ASSIGNMENT 1

FSG 500 - PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (TITLE: DAMAGING EFFECTS OF POLLUTION)

BY ENDI | SHASHA | ANIQAH

DAMAGING EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

STUDENT PROFILE

1) MUHAMAD EFFENDI BIN AHMAD SHARI (2010629346) 2) NUR ANIQAH WARDIAH BINTI SUHAIME (2-010651476) 3) HASHAZIRAH BINTI MOHAMAD HASSAN (2010276456)

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.0. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 5

CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.0. 2.1. 2.1.1. 2.1.2. 2.2. 2.3. POLLUTION .................................................................................................................................... 8 SOURCES OF POLLUTION .......................................................................................................... 8 POINT SOURCE ...................................................................................................................... 9 NON-POINT SOURCE ........................................................................................................... 11

POLLUTION CAUSING SUBSTANCES ............................................................................................ 12 IMPACTS OF POLLUTION ............................................................................................................. 15 HUMAN HEALTH ................................................................................................................. 15 WATER................................................................................................................................. 16 AIR ....................................................................................................................................... 16 LAND.................................................................................................................................... 17 ECOSYSTEM ......................................................................................................................... 18 LITTERING ............................................................................................................................ 18

2.3.1. 2.3.2. 2.3.3. 2.3.4. 2.3.5. 2.3.6.

CHAPTER 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 20 3.1 Recommendations......................................................................................................................... 20 3.1.1 Water ......................................................................................................................................... 20 3.1.2 Air ............................................................................................................................................... 21 3.1.3 Land.......................................................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................. 23 CHAPTER 5: REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 24

CHAPTER 1
1.0. INTRODUCTION

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that causes adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution. Pollution is not a new phenomenon. In fact, pollution has been a problem since the appearance of our earliest ancestors (Markham, 1994). Increasing human populations have opened the door to more bacteria and diseases. During the Middle Ages, diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever broke out all across Europe. These epidemics were directly related to unsanitary conditions caused by human and animal wastes, and garbage. In 1347, the bacterium Yersinia pestis, carried by rats and spread by fleas, caused the "Black Death" -- an outbreak of bubonic plague. Unsanitary conditions provide the perfect environment for the deadly bacteria to flourish. By the 1800s, people began to understand that unsanitary living conditions and water contamination contributed to disease epidemics. This new awareness prompted major cities to take measures to control waste and garbage. In the mid-1850s, Chicago built the first major sewage system in the United States to treat wastewater. Soon, many other U.S. cities followed Chicago's lead (Merchant, 2002). Even so, the society still does not take pollution problems seriously as they should be. Many people still think that they can dump garbage all over the planet Earth without any consequences which is not true. Since the start of industrial revolution we have been continuously heavily polluting our planet, caring only for economic development, and does not even care for the health of environment that we lived in. Such lack of ecological conscience has caused severe pollution across the globe. Levels of air, sea, and water pollution are extremely high, and are constantly growing because industry would not let go.

People do not only care little about the air they breathe but also carelessly concerned about water they drink. Water is so precious for our survival and people are still doing so little to protect water resources around the globe. In many parts of the world, especially India and China, water in some places way below the levels required for safe drinking, along with many people dying from different waterborne diseases and lack of basic sanitation. The Sea is also heavily polluted. Each day we are dumping new garbage into the oceans; luckily oceans were extremely broad that we are not able to see the actual damage caused by what we were doing to which it is very likely much fatal than we think it is. Pollution can basically be defined as a form of environmental destruction. Harmful gases and particles, different types of garbage and waste that is dumped each day into our environment is destroying inheritance that Mother Nature left us. All types of pollution, air, water and soil pollution give an impact on the living environment. Air pollution is by far the most harmful form of pollution in our environment. Air pollution is cause by the injurious smoke emitted by cars, buses, trucks, trains, and factories, namely sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Even smoke from burning leaves and cigarettes are harmful to the environment causing a lot of damage to mankind and the atmosphere. Evidence of increasing air pollution is seen in lung cancer, asthmatics, allergies, and various breathing problems along with severe and irreparable damage to flora and fauna. Even the most natural phenomenon of migratory birds has been hampered, with severe air pollution preventing them from reaching their seasonal metropolitan destinations of centuries. Water pollution is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at all levels (international down to individual aquifers and wells). It has been suggested that it is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases, and that, it accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily.

