In recent years, environmental protection has been one of overriding issues for environmentalists, academics and policy makers. One of the most dominant issue in the domain of environmental protection concerns non-point source pollution of water resources (Donlon & McMillan, 2004).
In their article titled “Use of Special Surrogates to Assess the Potential for Non-Point Source Pollution in Large Watersheds”, Moltz et al (2011) aimed to identify key areas within the United States portion of the Rio Grande Basin that were likely to produce non-point source pollution loads resulting from soil erosion and surface water runoff. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was utilized to collect primary data for the study.
Main Points
The study found that high topographic factors leading to non-point source pollution occur on steep slopes and where water flow has accumulated over longer expanses in the Rio Grande Basin.
Additionally, not only was rainfall erosivity values highest in the downstream sections of the Rio Grande Basin, but soil erodibility was found to be highest in the upper sections of the basin, lessening towards the lower sections of the basin. Lastly, the study found that water runoff considerably reduces in extensive areas of grasslands and shrubs, and increases in urban areas and barren lands (Moltz et al, 2011).
Authors’ Position
The authors’ take the position that many non-point source pollution prevention programs fail to remain sustainable because stakeholders never take time to determine the location of priority areas in a manner that could allow successful implementation of the programs in a cost-effective manner.
Through their study, the authors also demonstrate that, for large water resources, validated analyses can be undertaken using coarser datasets that present an initial identification of key sections displaying conditions favorable to generating huge amounts of non-point pollutant loads (Moltz et al., 2011).
Critique
The authors’ have taken great effort to back up their claims with many sources that are grounded on primary research. They ostensibly demonstrate the relationship between soil erosion and water quality impacts in downstream water bodies, as well as the relationship between ground cover and slope gradient on the one hand, and rainfall erosivity and soil erodibility on the other.
Additionally, the authors demonstrate the consequences of non-point source pollution due to sedimentary/soil erosion to include a reduction in water transparency, degradation of aquatic habitats, and a reduction of the operational life and water storage capability of reservoirs generating hydroelectric power.
More importantly, the authors advise stakeholders that any intervention or prevention program aimed at reducing non-point source pollution must take into consideration the location of priority areas (Moltz et al., 2011).
However, the authors could have taken more time and detail to explain their methodology as it is unclear to the reader how GIS was employed to come up with the samples. Additionally, the authors assume that readers automatically know what non-point source pollution entails and therefore see no need to define the concept.
This is rather unfortunate as many readers would want to understand the dynamics behind a concept before engaging in further reading. The authors are also silent on illuminating what ‘watersheds’ entail.
From additional reading, it has been established that nonpoint source pollution is the contamination of ground water, waterways and oceans arising from day-to-day activities, and watersheds include lake and ponds, rivers and streams, wetlands, estuaries and groundwater (Donlon & McMillan, 2004).
Conclusion
To conclude, it can be argued that the article is well-researched and written, but the methodology section, in my view, could have been more detailed and easily understandable to the general readers to enable for a more elaborate analysis of the article.
References
Donlon, A & McMillan, B. (2004). Best management practices to control non-point source pollution: A guide to citizens and town officials. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Web.
Moltz, H.L.N., Rast, W., Lopes, V.L., & Ventura, S.J. (2011). Use of special surrogates to assess the potential for non-point source pollution in large watersheds. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research and Management, 16(1), 3-13.
Little sound and noise we all require to live in the society but when this noise and sound becomes unbearable and very loud, it turns to noise and sound pollution. The word noise originated from the Latin term “nausea”, meaning uncalled for. “Noise is defined as unwanted sound; sound, which pleases the listeners is music and that which causes pain and annoyance is noise”. (Jaiswal & Jaiswal, 327) However, “Sound is a kind of energy that allows the particles in the air, a liquid or a solid to vibrate”. (Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers, Online)
For all living inside the arena of the technological world and amidst the cities and towns, noise has become a part of life except for all those fortunate who are still living in the laps of nature away from any busy roads, screaming industries and factories, sounds of loud music, etc. Twenty hours a day we have to bear these sounds and we have increased our toleration level and endurance towards them, but amidst this too when sound becomes too loud, it becomes unbearable causing health hazards.
Noise as one of the greatest hazards of this world
In the early years of the 1890s, journals of America and London raised the people’s consciousness towards noise as one of the greatest hazards of this world, but people had already got aware to the noise problem during the time when “Epic of Gilgamesh” was written and read in the 3rd millennium BC. In the Sumerian account of the flood, it was written, “in those days the world teemed, the people multiplied, the world bellowed like a wild bull, and the great God was aroused by the clamour. Enlil heard the clamour and he said to the Gods in council, “the uproar of mankind is intolerable and sleep is no longer possible by reason of the babel. So Gods in the heart were moved to let loose the diluge”.
Now the noise problem is no doubt has become a matter of grave concern for politicians, environmentalists, and basis for legal actions and a topic for health-conscious people. But rarely it is considered as a human problem that is a part of the system acoustic communications. Sound creates a relationship between the individual and environment whereas noise becomes a mediator but creates a negative impact on such mediations and makes the contact between the individual and communicator impossible; it also creates hindrance on the part of effective communications. But what constitutes noise and when sound becomes noise, the concept of this since Helmholtz has been, “the physical acoustic definition of noise has been that it is a non-periodic vibration, by comparison to musical sound, which has a periodicity and therefore a pitch”. (Traux, 95).
Noise pollution in law
However, music can also become a source of irritation and become a noise for someone who is unaccustomed and annoyed by it. As per law, the quantitative noise is defined functionally as regards to the sound’s intensity level to determine the extent to which it could be acceptable or not. The problem with the legislation law is finding out the right level above which the sound becomes unacceptable enough to be considered as noise. (Traux, 95) The noise pollution should be considered by the duration of the sound, the frequency of noise, and whether there is any control to the sound or not. The British Columbia Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has fixed the limitations of sound to be 85 decibels in the workplace and above it is harmful. If sound reaches 120 decibels, it becomes very painful and at 140, it is very harmful. However, at home the noise level above 50 decibels is quite normal and above 55 is serious. While in hospitals and schools, the safe level of sound is 35 decibels. (Ban the Canons, Online) The noise if reaches above the safe level cause tremendous impact on health like increase in stress, high blood pressure, loss of sleep, inability to concentrate and learn and loss of productivity. Noise pollution can impair hearing in children; reduce their attention level and cause negative impact on them.
We are staying in British Columbia and near the villages where farmer’s blast their cannons from dawn to dusk and they are very loud. They have the devices like leaf blowers that reciprocate the novel that reaches to the level of 75 or 80 decibels. The noise of the boom cars can reach till 100 decibels, but propane cannons can go to the range of 130 decibels. Though these canons are regulated by the British Columbia, they begin at 6: 30 am and blast until 8: 00 pm. And the areas, which are not regulated, farmers blast their cannons from dawn to dusk. The blast of propane cannons is like a shotgun, ranging between 120-130 decibels. From our home we often have to hear two blasts every single minute and many have to hear five to six blasts every single minute. These blasts occur during the berry season, which stretches from the month of late June to the whole month of October. It is claimed that these propane cannons are neither very necessary nor are very effective and the farmers are breaching the Langley Township Noise Bylaw. (Ban the Canons, Online).
