Contemporary Environmental Issues and Solutions in Modern World

1. By,
Garima Tandon
B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed.
Banaras Hindu University
Contemporary Environmental Issues and Solutions in Modern World
Introduction-
Environment supports life of all organisms on the earth but intervention from the side
to human being disrupted the equilibrium maintained by environment. Human activities
around the world have led to various types of environmental issues throughout the
world. Through their actions human are destroying habitat and endangering the lives of
future generations. Some major environmental issues of modern world are as follows:
1. Global Warming
2. Ozone Layer Depletion
3. Acid Rain
4. Biodiversity Loss
5. Climate Change
6. Pollution
All of these environmental issues are described below with their probable solutions:
1. Global Warming-
Global warming is a term used for the observed century-scale rise in the average
temperature of the Earth's climate system and its related effects.
Scientists date the beginning of the current warming trend to the end of
the 18th or beginning of the 19th century when coal first came into common use.
This warming trend has accelerated as we have increased our use of fossil fuels to
include gasoline, diesel, kerosene and natural gas, as well as the petrochemicals
(plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers) we now make from oil.

2. Source: https://warmheartworldwide.org/climate-change/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_ez2BRCyARIsAJfg-
ksYqCwqhOGSOUvx5v49V_5ie58TWpe-K7jBNB9pXjMLzElmQXK8uL0aAtXFEALw_wcB
Scientists are more than 95% certain that nearly all of global warming is
caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other human-
caused emissions.
Green House Effect-
The term Green House Effect was first coined by J. Fourier in 1827. As described
on the NASA Climate Kids (2020), the greenhouse effect is a process that occurs
when gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's heat. This process makes Earth
much warmer than it would be without an atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is one
of the things that makes Earth a comfortable place to live. The gases that trap the
solar energy are known as Green House Gases. The major Green House Gases are-
Carbon-dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

3. Figure: Trapping of energy by Green House Gases
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas
Green House Effect and Global Warming-
A particular concentration of Green House Gases are required to maintain the
temperature of earth but due to human intervention concentration of these gases
are getting high that results in excessive warming of earth or global warming.

4. Source:https://warmheartworldwide.org/climate-
change/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_ez2BRCyARIsAJfg-ksYqCwqhOGSOUvx5v49V_5ie58TWpe-
K7jBNB9pXjMLzElmQXK8uL0aAtXFEALw_wcB
Description of different Green House Gases is given below as data mentioned
by Singh (2006) in his book Environmental Education with relation to contribution in
global warming:
S.No. Green
House Gas
Contribution
in Global
Warming
Energy
trapping
capacity in
relation to
CO2
Major Sources Increase
per year
1. CO2 55% - Burning of fossil fuels 1.5 ppm
2. CH4 18% 25 times Livestock & growing
paddy
0.5%
3. N2O 6% 230 times Nylon products,
burning of biomass
and nitrogen rich fuel,
breakdown of
nitrogenous fertilizers,
livestock wastes &
contaminated ground
water
1%
4. CFCs 2.4% 1500-7000
times
Use of aerosols as
coolants in
refrigerators & air
conditioning devices
0.2%
Consequences of Green House Effect-
 Increase in mean global temperature (Global Warming)
 Receding of glaciers
 Melting of ice-caps in polar region around Greenland and Antarctica that
inturn results in rise in sea level
 Adverse effect to biodiversity and loss in productivity
 Climatic disturbance and change in weather condition
 Adverse effect on the natural food chain.
The relation of these consequences with increase in Green House Gases can be
understand by following diagram:

5. Source:https://warmheartworldwide.org/climate-
change/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_ez2BRCyARIsAJfg-ksYqCwqhOGSOUvx5v49V_5ie58TWpe-
K7jBNB9pXjMLzElmQXK8uL0aAtXFEALw_wcB
Control Measures-
Global initiatives and some suggestion to control global warming are as follows:
Global Initiatives-
S. No. Initiative Year Agenda
1. The Toronto
World Conference
1988 20% reduction in emission of CO2 by
the year 2005
2. Geneva
Environmental
Conference
1990 Only advance countries should take the
responsibility to decrease the global
warming
3. Montreal Protocol 1987 To reduce halons and CFCs

