Chemical pollution is caused by presence of chemicals, in our environment, beyond their background or safe limits. Such pollution events are very commonly due to human actions, but may be natural as well. Chemicals can pollute our air, water, soil, etc. The fossil fuels that are commonly used in our automobiles generate gases and particulate matter. One gas of particular interest is carbon dioxide due to its greenhouse potential. The excessive release of this gas is thought to be the main reason for global warming. We can also pollute our water by chemicals. Oil pollution in the ocean is one common example. Exxon-Valdez and Deepwater Horizon oil spill events from our recent history are the more famous oil spills. Such spills are extremely harmful to ocean ecosystem and kill large numbers of organisms and also cover the ocean surface with oil, thus requiring extensive cleanup efforts. Indiscriminate use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides on our agricultural fields is polluting our soil. Industrial discharge on land is also a major cause of chemical pollution. Unfortunately these pollutants are not limited to our soil and they ultimately reach our water bodies through rainfall runoff and pollute our water as well. DDT pollution is an often-cited example of chemical pollution of soil and water.
Hope this helps.
No comments:
Post a Comment