Application of methods in real life
I did some thought-provoking methods to deal with the situation. I along with my neighbors prepared some brochures and campaigning plans and went personally to the farmer’s houses to explain them how much they are causing noise pollution and they should substitute these propane canons with some other method that do not make too much noise and are economically feasible too. Secondly we went to visit the local MLA to personally administer the farmer’s use of propane cannons and govern the farmers towards reducing the noise immersing from the use of cannons. Still the noisemakers are ignoring and bent on using the cannons above the normal decibels. Then I decided to contact the Minister of Agriculture, and the Farm Industry Review Board (FIRB). They have responsibility to pursue the right to Farm Legislation, which has the clause to allow the farmers to the use of the propane cannons. But, if they want they are entitled to modify or make changes in this legislation to check the farmers to control their use of cannons. Many of these issues like that of noise pollution comes under the Vancouver Charter whereby the powers of Council would be exercised by bylaw. The bylaws governing city of Vancouver are numbered beginning with by-law No 1 that is the law, which was enacted first and then continued subsequently. The first by law was passed on 18th May 1886 and then over many years around 10,000 laws have been passed. The Noise Bylaw of city controls and legalizes construction works, vehicles and noise immersing from households. (SoundSmart, Online) People also formed Urban Noise Task Force. This is a group of citizens, who with the help of the city staff and councilors recommends and makes suggestions to the city for making improvements in Vancouver’s soundscape. There is also on the anvil the Vancouver Transportation Plan. It had proposed that reviews should be conducted on the most important arterial roads in the city for their performance and the way they are dealt with and are being used in relationship to the neighbors. The city is also planning for the quite payment towards most important transportation corridors. The Urban Noise task force has been created to check on the increasing noise in the city and the extent to which it is affecting the daily lives of Vancouver.
In Canada, there are very few laws at the national, provincial, or state levels to govern the noise pollution. As a result, most of the Canadian and EU countries regulations of the law are governed at the municipal level. There are different noise laws and ordinances in municipalities among different areas. The laws constitute certain ordinances that may prohibit persons against creating noise or may place certain guidelines on the level of noise allowed for certain time duration. There is slight difference between the laws in the cities and villages as regards the control of noise pollution is concerned. In cities, there are several laws and governing bodies to check the lawbreakers while in the villages of British Columbia, either MLA can put a control on the noise pollution or there is right to Farm Legislation whose discretion is in the hands of the Minister of Agriculture, and the Farm Industry Review Board (FIRB). Particularly for British Columbia, there is one law, which is the Langley Township Noise Bylaw. For e.g. “the law states that the number of discharges from any noise scare device is limited to a maximum of one discharge in any three minute period of time”. (Noise Control by law 1988 No 2573, Online) The difficulty in the provision of the law is inability on the part of the province to control the direct use of the devices.
Sounds, which exceed the level more than determined, become noise. What makes one sound a noise is determined by the intensity of the volume of sound. It depends on the listening capacity of the people also. For many people what constitutes sound could be noise and for many what is noise is sound and for many, sound is a pleasure. When we look at the day-to-day to life, it is very simple to determine what constitutes sound and what constitutes noise. For e.g. when we listen to the music, it would sound very appealing to the ears and give soothing effect and if this music is interrupted by the other sounds like unnecessary playing of drums, or shouts of children or sounds of traffic on the roads, it would become a noise, which could be very irritating. But it is very difficulty to consider the same in case we have to determine sound and noise in theoretical terms and on the basis of its established set norms and prescribed limits. The legislation of each area or place has considered the proximate level of sound and if the sound reaches above that level, it becomes noise requiring strict consideration. The problems come in legislation in determining the nature of sound and in determining if really this sound is noise. If someone is typing something on a typewriter, it could be very annoying to someone even if its sound is low. It is also not necessary that unpitched sound is noise; it could be a sound from music as well.
The Truax model
The Truax model understands the relationship between the listener and the sound. This model describes the relationship between the listener and its environment, which is interfered with the help of the sound and triangular relationship, is therefore created. Any change occurring due to any one of the components either due to habituation, or any other disturbances has an effect on the soundscape and that what happened in this process.
The above example I cited is related to the environmental acoustics. “This acoustics studies show different frequencies behave during propagation. When the sound waves comes into contact with objects, its energy is transmitted through the object, absorbed within it, or reflected from it with varying degrees of efficiency depending on efficiency.” (Traux, 5) This happens when the cannons blow. They reciprocate the sound waves above the level prescribed. These sounds create a disturbance between the relation between the listener and its environment.
Every now and then we are facing the noise pollution and as it is difficult to analyze, more difficult is to follow the legislation. In Canada, the noise pollution is controlled at the Federal, provincial and municipal levels and government has adopted different roles and responsibilities as regards to the noise pollution issues. For e.g. Federal government has responsibility for ensuring noise pollution does not occur in case of consumer products, equipment, and vehicles. But, these regulations do not follow when these products are sold and after they are used and depleted. The sold and depleted products often exceed the prescribed sound levels, for which federal government is not responsible. The federal government has also mentioned about the guidelines for control of pollution through provincial transportation systems including aircraft, trains and waterways. As a part of its provincial role, government fixes rules in the area of land use planning. They help the municipalities in pursuing the noise control by-laws to decrease the sources of noise pollution. They also have provisions to check the noise levels immersing from consumer products, equipments and vehicles. And in municipal level role too, municipalities see to it that noise control bylaws are followed adequately in the provincial areas. (CBC News, Online).
Conclusion
The complexities of the noise immersing from the different corners of our lives create hurdles in the path of the government at different levels for effective application of the legislation.
Works Cited
Ban The Cannon. “The Impacts of Noise”. 2008. Web.
CBC News, “Noise regulations in Canada” 2008. Web.
The Chicago metropolitan area has been mentioned quite a number of times in American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2008, an annual report that grades the quality of the air across the different cities of the United States of America. However, regrettably, Chicago was caught on the wrong side of the findings of the report. As suggested as substantiated by various research organizations, both these forms of air pollution are also evenly pervasive across the country. (Murray, 17-24)
Background
Particle pollution, on the other hand, is a combination of soot and ash or other minuscule solids and liquid droplets floating in the atmospheric air near the earth’s surface. This form of pollution also referred to as particulate matter (PM), is comprised of several components, together with acids like nitrates and sulfates, organic compounds, metals, soil or even dust specks, and allergens like bits of pollen or agametes. The dimensional features of such particulate matter are the main cause for their hazardous potential for the causation of health-related problems. Minute particles of below 10 micrometers in thickness cause major difficulties, for the reason that they go deep into a person’s lungs, and some particles can even enter the bloodstream. Coming in contact with such particles can have an adverse effect on both the lungs as well as the heart. Larger-sized particles cause lesser problems, although they are potent enough to cause irritation in the eyes, nose, as well as throat. Hazardous minuscule particles are the “fine particles” like those present in smoke and haze that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter; and “coarse particles” like those originating from wind-dispersed dust that has diameters ranging from 2.5 to 10 micrometers. (Laser, 124-141) Individuals with heart or lung ailments, older grown-ups, and young children are considered to be most vulnerable to such pollution, particularly when they are physically on the go. Chronic exposures, like those experienced by populations residing for several years in regions which has high particle concentrations, have been linked with difficulties like abridged lung functioning and the contraction of persistent bronchitis and in some cases even untimely death. Short-range exposures to such particles, usually for some hours or days, can exacerbate lung ailments, leading to asthma attacks and severe bronchitis, and may also increase vulnerability to respiratory diseases. (Hall, 225)
Public policy
However, it is a common question that is often asked that are these simply the unavoidable dangers that go together with residing in a major metropolitan region. While probing into this question, the issue of transportation of pollution has to be considered. High concentrations of ozone particles found in the thinly-inhabited regions like the peak of the Great Smoky Mountains can be cited as an example. A number of the regions that were identified as the most atrocious air quality regions in the State of the Air report were in fact smaller towns and areas that seem to have industries disposing of soaring levels of emissions. Edward Doty, an environmental researcher working with the Region 5 facility of the EPA ascertains that Chicago is in equal status as compared with other major cities in the country. He cites that, “Any time you’ve got a large concentration of industry and public sources of emissions you’re going to have the potential for a violation of these standards”. (Peterson, 2008) And indeed, in keeping with findings of various research initiatives, Chicago is at present guilty of infringing several clauses of such standards. Even though it does not inflict any economic consequences, but experts are of the opinion that the authorities of the region must reflect on an air quality plan and institute measures for emission controls.