6. 4. Kyoto Protocol 1992 To bring down a cut of 5.2% in
emission of CO2 & other five gases at
global level
Some other control Measures:
 Use of renewable energy resources in place of fossil fuels.
 No driving day once a week to reduce emission of Green House Gases
 Promote e-vehicles, bicycles, and public transportation
 Use of environmental friendly technologies
 Promote sustainable infrastructure
 Adopting responsible consumption habits and recycling
 Sustainable agriculture & forest management etc.
2. Ozone Layer Depletion-
As cited by Singh (2006), it was found to be mentioned in the
Hindustan (22.06.2005) that the credit for discovery of Ozone layer goes to two
French scientists namely Charles Forbe and Henry Beuson in 1913. As
mentioned on webpage of United Nations Environment Protection Agency
(2017) it exist in second layer of atmosphere from the bottom continues from 6
miles (10 km) to about 31 miles (50 km). The ozone layer in the stratosphere
absorbs a portion of the radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the
planet's surface. Most importantly, it absorbs the portion of UV light called UVB.
Scientists have established records spanning several decades that
detail normal ozone levels during natural cycles. Ozone concentrations in the
atmosphere vary naturally with sunspots, seasons, and latitude. Each natural
reduction in ozone levels has been followed by a recovery. Beginning in the
1970s, however, scientific evidence showed that the ozone shield was being
depleted well beyond natural processes.
Some compounds release chlorine or bromine when they are exposed
to intense UV light in the stratosphere. These compounds contribute to ozone
depletion, and are called ozone-depleting substances (ODS). ODS that release
chlorine include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFCs), carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.

7. Figure: Ozone Depletion
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294634000606468501/
Mechanism of Ozone Depletion by CFCs-
UV radiation decomposes CFCs leading to release of free radicals:
CFCl3 CFCl2 + Cl
CFCl2 CFCl + Cl
O3 O2 + O
Cl + O3 ClO + O2
ClO + O Cl + O2
hv
hv
hv

8. Source: https://socratic.org/questions/what-is-the-main-reason-for-the-
depletion-of-the-ozone-layer
Effects of Ozone Depletion-
As described by Singh (2006), stratospheric ozone depletion will result in more
ultraviolet (UV) radiation leading to the following causes:
Irradiation of skin of human beings and further to development of skin cancer.
Causing sun burns.
Leukaemia and breast cancer.
Damage of cornea and lens leading to photo keratitis and cataracts.
Lung injury or lung cancer.
Respiratory infections.
DNA breakage.
Impairment of immune system.
Effects photosynthetic rates and ultimately leads to decrease in yield of crops.
Control and Remedial Measures-
As described by Singh (2006), the ozone depletion can be fought at three levels:
I. The offending chemicals which lead to depletion of ozone should be phased out
from use.

9. II. Steps can be taken to pump chemicals into the stratosphere. Chemicals like
alkanes, ethanes or propanes can be injected into the Antarctic atmosphere.
These chemicals would rapidly react with the ozone destroying chlorine atoms
thus immobilizing them.
III. Remedial measures can be taken to minimize health hazards like creating public
awareness.
Globally, measures have been taken to fight the problems of ozone
depletion. With the knowledge of this problem in 1975 use of CFCs as a pollutant in
aerosols was banned in U.S.A. and some European countries. The year 1985 is known
for the identification of ozone hole in Antarctica. Hence, in the year 1987, the Montreal
Protocol was signed by 24 nations. It called for 50% reduction in CFC production by
1999. Three years later, in 1990, as signs of ozone loss mounted, international delegates
met again in Landon and agreed to a total phase out of CFCs by the year 2000. Here the
following table showing decisions under the Montreal Protocol attempt in 1990:
Table: Saving the Ozone Layer (Montreal to London)
SI.No. Ozone Depleting
Gases
Uses Damage
to Ozone
relative
to
Control Under
Montreal
Protocol,
1987
After
London
Meet, June
1990
1. CFCs Refrigeration, air
conditioning,
rigid and flexible
plastic foams,
solvent in
electronic
industry,
aerosols.
1 50 percent
cut on 1989
level by
1999
Complete
phase out by
2000 AD
2. Halons Fire
extinguishers
3 to 10 Freeze on
production
at 1992 level
Total phase
out by 200
AD except
for essential
uses
3. HCFCs Replacement for
CFCs in
refrigeration
foam blowing &
aerosols.
0.02 to
0.1
No control Appeal for
careful use
by 2020 AD
to 2040 AD
4. Carbontetrachloride Chemical
feedstock for
CFCs, solvent in
pharmaceuticals,
1 No control 85 percent
cut by 1995,
phase out by
2000 AD