Soil contamination or soil pollution is caused by the presence of common chemicals, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene), solvents, pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals. Contamination is correlated with the degree of industrialization and intensity of chemical usage. The concern over soil contamination stems primarily from health risks, from direct contact with the contaminated soil, vapors from the contaminants, and from secondary contamination of water supplies within and underlying the soil. The minor pollution, such as noise pollution and light pollution too are the damaging the environment at an alarming rate. Noise pollution include aircraft noise, noise of cars, buses, and trucks, vehicle horns, loudspeakers, and industry noise, as well as highintensity sonar effects which are extremely harmful for the environment. What is effect? Effect is something that is produced by a cause or the result of an action. Thus, the effect of pollution is something bad or fatal that happened due to pollutions. Pollution can be classified into two main classes which are biological and physical effect. The physical effects of pollution are those that we could see, but they include effects other than actual physical damages. For example, oil spills. It is one obvious physical effect of pollution due to ship collisions or other

accidents. Other than that are air pollutants. Air pollutants damage a wide variety of materials. Burning oil and coal produce sulfur oxides, which cause steel to erode two to four times faster than normal. When combined with other pollutants (soot,

smoke, lead, asbestos, and so on), sulfur oxide particulates cause corrosion to occur at an even faster rate. For biological effect, it is the most serious result of pollution because it is harmful to humans health and on the animals food chain. Pollution can destroy vegetation that provides food and shelter. It can seriously disrupt the balance of nature, and in extreme cases, may cause the death of humans. Pesticides, which include

herbicides and insecticides, can damage crops; kill vegetation; and poison birds, animals, and fish. Most pesticides are nonselective; they kill or damage life forms.

CHAPTER 2
2.0. POLLUTION
Pollution can basically be defined as the harm due to the presence of a substance that not normally found and they may present in large quantities. Polluting substances may occur as a solid, liquid or gas.

Pollution consequences mostly happen directly, through the toxic effect of a harmful substance. As such, spillage of a pesticide entering a river well may have an immediate effect and it is very harmful to the aquatic life. Apart from that, the consequences of pollution can be indirect as well. Nitrogen and phosphorus are needed for plant growth, but if it is too much of plant growth, they can be harmful towards water. For example, excessive amount of phosphorus in water surface can promote algal growth. Instead, the algal decay process reduces oxygen available in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life.

Our use of water can cause pollution, not only because of substances we put into water without realizing, but also by abstracting water from rivers and lakes, we reduce the ability of water bodies to tolerate the presence of polluting substances. Where the volume of receiving water is low, the concentration of polluting substance entering water will be higher and thus, the impact will be greater. Hence, the reduction of water pollution depends on not only on preventing polluting substances entering the water, but also on reducing the amount of water we use.

2.1.

SOURCES OF POLLUTION

Pollution can be described as point source or non-point source of pollution. Point source pollution enters water body at a specific site and is generally readily identified. Point sources of pollution include effluent discharges from sewage treatment or and industrial sites, power stations, landfill sites, fish farms, and oil spillage especially through the pipelines from industrial sites. Point source

pollution is generally readily prevented since it is possible to identify where it is coming from and, done so, those responsible for causing the pollution can take preventative measures through immediate actions or longer-term investment in treatment and control facilities.