Steps of policy
As mentioned before, reduced air quality is particularly hazardous for young children and older adults, in addition to those individuals with respiratory ailments. However, a diminished air quality standard has the latent possibility to have an adverse effect on the entire Chicago population and thus emerges as one of the most severe and major concerns for society. Doctors at the pulmonary and critical care facilities affirm that Chicago has a high percentage of ailing individuals with complaints of asthma and bronchitis, and thus the air pollution is an explicit concern for the community. (Hendrix, 134-151)
One of the most efficient and minimal practices to keep away from air-pollution-oriented problems is to be aware and generate awareness about the air quality of the area. The federal administration has now initiated systems through which it posts present air quality indexes and projections online, which allow each individual with access to the Internet to facilitate easy decision making, founded on the current air quality. According to proponents of the initiative, it is a measure to raise awareness about protection from air pollution. If the pollution levels are indicated in the orange zone or more tending towards red, those days are predominantly unhealthy for vulnerable people it is suggested that people should stay indoors on such as days if possible, and minimally should try and limit outdoor physical activities. (Pax, 28-34)
Results
Emissions’ trading is a governmental measure initiated to deal with pollution by offering economic inducements for realizing reduced levels in the discharge of pollutants. A central authoritative outfit, typically a government or international bureau stipulates a limit on the quantity of a polluting substance that can be emitted. Corporations or other entities are supplied with emission permits and are obliged to possess a corresponding number of allowances which signify the right to release a certain amount. The total quantity of allowances cannot go beyond the limited value, restraining total emissions to a certain level. In the year 1997, the State of Illinois implemented a trading initiative for volatile organic compounds across the Chicago region, which was dubbed as the Emissions Reduction Market System. (Frenkel, 166)
Conclusion
Chicago city is also engaging itself with the widespread clean air movement. The Chicago Department of the Environment is an affiliate of the Partners for Clean Air, an alliance of Chicago commercial outfits, governmental bodies, and non-profit organizations that fosters air quality enhancements. The Green Pays on Green Days initiative is one of the organization’s most innovative and sincere programs. The initiative preaches that there exist various measures that individuals can act upon and contribute to the quality of air in the region. Traveling by public transit, avoiding the burning of household waste materials, preserving energy, and keeping off gas-powered lawnmowers are some of the recommendations offered by the initiative. Indeed, a problem of this magnitude is a serious threat to the communities based in Chicago. However, if certain measures are enacted by governmental bodies and if the citizens themselves pledge to further the cause, a solution can surely be reached.
Works Cited
Frenkel, Mike. Risk management: challenge and opportunity. LA: Springer, 2008.
Hall, Tim. Urban Geography. London, New York: Routledge, Francis Routledge, 2009.
Hendrix, Richard. ‘A Step towards Sustainability: The Case of Chicago’. International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, 42.2 (2009), pp. 134-151.
Laser, Mary. ‘Large-scale production, harvest and logistics’. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 3.2 (2009), 124-141.
Murray, Richard. ‘Benefits of Implementing Standards’. International Journal of Tourism Research, 71.3 (2009), pp. 17-24.
Pax, Henry. ‘Saving the Planet and Sustainability’. International Journal of Tourism Research, 72.1 (2009), pp. 28-34.
Peterson, Erica. Take a breath. How bad is Chicago’s air quality? MEDILL NEWS SERVICE. 2008. Windy Citizen. Web.
The industry of health care is closely connected to the industrial activities sector, which has the largest impact on the atmosphere through polluting the air, soil, and waters (Eckelman & Sherman, 2016). Researchers have extensively studied how harmful emissions from production and other operations can be attributed to the sector of health care and whether the industry harms the population’s health. According to the recent research conducted by Eckelman and Sherman (2016), the prevention of health sector pollution is of high importance due to the variability of waste that the industry produces.
For instance, ambient air pollution is concerning for researchers because it is associated with emitting fine particulate matter into the air through various vehicles such as stationary sources or fuel combustion. Air pollution is especially important to consider when discussing the impact of the healthcare industry on the environment because emissions have proven to damage public health, leading to increased healthcare costs for citizens. It has been reported that, on average, Americans pay $3.4 trillion per year for medical care without getting any “impressive results” (Bloom, 2017, para. 1). This figure is expected to grow with the expansion of industries since the harmful emissions into the atmosphere along with growing landfills only harm a society’s health.
While air pollution is a preoccupying aspect of the healthcare industry that deserves greater attention, it is crucial to discuss plastic waste. The largest category of plastic waste that the healthcare industry produces is disposable packaging, which makes up roughly 50% of total waste (Circle Economy, n.d.). Such plastic is produced from more than fifteen different materials, which is challenging for the recycling industry. It has been advised to facilitate a shift towards the use of a single material, which will subsequently lead to better recycling and recovery of disposable plastic packaging (Circle Economy, n.d.). Even though the healthcare industry aims to preserve and improve populations’ health, it harms the environment due to the use of disposable products and emitting harmful particles into the air.
Waste management is the activities and actions that determine waste disposal from when it is generated to the final dumping. The activities include collection, transportation, treatment, and final discarding. The population’s rise in urban areas such as California has led to the increased number of people producing waste in their households. Inadequate funding and planning on managing municipal waste have also been encountered in many areas. The pile-up of waste is also caused by the increase in the cities’ economic activities. For instance, the rapid increase in the number of factories and industries in California has led to more waste products in the state. Therefore, the paper aims to analyze various issues involving waste in California, such as the effects, solutions, benefits of the approaches, and shortcomings of waste management plans.
Effects of Poor Waste Management
The effects of waste management are determined by the number of chemicals and substances found in the waste. There are several effects; for instance, it causes soil contamination (Singh 265). Some of the solid waste contains toxic and hazardous chemicals that may pollute lands and lead to infertility. For example, plastic waste excretes a carcinogen that may affect plant growth. Many farmers in California have experienced a decrease in their farm yields due to the increased waste in the state (Almaraz et al. 3477). Moreover, it may be a threat to human health after consuming those plants (Singh 267). Therefore, every individual in California needs to be responsible for his or her waste. The communities in the state can also work together to ensure that they limit pollution in cities.
