Syllabus

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (6h)

❖ Definition, Cause, effects,

and control measures of: Air Pollution,
❖ Water pollution,
❖ Soil pollution,
❖ Marine pollution,
❖ Noise pollution,
❖ Thermal pollution,
❖ Nuclear hazards Pollution case studies
❖ Role of an individual in the prevention of pollution Solid Waste
Management: Causes, effects and control measures of urban and
industrial wastes Disaster management: floods, earthquakes,
cyclones and landslides.
 Introduction to Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful
substances or energy into the environment, causing adverse effects on
living organisms and ecosystems. It can result from natural events, but
human activities are the primary contributors.

Types of environmental pollution

There are 3 major type of pollution are there.
❖ Air Pollution
❖ Water Pollution
❖ Soil Pollution
Apart from these Noise, Marine, Thermal, and nuclear pollution
can act as potential candidates for the environmental pollution
Major Types of environmental pollution
Introduction to Air Pollution
Definition
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that can
adversely affect human health, ecosystems, and the climate. These pollutants
can originate from various sources and can exist in the form of gases,
particulates, or biological molecules.
Cause of Air pollution
➢ Vehicle Emissions:
Cars, trucks, and buses release pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) into the air, particularly in
urban areas.
➢ Industrial Discharges:
Factories and power plants emit a variety of pollutants, including sulfur
dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals, through
their manufacturing processes.
➢ Burning of Fossil Fuels:
The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy leads to the release of
CO2, SO2, and other harmful substances, contributing significantly to air
pollution.
➢ Agricultural Activities:
The use of fertilizers and pesticides can release ammonia and other chemicals
into the air, while livestock farming produces methane (CH4), a potent
greenhouse gas.
➢ Waste Disposal and Landfills:
Decomposing organic waste in landfills releases methane and other gases.
Open burning of waste adds further pollutants to the atmosphere.
Cause of Air pollution
➢ Natural Sources:
Wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms can introduce significant
amounts of particulate matter and gases into the air.
➢ Household Activities:
Use of household products like paints, cleaners, and aerosols can release
VOCs. Burning wood or charcoal for cooking and heating also contributes to
indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Effects of Air pollution
➢ Human Health Risks:
Short-term exposure can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and
headaches, while long-term exposure is linked to chronic conditions like
asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death.
➢ Environmental Impact:
Air pollution can damage crops, forests, and bodies of water. Acid rain,
formed from SO2 and NOx, can harm aquatic ecosystems and soil quality.
➢ Climate Change:
Greenhouse gases (like CO2 and methane) contribute to global warming,
leading to climate change impacts such as extreme weather, rising sea levels,
and loss of biodiversity.
➢ Visibility Reduction:
Air pollutants can cause haze, reducing visibility in urban and natural areas,
which can affect transportation and tourism.
➢ Economic Costs:
Health care costs related to pollution-related illnesses, loss of productivity, and
damage to crops and infrastructure represent significant economic burdens.
Control Measures of Air pollution
➢ Regulation and Legislation:
Governments can establish and enforce air quality standards and
regulations for industries and vehicle emissions to limit the release of
pollutants.
➢ Promoting Clean Energy:
Transitioning to renewable energy sources (like wind, solar, and hydro)
reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases emissions.
➢ Improving Public Transportation:
Enhancing public transit systems and encouraging the use of bicycles and
walking can reduce vehicle emissions.
➢ Emission Controls:
Installing scrubbers and filters in industrial facilities and using catalytic
converters in vehicles can significantly reduce emissions.
➢ Public Awareness Campaigns:
Educating the public about air quality issues and promoting practices such
as carpooling, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly products can lead to
behavioral changes.
➢ Monitoring Air Quality:
Continuous monitoring of air pollution levels using technology and data
analysis helps inform policy decisions and public awareness.
Case study of Air pollution

Great Smog of London, lethal smog that covered the

city of London for five days, from December 5 to
December 9, in 1952. It was caused by a
combination of industrial pollution and high-
pressure weather conditions. The smoke and fog
brought London to a near standstill and resulted in
thousands of deaths.
Introduction to water Pollution
Definition
Water pollution can be defined as alteration
in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of
water which may cause harmful effects on living
organisms.

Use of water
Water is an essential commodity for survival.
We need water for drinking, cooking, bathing,
washing, irrigation and for industrial operations.