10. pesticides,
paints.
5. Methylchloroform Solvent for
precision, metal,
working &
electronic
industry.
0.1 No control 70 percent
by 2000
AD, phase
out by 2005
AD
Source: Singh (2006)
It is high time for world community to be conscious to save the
environment and resolve every year on 16th
September (Ozone Day) to act in
environment friendly manner.
3. Acid Rain-
As described on the webpage of United States Environmental Protection Agency
(2017), “Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of
precipitation with acidic components, such as sulphuric or nitric acid that fall to the
ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail
or even dust that is acidic”.
Source: https://mywaterearth.com/how-to-keep-rain-from-affecting-the-water-in-your-pool/

11. Causes-
Acid rain results when sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted
into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react
with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulphuric and nitric acids. These then
mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.
While a small portion of the SO2 and NOX that cause acid rain is from natural sources
such as volcanoes, most of it comes from the burning of fossil fuels. The major sources
of SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere are:
 Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Two thirds of SO2 and one fourth
of NOX in the atmosphere come from electric power generators.
 Vehicles and heavy equipment.
 Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries.
Winds can blow SO2 and NOX over long distances and across borders
making acid rain a problem for everyone and not just those who live close to these
sources.
Forms of Acid Deposition-
A. Wet Deposition
Wet deposition is what we most commonly think of as acid rain. The sulfuric and
nitric acids formed in the atmosphere fall to the ground mixed with rain, snow, fog, or
hail.
B. Dry Deposition
Acidic particles and gases can also deposit from the atmosphere in the absence of
moisture as dry deposition. The acidic particles and gases may deposit to surfaces (water
bodies, vegetation, buildings) quickly or may react during atmospheric transport to form
larger particles that can be harmful to human health. When the accumulated acids are
washed off a surface by the next rain, this acidic water flows over and through the
ground, and can harm plants and wildlife, such as insects and fish.
The amount of acidity in the atmosphere that deposits to earth through
dry deposition depends on the amount of rainfall an area receives. For example, in
desert areas the ratio of dry to wet deposition is higher than an area that receives several
inches of rain each year.

12. Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6; it is slightly acidic because carbon
dioxide (CO2) dissolves into it forming weak carbonic acid. Acid rain usually has a pH
between 4.2 and 4.4.
Policymakers, research scientists, ecologists, and modellers rely on the
National Atmospheric Deposition Program’s (NADP) National Trends Network (NTN)
for measurements of wet deposition. Unlike wet deposition, dry deposition is difficult
and expensive to measure.
Source:https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-
rain#:~:text=Acid%20rain%2C%20or%20acid%20deposition,even%20dust%20that%20is%20acidic.
Major Effects of Acid Rain-
As mentioned by Singh (2006) and Bradford (2018) some major effects of acid rain are
as follows:
a. Acid rain has been found to be very hard on trees. It weakens them by washing
away the protective film on leaves, and it stunts growth. A paper released in the
online version of the journal of Environmental Science and Technology in 2005
showed evidence of acid rain stunting tree growth.
b. Loss of forests due to acidity has been observed in Germany. Damage to forest
has been observed in Switzerland, Netherlands & Czechoslovakia due to
leaching away of essential plant nutrients like calcium, potassium, iron and
magnesium from soil.
c. It also accumulate as acid snow in ponds, rivers and lakes and cause several
complications. It also acidifies soil and makes them unsuitable for plant growth.
d. Acid rain can also change the composition of soil and bodies of water, making
them uninhabitable for local animals and plants. For example, thousands of fish
lakes of Sweden become ‘fish graveyards’ due to enhanced acidity.