Waste causes air pollution due to the presence of some hazardous chemicals. Air pollution has also been experienced in California due to the increased human activities, including agriculture (Almaraz et al. 3477). Farmers use chemicals that produce greenhouse gases that are a significant threat to the environment. Typically, waste produces dioxins, which is a menace to human health since the gas can lead to health complications. Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemical compounds that are harmful to health and can remain in the environment for a lengthy period. They can be produced when burning plastics and other materials made of different chemicals. Production of greenhouse gases has become a major issue in various states, whereby respiratory complications have been recorded. Waste in the cities produces a bad stench that can threaten people living in these areas. Thus, proper disposal of waste can be encouraged to curb air pollution in the area.
Water pollution is another effect experienced in many areas in California. Hazardous waste found in the environment enters into the groundwater. This can be a threat to humans since many people use water for various reasons, including domestic and environmental purposes. As a result, there is a rise in water-borne diseases and poor agricultural production in California. Waste also contaminates the rainwater since the liquid chemicals mixed with rainwater seep into the lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. For instance, solid wastes, such as plastic papers and bottles, are carried away by the running rainwater to the streams and lakes, leading to the threat of marine creatures.
Solutions
There is a need for different states to design a solution to limit poor waste management. Humans produce waste in different activities and places, which cannot be avoided. For instance, the resolutions can be provided at home, workplaces, hotels, and various companies. Different solutions can be applied to decrease the amount of waste produced daily and lead to a waste-free environment in California. For example, practices such as, reducing, reusing, and recycling can be exercised.
Reduction of waste products and harmful gases is one of the methods used in the minimization of waste. Use of chemicals, plastics, polythene bags, and fossil fuels should be reduced since they are the major causes of pollution. The approach also decreases the rate of pollution during the production of some materials. For instance, it reduces greenhouse gases emitted by companies in their different business procedures. Some methods can also be exercised by individuals at home to limit pollution and improve waste management. For example, educating and encouraging people to use recyclable materials can be an integral approach. The use of biodegradable materials is a fundamental approach since it can limit the amount of waste in the environment. Individuals can also be educated about ecological footprint and learn ways they can limit their contribution to pollution.
Waste reuse is another solution that can be exercised to limit pollution in California. The approach involves using materials that have not yet become waste for different or same purposes. Reusing is also vital because it is economical and environmentally friendly. In this technique, the product’s nature is neither transformed nor changed, but the solid waste is reduced. It involves transferring the products from those who no longer use them to those who do (Singh 269). There are different ways of reusing products, such as selling old clothes or donating them, using cereal cans to store sugar, and repairing broken furniture. Thus, these strategies can be exercised in California to minimize waste in the state.
Recycling is another solution that has been encouraged by organizations that focus on environmental conservation. For example, plastics can be melted and form new materials that can be useful (Ferronato et al. 367). Paper is also recycled by being broken into small pieces through processing called pulping and being developed into a new paper product that can be used for printing. Metals and glasses can be melted and form new raw materials used in different industries. All the organic waste can be recycled by being composted to form organic fertilizer. Therefore, individuals should be encouraged to exercise some of these approaches to limit waste and pollution in the environment.
Benefits of the Solution
Reusing and recycling products have different benefits to the community. For instance, waste management has led to economic benefits due to increased production in the agriculture and fishing sectors. Reusing materials is less expensive than buying or creation of new products (Ferronato et al. 366). The reuse of products has reduced raw material production costs, meaning that it is less expensive to purchase these goods. Recycling has led to increased job opportunities since the recycling plants require employees to work in various positions such as salespersons and garbage collectors.
Protection of the environment is another benefit that can be achieved. Waste management has reduced water, air, and soil erosion by reducing the mass generation of hazardous chemicals in the soil and plastics. The approach has promoted environmentally friendly practices that do not limit climate change. Furthermore, climate change has become a major threat, which human activities and pollution have steered. Proper waste management is vital since it has led to the protection of individuals from biohazards that can lead to health complications. Thus, California residents can largely benefit from these approaches regarding waste management.
Improvement of community health due to proper management is another benefit. Some of the respiration diseases, such as lung conditions caused by the emission of toxic gases, can also be reduced. Diseases related to poor sanitation have also been minimized in many areas using proper waste management (Ferronato et al. 362). For instance, illnesses such as cholera, bilharzia, and other water-borne diseases, are reduced. The reduction of soil pollution has led to the production of healthy crops suitable for human consumption. Thus, this has reduced the risk of some diseases related to the consumption of contaminated foods. Waste management also ensures physical safety, whereby sharp metals or broken glasses disposed of carelessly can be life-threatening. Consequently, proper disposal of these products can limit accidents caused by these materials. Recycling is also essential since fewer resources are used than when producing a new product. This approach has also led to decreased prices of different products. Therefore, many people in California and other areas can benefit from the solution in various ways.
Challenges that Can be Encountered When implementing These Solutions
Despite the solutions of the poor waste disposal having their benefits, they also have their disadvantages. For instance, building up recycling plants is costly since machines in upgrading the recycling units are expensive and hard for some people to obtain. Recycling paces are always unhygienic since the waste products are used as raw materials. Thus, workers in these plants may also develop some health complications. Additionally, most of the products that are recycled are of low quality compared to their original products. Thus, some obstacles can be encountered when implementing these solutions.
To conclude, due to the rapid increase of the population in most urban areas, it is becoming difficult for governments to provide enough facilities and services needed to curb poor waste disposal. Considering the effect caused by waste products, the problem can be solved through various ways such as recycling, reusing, reducing, and composting products. The urban council should consider having adequate funds for managing waste, create awareness on proper disposal of garbage, implement innovative ideas on sustainable waste management, and partnering with non-government organizations. Companies should also be encouraged to minimize pollution and guarantee that they dispose of the waste products appropriately. For example, industries in California can ensure that they limit their carbon emission in their business activities. In essence, waste management and pollution should be addressed as they threaten humans and the environment on a global scale.
Works Cited
Almaraz, Maya, et al. “Agriculture is a Major Source of NOx Pollution in California.” Science Advances, vol. 4, no. 1, 2018, pp. 3477.
Ferronato, Navarro, et al. “Introduction of the Circular Economy within Developing Regions: A Comparative Analysis of Advantages and Opportunities for Waste Valorization.” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 230, no.1, 2019, pp. 366-378. Web.
Singh, Ajay. “Managing the Uncertainty Problems of Municipal Solid Waste Disposal.” Journal of Environmental Management vol. 240, no. 1, 2019, pp. 259-265. Web.
Based on the picture, the media that is potentially being negatively impacted is the soil. The stagnant water in the image can be depositing acid from abandoned mines, leaked drops of oil from car engines, asphalt, and trash, among other contaminants. The pollution point is from a non-point source of pollution. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a non-point source of pollution as any contaminant that enters the environment from an unconfined or unidentified place (Duarte et al., 2018). The picture does not show where the water is coming from, and that is how to determine whether the pollution is from a non-point source. The pollutants I suspect to be involved in the image are flush fertilizers and pesticides from farm fields, which are likely to wind up in the stream that deposited the water. Other potential pollutants might be, as mentioned, leaked oil drops, acid from power plants and factories, sewer, tire rubber particles, and many others. Over time, the negative effect of the pollutants on the environment is the change in certain chemical and physical soil characteristics.
