide, causing long term effects.

Thermal pollution type

Global warming is everywhere — seasons have altered their course and temperament and the air has become warmer on the whole. This pollution type is known as thermal pollution. Mostly, it is the excess heat energy which gets released during chemical reactions as a waste. This in turn affects the atmosphere negatively.

Related Links:
Air Pollution Article