Since the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s and 1800s, the effects of industries have been felt all over the world. The world’s face changed as the demand for raw materials, cheap labour, and markets increased. In their quest for greatness, industrialised countries have ravaged others. Human lives were not taken into account or spared. The land and the environment were not cared for. Everything was put to use and abused. Wars were fought for control, and some parts of the world are still struggling to rise from the ashes in the twenty-first century.
Because industries come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has its own set of processes, the effects are numerous. Industry pollution pollutes the air, water, and soil, and it contributes to light and noise pollution. The energy industry produces radioactivity as a byproduct. The majority of pollution can be traced back to one or more industries.
The main processes causing pollution are, Coal and other fossil fuels such as oil, petroleum, and natural gas are burned.
What are the sources of marine pollution and what is their impact on marine life?
Marine pollution occurs when harmful effects occur as a result of chemicals, industrial, agricultural, and residential waste or the spread of invasive organisms into the ocean. Eighty percent of marine pollution is caused by human activity on land. Air pollution also contributes to the problem by dispersing pesticides and dirt into the ocean. Marine life and their habitats have been shown to be harmed by land and air pollution.
The oil spill endangers marine life in a variety of ways. Oil spilled in the ocean could contaminate marine animals’ gills and feathers, making it difficult for them to move, swim, or feed their young.
Long-term effects on marine life can include cancer, reproductive system failure, behavioural changes, and even death.
The majority of the debris in the ocean does not decompose and can remain there for years. As it degrades, it consumes oxygen. As a result, oxygen levels decrease. When oxygen levels fall, marine animals such as whales, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and penguins have a lower chance of surviving for an extended period of time.
Types of air pollution
The effects of air pollution on the human body vary depending on the type of pollutant, the length and intensity of exposure, and other factors such as a person’s individual health risks and the cumulative effects of multiple pollutants or stressors.
There are the two most common forms of air pollution.
Smog: (also known as ground-level ozone) occurs when emissions from burning fossil fuels react with sunlight.
Soot: (also known as particulate matter) is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens that are carried in the air as gas or solids. Smog and soot have similar sources. “Both come from cars and factories, power plants, incinerators, engines, and anything else that combusts fossil fuels like coal, gas, or natural gas,” Walke explains.
Effects of industrial pollution
Water pollution: Many untreated effluents have been added to water sources, polluting them. Sometimes the chemical composition of the water changes, sometimes the temperature changes, and many times nutrient-rich pollution occurs. Fish die as a result of stress. Plants are affected, and insects and amphibians are also affected.
Air pollution: air pollution is caused by industrial byproducts such as gases emitted by iron and steel mills and power plants. These have negative effects on human health, including eye irritation, the occurrence and aggravation of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema. The residue settles on the plants and is eaten by animals, who are then eaten by larger animals.
Wildlife extinction: Industrial pollution has a negative impact on many plant, bird, insect, and animal species. Habitats are being wiped out. These industries have an impact on scenic areas.
Economic consequences: Though industrialization may appear to be a sign of progress and development, the costs associated with pollution control and clean-up of polluted water sources and areas are extremely high. There is a decrease in tourism revenue. There is a lot of money spent on health care. In some cases, entire communities must be relocated.
Industrial pollution: disproportionately affects the economically disadvantaged, less educated working class.
Conclusion
Since the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s and 1800s, the effects of industries have been felt all over the world. Industry pollution pollutes the air, water, and soil, and it contributes to light and noise pollution. The main processes causing pollution are, Coal and other fossil fuels such as oil, petroleum, and natural gas are burned. Marine pollution occurs when harmful effects occur as a result of chemicals, industrial, agricultural, and residential waste or the spread of invasive organisms into the ocean. Air pollution also contributes to the problem by dispersing pesticides and dirt into the ocean. The majority of the debris in the ocean does not decompose and can remain there for years. Sometimes the chemical composition of the water changes, sometimes the temperature changes, and many times nutrient-rich pollution occurs.