What is contamination?
Pollution is the introduction of a pollutant into the environment. Pollution is caused by industrial and commercial waste, agricultural practices, daily human activities and, above all, modes of transport. No matter where you go and what you do, there are traces of contamination. Pollution has a detrimental effect on any living organism in an environment, making it virtually impossible to sustain life.
Why are there different types of pollution?
Pollution harms the Earth’s environment and its inhabitants in many ways. The three main types of pollution are:
1.Soil contamination– Soil pollution is the contamination of the Earth’s natural land surface by industrial, commercial, domestic, and agricultural activities.
What are the sources of soil contamination?
Some of the main contributors to soil contamination are:
- chemical and nuclear plants
- industrial factories
- Mining
- Literature
- overcrowded dumps
- Deforestation
- construction debris
- Oil refineries
- human sewage
- Oil and antifreeze leak from cars
How to prevent soil contamination
The best way to prevent soil contamination is to recycle. Here are some other ways you can reduce land pollution:
- Don’t use pesticides
- Use a drip pan to catch engine oil
- Buy products that have little packaging
- Do not throw motor oil on the ground
- Reuse as many items as you can
- Buy biodegradable products
- Store all liquid chemicals and waste in leak proof containers.
- Eat organic foods that are grown without pesticides
2.Air pollution – Air pollution is the accumulation of dangerous substances in the atmosphere that endanger human life and other living beings.
What are the sources of air pollution?
Some of the major contributors to air pollution are:
- coal combustion
- acid rain
- Noise pollution from cars and construction
- Energy plants
- manufacturing buildings
- automotive emissions
- Tobacco smoke
- big ships
- paint fumes
- Aerosol sprays
- forest fires
- Nuclear weapons
How to prevent air pollution
The number one way to prevent air pollution is to walk or bike more and drive less. This will prevent fossil fuels from polluting the air. Here are some other ways to prevent air pollution:
- Carpool with friends and co-workers
- do not smoke
- Use a walk-behind or electric mower instead of a gas-powered one
- Do not use harsh chemical cleaners that can emit fumes.
- Inspect your gas appliances and heaters regularly
- Keep your car maintenance up to date
- If you have to drive, do your errands at once
- Don’t buy products that come in aerosol cans.
- Avoid using lighter fluid when barbecuing outdoors
- When driving, accelerate slowly and use cruise control
- Always replace your car’s air filter
3.Water pollution – Water pollution is the introduction of chemical, biological and physical matter into large bodies of water that degrades the quality of life of those who inhabit and consume it.
What are the sources of water pollution?
Some of the main contributors to water pollution are:
- Waste treatment facilities
- Mining
- Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- human sewage
- Oil spills
- Factories
- refineries
- Defective septic systems
- soap to wash your car
- Oil and antifreeze leak from cars
- household chemicals
- animal waste
How to prevent water pollution
The best way to prevent water pollution is to not dump trash or other harmful chemicals into our water supplies. Here are some more ways to prevent water contamination:
- Inspect your septic system every 3-5 years
- Avoid the use of pesticides and fertilizers that can run off into water systems.
- Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it down
- Always pump out your boat’s waste tanks
- Wash your car away from any storm drains
- Do not dump trash, chemicals, or solvents down sewer drains.
- Use non-toxic cleaning materials.
- Clean up oil spills and other liquids with kitty litter and sweeten
- Don’t wash brushes in the sink.
The best way to get involved in pollution prevention is to practice efforts on your own or join a project or program. With a little effort, you can help the planet restore its natural resources and provide a healthier place to live for all living creatures.