13. e. It causes extensive damage to buildings and structural materials of marble, slate,
limestone etc. For example, Taj Mahal in Agra has been affected due to SO2 and
H2SO4 fumes. British Parliament building also suffered damage due to H2SO4
rich rain.
f. Another issue related to acid rain is the reduction in visibility in eastern North
America due to sulphate aerosols. Impaired visibility is a safety issue for airport
traffic control and can affect tourism as well.
g. It contaminates water sources and hence drinking water is also contaminated and
affects organisms.
Control measures-
Some of the control measures for acid rain suggested by Singh (2006) & Bradford
(2018) are as follows:
a. The use of fossil fuels should be restricted and more sustainable energy
sources such as solar and wind power should be used.
b. Public transport should be used to reduce vehicle use that in turn will result
in less emission of these gases.
c. Pollution control equipments should be used to check emission of SO2 and
NO2.
d. ‘Clean Air Act’ should be adopted to monitor the level of pollutants.
e. Lakes and soils should be limed from time to time to check the adverse
effects of acid rain.
4. Biodiversity Loss-
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It includes all organisms, species, and
populations, the genetic variation among these, and their complex assemblages of
communities and ecosystems.
Biodiversity loss is a decrease in biodiversity within a species, an ecosystem, a given
geographic area, or Earth as a whole.
Extinction is a natural process that has occurred for millions of years. You may be
wondering why does it deserve so much attention now? The problem is that the rate of
extinction has increased dramatically in recent years due to our impact as humans. If
current environmental practices are not changed, estimates put loss of biodiversity in
the next century between 25 and 50%. That is 1/4 and 1/2 of all the world's species
gone forever within 100 years. The Red Data Book of IUCN contains the list of all
these species identified so far. Following pie chart can be helpful to understand
threatened 47,677 species under different stages of threatening called:

14.  Vulnerable- if the population of species decline continuously;
 Endangered- species whose number is destructed to a critical level that if steps
are not taken to conserve, there is danger of extinction;
 Extinct- If a species is not found in the wild for 50 years on a continuum.
Figure: Proportion of all assessed species in different threat categories of
extinction risk on the IUCN Red List, based on data from 47,677 species
Source: https://thelossthatcounts.weebly.com/long-term-effects.html
Causes of Biodiversity Loss-
The major direct causes of human-induced biodiversity loss are as follows:
1. land-use change (the fragmentation, degradation or loss of habitats due to
uncontrolled deforestation, industrialization, urbanization)
2. Pollution (air and water)
3. The over-exploitation of natural resources for satisfying greed
4. The introduction of non-native (alien or exotic) species

15. 5. Climate change-induced biodiversity etc.
Biodiversity Conservation-
Conservation is the efficient conservation of natural resources by human beings. It
involves proper utilization, preservation and protection of natural resources. Basically,
there are two major approaches that deals with biodiversity conservation as described
below:
 In Situ Conservation (Within Habitat)-
It can be achieved by protection of wild flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Some In Situ Conservation areas are described below:
S.No. Area Features Activities
Prohibited
Example No.
in
India
1. National
Park
An area dedicated
for the conservation
of wild life along
with its environment
having confined
boundaries.
Grazing,
Forestry
activities
etc.
Corbett
and
Dudwa
National
Park for
protecting
Tiger
80
2. Wildlife
Sanctuaries
Boundaries not
sacrosanct
Hunting Ghana
Bird
Sanctuary
420
3. Biosphere
Reserves
Usually related to
two or more species
or with protection of
all life forms in an
ecosystem having
confined boundaries
with size around
5670 sq. km.
Tourism Sunderban
Biosphere
Reserve
7
Some special projects launched in India for conservation of endangered species
are as follows:
 Project Tiger (Launched in 1973 with 9 Tiger Reserves)
 Gir Lion Project (1972)
 Crocodile Breeding Project (Started in 1974 with 16 crocodile rearing
centres)
 Snow Leopard Project (Launched in 1992)
 Project Elephant (Launched in 1992) etc.