Source of water
Rivers, Lakes or Groundwater.
Water has the property to dissolve many
substances in it, therefore, it can easily get
polluted.
Types, effects and sources (causes) of water pollution

1. Infectious Agents
Bacteria, viruses (human and animal) – variety of disease

2. Oxygen demanding waste

Decomposed by aerobic (O2 requiring) bacteria [consume Dissolved Oxygen]

3. Inorganic chemicals
Acid, salt, toxic metal (industry, household cleanser)
make unable to drink
Skin cancer
Damage nerve system
Harm aquatic life
Corrode metals
Law crop yields
4. Organic chemicals
Oil, gasoline, plastic, pesticide, solvent, detergents
(industry, household cleanser) – affect nervous system

5. Plant nutrients
Nitrate, phosphate, ammonium (fertilizer) decay of plant
reduce DO

6. Sediments
Soil (land erosion) – carry pestisde, and harmfull
substance)

7. Radioactive materials
isotopes of I2 radon, uranium,thorium
(nuclearpower plants) – birth effects, cancers
8. Heat
electric power plants – Lower DO, aquatic plants and
animal dies

9. Point sources or non-point sources.

Point sources
Point sources are specific sites near water which
directly discharge effluents into them.
Major point sources of water pollution are industries,
power plants, underground coal mines, offshore oil wells
etc.

Non-point sources
The discharge from non-point sources are scattered,
which individually or collectively pollute water. Surface run-
off from agricultural fields, overflowing small drains, rain
water sweeping roads and fields, atmospheric deposition
Ground water pollution:

Ground water forms about 6.2% of the total water

available on planet earth and is about 30 times more than
surface water (streams, lakes and estuaries).

Ground water seems to be less prone to pollution as the

soil mantle through which water passes helps to retain various
contaminants due to its cation exchange capacity.

However, there are a number of potential sources of

ground water pollution. Septic tanks, industry (textile, chemical,
tanneries), deep well injection, mining etc. are mainly
responsible for ground water pollution, which is irreversible.

Ground water pollution with arsenic, fluoride and nitrate

are posing serious health hazards.
Surface water pollution: The major sources of surface
water pollution are the following.

1. Sewage: Pouring the drains and sewers in fresh

water-bodies causes water pollution. The problem is
severe in cities.

2. Industrial effluents: Industrial wastes containing

toxic chemicals, acids, alkalis, metallic salts, phenols,
cyanides, ammonia, radioactive substances, etc. are
sources of water pollution. They also cause thermal
(heat) pollution of water.

3. Synthetic detergents: Synthetic detergents used in

washing and cleaning produce foam and pollute
water.
4. Agrochemicals: Agrochemicals like fertilizers
(containing nitrates and phosphates) and
pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides
etc.) washed by rain-water and surface run-off
pollute water.

5. Oil: Oil spillage into sea-water during drilling and

shipment pollute it.

6. Waste heat: Waste heat from industrial

discharges increases the temperature of water
bodies and affects distribution and survival of
sensitive species.
Effects of Water Pollutants

Following are some important effects of various types of water

pollutants:

Oxygen demanding wastes:

Organic matter which reaches water bodies is
decomposed by micro-organisms present in water.

For this degradation, oxygen dissolved (DO) in water is

consumed.
 Dissolved oxygen (DO) is the amount of oxygen dissolved
in a given quantity of water at a particular temperature and
atmospheric pressure.

Amount of dissolved oxygen depends on aeration,

photosynthetic activity in water, respiration of animals and plants
and ambient temperature.

The saturation value of DO varies from 8-15 mg/L. For

active fish species 5-8 mg/L of DO is required.

Lower DO may be harmful to animals especially fish

population.

Oxygen depletion (deoxygenation) causes release of

phosphates from bottom sediments and causes eutrophication.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Compounds (Nutrients):

Addition of compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorus

helps in the growth of algae and other plants which when die and
decay consume oxygen of water.

Under anaerobic conditions foul smelling gases are

produced.

Excess growth or decomposition of plant material will

change the concentration of CO2 which will further change pH of
water.

Changes in pH, oxygen and temperature will change many

physico-chemical characteristics of water.
Pathogens:
Waste waters, especially sewage contain many
pathogenic (disease causing) and non-pathogenic micro-
organisms and many viruses.

Water borne diseases like cholera, dysentery, typhoid,

jaundice etc. are spread by water contaminated with sewage.

