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What are the Most Common Causes of Pollution?

Lauren Romano
Lauren Romano

Pollution is a worldwide problem that affects air, water and soil. Various human activities, mainly since the industrial revolution, have created waste products that have simply been released into the environment without any thought being given to their effects. Although awareness of the issue has grown, and various reduction measures have been implemented — sometimes successfully — it continues to be a major problem. The most common causes of pollution are the burning of fuel, over-use of fertilizers and pesticides, carelessness, and the improper disposal of waste.

Air Pollution

Mining can contribute to soil pollution.
Mining can contribute to soil pollution.

By far the biggest source of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. Oil, gas, and coal are burned on a huge scale, releasing a variety of pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulates, such as smoke and soot.

Fossil fuels consist mainly of hydrocarbons — compounds of carbon and hydrogen. When they burn, the carbon combines with oxygen to produce CO2. Often, however, the combustion is not complete: some of the carbon forms carbon monoxide (CO), and some remains as carbon, forming smoke and soot particles.

Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.
Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.

Among the causes of pollution of this type, the automobile is probably the biggest. Vehicle exhausts are a major source of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming, and toxic carbon monoxide. At the high temperatures in the internal combustion engine, nitrogen and oxygen in the air can combine to form nitrogen oxides. Nitric oxide (NO) forms initially, but later tends to combine with oxygen again to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a severe lung irritant and contributes to acid rain. Vehicle exhaust also contains soot particles and VOCs resulting from uncombusted gasoline.

Overuse of fertilizers can pollute waterways.
Overuse of fertilizers can pollute waterways.

Large amounts of fossil fuels are burned at electricity generating stations. As well as CO2, coal powered stations produce significant amounts of sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to acid rain. All fossil fuels contain sulfur compounds, which, on combustion, produce SO2, but most of these are removed from oil and gas at treatment plants before they are used. This, however, is not possible for coal.

Water Pollution

Factories produce large amounts of air pollution.
Factories produce large amounts of air pollution.

Pollution of rivers, lakes, and the oceans can come from many sources. Sometimes the source is easily traced — it may be a pipe that discharges wastewater into a river, for example. Tighter regulations have almost eliminated this kind of pollution in some countries, but it continues to be a problem in others. Discharges of toxic industrial waste into rivers can devastate aquatic life, and the release of sewage into waterways can spread dangerous bacteria.

Improperly disposing of vehicle fluids, such as antifreeze, can cause pollution.
Improperly disposing of vehicle fluids, such as antifreeze, can cause pollution.

In many cases, the causes of pollution are less specific. Wastewater from homes is subject to treatment before it reaches rivers, but water that runs off farmland, plantations, roads and gardens is not. It may contain a variety of pollutants, depending on its source.

Water from farmland may contain fertilizers or pesticides. Fertilizers can cause uncontrolled growth of algae, which use up dissolved oxygen in the water, killing off fish and other organisms that require it. Pesticides may harm some forms of aquatic life directly. Other forms of pollution can result simply from carelessness by people going about their everyday business. Chemicals — such as oil, cleaning products, and antifreeze — which have been improperly disposed of, or spilled and not cleaned up, can easily be washed into rivers by rainwater runoff, as can litter thoughtlessly dropped on a street.

The pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans come from a variety of sources.
The pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans come from a variety of sources.

Air pollution can also affect water quality. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with rainwater, forming acids, which can then accumulate in lakes, acidifying the water. Some aquatic plants and animals are very sensitive to changes in pH, or acidity-alkalinity, and may be adversely affected.

Soil Pollution

Soil can be contaminated by chemicals from industrial premises, mining activities, and landfill sites, as well as by water containing pollutants from other sources, such as agriculture and even domestic activities. Pollutants in soils can sometimes persist for a long time. This applies particularly to former industrial sites where toxic metals have been deposited. Although the use of lead in gasoline was phased out in the late 1970s, levels of lead remain relatively high in soils close to areas with heavy traffic.

Certain types of pollution can use up dissolved oxygen in water and kill large groups of fish.
Certain types of pollution can use up dissolved oxygen in water and kill large groups of fish.

Landfill sites can contain a wide variety of industrial and household wastes, often consisting of materials that cannot be recycled, or which were thrown away before recycling became common. Leakages of industrial chemicals, gasoline, cleaning products, and substances from batteries can pollute the surrounding soil and may get into the groundwater, spreading the problem, or even threatening drinking water supplies. Soil pollution can also result from acid rain. The soil may become acidified, affecting plant life and organisms further up the food chain.

Reducing Pollution

Traditional commercial pesticides can have a lingering toxic effect not only on humans but also on the environment.
Traditional commercial pesticides can have a lingering toxic effect not only on humans but also on the environment.