16.  Ex Situ Conservation (Outside Habitat)-
It can be achieved by protection of wild flora and fauna outside the natural habitat
by establishment of gene banks, seed banks, culture collections, botanical
gardens and zoos. Some Indian Ex Situ conservation centres are as follows:
 National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) at New Delhi
 National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) at Haryana
 National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR) etc.
INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION –
 THE EARTH SUMMIT-
It was the historic convention on Biological diversity, held in Rio de Janeiro in
1992. It called upon all the nations to take appropriate measures for (i)
Conservation of biodiversity, and (ii) Sustainable utilization of the benefits of
biodiversity.
 THE WORLD SUMMIT-
It was held in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa. 190 countries pledged their
commitment to achieve a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity
loss at global, regional and local levels by 2010.
Some other suggestions to prevent biodiversity loss-
 Purchase sustainable product
 Follow 3Rs’ (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
 Create awareness for importance of biodiversity
 Stop overexploitation of resources (Satisfy your needs but not your greed)
etc.
5. Climate Change-
Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate.
The global climate is the connected system of sun, earth and oceans, wind, rain
and snow, forests, deserts and savannas, and everything people do, too. The
climate of a place, say New York, can be described as its rainfall, changing
temperatures during the year and so on. But the global climate is more than the
“average” of the climates of specific places.

17. Source: https://warmheartworldwide.org/climate-change/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_ez2BRCyARIsAJfg-
ksYqCwqhOGSOUvx5v49V_5ie58TWpe-K7jBNB9pXjMLzElmQXK8uL0aAtXFEALw_wcB
Causes-
The primary cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal,
which emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere—primarily carbon dioxide. Other
human activities, such as agriculture and deforestation, also contribute to the
proliferation of greenhouse gases that cause climate change
The most compelling climate change evidence scientists have is long term data relating
atmospheric CO2 levels and global temperature, sea level, the expanse of ice, the fossil
record and the distribution of species. Because all parts of the global climate are
connected, scientists have been able to create models of how changes caused by heating
should work their way through the entire system and appear in different areas, for
example, sea level, intemperate weather, the movement of fish species in the ocean.
Climate change impact-
Because the global climate is a connected system, climate change impacts are felt
everywhere. Major impact on environmental condition are shown in the following
diagram:

18. Source:https://www.joboneforhumanity.org/what_is_global_warming_sign_up?gclid=Cj0KC
QjwoPL2BRDxARIsAEMm9y_GNCvYMTe6HEg002QCy3Dxg9pKkCKc5V3at6Mo7z-
ItEb76Qx7dX4aAqgwEALw_wcB
The major impacts of climate change on human health are described in following
diagram:
Source: https://warmheartworldwide.org/climate-change/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_ez2BRCyARIsAJfg-
ksYqCwqhOGSOUvx5v49V_5ie58TWpe-K7jBNB9pXjMLzElmQXK8uL0aAtXFEALw_wcB

