Main Cause of Water Pollution

About 80 percent of ocean pollution in oceans enter our seas from the land sources. The human activity always has impact on the quality of our water. When farmers add fertilizer to crops in the fields, these chemicals gradually washed by water of rain into groundwater. Mostly the causes of waterpollution are absolutely stunning. Chemicals which are released by chimneys and factories may enter the atmosphere and then comes back to the earth in the form of rain, ultimately that water enters the rivers, lakes and seas and cause water pollution. That could be named as atmospheric deposition. Sewage is one of the main causes of water pollution.About 80 percent of ocean pollution in oceans enter our seas from the land sources. The human activity always has impact on the quality of our water. When farmers add fertilizer to crops in the fields, these chemicals gradually washed by water of rain into groundwater. Mostly the causes of water pollution are absolutely stunning. Chemicals which are released by chimneys and factories may enter the atmosphere and then comes back to the earth in the form of rain, ultimately that water enters the rivers, lakes and seas and cause water pollution. That could be named as atmospheric deposition. Sewage is one of the main causes of water pollution.

Sewage Pollution:

From theoretical point of view, sewage is a totally natural entity that should be decomposed harmlessly in the environment in which 90% of sewage is water. Practically, the sewage is containing all sorts of chemicals, plastic, and other wastes which is flush down in the toilets. Whenever people get ill due to viruses, the sewage they produce contains the viruses that go into the environment. It may be possible to control illnesses like typhoid, hepatitis and cholera from sea and river water.

Effects of Sewage Pollution:

This blue planet contains billions of people which dispose sewage waste is a main problem. In 2013, World Health Organization (WHO) surveyed that 780 million people are not having access to pure drinking water and while 2.5 billion people do not have proper sanitation (hygienic toilet facilities) Comparatively, very little progress has been made on improvement of global sanitation in the last few years, whilst there have been great improvements in getting access to clean and pure water. Sewage disposal affects people's immediate environments and leads to water-related illnesses for example diarrhea which kills about 760,000 children below five every year. Back in 2002, the World Health Organization estimated that water-related diseases could kill as many as 135 million people by 2020. Most people flushed toilets that take sewage waste hygienically away from their houses in developed nations.

Domestic Sewage Effluents:

However, the sewage disposal problem does not quit there. When toilet is flushed, the waste goes somewhere and even after it leaves the works of sewage treatment, there is still waste of disposal. It may be possible that sewage waste is pumped untreated into the water of sea. Till 1990s, in New York, about 5 million tons of sewage dumped by barge every year. In 2002, the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), sewers from Britain collected about 11 billion liters of waste water every day and some portion was still pumped untreated into the sea water via long pipes. Once in late 1990’s, the New River that runs the border from Mexico to California carried with 76-95 million liters of sewage every day. In US-Mexico border, a new waste water plant completed in 2007 and solved the problem. Unluckily the practice of dumping sewage into the sea continues even in some of the rich countries. In 2012, it was discovered that the little island of Guernsey which lies between France and Britain, has planned to continual dumping of 16,000 tons of sewage into the sea water every day.

What are the effects of water pollution?

Many people have belief that pollution is an inescapable consequence of human activities. It is argued that that if we desire to run factories, some degree of pollution is surely certain to result. More precisely, pollution is a necessary evil. The people must put up with if they want to proceed. However, not everybody agrees with this opinion. The main reason people have got up to the serious problem of pollution is that it costly which undermine any economic advantages that come by pollution. Pollution matters since it harms our environment. The environment is not something separate and distant and from our lives. It's not a pretty shoreline hundreds of miles from our homes or a wilderness landscape that we see only on TV. The environment is everything that surrounds us that gives us life and health. Spoiling the environment finally minimizes the quality of our lives and, most selfishly, this is the reason why pollution should be important to all of us.

Harmful effects of pollution on Ecosystem

Ecosystem is basically a system made up of different kinds of living species as well as physical environment around them. For example, a farm pond having fishes and other organisms, a rain forest having plants, trees and animals and a mountain meadow having different kinds of plants and inhabitants are some typical examples of small ecosystems. Physical environment around them is also included. You can say that ecosystem is a community of living and nonliving things.

Processes followed by an ecosystem:

There are particular processes that are followed by ecosystem in a specific sequence/ pattern like birth, growth, reproduction, death and the most important is their interaction with one another and with the environment. Species which make themselves adaptive to different environmental conditions dominate while others become extinct.

Effect of pollution on an ecosystem:

In order to understand the effect of pollution on an ecosystem, you can take example of a pond, maybe somewhere near to your home. There is water and different species like fishes, plants and many other living organisms. Every system has a food chain in which every organism is in a producer and consumer relationship. From environment’s point of view, there is oxygen cycle as well as water cycle that withstand the organisms.

Sewage water can disturb many water species:

If environment gets polluted, the whole balance including food chain, water cycle and oxygen cycle will be disturbed and it will affect the organisms in different ways. Just a simple act of yours like introducing your sewage water or some toxic waste to the lake nearby your home can hover several life species as well as plants.

 

Waste from your home can ruin an ecosystem of a pond/lake:

Waste from your home contains oil, detergents and many toxic pollutants that can have a terrific effect on ecosystem. If water, which is home to different species, gets polluted then it can stimulate the plant growth and cause the demise of fishes due to suffocation caused by deficiency of oxygen. Moreover, this polluted water will also affect the other plants and animals dependent on it.