The soil pollution process involved in the picture is anthropogenic, resulting from human activity. Pollution is caused by various human activities that lead to soil contamination. In the image, the collected acid from factories can contain hazardous substances, resulting in severe pollution (Duarte et al., 2018). Since the water might have collected other chemicals from mining activities, it might cause soil contamination from heavy metals. Possible solutions to soil pollution might be associated with reducing chemical fertilizer use, promoting natural manure, and recycling and reusing products (Duarte et al., 2018). Moreover, the promotion of reforestation and afforestation will result in the capture of good microorganisms in the soil to ensure the maintenance of the underground water table.
Reference
Duarte, A. C., Cachada, A., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2018). Soil pollution: From monitoring to remediation. Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier.
The modern world frequently laments the issue of environmental contamination and climate change. Environmentalists contend that pollution will ultimately wipe off the planet as modern society knows it. The vast landfills that surround the planet, according to different experts, are another reason why pollution is getting worse every day (Siddiqua et al. 5). But the issue is how frequently people actually see how pollution is wreaking havoc on the world as they go about their regular lives. It seems unlikely that individuals will ever experience the effects predicted by experts. The simple response is that humans will never witness pollution truly harming the planet.
Within these settings, my advice is to not make a big deal about this alleged problem. This can be further strengthened by proper and cold-headed reasoning, necessary to solve such issues (Swift 14). First, people do not need to worry about finding a trash container, so they will not waste their time. Secondly, demanding a conversion to bicycles and walking and a reduction in transportation emissions is equally pointless due to the losses in car sales. Thirdly, people can quit worrying about energy conservation and the green economy, which only complicates things and cuts budgets. Lastly, using coal and other materials for heating is also necessary because they are cheaper and more effective. The solution is simple and practical – it is necessary to put efforts into further development of hard industries and stop financing the research of the issue that is useless.
Different scientists may attempt to force their point of view on the world based on their philosophy. Experts may even try to persuade people to refrain from using aerosol cans or to limit their use because they can harm the environment. However, they neglected to consider the fact that a fashionable new haircut requires the use of a whole bottle of hairspray in order to maintain it. These recommendations and restrictions are nonsensical and pointless in and of themselves. This “issue” can only be solved by ceasing to worry about pollution, at which point it will not even exist as a problem.
Works Cited
Siddiqua, Ayesha, John N. Hahladakis, and Wadha Ahmed KA Al-Attiya. “An overview of the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling and open dumping.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, no. 5, vol. 1, 2022, pp. 1-23.
Swift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal. RS Bear, 1729.
There are many sources of air pollution which we can generally classify them into two; – i.) single point where the source is known and direct like a factory’s smoke stack, sewer lines or any other pipes discharging pollutants into a water system, soil or into the air. This type of pollution is easy to monitor and control or manage as the source is known and direct.
ii) Non-point or area pollution on the other hand has more dispersed and indirect sources like the automobiles, urban runoff, or runoff from agricultural farms containing fertilizer and other impurities that cannot be pointed back to one specific source hence not easy to manage or monitor (Anonymous, 2010).
Devising air pollution source
A large stack of smoke like the one in the picture can be from any industrial source like a factory’s chimney like that of a paper mill industry, a coal power plant chimney, chemical or oil refinery plant, nuclear power plant among others (Covey, 1987). To determine the air pollution source of a large smoke stack, one has to assess the physical characteristics of the smoke; description of the color concentration intensity is it grey or extremely dark? At what speed is it flowing, how fast is the smoke flowing out of the stack? – This is meant to estimate the overall measure of the smoke in the atmosphere after a certain period of time.
How high into the atmosphere is the smoke stack placed? This would be to reduce the health impacts caused by inhalation of the contents by the people neighboring the source of the smoke.
On the other hand, the amount of smoke released can be measured using modern methods like by use of the opacicity meter (smoke meters) that would measure and detect how much light the smoke blocks. However, in absence of this device one can keenly observe to determine the amount of light being blocked by the smoke in order to establish its potential source like either a nuclear plant or a coal power plant are bound to have more concentrated smoke waste output than a refinery plant as the former perform more intense function of processing than the latter.
Risk of pollution from the smoke stack
Determine the exact risk of pollution caused by the smoke stack calls for an intense exercise aimed at establishing the effects. However, pollution from industrial generally has many impacts not just on the environment but also on the health of the people living in close proximity to the smoke producing plant in terms of respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Some of the impacts of a large smoke stack include; Temperature reduction over land as large amounts of smoke released into the higher atmosphere form a layer blocking the sunlight and heat from reaching the earth surface and the lower atmosphere hence keeping the earth temperatures lower than normal.
Depending on the content of the smoke released into the atmosphere, acid rain can be formed from sulphur dioxide or carbon dioxide whose free molecules in the atmosphere combine with rainwater to form acidic rain that has health impacts on not just the skin of the people but plants as well.
Inhalation of some of the gasses contained in the smoke is bound to lead to not just respiratory diseases among the people but also cancer.
Carbon dioxide released from burning fossil oil and biomass like forests will absorb thermal radiation or long waves from the earth surface back into the atmosphere hence leading to increased temperature over the earth’s lower atmosphere. This alteration in the climate of the lower atmosphere will lead to melting of icecaps that will flow into water bodies hence increasing the sea water level through global warming tampering the habitation of animals like the polar bear.
Information required from the owners
The situation being so serious it will therefore be of great importance to visit the owners of the smoke producing stack and get their side of the story on the impacts of their activity on the environment and the people neighboring the plant. Some of the information required from the owners would include:
What their plant is all about, that is, what they produce and of what importance that is has to society?
What fuel source they use and whether they have considered alternatives and weighed comparatively the environmental impacts?
Are there complains from the people living around the plant about being affected by the plants waste products?
Does the plant benefit the people living around it in any way like providing manure processed through recycling the plants waste products?
What measures have been put in place to reduce the amount of pollution caused by the plant and are there any more measures that can be put in place but have not?
Mediating the risk of pollution
Most pollution occurs from a local level, their solutions should therefore be target the local conditions taking into account the culture of the affected communities with the support of both the national and local communities (World Bank, 1994) Some of measures that can be put in place to reduce the amount of pollution in the atmosphere especially that from large smoke stacks, these include: Increasing tax on industrial products containing chemicals whose production would cause large amounts of pollution. This will encourage industries to consider more environmental friendly alternatives or come up with measures to avert the amount of pollution from the production of these chemicals, for example changing the production process, introducing new machinery with lesser pollution output or recycling their waste material will be considered options. Legislation measures can also help reduce the amount of damage caused by pollution where laws limiting the emission level and content released into the atmosphere are applied. This will attach a certain fine or sanction to any one producing more than the given level. This can be achieved through, remote sensing and continuous monitoring, of industrial emissions.
Technological options would be a major development towards averting air pollution where systems gadget can be installed in industries to control the amount of pollution done by these industries (Commission of the European Communities, 2005).
Sometimes there are some substances considered to be pollutants that can be recovered and recycled from streams of waste, development of markets for these products would largely encourage recycling hence reducing pollution.
Non Governmental Organizations need to come up with ways of posing sanctions, awards or fines to industries on their efforts to reduce pollution by adopting environmental friendly technologies or fines on those contributing to pollution (Karyadi, 2001). If poverty reduction measures are adopted by governments, the domestic income will increase allowing families to access better or modern energy sources like electricity and gas reducing the use of wood and charcoal fuel especially in the lower income regions.