Toxic Compounds:

Pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, cyanides

and many other organic and inorganic compounds are
harmful to aquatic organisms.
 Control of Water Pollution

The following points may help in reducing water

pollution from non-point sources.

(i) Judicious use of agro-chemicals like pesticides and

fertilizers which will reduce their surface run-off and
leaching. Avoid use of these on sloped lands.

(ii) Use of nitrogen fixing plants to supplement the use

of fertilizers.

(iii) Adopting integrated pest management to reduce

reliance on pesticides.
(iv) Prevent run-off of manure. Divert such run-off to basin
for settlement. The nutrient rich water can be used as
fertilizer in the fields.

(v) Separate drainage of sewage and rain water should be

provided to prevent overflow of sewage with rainwater.

(vi) Planting trees would reduce pollution by sediments and

will also prevent soil erosion.
 For controlling water pollution from point sources, treatment of
waste waters is essential before being discharged.

Parameters which are considered for reduction in such water are

total solids, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand
(COD), nitrates and phosphates, oil and grease, toxic metals etc.

Waste waters should be properly treated by primary and secondary

treatments to reduce the BOD, COD levels up to the permissible levels for
discharge.

Advanced treatment for removal of nitrates and phosphates will

prevent eutrophication.

Before the discharge of wastewater, it should be disinfected to kill

the disease-causing organisms like bacteria. Proper chlorination should be
done to prevent the formation of chlorinated hydrocarbons or disinfection
should be done by ozone or ultraviolet radiations.
 SOIL POLLUTION

Soil pollution can be defined as “the addition of substances to the

soil which adversely affect the physical, chemical and biological
properties of the soil and reduces its productivity”.

Major soil pollutants, their source and effects are

summarized in the following table.
Name of the pollutant Source Effect
Industrial wastes The wastes from Destroy the fertility of the soil
textile, paper, cement,
dyeing industries

Biological wastes Fungi, Bacteria, human Destroys the productivity of the

& animal wastes, soil
garbage
Radioactive pollutants Atomic reactors and Accumulate in the land and
Nuclear radioactive causes pollution
devices
Pesticides Agricultural activities DDT reduces the activity of sex
(chlorinated pesticides like DDT, hormones of male & female.
BHC Organic phosphate pesticides Causes diseases to human beings
like malathian & parathion)

Fertilizers Agricultural activities Nitrates causes cancer

Polymers, plastics & other wastes Plastic industry Pollutes atmosphere, land, water
bodies
Agricultural practices Modern agriculture Blue baby syndrome,
Biomagnification, Risk of cancer
Effects of soil pollution:

1. Organic wastes enter the soil pores and

decompose to generate pathogenic bacteria
which spread diseases.

2. Fluorides affect plant development.

3. Water logging & salinity increase the dissolved

salt content in the soil. Some plants are very
sensitive to the soil pH and salinity. Thus the land
becomes unfit for irrigation.
Control of soil pollution:
1. Treat the sewage before land disposal.
2. Rotate the crop pattern to allow the soil to replenish the
nutrients.
3. Preserve & Protect the fertile soil. Control soil erosion.
4. Production of natural fertilizers. Bio-pesticides should be
used instead of chemical fertilizers.
5. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides
should be avoided.
6. Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained
regarding sanitary habits.
7. Recycling and reuse of wastes: The wastes such as
paper, plastics, metals, glasses should be Recycled and
reused.
 MARINE POLLUTION
The discharge of waste
substances into sea resulting in
harm to living resources,
hazards to human health,
hindrance to fishing and
impairment of quality for use
of sea water.

It is associated with the change

in physical, chemical and
biological conditions of sea
water.
Sources of marine pollution:

1. Dumping of wastes:
➢ Dumping of untreated wastes and sewage into oceans
by coastal towns and cities and industries.
➢ Rivers on their way to sea carry huge amount of
sewage, garbage, agricultural discharges, pesticides,
heavy metals. Huge quantity of plastic is dumped into
sea.

Effect:
Many marine birds ingest plastic that causes
gastro-intestinal disorders.
2. Oil:
Oil is discharged into sea as crude oil.

Effect:
Oil films inhibit photosynthesis. Inhibits the growth of
planktons (tiny organisms living in sea). All aquatic animals
depend either directly or indirectly on plankton the basis of
tropic chain.

3. Radioactive materials enter the ocean from nuclear

weapon testing.
4. Toxics:

Toxic waste is the most harmful form of marine

pollution. Once toxic waste affects an organism it quickly
passes along food chain and ends as a sea food which causes
various problems.

