Controlling Pollution: Is It Possible?

Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. These substances can be solid, liquid, or gaseous and are often the result of human activities such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and transport. The effects of pollution are devastating and far-reaching, causing more than 9 million deaths in 2015 alone. As such, it is widely agreed that pollution must be controlled, but there is much debate over how this should be done. This paragraph will discuss some of the strategies that can be employed to reduce and prevent pollution.

Air pollution

How to Control Air Pollution

There are several measures that can be taken to control air pollution:

• Using public transport, carpooling or bicycles for shorter trips to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Using filters in chimneys to prevent harmful gases from escaping into the atmosphere.
• Using safe paints and varnishes that do not emit toxins.
• Opting for electrical appliances with higher star ratings to save energy.
• Avoiding the burning of dry waste, wood or timber, which emit poisonous gases.
• Limiting the use of equipment that runs on gasoline, as this contributes to ozone depletion.
• Reducing the use of air conditioners to protect the ozone layer.
• Using renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wind and geothermal power.
• Substituting fossil fuels with cleaner fuels, such as CNG.
• Modifying and maintaining equipment to minimise emissions.
• Diluting air pollutants.
• Planting trees, especially in areas with high pollution levels.

Water pollution

Water is one of the most vital natural resources on Earth, covering over two-thirds of the planet's surface. However, less than 0.3% is accessible for human consumption, and this number is decreasing due to commercialisation, industrialisation, and outdated practices. Water pollution, caused by the contamination of water bodies, is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

To control water pollution, it is crucial to treat sewage waste before discharging it into water bodies. Secondary treatment of water enables its reuse in sanitary systems and agricultural fields. Implementing chemical methods such as precipitation, the ion exchange process, reverse osmosis, and coagulation can also help control water pollution.

At the individual level, adopting practices such as reusing, reducing, and recycling can make a significant difference. Here are some specific actions to reduce water pollution:

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down the sink. Collect cooking fats in a "fat jar" and discard them in the solid waste once full.
• Do not dispose of household chemicals, cleaning agents, or medications down the sink or toilet. Properly dispose of medical waste and utilise Hazardous Waste Collection services when available.
• Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket. Properly discard tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, and other paper goods in a wastebasket.
• Install a water-efficient toilet or place a brick in the standard toilet tank to reduce water use per flush.
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded to conserve water and electricity.
• Minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Do not dispose of these chemicals, motor oil, or automotive fluids into sewer systems, as they can contaminate rivers and other water sources.

By following these measures and advocating for stricter pollution control regulations, we can play our part in reducing water pollution and protecting this precious natural resource.

Soil pollution

• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Minimising waste and adopting recycling practices can help limit the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, reducing the release of toxic substances into the soil.
• Limit Chemical Fertilizers: While they can improve soil fertility, overuse of chemical fertilizers can disrupt soil pH levels and harm beneficial microorganisms. It is better to use manure and other natural fertilizers.
• Improve Hazardous Waste Management: Governments should enforce strict regulations on hazardous waste management to protect the environment.
• Stop Deforestation: Tree planting should be encouraged as the roots of plants bind the soil together and help remediate it.
• Act Fast on Spills: In the event of chemical or oil spills, it is crucial to have a swift response by environmental services companies to contain and remediate the contaminated soil.
• Bioremediation: This involves using microorganisms and plants (phytoremediation) or fungi (mycoremediation) for soil decontamination.
• Thermal Remediation: This method uses heat to force contaminants into the vapour phase, which can then be collected through vapour extraction.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage eco-friendly models for industry, agriculture, and other economic activities. This includes improving urban planning, wastewater treatment, and mining waste management.

Noise pollution

Control at the Receiver's End

Ear protection, such as earplugs, earmuffs, noise helmets, and headphones, can be provided to people working in noisy environments to reduce their exposure to loud sounds.

Suppression of Noise at the Source

This can be achieved by:

• Designing, fabricating, and using quieter machines.
• Properly lubricating and maintaining machines.
• Installing noisy machines in soundproof chambers.
• Covering noise-producing machine parts with sound-absorbing materials.
• Reducing noise from vibrating machines by using damping materials such as rubber, neoprene, cork, or plastic.
• Using silencers to control noise from automobiles, ducts, exhausts, and convey systems.
• Using glass or mineral wool covered with perforated metal for mechanical protection.

Acoustic Zoning

Increasing the distance between the source of noise and the receiver by zoning noisy industrial areas, bus terminals, railway stations, and aerodromes away from residential areas can help minimize noise pollution. Establishing silence zones near residential areas, educational institutions, and hospitals is also essential.

Sound Insulation at Construction Stages

Sound insulation can be improved by:

• Packing the jamb frame gap between the door and the wall with sound-absorbing materials.
• Using double or triple-paned windows and filling the gaps with sound-absorbing materials.
• Fixing acoustical tiles, hair felt, or perforated plywood on walls, ceilings, and floors, especially in soundproof recording rooms.

Planting of Trees

Planting trees and shrubs along roads, hospitals, and educational institutions can help reduce noise levels.

Legislative Measures

Strict legislative measures should be enforced to address noise pollution, including:

• Limiting the use of loudspeakers and amplifiers near silence zones.
• Banning pressure horns in automobiles.
• Enacting a separate Noise Pollution Act to specifically address this issue.

Additionally, upgrading insulation, using acoustic wall panels, rugs, and carpets, and placing furniture strategically can also help reduce noise pollution in residential spaces.

Light pollution

• Turn off unnecessary lights. This is the cheapest and most effective method to reduce light pollution.
• Use covered, downward-facing bulbs for street lights and highway lighting.
• Use motion sensors for important outdoor lights.
• Use low-glare, sky-friendly lighting fixtures. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approves dark-sky friendly appliances that meet rigorous guidelines.
• Refrain from using decorative lighting during festivities and celebrations. Instead, opt for environmentally-friendly candles.
• Use coloured lights such as yellow, red, and amber lights, as they reduce the negative effects of lighting at night and do not affect night-time vision.
• Use glow stones or core glow stones for outdoor night lighting. These emit a low level of light and do not contribute to light pollution.

Frequently asked questions