Non-point source of pollution arises when substances are widely used and spreads over certain areas as a result of land-use activities such as urban development, farming and forestry. These activities may be new or have been carried out in the past. It is usually difficult to identify the specific sources of such pollution and therefore take immediate action to prevent it, since prevention needs big changes to the land use and management. Examples of non-point source of pollution include leaching to surface water and groundwater of contaminants from roads, nutrients and pesticides used in agriculture and forestry, and atmospheric deposition of contaminants arising from industry. A special case arises where, for example, a power station as such coal combustion may emit sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide to the air.
2.1.1. POINT SOURCE

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), point source of pollution can be defined as any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack (Hill, 1997). Factories and sewage treatment plants are two common types of point sources. Factories, including oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and chemical, electronics and automobile manufacturers, typically discharge one or more pollutants in their discharged waters (called effluents). Some factories discharge their effluents directly into a waterbody. Others treat it themselves before it is released, and still others send their wastes to sewage treatment plants for treatment. Sewage treatment plants treat human wastes and send the treated effluent to a stream or river.

Another way that some factories and sewage treatment plants handle waste material is by mixing it with runoff in a combined sewer system. Runoff refers to storm water that flows over surfaces like driveways and lawns. As the water crosses these surfaces, it picks up chemicals and pollutants. This untreated, polluted water then runs directly into a sewer system. When it rains excessively, a combined sewer system may not be able handle the volume of water, and some of the combined runoff and raw sewage will overflow from the system, discharging directly into the nearest waterbody without being treated. The combined sewer overflow is considered as point source of pollution, and may cause severe damage to human health and the environment. Unregulated discharge from point source of pollution can results in water pollution, unsafe drinking water, and limitation of activities like fishing and swimming. Some of the chemicals discharged by point source of pollution are harmless, but others are toxic to mankind and other living things. Discharged chemical is harmful to the aquatic ecosystem and it depends on several factors, including the type of chemical, its concentration, the timing of its release, weather conditions, and the organisms living in the area. Large farms that raise livestock, such as cows, pigs and chickens, are other sources of point source of pollution. If they do not treat the waste materials wisely, these substances can then enter nearby waterbody as raw sewage, radically adding to the level and rate of pollution.

2.1.2. NON-POINT SOURCE

Most non-point source of pollution occurs due to the runoff. When rain moves over and through the ground, the water absorbs and assimilates any pollutants it comes into contact with (USEPA, 2004b). Following a heavy rainstorm, for example, water will flow across a parking lot and pick up oil left by cars driving and parking on the asphalt. When you see a rainbow-colored sheen on water flowing across the surface of a road or parking lot, you are actually looking at nonpoint source of pollution. This runoff then move to the edge of the parking lot, and most likely, it empties into a stream. The water flows downstream into a larger stream, and then to a lake, river, or maybe ocean. The pollutants in this runoff can be quite harmful, and their sources numerous. We usually cannot point to one specific location of nonpoint source of pollution like we can with a discharge pipe from a factory. Nonpoint source of pollution not only affects ecosystems; it can also have harmful effects on the economy. If pollution leads to massive death of fish and dirty-looking water, the area of fishermen and others for example tourist-attracted place, as such depending on the water lives itself will experience deep financial losses. Non-point source of pollution affects the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters as well. If the physical and

environmental well-being of these areas is diminished, people will naturally find it less attractive to visit the coast. Beaches will not provide the leisure activities many people expect to experience. You can see how non-point source of pollution plays an indirect, though the role of tourists' contributions towards economy. The population in many coastal communities is also increasing at a rapid rate, and the value of waterfront property often relies on environmental and aquatic conditions. Excess non-point source of pollution gives great impacts the overall quality of life, and subsequently can drive property values down. If non-point source of pollution continues to pollute the waters surrounding coastal communities, their economies and social conditions may rapidly deteriorate. Although the concentration of some pollutants from runoff may be lower than the concentration from a point source, the total amount of a pollutant delivered from nonpoint sources may be higher because the pollutants come from many places. Nonpoint source pollution is difficult to control because it comes from multiple locations. It also depends on time in the terms of flow and types of pollutants it contains.