5. Marine debris:
Garbage like plastic bags, ropes, helium balloons and stray
fishing gears.
 Effects of Marine pollution:
1. Heavy metals and organic pollutants damage birds by
thinning of egg shell and tissue damage of egg.
2. Oil pollution causes damage to marine animals and
plants including algae, fish, birds, invertebrates.
3. Oil spilling in sea causes abnormal low body
temperature in sea birds resulting in hypothermia.
In 1978, 20,000 birds died at France due to spillage
of 220 tons of oil. In 1989, leakage from Exxon Valdez
oil tanker near Alaska damaged coral reefs and death
of 3 lakhs of water birds and nearly 6.45 lakhs of see otters.
4. Oil films are able to retard the rate of O2 uptake by sea
water.
5. Hydrocarbons and benzopyrene accumulate in food
chain and consumption of fish by human may cause
Control of Marine pollution:
Nature and world conservation union suggested
following principles for controlling marine pollution.

1. People should be educated about marine ecosystem

and its benefits.
2. Social and economic incentives must be offered for
conserving marine resources.
3. Local communities must be involved in protecting and
managing their coastal resources.
Other control measures:
1. Urban growth near coastal areas should be regulated.
2. Industrial units on the coastal lines should be equipped
with Pollution control devices.
 NOISE POLLUTION
The release of unwanted, unpleasant (or) disagreeable
sound into the atmosphere is called noise pollution.
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). 1dB is equal to
the fainted sound that can be heard by human ear. The
intensity of conversation sound ranges between 35 to 60 dB.
Prolonged exposures to noise of 80 dB (or) more may lead to
impairment of hearing. A noise above 140 dB becomes
painful.
Causes of Noise pollution:
1. Industrial Noise pollution: The main sources are
compressors, generators, looms, grinding mills
and furnaces used in industrial processes.
Increasing industrial noise pollution has
damaged the hearing of 20% workers.
2. Domestic noise pollution: They affect users as
well as neighbors.
3. Traffic noise: Due to continuous movement of
vehicles not only affects moving people but
also who live near the roads, railway lines,
airports.
Effects of noise pollution:

1. Physiological effects: Increase in the rate of heart beat,

Pain in heart, deafness and headache.
2. Annoyance: A noise is said to be annoying if the
exposed individual (or) group of individuals reduce the
noise, avoid (or) leave the place.
The above effects increase with increasing sound level.
3. Thickening of blood due excessive noise.
4. Impulsive noise (unwanted , instantaneous sharp
sounds like clicks and pops) causes psychological and
pathological disorders.
5. Noise causes contraction of muscles leading to
nervous break down.
Control measures of Noise Pollution
1. Source control: Modification of source like acoustic
treatment to machine surface, design changes, limiting
operational timings.
2. Oiling: Oiling reduces the noise
3. Trasmission path intervention: Noise making machines
should be kept inside a sound insulating enclosures.
Construction of noise barrier (or) provision of sound
absorbing materials along the path.
4. Planting trees like neem, Tamarind, coconut etc near
schools, hospitals reduces the noise to an extent of
about 8 to 10 dB.
5. Selection of machinery: Careful selection of machine
tools and equipment to be used.
 THERMAL POLLUTION
Thermal pollution refers to the degradation of
water quality due to changes in its temperature, primarily
caused by human activities, leading to harmful effects on
aquatic ecosystems.
Thermal or nuclear power plants are the ones that
contribute to the said pollution the most. As a result, it
damages water ecosystems and poses threat to specific
animal species. Moreover, it disrupts the equilibrium that
exists in the process of the food chain, which, in return,
messes up the overall balance of species arrangement.
Causes of Thermal pollution:
1. Industrial Discharges: Factories and power
plants use water as a coolant and release
heated water back into water bodies.
2. Nuclear Power Plants: Heat generated during
nuclear reactions raises the temperature of
nearby water sources.
3. Deforestation: Reduces shade and increases
sunlight exposure on water bodies.
4. Soil Erosion: Sediment accumulation absorbs
more heat, raising water temperature.
5. Urban Runoff: Hot surface runoff from roads
and buildings can heat water bodies.
Effects of Thermal pollution:

