[Biology Class Notes] on Difference Between Air Pollution and Water Pollution Pdf

Do you ever hear about increasing air and water pollution in news channels and wonder what is it? And why is everyone around you – right from your neighbours to teachers to global leaders – so much concerned about it? Here is the answer for you, specifically the difference between air pollution and water pollution.

The word ‘pollution’ has been heard commonly in our day-to-day life. In that, the most severe ones are air and water pollution as it has adverse effects on human health. Let us discuss some details about the terms air and water pollution before we get into our topic – what is the difference between air pollution and water pollution? 

What is Air Pollution?

The presence of harmful substances or particles and certain kinds of gases in the atmosphere which leads to health disorders for living beings is called air pollution. The particles and gases are from vehicles, industries, dust, wood fires.

The latest example that you may have heard of is the burning of stubble in the states of Haryana and Western UP. This has led to very serious problems of air pollution in the region of Delhi.

What is Water Pollution?

Water pollution can be defined as the contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes and oceans due to human activities. The sources of water pollution are sewage, industrial waste, chemicals, and fertilizers.

The Yamuna river that flows in Delhi is considered to be one of the most polluted in the country. Stench smell, dark colour and foam formation are observed by people living in the vicinity. 

 

Difference between Air Pollution and Water Pollution

Now we will see what is the difference between air pollution and water pollution? based on some characteristics.

The air pollution not only spoils human health, but it can also affect the monuments as well;, one of the examples is the Taj Mahal. The industries which are present around the Agra are responsible for releasing the pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere in the form of Nitric acid and Sulphuric acid. This acid drops on the monument along with rain, which is called acid rain. The marble of the monument is corroded due to this acid rain and this phenomenon is called “marble cancer.”.

Water pollution can lead to a phenomenon of eutrophication. Due to the leaching of water from various sources such as sewage and farms (contaminated with fertilizers), the nutrient content of the water body increases. This leads to the formation of algal bloom on the surface of the water body. The formation of algal bloom hinders the path of sunlight and also reduces dissolved oxygen content available for the animals and plants that may be present thereby killing them.

Ways to Control Water and Air Pollution

We are all aware of the kinds of threats posed by air and water pollution to our existence. Hence it becomes very important to also learn about the methods of coping with this threat. 

Ways of controlling air and water pollution are given below:

How to Control air Pollution?

There are many methods of controlling air pollution at various levels. Some of them are as follows:

• Burn lesser firecrackers during festivals as they emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. People can also switch to using eco-friendly firecrackers

• Buy products that are labeled as environment-friendly

• Promote usage of public transport over private vehicles. Also, the concept of carpooling should be practiced

• Governments and other institutions should provide finances for funding projects that aim at designing and manufacturing environment-friendly products. This will ensure that fewer pollutants are emitted into the environment. 

How to Control Water Pollution?

Following methods can be employed for reducing water pollution:

• Proper devices and mechanisms should be implemented to store and utilise rainwater at all levels.

• Government regulators should inspect and ensure that all the polluting industries have installed wastewater treatment plants.

• All the broken and damaged pipes should be repaired or replaced at the earliest by the civic authorities.

• Regular awareness programmes should be designed through various channels of connecting with people

• International cooperation should be encouraged by signing various protocols and treaties. 

To combat pollution cooperation is needed at all
levels right from individual to international.

Conclusion

After reading this article, one can conclude that air and water pollution have a very far-reaching impact and affect not just humans but also plants, animals and non-living things negatively. Thus, efforts from all levels are required to curb this menace.