Means of reducing pollution from motor vehicles
Motor vehicles are very essential part of our day to day life however; they contribute up to 60% of the overall air pollution. It is therefore important to consider ways of reducing this pollution level; this can be achieved through: Increasing pollution awareness to all stakeholders in the transportation industry that includes government agencies, Vehicle manufacturers and users, people’s committees among others.
Reducing driving especially when one has an options like walking or cycling for short distances, sharing cars with neighbors and friends (car pooling), considering use of public transport so as to reduce the amount of pollution caused by many people driving. There is a need to consider the fuel type we use in our cars so as to avoid or reduce consumption of gasoline in our cars and consider more environmental friendly options. Frequent car servicing may be expensive but keeps not only our cars in shape but also protects our environment by helping reduce unnecessary or excessive automobile emissions into the atmosphere and also reduces oil spillages into agricultural soil and water systems affecting aquatic life.
It’s important to consider simple measures like refilling car tanks in the cooler evenings instead of during hot hours when evaporation is bound to be higher. Using energy conserving grade motor oil would also reduce air pollution from motor vehicles.
Ensuring the fuel cap is well fitted would help reduce the release of unnecessary fumes reducing pollution from cars.
Technological advancement is very essential as today many countries are attempting the production of an electric transport system like electric cars and trains which are more environmental friendly compared to the gasoline dependent vehicles that contribute a great amount of pollution in the atmosphere (Asian Development Bank, 2002)
Conclusion
Introduction of new substances in the form of solid particulate matter, gas or liquid into the atmosphere is known to reduce the quality of air around us however air pollution has been growing with the increase of urbanization and industrialization. There is a great need to develop severe environmental pollution control measures to save the continent from the impacts of uncontrolled pollution.
Reference
Anonymous (2010). Point vs. non point pollution. Web.
Asian Development Bank (2002). Reduction Vehicle Emission Program: Integrated Action Plan to Reduce Vehicle Emission in Vietnam, RETA 5937 Reducing Vehicle Emissions in Asia.
Commission of the European Communities (2005). Thematic Strategy on air pollution.
Covey, C. (1987). Protracted climatic effects of massive smoke injections into the atmosphere, Nature 325, 701 – 703. Environment and development, World Bank 1994.
Karyadi, A. (2001). Sustainable Transportation Development the Case of Jakarta. SPENA Newsletter. Vol. 3, No. 1.
Water is a most important commodity in human life and it is actually used in almost every aspect of human life besides the fact that it supports the entire ecosystem. It is used in drinking, cooking, washing and on top of that, it is important in industries where it is used for various purposes.
Unfortunately, not all the users of water are responsible to ensure that proper disposal or treatment of the used water is done before the water is returned to the water bodies. Due to the multiple uses of water, there is a possibility that contaminated water may find its way into the ecosystem and therefore causes harmful results to both human beings and animals in the society.
It is in this plight that many people and organizations have endeavored to study in detail the various effects that water pollution may have to the society and how the causes of this pollution can be controlled.
Sources of Water Pollution
It is difficult for one to discuss the effects of water pollution without understanding what water pollution is and the causes of water pollution (Calow 258). Water pollution may be defined as the contamination of water bodies with substances that do not allow the water to be safe for human use or makes the water unable to support the living organisms that depend on water for their survival (Hill 110).
There are several causes of water pollution ranging from the day to day activities that human beings carry out to large scale industrial operations.
These causes can also be divided into two groups those which are direct causes and the indirect causes which can be linked to water pollution through a chain of activities. Water pollution causes can also be sub divided into point source and non point source group depending on whether the source of the pollution is from a single and relatively easy to identify source or from a multiple interrelated sources.
Water pollutants can decrease the quantity of oxygen in the water body or even change the water composition of the water (Merchant 319). To begin with, presence of pathogens in water can cause the water quality to drastically reduce to the extent of being unable to support the marine life. Pathogens are known to be harmful to human being especially if the water that contains them is used for drinking.
Though there are other causes of pathogens that are present in water, the ineffective sewerage system is one of the major causes of this. Untreated or semi treated sewerage system mostly finds its way into water bodies thus, contaminating the water (Hill 113). The problem of sewerage system is more pronounced in the third world countries however, it is also present in developed countries where the sewerage pipes might have leakages.
Manufacturing industries usually use water for cleaning and cooling purposes among other uses. Unfortunately, in many cases the process of water treatment before disposing it off to water bodies by these firms is not that efficient and water that contains harmful chemical substances finds its way into the water bodies.
Some of the chemical substances that are found in this water include oxygen demanding organic toxins like fats and grease besides the hydrocarbons from petroleum, industrial solvents, lubricants and other fuel by products which are highly used in industries and even in motor vehicles (Chiras 314). Substances used by people for their day to day activities such as the detergents, cosmetics and even water disinfectants produce by products which contribute to water pollution.
There are also some inorganic substances that are emitted by human activities into water bodies consequently causing water pollution. Chemical waste products from industries, farming and other activities where chemicals are highly used form the bulky of this cause (Sengar 145). On top of that, surface run off can also collect the chemicals that are not properly disposed from various parts and take them to rivers and other water bodies where these chemicals are deposited causing a change in water PH among other effects.
The change in the physical properties of water is also pollution since it interferes with how water can be used and the marine life. The increase and decrease of water temperature causes interference in the composition of water sometimes eliminating essential components (Chiras 521). Industries always tend to be located close to large water bodies and they use water as a coolant and dispose this water back into the water bodies thus, leading to high temperature variations.
The emission to the atmosphere from industries, motor vehicles and even from domestic use also cause water pollution by combining with rain water hence, forming acidic rain which falls back to the ground causing harmful effects to both plant and animals especially the marine organisms (Jensen and Steven 88). On the same note, the chemical compounds that mix with rain water are also harmful to human being and have been known to cause various disease and even deaths.
Effects of Pollution
Pollution has far reaching effects both in the developed world where control measure have been highly effective and in the developing world where little has been done to curb the effects of pollution. It is paramount to note that, water pollution still is the cause of very many deaths in the world either directly or indirectly despite the efforts being made towards reducing the effects of pollution (Miller and Scott 91).
Firstly, marine life comes under great threat of survival the moment water is polluted because then it means their ecological unit is affected. Once water is polluted marine animals are unable to get food from the water or they take poisonous food substances which causes death to marine animals.
Additionally, the inorganic deposits that find their way into water bodies sometimes float on the surface of water hindering free flow of oxygen thus, reducing the survival chances of marine organisms (Calow 334). On the same note, the oxygen demanding substances that are released into water bodies by factories or homesteads reduce the amount of oxygen in water therefore, causing death of marine organisms.
Chemicals that are present in polluted can cause various effects to human beings. If contaminated water is used for bath taking, the chemicals present can enter in the body of a person through the open pores and cause serious health implications. On top of that, drinking of contaminated water or using it for cooking or any other domestic purposes exposes one to the danger of consuming the dangerous chemicals which besides causing heath implication can also cause death (Copeland 219).
There have been cases where people have been reported to have suffered from various diseases including cancer, mental health problems, birth defects and central nervous systems and these conditions have been related to water pollution. Additionally, water pollution hardens water making it ineffective in washing thus, causing the community to increase their spending since they have to buy water softeners or they use a lot of soap than they could have used if the water was soft (Sengar 145).
