What is the Meaning of the Word Pollution?

With leaders from every country in the world meeting in Paris late last year to try and thrash out a solution to the issue of climate change and the very real problems it poses to us all (some more than others, admittedly), pollution is the buzzword on everyone’s lips. We’re encouraged to keep aware of pollution levels, avoid it like the plague and above all, reduce our pollutant effect on the planet. So what exactly is pollution?

Well, generally speaking, pollution results from contaminants released into the atmosphere, which interact with the Earth and have an adverse effect on it and its eco-systems. There a variety of different forms of pollution, each of which are summarised succinctly below.

Air Pollution

Perhaps the most obvious and most dangerous form of pollution, poor air quality is directly responsible for the onset of global warming and the deadly potential of climate change. It is brought about via a number of different processes, chief among which is the combustion of fossil fuels for use as a power source, whether that be in lighting our homes, driving our cars or powering our factories. It generally takes the form of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter 2.5 and several other harmful gases.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is caused by industrial waste running into rivers and streams, by cosmetic and cleaning products being carried through drains and pipes into bodies of water and by excessive rain carrying a plethora of harmful contaminants into oceans via run-off. This not only decreases oxygen levels in the water and blocks out sunlight, but also can directly poison animal life beneath the waves. Since more than 60% of all life on Earth is aquatic, the knock-on effect this has on the food chain should not be underestimated.

Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive pollution is a relatively modern phenomenon, brought on by the pursuit of nuclear power as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. It can be caused by malfunctioning power plants and accidents as well as improper disposal of waste. As well as sterilising soil and affecting air and water quality, it can be deadly to humans and animals, causing birth defects, infertility, blindness and cancer, among other afflictions.

Soil Pollution

In addition to being affected by radioactive pollution, soil is also regularly damaged by agricultural practices – especially those which involve the use of harmful pesticides and fertilisers. These chemicals effectively rob the soil of its nutrients, rendering it infertile for future vegetation to grow there – which again has a knock-on effect on the food chain by forcing animals who previously foraged there to move on.

Light Pollution

Excessive lights, most commonly caused by big cities or industrial sites, can inhibit vision at night time, making stars virtually invisible to the naked eye. Though not as grave or threatening as any of the aforementioned forms of pollution, it can make life unpleasant and research into celestial bodies difficult.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is not just caused by that inconsiderate neighbour upstairs – the high decibel level being pumped out by factories and heavy machinery can cause deafness and hearing impairment, as well as a slew of other psychological problems, such as tension and stress.

Thermal Pollution  

Remember that pesky climate changed mentioned at the outset? Thermal pollution, caused by large numbers of factories, dwindling numbers of trees and an increased human population on the whole, can contribute directly to it. The methane gas expelled by livestock should also not be underestimated – methane and carbon dioxide are the two primary offenders when it comes to global warming. Even a slight rise in the planet’s temperature could melt the polar icecaps, in turn leading to higher sea levels and the submergence of lower-lying islands, towns and cities.