Chemicals That Can Combat Pollution: A Solution Guide

Chemicals are everywhere, from the detergents we use to clean our homes to the fertilizers we use to grow our food. While these chemicals can be beneficial, they can also become pollutants when released into the environment. Air pollution, for example, is caused by harmful particulates and gases released from factories, cars, and the burning of waste. Similarly, water pollution can occur when fertilizers are over-applied or improperly applied, causing them to wash into storm drains and impact water quality. To combat this, we can reduce our use of certain chemicals, such as fertilizers with high phosphorus content, and switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, we can prevent pollution by modifying production processes, using less-toxic substances, and improving conservation and waste management techniques.

Using less-toxic substances

In agriculture, the intensive use of chemicals and burning of residues can be reduced. Ammonia, NOx and nitrous oxide are agricultural emissions that can have a significant impact on air quality. Methane and nitrous oxide are powerful greenhouse gases, while NOx and ammonia form particulate matter in the air, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

At an individual level, we can prevent chemical pollution by buying "green" environmentally friendly products and detergents. Coal and gas can be replaced by solar, wind and hydropower as energy sources. Walking, cycling or using public transportation are good alternatives to cars.

Reducing agricultural chemical use

Fertilisers used in everyday agricultural activities also include ammonia, urea and nitrates. While these chemicals are essential for plant growth, their overuse can lead to environmental pollution. For example, over-application of fertiliser can cause it to wash from lawns, sidewalks, and streets into storm drains, ultimately impacting water quality. To reduce this risk, it is recommended to use fertiliser with low or no phosphorus for established lawns, as most soils already contain sufficient amounts of this nutrient. Additionally, starter fertiliser should only be used when growing grass from seeds, and it is crucial to always follow the directions on the package to avoid over-application.

Agricultural residues, such as crop residues and manure, are often burned, which contributes to air pollution. Instead of burning, these residues can be utilised through composting or anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, a renewable energy source. By adopting better conservation techniques and exploring alternative energy sources, we can minimise the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

At an individual level, we can contribute to reducing agricultural chemical pollution by making conscious choices. Buying "green" and environmentally friendly products and detergents can help minimise the release of chemical pollutants into the environment. Additionally, we can opt for sustainable transportation options, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, to reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality.

Overall, reducing agricultural chemical use requires a combination of sustainable practices, responsible product choices, and better waste management. By implementing these strategies, we can minimise the impact of agricultural chemicals on our environment and improve the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

Buying environmentally-friendly products

Chemicals are everywhere, from the detergents we use to clean our homes to the pesticides we use to protect our crops. They are major contributors to national and world economies, but they are also major contributors to pollution.

Every year, millions of tons of manufactured chemicals are released into the environment as emissions, water discharges, and hazardous waste. These chemicals can have a significant impact on air quality, and the sound management of chemicals and waste is becoming increasingly important as the world's population continues to grow.

One way to reduce pollution is to buy environmentally-friendly products. This might include choosing detergents that are made with less-toxic substances or opting for products that are packaged in reusable or recyclable materials. You can also look for products that are certified by organisations like the Environmental Working Group, which rates products based on their impact on human health and the environment.

Another way to reduce pollution is to reduce your use of certain chemicals. For example, if you have an established lawn, you can use a fertiliser with low or no phosphorous, which will keep your lawn green while minimising the impact on water quality. You can also reduce your use of pesticides, which are a significant source of air pollution, by opting for more natural alternatives or integrated pest management techniques.

Finally, you can reduce pollution by choosing alternative energy sources. Coal and gas, for example, are major sources of air pollution, but they can be replaced by solar, wind, and hydropower. By choosing these alternative energy sources, you can help reduce the amount of harmful particulates and gases released into the air.

Reducing ammonia, NOx and nitrous oxide emissions

To reduce ammonia emissions, farmers can use fertilisers with lower levels of nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the three key components of fertiliser, along with phosphorus and potassium, and established lawns do not require additional phosphorus. Therefore, using fertiliser with low or no phosphorous will keep lawns green and minimise the impact on water quality.

NOx emissions can be reduced by limiting the intensive use of agricultural chemicals. This can be achieved by encouraging farmers to use less toxic substances and to adopt better conservation techniques, such as reducing over-application and sloppy application of fertiliser, which can lead to fertiliser washing from lawns and streets into storm drains.

Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas, and reducing its emissions can be achieved by replacing coal and gas with solar, wind and hydropower as energy sources. This will also help to reduce methane emissions, as coal and gas are significant sources of methane.

Using low-phosphorus fertiliser

Fertiliser is composed of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Although garden plants need varying levels of each chemical to grow properly, Indiana's soil provides plenty of phosphorus for established lawns. Therefore, using fertiliser with low or no phosphorus will keep lawns green and minimise the impact on water quality.

Phosphorus is a key ingredient in fertilisers, but it can also be a major source of water pollution. When too much fertiliser is applied, or it is applied incorrectly, it can wash from lawns, sidewalks and streets into storm drains. From there, it can enter local waterways, where it contributes to the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This process, known as eutrophication, can lead to the depletion of oxygen in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life.

By using low-phosphorus fertiliser, homeowners can help to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering local waterways. This is particularly important in areas with high levels of runoff, such as near lakes and rivers. In addition to using low-phosphorus fertiliser, homeowners can also reduce phosphorus pollution by following application instructions carefully and avoiding over-application.

Agricultural emissions, including ammonia, NOx and nitrous oxide, can also have a significant impact on air quality. Methane and nitrous oxide are powerful greenhouse gases, while NOx and ammonia form particulate matter in the air, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. Fertilisers used in everyday agricultural activities also include ammonia, urea and nitrates, which can contribute to air pollution.

To prevent chemical pollution, individuals can buy "green", environmentally friendly products and detergents. This can help to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals released into the environment.

Frequently asked questions