Another serious effect of water pollution is that it causes poisonous substances to enter into the ecosystem. Poisonous substances in water are consumed by the minute sea organisms which are then consumed by fish. This process sometimes causes death of fish and other sea animals (Miller and Scott 105).
If these animals are lucky to escape death, sometimes they are not lucky to escape the fisherman’s bait and thus, find their ways into people’s table as sea food. Poisonous sea food causes various health problems to human beings including death. In this light, water pollution causes great disruption of the ecosystem distorting the natural ecological balance and leading to a series of problems.
In conjunction with that, water contamination results in the presence of chemical compounds that sometimes the body system is unable to deal with. Nitrates from fertilizers when consumed by infants, aging and pregnant women are known to cause adverse health effects. Infants’ body is unable to detoxify these chemical compounds and end up suffering from blue baby syndrome where their blood is unable to efficiently carry oxygen around the body thus causing death (Merchant 237).
On the same point, chemicals present in hard water can be deposited in the water pipes and after a long period of time they end up blocking and causing corrosion of these pipes hence interfering with the normal water supply. Furthermore, water that passes through corrode water pipes contains toxic substances which are harmful to human beings and other animals.
Polluted water also allows toxic plants to thrive in them which in the end cause effects to human beings and sea animals. The toxins produced by the algae that thrive in polluted water are poisonous substances that poison marine organisms thus, interfering with the marine ecosystem (Copeland 233).
These algae also can cause illness to human being in the long run if people end up consuming the poisoned sea food or if the water that is infested by the poisonous algae is used for domestic purposes. It is also important to point out that these algae sometimes end up blocking the gills of fish in the water thus, interfering with the oxygen transport in these animals sometimes causing death.
On the same note, at death these algae are deposited to the bottom of water bodies where during decomposition oxygen from the water is used up thus, rendering the water inhabitable (Jensen and Steven 291). In the long run though some organisms are able to change their point of occupancy to higher levels where they can get oxygen, small and micro organisms which are not able to move suffer the consequences and lose their lives.
Due to the pollution of water that causes death and diseases of various marine animals, the ecological system of rivers and oceans have been affected greatly. When certain animals and plants die, other animals miss food and they are also unable to survive. Due to the imbalance that results from the disturbance of the natural way of dependency among living things in the water, the water bodies become unable to support to the full the diversity of living things by decreasing the factors of their survival (Calow 439).
It has also been reported that rain water has long run effects on the vegetation since the water contains toxic substances which when accumulate over a long period of time cause vegetation to dry up and these has led to high rate of deforestation in the world. Since forests support wildlife destruction of forests means that wildlife is jeopardized and this can lead to extinction of several animals.
On top of that, there are many human water borne diseases that are even more pronounced when the quality of water is questionable. These diseases have been known to cause a lot of deaths in the world especially in the developing countries where water treating system is not up to standard (Merchant 110).
Though in the developed countries like the US success has been recorded in the efforts of reducing water borne diseases, cases are still reported of people who suffer from the same diseases. These diseases not only cause economical constraints to the citizens who have to dig dip into their pockets to secure medication but also to the state which has to provide health care to the people.
Furthermore, there is evidence that certain chemicals that are present in contaminated water do disrupt the functioning of animal hormones therefore, altering the normal way of live of these animals. The hormonal disruptions that occur due to consumption of these chemicals can cause reduced immune response in animals, abnormal mating and parent behavior besides causing inability to breed in these animals therefore threatening the continuity of certain animal species (Chiras 114).
These chemicals are mostly contained in sewerage waste products that end up in water bodies as it has been the case in southern California coast where there has been an upspring of intersex fish. Human beings are also not spared from the effects of these hormone-disrupting chemicals and the result has been decreased fertility, reduced immune function and increase in some type of chronic diseases.
On top of that, mercury which is another major cause of water pollution has dire effects on the live of animals. Research has shown that mercury can cause brain damage in young children, learning deficits and delayed or incomplete brain development as well as brain damage while adults exhibit problems of the central nervous system, heart complications and even death due to consumption of mercury.
Nevertheless, still more needs to be done in understanding the exact effects of water pollution to the environment and animals for that matter. It is also important to note that, the effects of petroleum pollution are not yet recorded with certainty and therefore scientific research is essential to enhance understanding of these effects.
Control of Pollution
Water pollution and any other kind of pollution for that matter can easily be controlled and even eliminated with the right efforts and mechanisms. Pollution control comes with some kind of social and economical costs but helps to prevent what could otherwise be a long term disaster. By being responsible and trying to minimize the activities that cause pollution or properly dispose any waste material that is toxic or that can cause harm to human beings and the environment.
The most contributing factor to water pollution is the sewerage system which can easily be taken care of through proper treatment of the sewer before allowing the same into water bodies. While most of the cities in the US have put in place good sewerage treatment procedures only 90% of the pollutants can be eliminated which means that m ore still is yet to be done (Miller and Scott 310).
Despite the advanced treatment process through the secondary treatment and the subsystems that treat nutrients and pathogens, there are no mechanisms of eliminating the toxic substances that are found in the sewerage system.
On the same note, the industrial waste should also be treated correctly to avoid chemical substances getting into the water system. The industries can put in place treatment measures that can help in the reduction of toxic substances before emptying the waste water into the council treatment centers.
At the same time is should be a requirement that all industries that produce huge quantities of waste products to have their own complete treatment systems that take care of all the chemical substances which are available in their waste water (Hill 115). Additionally, industries that use a lot of water for cooling services can make their own dams where they can be channeling the hot water for cooling before they release the water to rivers and seas.
Use of chemicals in farming has gained a lot of emphasis in US due to the good returns that are associated with the use of fertilizers and agro-chemicals. In this respect, erosion washes chemicals from the surface to water bodies forming the greatest danger of pollution.
Therefore, proper agricultural practices should be used to control erosion which is the major cause of surface run off. Crop mulching, crop rotation, afforestation mixed cropping and agro forestry as well as installation of riparian buffers will go a long way in preventing soil erosion (Copeland 227). On the same note, the management of the amount of nutrients that are applied in farms is important in ensuring that excess nitrogen and phosphorus are controlled.
Furthermore, safety of our lives begins with our efforts to ensure that our environment is clean and that whatever we take is not dangerous to our health. Therefore, right from the homesteads people should exercise due care in ensuring that all waste material are properly disposed (Jensen and Steven 165).
People should try as much as possible to ensure that what they use in the houses are non-toxic and they are also disposed properly in away that this substances will not get their way into the sewerage system.
On top of that, those substances and commodities that are non-degradable should not be disposed in a manner that they will end up in the sewerage system because they will hinder the treatment of the sewer. Self restraint should be exercised by people to reduce or completely eliminate the littering of water bodies, while at the same time people should be encouraged to use products that do not pose a threat to the environment.
Conclusion
Water is a very important resource that is used in every sector of the economy besides supporting life of every living thing. Unfortunately, this important resource is prone to very many kinds of pollution which makes it a threat to the very lives that it is supposed to protect.
Furthermore, water pollution has far reaching effects that end up touching almost every aspect of the ecosystem. It is therefore, paramount that efforts are made towards reducing water pollution because it is possible to eliminate water pollution hence boosting health of the whole society.
Works Cited
Calow, Peter P. Handbook of Environmental Risk Assessment and Management. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons, 2009. Print.
Chiras, Daniel D. Environmental Science. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2009. Print.