2.2.

POLLUTION CAUSING SUBSTANCES

i) Nutrients; The main polluting nutrients related to water are nitrogen, ammonia, phosphorus and sulphur. They arise from the natural decomposition of crop residues and soil organic matter, rainfall, fertilizers, urine and manure, silage, landfill sites, wastewater and industrial effluents, power generation and other fuel-burning activities.

For example, nutrients are the major cause of eutrophication which is the enrichment of lakes, rivers and the marine environment leading to increased plant growth and the occurrence of algae. ii) Pesticides; Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides that are used in gardens, in agriculture, in parkland and golf courses.

iii)

Heavy metals; Heavy metals are widely-used ingredients for chemical compounds used in industry. Industrial contaminated land can be a source of heavy metals leaching into the environment. They also exist naturally in soils at low concentrations. They can be found in fuel, chemicals, waste materials and batteries. In high concentrations they are toxic to humans, animals, fish and plants.

iv)

Suspended solids; Suspended solids are mineral and organic particles that remain suspended in water. They sink only very slowly or are easily resuspended by water turbulence. Suspended solids might be eroded soil or decayed leaves. Wastewater from sewage works and industry might also carry suspended solids into water bodies. Suspended solids cause water to be turbid and this cloudiness reduces light levels. Turbidity can also be a sign of other pollution since nutrients, pesticides and metals can be attached to the suspended particles.

v)

Settle able solids; Solids are basically mineral or organic solids which can settle onto the beds of rivers and lakes where they can prevent fish spawning.

vi)

Oxygen

depleting

substances

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) tests are analytical methods for measuring the amount of oxygen consumed during the microbial or chemical breakdown of oxygen-depleting substances in water, such as sewage and farm slurry. High levels of BOD and COD indicate a heavily polluted water body making it less suitable for acquatic life.

vii)

Pathogens; They present in faeces from human and animal sources, including wildlife. They can enter water through poor wastewater management or poor handling of manures, slurry and other farm wastes. They may also be carried directly off fields by heavy rainfall or enter water bodies where stock and wildlife have direct access for drinking purposes.

viii)

Temperature; Temperature is not strictly a pollutant in the general meaning of the term but is included here because it can affect the health of the aquatic environment. Shallow water tends to be warmer than deep water as it is heated more readily by the sun. For the same reason, particularly in summer, the surface water of lakes is warmer than that at the bottom. Where water is heavily abstracted for use, the remaining water can become warmer due to its reduced depth, stressing aquatic life. Treated effluent from industry and sewage treatment works and cooling water from power stations is generally warmer than the receiving waters into which they are discharged, and this can cause temperature stress as well as stress due to reduced oxygen in the water, since warm water carries less oxygen than cold water.

ix)

Hydrocarbon; It includes vegetable and mineral oils (including petrol, diesel, white spirit, heating and lubricating oil), and chlorinated solvents such as dry cleaning fluids.

2.3.

IMPACTS OF POLLUTION

The term "pollutant" refers to any substance that, when introduced to an area, has a negative impact on the environment and its organisms. Pollutants can impact human health, air, water, land and entire ecosystems. Most sources of pollution are due to the human activities. These pollutants can have dire effects on entire ecosystems, making life more difficult for humans, plants and animals. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the health effects from these toxins. In many cases, exposure to pollution has a cumulative effect on the body.

2.3.1. HUMAN HEALTH

Many pollutants have a negative impact on human health. For example, pollutants in the air, such as ozone or particulates in the air, may lead to respiratory health problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function. Drinking contaminated water may lead to stomach and other digestive problems. Pollutants such as mercury can accumulate in fish and seafood and can lead to serious health problems, especially for vulnerable populations such as children or pregnant women. Pollutants in the soil, such as contamination by heavy metals, toxins or lead, can lead to serious health problems, including cancer and developmental problems in children.