1. Loss of Biodiversity: Warmer water affects aquatic

species, leading to reduced oxygen levels, disrupting
ecosystems.
2. Thermal Shock: Sudden temperature changes can kill
fish and other aquatic organisms. The above effects
increase with increasing sound level.
3. Decreased Dissolved Oxygen: Warmer water holds
less oxygen, suffocating marine life.
4. Altered Metabolic Rates: Higher temperatures
increase the metabolic rate of organisms, causing
stress and reduced survival rates.Noise causes
contraction of muscles leading to nervous break down.
Control measures of Thermal Pollution
1. Cooling Ponds and Towers: Use cooling structures to
dissipate excess heat before water is released.Oiling:
Oiling reduces the noise
2. Recycling Cooling Water: Reuse water instead of
discharging it directly.
3. Shading Water Bodies: Promote tree planting along
banks to reduce direct sunlight.
4. Temperature Regulations: Enforce laws to limit
thermal discharges from industrial facilities.
 Nuclear Hazards (Radioactive pollution)
Sources of Radioactivity:
Various sources of radioactivity can be grouped into
(i) Natural sources and
(ii) Anthropogenic (man made) sources.

(i) Natural Sources: Sources of natural radioactivity

include cosmic rays from outer space, radioactive
radon-222, soil, rocks, which contain one or more
radioactive substances.

(ii) Anthropogenic sources: These sources are nuclear

power plants, nuclear accidents, X-rays, diagnostic kits,
test laboratories etc. where radioactive substances are
used.
 Effects of Radiations
Ionization radiations can affect living organisms by causing
harmful changes in the body cells and also changes at
genetic level.

(i) Genetic damage is caused by radiations, which induce

mutations in the DNA, thereby affecting genes and
chromosomes. The damage is often seen in the off
springs and may be transmitted up to several
generations.

(ii) Somatic damage includes burns, miscarriages, eye

cataract and cancer of bone, thyroid, breast, lungs and
skin.
Control of Nuclear Pollution
(i) Siting of nuclear power plants should be carefully done
after studying long term and short term effects. Minimum
number of nuclear installations should be commissioned.
(ii) Proper disposal of wastes from laboratory involving the use
of radioisotopes should be done.
(iii) Nuclear devices should never be exploded in air. If these
activities are extremely necessary, they should be exploded
underground.
(iv) Tightly sealed boxes and closed cycle system should be
employed to minimize the radioactive emissions.
(v) Extreme care should be exercised in the disposal of
industrial wastes contaminated with radio nuclides.
(vi) Use of high chimneys and ventilations at the working place
where radioactive contamination is high.
 Nuclear hazards Pollution case studies
1. Chernobyl Disaster (1986)
•Location: Chernobyl, Ukraine (then part of the Soviet
Union)
•Incident: A reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power
Plant exploded during a safety test, releasing large
quantities of radioactive particles into the atmosphere.
•Causes: Poor reactor design, inadequate safety
protocols, and human error.
2. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster (2011)
Location: Fukushima, Japan
Incident: A 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting
tsunami disabled the cooling systems at the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, leading to reactor
meltdowns and radioactive releases.
Causes: Natural disaster (earthquake and tsunami) and
insufficient protective barriers against tsunami.
3. Kaiga Atomic Power Station Leak (2009)
•Location: Kaiga, Karnataka
•Incident: A radioactive contamination incident occurred when the coolant water was
found to be contaminated with tritium in the Kaiga Atomic Power Station.
•Causes: The contamination was suspected to be due to an act of sabotage, where
someone deliberately contaminated the drinking water cooler with radioactive tritium, a
radioactive isotope of hydrogen.
 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Management of solid waste has, become

very important in order to minimize the adverse
effects of solid wastes. Solid waste can be classified
as municipal, industrial, agricultural, medical,
mining waste and sewage sludge.
Sources of Urban and Industrial Wastes:
1) Urban waste consists of medical waste from hospitals;
municipal solid wastes from homes, offices, markets
(commercial waste) small cottage units, horticulture
waste from parks, gardens, orchards etc.
2) Waste from homes contains a variety of discarded
materials like polyethylene bags, empty metal and
aluminium cans, scrap metals, glass bottles, waste
paper, diapers, cloth/rags, food waste etc.
3) Waste from shops mainly consists of waste paper,
packaging material, cans, bottles, polyethylene bags,
peanut shells, eggshells, tea leaves etc.
4. Biomedical waste includes anatomical wastes,
pathological wastes, infectious wastes etc.

5. Construction/demolition waste includes debris and

rubbles, wood, concrete etc.