Copeland, Claudia. Water Pollution Issues and Development. New York: Nova Publishers, 2008. Print.
Hill, Marquita K. Understanding Environmental Pollution. Cambridge: Cambridge University press, 2010. Print.
Jensen, Clayne R. and Steven Guthrie. Outdoor Recreation in America. Champaign: Human Kinetics, 2006. Print.
Merchant, Carolyn. American Environmental History: An Introduction. New York: Columbia University Press, 2007. Print.
Miller, Tyler G. and Scott Spoolman. Environmental Science. Stanford: Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.
Sengar, Dharmendra S. Environmental Law. New Delhi: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd, 2007. Print.
Over the years, environmentalists have intensified research on air pollution. Air pollution has been attributed to activities such as air travel, coal mining, and geological storage, among others. Consequently, this has increased health-associated risks in societies. The paper will summarize articles on human activities and their effects on human health.
International Air Travel and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Proposal for an Adaptation Levy
This article begins by recounting the benefits of air travel as well as its expansion throughout the world. According to the authors, Cameron and Benito, globalization was essential in driving commercial aviation. The article begins by exploring the nature and scale of challenges associated with greenhouse emissions in aviation. It argues that increase in emissions is a direct result of increase in growth of air travel since World War II.
Using various examples such as those from the European Union, the article cites increase in use of aviation fuel as a source of emissions in air travel.
Despite the fact that pollution from aviation forms about 4% of total air pollution by green house gasses, IATA has continued to pursue implementation of a proposal aimed at minimizing air pollution. The article cites inadequacies in current policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It suggests a proposal, which fronts for emission minimization incentives and charges, among others.
According to the article, aviation emissions are increasing at an alarming rate. In fact, it proposes major changes in policies to address potential challenges caused by air pollution. It also faults Kyoto Protocol for exclusion of policy changes aimed at reducing air pollution.
The article; therefore, put forward an IATAL to help tackle environmental issues arising from air travel. The authors believe that IATAL would provide stability in the industry more than the current scheme of auction. Moreover, they argue that IATAL would be accepted throughout the world since it addresses the repercussions of climate change (Hepburn & Müller, 2010, pp. 830-849).
Issue profile: environmental issues and the geological storage of CO2
This article relates environmental issues with carbon dioxide emissions. It begins by reaffirming the fact that increased carbon dioxide emission is likely to bring about oceanic acidification and climate change. These changes are expected to bring with them severe repercussions for humanity and ecosystems.
The paper explores strategies being sought to help minimize emissions, which include geological storage for carbon dioxide emissions. According to the article, existing studies only focus on gas and oil regulatory framework. However, the authors believe that if studies are also focused on non-oil reservoir formations, the frameworks utilized above may be inconclusive.
The paper goes on to state that the level of concern for uncontrolled carbon dioxide emissions is high in Europe. In fact, the authors also believe that release of such emissions from their storage sites are causing concerns among regulators. In essence, the paper calls for a new framework that would apply for both oil and non-oil reservoirs.
Moreover, the paper recommends that the effects of chronic and acute contact of ecosystems with carbon dioxide be evaluated. Additionally, it recommends inclusion of specific information addressing leakages from storage sites. The paper explores data to evaluate its capability in assisting regulators to implement these changes. Sadly, the amount of data is inadequate to help regulators.
It therefore exposes the gaps in assessing possible impacts of carbon dioxide leakages on subsurface, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. The authors also believe that knowledge on impacts of carbon dioxide leakage would enable regulators to refine risk assessments.
Additionally, it would provide limits and data on recovery rates. Furthermore, it would also help in assessing ecosystem changes for CCS sites in future (West, Pearce, Bentham & Maul, 2005, pp. 250-259).
Opencast coal mining in India: Analyzing and addressing the air environmental impacts
This article explores air environmental impacts of opencast coal mining in India. It begins by arguing that opencast mining causes more environmental issues than underground mining. Among the concerns raised in the article is deterioration of air quality, among others, which affect not only the surrounding but also the mining area. Nonetheless, the paper describes opencast mining to be a success in India.
This, the article argues, is attributed to the rising need for energy. Moreover, increased concerns for underground mining have also led to shifting technologies on opencast mining. The paper utilizes factal analysis to provide an understanding of air pollutants and their effects in opencast mining. The paper recommends numerous ways of reducing air pollution in opencast mining.
Some of the recommendations pointed include monitoring of wind direction and pollution concentrations around the mines, use of green belt, dust control, and water spraying, among others. The paper also argues that opencast mining pollution is caused mainly by generation of dust. Moreover, the paper notes high levels of pollutants, which are hazardous to human health.
The article also explains the process of factal analysis as well as its outcome in analyzing pollution in India from opencast mining. Moreover, the article recommends a practical scheme for minimizing air pollution opencast mining. It also suggests that this methodology be extended to other site types (Ghose, 2007, pp. 71-87).
Article on Public Heath
This article explains how air pollution contributes to morbidity and mortality. It does this by estimating the effects of traffic related air pollution and impact of outdoor pollution on public health. This study was conducted in three European countries namely Austria, Switzerland, and France. Impacts of air pollution were quantified using epidemiology based exposure-response functions for an increase in particulate matter.
The cases that were attributable to air pollution were classified according to ages namely, 30 years, 25 years, 20 years, and 15 years respectively. This was then modeled for each square kilometer. Asthma attacks in both adults and children were explored, as well as restricted activity days, among others.
Findings indicated that over 40000 that represent over 6% of death cases (mortality) were caused by air pollution on a yearly basis. In addition, motorized traffic caused nearly half of all mortality arising from air pollution. Moreover, this attributed to 16 million person-day restricted activities, over 500000 of asthma attacks, over 290000 of bronchitis in children and over 25000 new cases of bronchitis in adults.
The paper estimated the impact of air pollution in public health. It suggests that although individual concerns from air pollution are minimal, public health concern are substantial. Besides, it affirms that public health targets air pollution as its main areas of concern in Europe.
Finally, it suggests that results from the study are resourceful in assessment of environmental health-policy options (Kunzli, Kaiser, Medina, Studnicka, Chanel, Filliger &… Sommer, 2000, p. 795).
Conclusion
Air pollution is an area of concern to the world at large. The paper explores various air pollutants such as dust, carbon dioxide emissions, and green house gas emissions. In this regard, the paper explores various articles on opencast coals mining, aviation emissions, and geological storage of carbon dioxide and public health concerns in air pollution.
Notably, each of the articles provides recommendations for reducing air pollution. For instance, change in policies is mentioned profoundly in the articles, among other measures. In essence, the articles show that studies on air pollution are important for its mitigation.
References
Ghose, M. K. (2007). Opencast coal mining in India: Analyzing and addressing the air environmental impacts. Environmental Quality Management, 16(3), 71-87.
Hepburn, C., & Müller, B. (2010). International Air Travel and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Proposal for an Adaptation Levy. World Economy, 33(6), 830-849.
Kunzli, N., Kaiser, R., Medina, S., Studnicka, M., Chanel, O., Filliger, P., &… Sommer, H. (2000). Public-health impact of outdoor and traffic-related air pollution: a European assessment. Lancet, 356(9232), 795.
West, J. M., Pearce, J., Bentham, M., & Maul, P. (2005). Issue profile: environmental issues and the geological storage of CO2. European Environment: The Journal of European Environmental Policy (Wiley), 15(4), 250-259.