2.3.2. WATER

Water is a necessity of life. People and animals need clean drinking water. Farmers need water to irrigate crops. People enjoy using lakes and rivers for recreation. Unfortunately, this precious resource is easily contaminated by agricultural runoff, mining activities, waste treatment plants and improperly disposed-of industrial waste. Microbial contaminants include bacteria and viruses. Most people can fight off the microbial contaminants; however, people with compromised immune systems can get dangerously ill. Contaminants like solvents, pesticides, radium and arsenic are more sinister. This type of pollution can cause long-term health problems for people. Wildlife can also die from exposure. Water pollution mostly occurs due to the run-off from places mentioned, as such agricultural fields, construction sites or factories; oil spills; sewage spills; and the accumulation of trash. Water pollution has a deleterious effect on the native plant and animal species that call bodies of water home. Run-off from agricultural fields can lead to algal blooms which choke out other plants and decrease the amount of available oxygen for species of fish and other organisms. Chemicals in the water can affect animal development, leading to deformities, such as extra legs in frogs. Oil spills kill native species of animals including waterfowl and mammal species. Sewage overflow can contaminate sources of human drinking water, leading to serious health problems, as mentioned above. The accumulation of trash in bodies of water may also lead to animal deaths resulting from becoming tangled in plastic items such as plastic bags, fishing wire and other debris.

2.3.3. AIR

One of the most common sources of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels, such as vehicle and factory emissions. These emissions are a major contributor to smog, a mass of particulate matter than hangs like a cloud over many major cities and industrial areas. A second effect of air pollution is acid rain, which forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the air combine with oxygen, water and other chemicals in the air. This combination decreases the pH of rainwater, which is typically pH neutral. Acid rain can lead to the death of trees, fish kills in lakes and damage to statues, monuments and building faces. Air pollution consists of solid particles and gases. Many pollutants are carcinogens. People who breathe in these poisons are at a higher risk for asthma and reproductive-system damage. According the Environmental Protection Agency in U.S., birth defects can also be caused by air pollution. A study found a link between air pollution and increased deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Humans are not the only living creatures affected by toxic air pollutants. Some toxins, like mercury, settle onto plants and into water sources that are then consumed by animals. The health effects of these poisons are then magnified up the food chain. Animals that are at the top of the food chain end up with the largest concentrations of toxins in their bodies.

2.3.4. LAND

Pollutants in the soil most often result from industrial sources. Particularly insidious soil pollutants include lead, PCBs and asbestos. These pollutants may negatively affect human health and native plant and animal health. Pesticide use can also impact the land. One undesired impact of using pesticides is the death of native plant and animal species that also reside in the area.

Soil contamination consists of either liquid or solid particles mixed with soil. The contaminants may be physically attached to the soil particles or they may be in the spaces between the soil particles. Contamination results when hazardous substances are spilled or buried in the soil. It can also occur when pollutants settle on the soil, such as chemicals or waste from an industrial smokestack. Plants grown in contaminated soil take up the hazardous substances through their roots. Humans or animals that ingest these plants may get sick. People and animals can also inhale soil contaminants through dust that is present in the air or absorb these hazardous chemicals through their skin. (See References 4) A 20-year study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" found that people exposed to dioxin in soil experienced a higher rate of diabetes as well as cardiovascular and endocrine problems over the course of the study

2.3.5. ECOSYSTEM

Because each type of pollution (air, water, land) does not occur separately from one another, entire ecosystems are often impacted. For example, the use of pesticides or fertilizers on land may negatively impact terrestrial species of plants and animals. When these materials are introduced to nearby bodies of water, they impact aquatic species of plants and animals. Thus, curbing pollution in one area of an ecosystem can also help protect another part of the ecosystem.