19. Most Recent Episodes of Climate Change in our country-
 Repetitive earthquakes
 Super Cyclones (Amphan and Nisarg Cyclone)
 Rise in temperature in May month upto 47.5°C
 Spread of Covid-19 pandemic etc.
Control measures-
The logic for this is that global climate change affects us all, but individual countries
can manage only the activities that take place within their borders. To confront a
global problem, we need a global solution. As the United Nations history of these
negotiations begins:
“Climate change is a global challenge and requires a global solution.
Greenhouse gas emissions have the same impact on the atmosphere
whether they originate in Washington, London or Beijing.
Consequently, action by one country to reduce emissions will do little
to slow global warming unless other countries act as well. Ultimately,
an effective strategy will require commitments and action by all the
major emitting countries.”
The global effort to manage climate change has been organized through what is called
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also set
voluntary Green House Gases emissions reductions that countries did not meet.
With the failure of the Rio initiatives, then 191 signatories to the UNFCCC agreed to
meet in Kyoto in 1997 to establish a more stringent regime. The resulting Kyoto
Protocol created a global trading system for carbon credits and binding Green House
Gases reductions for ratifying countries. (The US did not sign; China and India were
exempt as developing countries.) So-called Conferences of the Parties (COPs) were
held almost annually thereafter in places such as The Hague, Cancun and Doha without
progress being made (Following the failure of the 2012 Doha meetings, the un-renewed
Kyoto carbon trading system collapsed). Therefore, it required to follow the idea of
these initiative practically rather than only on papers to control the climate change.
6. Pollution-
The word ‘pollution’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘pollutionem’ (Sigh,
2006). Pollutionem means to defile or dirty. Hence, pollution is the act of
polluting the environment. In other words, we can say that Pollution is an

20. unwanted change in the constituent of environment that is harmful for life of
organisms.
On the basis of component of environment getting polluted, it can be classified
under three categories:
I. Air Pollution
II. Water Pollution
III. Soil Pollution
I. Air Pollution-
It can be defined as the disequilibrium in the quality of air in the
atmosphere leading to detrimental effects on life of organisms on earth.
Causes-
It can be understand by the diagram mentioned below that causes of air
pollution can be natural (volcanos, forest fire etc.) or manmade (burning
of fossil fuels, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions etc.). Primary
pollutants have been released from these sources and after various
chemical reactions getting converted into secondary pollutant and are
hazardous in both forms.
Figure: Sources of Air Pollution
Source: https://groundwater-modeling.teachable.com/p/air-pollution-causes-and-impacts

21. Impact of Air Pollution-
These are as follows:
 Bleaching of leaf pigment, chlorosis, dwarfing of plant (by SO2)
 Affect nutrient quality (all pollutant)
 Harmful for marbles and buildings (SO2 and NO2 in the form of acid rain)
 Leaf curling, reduction in leaf size and chlorophyll, premature aging of plants (by CO)
 Hazardous to human health (described below)
Along with above mention impacts, some impacts of air pollution regarding human health are
mentioned in following figure:
Source: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/air-pollution-control-district/about-air-
pollution
Air Pollution Episodes-
 Los Angeles Episode in California (1944) that resulted in damage of plants, eye
irritation and reduced visibility
 Hundreds of people died due to killing smog in Donora, Pennsylvania (1948)
 The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) due to leakage of Methyl isocyanate. About
3200 people died and 65000 people affected.

22. Control of Air Pollution-
 Pollution controlling machineries or purifiers should be used in factories
 Control on atomic test and atomic weapons
 Use of unleaded petrol
 Use of smokeless chulha (LPG)
 Use of efficient engines in automobiles
 Plantation etc.
II. Water Pollution-
According to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,
water pollution means such contamination of water or such alteration of
the physical, chemical, or biological properties of as may, or is likely to,
injurious to public health or safety, or to the life and health of animals or
plants or of aquatic organisers.
Causes of Water Pollution- It can be understand by following diagram:
Source: http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/water_pollution_control.html
Hazardous Effects of Water Pollution-
 Cause chronic diseases like typhoid, jaundice, dysentery, diarrhoea
tuberculosis etc.
 If used for irrigation then cause decrease in soil fertility and less productivity.