The urban solid waste materials that can be

degraded by microorganisms are called
biodegradable wastes. Examples of this type of waste
are vegetable wastes, stale food, tea leaves, egg
shells, peanut shells, dry leaves etc. Wastes that
cannot be degraded by microorganisms are called
non-biodegradable wastes. For example,
polyethylene bags, scrap metal, glass bottles etc.
Industrial waste:
Industrial waste consists of a large number of
materials including factory rubbish, packaging material,
organic wastes, acids, alkalis and metals etc.

❖ During some industrial processing large quantities of

hazardous and toxic materials are also produced.
❖ The main sources of industrial wastes are chemical
industries, metal and mineral processing industries.
❖ Thermal power plants produce fly ash in large
quantities.
❖ Solid wastes from other types of industries include
scrap metal, rubber, plastic, paper, glass, wood, oils,
paints, asphalt, tars, dyes, scrap leather, ceramics,
abrasives, slag, heavy metals, asbestos, batteries.
Management of Solid Waste: For waste management we
stress on three: Reduce, reuse and recycle before
destruction and safe storage of wastes.
(i) Reduction in use of raw materials: Reduction in the
use of raw materials will correspondingly decrease the
production of waste. Reduced demand for any metallic
product will decrease the mining of their metal and
cause less production of waste.
(ii) Reuse of waste materials: The refillable containers
which are discarded after use can be reused. Villagers
make casseroles and from waste paper and other waste
materials. Making rubber rings with the discarded cycle
tubes instead of rubber bands, reduces the waste
generation during manufacturing of rubber bands.
Because of financial constraints poor people reuse their
materials to the maximum.
(iii) Recycling of materials: Recycling is the reprocessing of discarded
materials into new useful products.
a) Formation of some old type products e.g. old aluminium cans and glass
bottles are melted and recast into new cans and bottles.
b) Formation of new products:
❖ Preparation of cellulose insulation from paper and preparation of fuel
pellets from kitchen waste.
❖ Preparation of automobiles and construction materials from steel cans.
❖ The process of reducing, reusing and recycling saves money, energy, raw
materials, land space and also reduces pollution.
❖ Recycling of paper will reduce cutting of trees for making fresh paper.
Reuse of metals will reduce mining and melting of ores for recovery of
metals from ores and prevent pollution.
For discarding wastes the following methods can be
adopted:
(i) Sanitary landfill:
➢ In a sanitary landfill, garbage is spread out in thin layers,
compacted and covered with clay or plastic foam.
➢ In the modern landfills the bottom is covered with an
impermeable liner, usually several layers of clay, thick
plastic and sand. The liner protects the ground water from
being contaminated due to percolation of leachate.
➢ Leachate from bottom is pumped and sent for treatment.
When landfill is full it is covered with clay, sand, gravel and
top soil to prevent seepage of water.
➢ Several wells are drilled near the landfill site to monitor if
any leakage is contaminating ground water.
(ii) Composting:
➢ Due to shortage of space for landfill in bigger cities, the biodegradable yard waste
(kept separate from the municipal waste) is allowed to degrade or decompose in
an oxygen rich medium.
➢ A good quality nutrient rich and environmental friendly manure is formed which
improves the soil conditions and fertility.
(iii)Incineration:
➢ Incinerators are burning plants capable of burning a large amount of materials at
high temperature. Expensive Method!
➢ During incineration high levels of dioxins, furans, lead and cadmium may be emitted
with the fly ash of incinerator.
➢ Remove batteries containing heavy metals and plastic containing chlorine before
burning the material.
➢ Prior removal of plastics will reduce emissions of dioxins and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs).
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Disaster: A disaster is the realization of a perceived natural
event which threatens both life and property.

Examples: Earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, cyclones and

landslides.
Earthquakes:
An earthquake is a sudden vibration caused on the earth’s surface
due to the sudden release of tremendous amount of energy stored
in the rocks under the earth’s crust.

The earth’s crust has several tectonic plates of solid rock

which slowly move along their boundaries. When friction prevents
these plates from slipping, stress builds up and results in sudden
fractures along the fault lines within the plates. This causes
earthquakes and violent vibrations in the earth. The point on a fault
line at which the first movement occurs during an earthquake is
called the epicenter.
 The severity of an earthquake is generally measured by its
magnitude on Richter Scale.