2.3.6. LITTERING

Litter is unsightly and dangerous. It often consists of plastic, metal or glass, which are the materials that do not break down or decompose easily in the environment. People, especially children, can be seriously

injured by a broken bottle or a rusty piece of discarded metal. Medical and sanitary wastes are biohazards that can make people sick. Litter also destroys the beauty of parks and beaches, making people avoid these areas. Litter is deadly to wildlife, especially marine animals. Street litter washes into storm drains, into our waterways and ultimately ends up in the ocean. Some of this litter washes back up onto beaches. Some stays in the water, where it can kill wildlife. Entanglement causes animals to die slowly. Birds are particularly susceptible to entanglement as they collect material for their nests. A curious animal that ingests litter can die of starvation or malnutrition if the foreign object blocks the animal's intestinal tract. Litter can also smother and damage seabed. Toxic substances from litter also accumulate in fish, exposing the people and animals further up the food chain to these pollutants.

CHAPTER 3

3.1 Recommendations
3.1.1 Water

If you want to help keep our waters clean, there are many things you can do to help. You can prevent water pollution of nearby rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following some simple guidelines in your everyday life. Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment. Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Dont throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain.

Use environmentally household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.

Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilisers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.

By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertiliser, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources.

Dont throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.

3.1.2 Air

In order to reduce air pollution, we can take individual action so we can breathe the fresh air around us. Smog, ground-level air ozone and other forms of air pollution are hazardous to human health. Here are some of the steps to reduce air pollution. Conserve energy. Conserve it at home, at work, everywhere. Turn off lights you are not using. Car pool or use public transportation. When air quality is healthy, bike or walk instead of driving. Combine errands to reduce vehicle trips. Think ahead and save yourself both time and fuel costs, as well as sparing air quality from decreasing some more.

Limit engine idling. Idling adds more smog-inducing particles to the atmosphere. Avoid it unless absolutely essential for human health (such as keeping warm in freezing weather).

Refuel with care. How you refuel has an impact on air quality. To reduce this impact, consider the following steps: o Stop when the pump shuts off. Putting more fuel in is bad for the environment and can damage your vehicle. o Avoid spilling fuel. o Always tighten your gas cap securely.

Keep your car, boat, and other engines tuned up. Inflate your cars tires to the recommended pressure. This will produce the best performance for your car and reduces fuel usage.

Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible. Such paints and cleaning products emit less smog-producing particles to the air and are better for your breathing health too.

3.1.3 Land

Reuse any items that you can. Items like clothing, bottles, wrapping paper and shopping bags can be used over and over again, rather than buying new things.

The greatest prevention to land pollution is in the t hree R's which are Reduce Waste, Re-use things and Recycle things. People can also use the three R rule to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. After the three 'R's, remember to turn the rest of the garbage into compost.

Personal litter should be disposed properly. We can separate household waste at home for recycling. More than half of our household waste could be recycled or re-used but once it is mixed up, it becomes more difficult to separate different components for recycling. This is also true for waste we make at school or hospitals.

Buy biodegradable products. Store all liquid chemicals and waste in spillproof containers. Eat organic foods that are grown without pesticides. Look out for fertilizer or pesticide free products when you go to the market. Dont use pesticides if you can. Use a drip tray to collect engine oil. Buy products that have little packaging. Dont dump motor oil on the ground.

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION

People should aware the pollutants around them. People do not only care little about the air they breathe but also carelessly concerned about water they drink. Water is so precious for our survival and people are still doing so little to protect water resources around the globe. In order to keep our air and environment clean, we must take some steps to reduce it so we do not burden the Earth. Government and nongovernment also can play a role such as providing some campaign for citizens about the effect of pollution around us. Governments throughout the world have already taken action against air pollution by introducing green energy. Some governments are investing in wind energy and solar energy, as well as other renewable energy, to minimize burning of fossil fuels, which cause heavy air pollution.

CHAPTER 5: REFERENCES
1. http://eschooltoday.com/ 2. http://www.water-pollution.org.uk/preventingyou.html 3.