23.  Deposition of untreated effluent and solid waste may cause disappearance of
water bodies due to siltation.
 Hazardous to life of aquatic organisms.
 Increase Biological Oxygen Demand that in turn effect ecological balance in
aquatic systems.
 Richness of hazardous elements in polluted water causes various diseases as:
 Richness of Nitrate cause Blue baby syndrome
 Richness of Mercury cause Minamata Disease
 Richness of Fluoride- Fluorosis (weakening of teeth and bones) etc.
Control of Water Pollution-
Some measures to control water pollution are as follows:
 Separate drainage of sewage and rain water should be provided to prevent
overflow of sewage with rain water.
 Planting trees would reduce pollution by sediments and will also prevent soil
erosion.
 Waste water should be treated by primary and secondary treatment to reduce
BOD, COD levels upto permissible levels of discharge.
 Industrial effluents and wastes must be treated in order to reduce their toxicity.
 Non-biodegradable waste materials such as plastics should not be dumped in
water bodies. These not only increase the levels of toxins in water but also
choke the aquatic organisms to death.
 Human activities such as bathing and washing in the river, ponds and lakes,
washing animals, immersing of idols must be stopped.
III. Soil Pollution-
Any disturbance in natural composition of soil complex which makes soil unfit
for life of organisms or for human use can be termed as soil pollution.
Causes-
Soil pollution can be caused by the following:
 Acid rain
 Industrial Accidents
 Deforestation

24.  Genetically modified plants
 Nuclear wastes
 Intensive farming
 Landfill and illegal dumping
 Mining and other industries
 Oil and fuel dumping
 Buried wastes
 Disposal of coal ash
 Electronic waste
 Disposal of ammunitions and agents of war
 Agricultural practices, such as application of pesticides, herbicides and
fertilizers
 Drainage of contaminated surface water into the soil etc.
Hazardous Effects of Soil Pollution-
 Alteration in structure of soil.
 Decrease soil fertility that makes the soil unsuitable for agriculture and
decreased productivity.
 Eating of products grown in polluted soil cause congenital illness and chronic
diseases in human beings.
 Leads to contamination of ground water etc.
Control Measures-
There are many factors which control the soil pollution. It includes following:
 Fertilizers and pesticides should be used in limit and bio-fertilizers should
given preference.
 The grazing must be controlled and forest management should be done
properly. The afforestation and reforestation must be done.
 In areas of wind erosion, wind breaks and shields must be used.
 The industrial wastes must be dumped in the low lying areas.
 The mining ways must be improved along with their transportation.
 Plants that break down and/or sequester contaminates can be used to prevent
the spread of pollution.
Conclusion-
It is evident from the above discussion that almost all the modern environmental
crisis is due to interruption of human being in comparison to natural occurrence.
Human try to overexploit the natural resources that results in disequilibrium stage

25. and cause crisis condition. We should have to remember that there is reaction from
the side of nature for each and every action. We have prisoned nature’s creation and
result is that now we are in lockdown and they are free to enjoy the beauty of pure
nature. We are practicing to fill the ozone hole, controlling pollution from long
duration of time but we did not get much success due to our greedy nature. A miracle
happened in favour of nature, a small creature came that prisoned human ‘evil of
nature’ to stop interrupting with nature. Researches by NASA and various other
agencies says that ozone hole of Antarctica is reduced itself in lockdown. As
mentioned in NEWS of The New Indian Express (08.05.2020) pollution level
decreased, many animals came back to their native place, rivers have pure potable
water due to less emission of pollutant. Therefore, nature can heal itself if we do not
interrupt much.

26. References
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https://www.livescience.com/63065-acid-rain.html.
 Byju’s (2020). Environmental Issues. Retrieved from
https://byjus.com/biology/environmental-issues-solutions/.
 Kendriya Vidyalaya Nallapadu. (2015). Loss of Biodiversity. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/kavyasrigadipudi/loss-of-biodiversity-
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 Raja, S.A. (2013). Biodiversity Loss. Retrieved from
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protection/basic-ozone-layer-science.
 United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). What is Acid Rain?
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-
rain#:~:text=Acid%20rain%2C%20or%20acid%20deposition,
even%20dust%20that%20is%20acidic.
 Upadhyay, V. (2020, May 8). Lockdown effect: Ganga water fit for drinking
after decades, say experts. The New Indian Express. Retrieved from
https://www-newindianexpress-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.new
indianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/08/lockdown-effect-ganga-water-
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