Increase in urbanization and industrialization
Why has the Taj Mahal located in Agra become a matter of concern?
What is Global Warming?
Potable water
Water which is purified and fit for drinking is known as potable water.
Water can be made fit for drinking or potable by following the following methods. Physical methods and chemical methods
Physical method – By filtering and boiling the water. The Candle filter is a popular domestic filter. Boiling is a common method for obtaining safe drinking water. Boiling water eliminates bacteria and makes it safe to drink.
Chemical method – By using chlorine tablets. It involves adding chlorine pills or bleaching powder to water to disinfect it. But using more chlorine tablets than recommended is dangerous.
Another way to make water fit for drinking is through water treatment plants. Polluted water should not be dumped straight into rivers and lakes. All industrial regions should have water treatment systems.
Individuals should save water and not waste it. Reducing, reusing, and recycling should be a priority. Water used for washing can be utilised to water plants in the garden, whereas water used for brushing teeth or washing utensils should be turned off. Letting the tap run wastes several litres. Simple, common practices can help save water.
Water can be contaminated by the things given below –
Ganga River Pollution Case Study
Let us understand this through a case study.
The Ganga is one of the most famous rivers in India. According to a study by WWF, the Ganga is found to be one of the ten most endangered rivers in the world. Pollution levels have been rising for many years. The river becomes polluted as towns and cities throw large quantities of garbage, untreated sewage, dead bodies, and many other harmful things directly into the river.
To save the river, the Ganga Action Plan was launched in 1985. It aimed to reduce pollution levels in the river.
Conservation of water refers to the preservation of water and its resources. Conserving water means using our water supply wisely and being responsible.
What is the Ozone Layer?
The earth's atmosphere is surrounded by ozone gas. This ozone gas blocks the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the earth's surface. The sun's UV radiation can cause serious difficulties if it reaches the earth's surface. They have the potential to destroy plants, cause cancer in humans, and cause skin and eye disorders. Thus, the ozone layer is vital to the environment.
What is the ozone layer depletion?
The ozone layer is depleting due to hazardous compounds in the environment. CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are the principal contributors in ozone depletion. They combine with ozone to generate molecular oxygen.
What is the difference between clean air and polluted air?
Clean air is made up of a mixture of gases that, by volume, are 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and trace amounts of argon, methane, ozone, and water vapours. Polluted air, on the other hand, contains undesired elements known as air pollutants that are hazardous to both living and non-living things.
What are harmful substances which cause air pollution?
Air pollutants are compounds that contaminate the air. Major pollutants of air are compounds like oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxides etc that collect at large concentrations in the air, posing a threat to all organisms or materials exposed. Such pollutants can sometimes arise from natural sources, such as smoke and dust from forest fires or volcanic eruptions, or from certain human activities.
What is the difference between air pollution and water pollution?
Air pollution is defined as the contamination of air by undesirable elements that are damaging to both living and non-living things. Water pollution is defined as the polluting of water by undesirable and hazardous substances.
What is Oxygen for Animals?
The presence of oxygen in the air is vital for the survival of all species.
What are the major pollutants in the air?
The main pollutants in the air include the toxic chemicals like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, methane, and sulphur dioxide.
What Is Environmental Pollution?
Environmental pollution is defined as unwanted changes in the environment that have a negative impact on plants, animals, and other biological and physical components of the ecosystem.
What is a pollutant?
Pollutants are substances that pollute the environment and contributes to pollution
What are the sources of carbon dioxide?
Carbon dioxide emissions are caused by cement manufacture, deforestation, and the combustion of fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, coal, and wood.
How Crucial Is Air and Water?
Both these resources are crucial for existence of humans and other living organisms on Earth. Water plays an important role in life. It provides food for all living organisms including us. Without clean drinking water, people will die within days. Similarly, without clean air, many people would not live long enough to see another day. The quality of air affects everyone’s daily routine.
What is indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air quality refers to the air inside homes, offices, and other structures. Poor indoor air quality can cause eye discomfort, redness, headaches, and disorientation. It may potentially cause long-term problems like asthma. Many homes and offices use air purifiers to ensure clean air.
How is water purified?