Many of these causes of pollution are things that ordinary people can help to tackle. Leaving the automobile at home and walking or cycling to work, if practical, could make a difference. Alternatively, using public transport, even if it burns fossil fuels, is better than driving: 30 people on a bus create far less pollution than 30 separate automobile journeys. Other measures include avoiding over-use of fertilizers and pesticides in the garden, not dropping litter, and ensuring that household chemicals and empty containers are properly disposed of.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary sources of air pollution?

Air pollution primarily stems from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, which power industries, electricity generation, and vehicles. According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution from these sources contributes to around 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide annually due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.

How does agriculture contribute to environmental pollution?

Agriculture contributes to pollution through the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can lead to nutrient runoff into water bodies, causing eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reports that agriculture is responsible for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, affecting water quality and availability.

What role does plastic waste play in pollution?

Plastic waste is a significant contributor to land and marine pollution. It can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year, causing immense harm to marine life through ingestion and entanglement.

Can industrial processes be a major cause of pollution?

Yes, industrial processes are major pollution sources, releasing a wide array of pollutants including chemicals, heavy metals, and particulate matter into the air, water, and soil. The World Bank has noted that industry accounts for approximately 20% of global carbon dioxide emissions, contributing significantly to climate change and air quality issues.

What impact does transportation have on pollution levels?

Transportation is a major pollution contributor, with vehicles emitting carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants that degrade air quality. The International Energy Agency states that the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, highlighting the need for cleaner transportation options.

How does energy production affect pollution?

Energy production, especially from coal, oil, and natural gas, is a leading cause of air, water, and soil pollution. The burning of these fossil fuels releases substantial amounts of greenhouse gases and pollutants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicates that the energy sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, accounting for 84% of its CO2 emissions.

Discussion Comments

anon968408

The burning of fossil fuels is not the largest source of pollution. Not in the US and not in the world. Not in the air, or the water, or the land. This post is laughably incorrect.

Industrial agriculture, particularly livestock farming operations, put fossil fuel emissions to shame.

dbuckley212

Pollution of the environment has led to extinction and destruction of many beautiful forests. In our rush to make easy money we tread on creation and allow it to go to waste. Nations need to recognize the importance of keeping national parks and helping to foster a good and clean environment. Teddy Roosevelt is to thank for all the policies he put in place to keep America beautiful and unpolluted.

Tufenkian925

As industry expands, it provides income for many of the poor, and a livelihood for many. It also can destroy their living conditions, leaving garbage and wastes in the surrounding area and polluting the air which the poor have to breathe. As we expand as a society, it is urgent that we treat the environment with care, or we and our children will suffer the consequences.

hangugeo112

Environmental discrimination occurs in New York city on a daily basis. Harmful toxins and industrial waste are deposited in the river, which carries waste down to the Bronx area and harms the well being of the poorer neighborhoods. This kind of discrimination is subtle and destructive, and active groups in the Bronx and Harlem are now starting to take action and fight against this environmental criminal activity, committed by upper class whites.

anon111431

Scientists, scholars, researchers and hobbyists all say we're destroying the oceans with pollutants: a broad declaration, considering the fact that human population placed shoulder to shoulder would encompass 1,500 square miles of land mass six feet deep. the proportion of that is like saying the united states packed to the maximum with all the people in the world is responsible for all the pollution in the worlds oceans. that is approximately seven to 10 percent of 93 percent of the world world calling all

industries polluters.

On a daily basis, human excrement does more damage to the oceans as far as pollution killing fish. I'm not worried about me killing the planet. The finger pointing had better worry about the planet killing the people. its been like that from the beginning of time. I agree. We are polluting at a greater rate as the population grows and the pollution will ebb as the population declines. we have no idea as to the total number of species in the ocean or on the land for that matter. to kill specific industries that are trying to help is not good!

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    • Mining can contribute to soil pollution.
      By: nikitos77
      Mining can contribute to soil pollution.
    • Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.
      By: Pshaw-Photo
      Oil booms being used to limit the spread of an oil spill in the ocean.
    • Overuse of fertilizers can pollute waterways.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      Overuse of fertilizers can pollute waterways.
    • Factories produce large amounts of air pollution.
      By: torsakarin
      Factories produce large amounts of air pollution.
    • Improperly disposing of vehicle fluids, such as antifreeze, can cause pollution.
      By: designsstock
      Improperly disposing of vehicle fluids, such as antifreeze, can cause pollution.
    • The pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans come from a variety of sources.
      By: surpasspro
      The pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans come from a variety of sources.
    • Certain types of pollution can use up dissolved oxygen in water and kill large groups of fish.
      By: Paper Girl
      Certain types of pollution can use up dissolved oxygen in water and kill large groups of fish.
    • Traditional commercial pesticides can have a lingering toxic effect not only on humans but also on the environment.
      By: Leon Forado
      Traditional commercial pesticides can have a lingering toxic effect not only on humans but also on the environment.