Effects of earthquake:
1) The shocks produced by earthquakes in hilly and
mountainous areas may cause landslides, which damage settlements
and transport systems.
2) It also collapses houses and other structures due to poor
construction and the people die in thousands depending on the
severity of the earthquake.
3) Severe earthquake results in deformation of ground
surface.
4) The seismic waves caused by earthquakes travel through
sea water and generates high sea waves called Tsunami. This causes
great loss of life and property.
 Earthquake management:
1) Damage to property and life can be prevented by
constructing earthquake-resistant buildings in the earthquake prone
areas.
2) Wooden houses are preferred in earthquake prone areas
as in Japan.
3) Seismic hazard map should give the information about the
magnitude of intensity of anticipated earthquakes and seismologist
should analyze the pattern of micro-seismicity and indicate the
possibility of occurrence of earthquakes in a potential area.
 Floods
Whenever the magnitude of water flow exceeds the carrying
capacity of the channel within its banks, the excess of water overflows
on the surroundings. This situation is called flood.

Causes of floods:
1) Heavy rain, rain fall during cyclone causes floods.
2) Sudden snow melt also raises the quantity of water in
streams and causes floods.
3) Reduction in the carrying capacity of the channels due to
accumulation of sediments causes floods.
4) Sudden and excess release of impounded water behind the
dams.
5) Clearing of forests for agriculture has also increased severity
of floods.
 Effects of floods:
1) Floods will wash away the houses and properties of the
people living in low lying areas causing heavy suffering to the effected
people.
2) Floods damage standing crops and livestock.
3) Floods cause a great economic loss and health related
problems due to wide spread contamination.

Flood Management (Preventive measures):

1) Encroachment of flood ways should be banned.
2) Building walls prevent spilling out the flood water over fold
plains.
3) Diverting excess water through channels or canals to areas
like lakes, rivers etc. where water is not sufficient.
4) Build check-dams on small streams.
5) River net working in the country reduce floods.
6) Satellite pictures of pre-flood, flood and post-flood with
other information help the flood management.
 7) Flood forecasts and flood warnings given by the central
water commission helps for the effective flood management.

Next to Bangladesh, India is the most flood effected country in

the world. Nearly 40 million hectares are effected in India by floods
annually, 20% of which occur in UP.
Landslides
 Landslides
The movement of earthy materials like mud, soil, rocks and debris
from higher region to lower region due to gravitational pull is called
landslides.

Causes: 1. Movement of heavy vehicles on the unstable sloppy

regions create landslides.
2. Earthquake shocks, vibrations and cyclones create
landslides.
3. Underground caves and underground mining activities may
lead to landslides.
4. Erosion in the hilly tract due to run-off water during rainy
season may lead to landslides.

Effects of landslides:
(i) Landslides block the roads and divert the passage.
(ii) Erosion of soil increases.
(iii) Sudden landslides damage houses, crop yield, live stock etc.
Landslides Management (Preventive measures)
(i) Unloading the upper parts of the slope.
(ii) Improving the cultivation in the sloppy regions.
(iii) Concrete support at the base of the slopes can prevent
landslides.
(iv) Steepness of the slopes can be reduced by developing
benches.
(v) Soil stabilization by chemicals like quick lime is effective
in weak areas.
 Cyclones

Cyclone is a meteorological phenomena, intense depressions forming

over the oceans and moving towards the land. In meteorology, a cyclone is a
large scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric
pressure. On reaching the shores, it move into the interior of the land or along the
shore lines.
They occur in a particular season and effects the coastal areas. Beaufort
scale and Saffir Simpson scale are used to measure the intensity of cyclones.
In India, cyclones originate from Bay of Bengal and are more in number
and intensity. Cyclones are less in South-West Indian ocean and Arabian Sea. In
India, cyclones occur during October-December and April-May.

Different names of cyclones are tabulated below.

 Effects of Cyclones:
1) Damages human life, livestock, crops, roads, transport,
communications, tanks, canals etc.
2) Development activities of the area are slow down by the
cyclones.
Cyclone Management (Preventive Measures):
1) Meteorological department uses satellite images for
forecasting the weather conditions which reveals the strength and the
intensity of the cyclone.
2) Radar system is used to detect the cyclone and the cyclone
warning.
3) Satellite pictures are analyzed every half an hour to detect
the exact location of the cyclone.
4) The effect of cyclones can be minimized by planting more
trees on the coastal belt, construction of dams, dykes, embankments,
storm shelter, wind breaks, proper drainage and wide roads for quick
evacuation.