Coated Fertilizers And Agriculture

Many technologies have been implied to boost up phosphorus (P) solubility such as use of P solubilizing microorganisms or use of organic acids. But little attention has been given to the use of organic polymer to enhance the P availability. Organic polymer can be used to develop phosphatic fertilizer that releases phosphorus (P) slowly. The organic polymer (complex organic compounds) absorbs water more efficiently and keeps the P in available form. The organic polymer can hold water many times of its weight and prolong the availability of P to plant roots. Phosphatic fertilizers with organic polymers are usually termed as slow releasing fertilizer because these fertilizers provide P to plants at slower rate but regularly. Therefore, now researchers are focusing on the use of polymer for DAP (diammonium phosphate) coating to prolong the availability of P in soil to replenish the pool of P to meet the plant requirements. Controlled-release fertilizers are being developed to improve nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental hazards.

Controlled-Release Fertilizers:

It has also been reported that greater fruit yield was obtained using controlled-release fertilizers compared with water soluble fertilizers. This type of fertilizer can provide many benefits to agriculture, such as higher fertilizer use efficiency, reduced nutrient losses via fixation, leaching and denitrification and reduction of soil chemical processes that decrease the availability of nutrients, such as the fixation of P. Therefore coating of commercial DAP with organic polymer could be effective to prolog the availability of phosphorus to plants in soil.

Experiment at Coated DAP:  

To investigate the efficiency of polymer coated DAP, field trial was conducted at research area of Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Different rates of organic polymer coated DAP (100, 75 and 50%) were applied in comparison with uncoated DAP. Data regarding plant height, number of tillers m-2, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and total grain yield were collected. Results of the study obtained after statistical analysis are summarized as under.

Results for Coated DAP:

Results of study indicated that wheat crop responded positively to the application of polymer coated DAP as compared to uncoated DAP and control (no P was applied). Application of polymer coated DAP improved the growth, yield and nutritional aspects of crop. 100% polymer coated DAP was found to be superior in most of the yield and growth parameters. Because polymer coating on DAP converted it into more available form for a longer period as it slowed down the release of P. Overall experiment results suggested that polymer coated DAP as P source significantly increased most of the growth and yield parameters. Polymer coated DAP has following benefits over uncoated DAP.

Polymer coated DAP: 

• Increased nutrients uptake and hence their use efficiency.
• Performed better than uncoated DAP.
• Reduction in soil fixation of P that resulted in more availability of P in soil.
• Released the nutrients slowly and made it available throughout the growth period.
• Reduced the fertilizer application rate due to higher uptake compared to uncoated.

References:

1. Murphy, L and L. Sanders. 2007. Improving N and P efficiency with polymer technology.         Ind. CCA Conf. Pro. 1-13.
2. NFDC. 1997. Fertilizer Recommendations for Crops. pp. 33-46. In. “Fertilizer Recommendations in Pakistan (a pocket guide for extension workers)”. National Fertilizer Development Center, Islamabad, Pakistan

By : Shoaib Aslam

Use of Biochar to Combat Climate Change

Biochar is a climate saving soil that holds carbon, boost security of food, discourage deforestation and increase soil biodiversity. The procedure makes a highly porous, fine-grained charcoal that helps soils retain water and nutrients. Biochar can be found in all types of soils in the world as a product ofhistoric soil management practices and vegetation fires. Detailed study of dark earths enriched with biochar in the Amazon (terra chatrpreta)leads to a wider awareness of unique properties of biochar as a good soil enhancer. Biochar is a simple tool to enhance food security and diversity of cropland in areas with poorly depleted soils, less organic resources and inadequate supplies of water and chemical fertilizer. Biochar ensures water quality and quantity by enhancing soil retention of nutrients for plant utilization. There are more nutrients present in the soil instead of leaching down groundwater and causing soil pollution.

Biochar production for Climate Change:

Biochar and bioenergy co-production helps combat global climate change. This can be done by substituting use of fossil fuel by sequestration of carbon in stable carbon pools of soil. It can also reduce emissions of N2O. The carbon which is present in biochar can hold carbon in soils and resist degradation for 100-1000 years. It is made by pyrolysis or gassification, a procession which biomass is heated up in the absence of O2. Sustainable biochar practices can manufacture oil and gas byproducts which can be utilized as fueland renewable energy, in addition to producing a soil enhancer. When the biochar is buried into the ground the system becomes "carbon negative."

Agricultural Benefits of Biochar:

Agricultural Benefits of Biochar: Heat produced during biochar manufactureis used to substitute carbon positive energy from the fossils fuel. Itminimizes the requirement of chemical fertilizers, those results in low emissions of greenhouse gases from manufacture of fertilizer. Biocharimproves microbial life of soil, which results into more soil carbon storage.Biocharenhances soil fertilityby stimulation of plant growth, which leads to consumption of more carbon dioxide in a positive feedback mechanism.It alsoreduces emissions of nitrous oxide and methane. These are two potent greenhouse gases.

Biochar Removes Carbon from Atmosphere: 

According to Woolf et al, 2010, sustainable biochar implementation could make a decrease of 12 percent of anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions in a year. The study hypothesized that no conversion from food to biomass, no use of industrial treated waste biomass and extraction rates of biomass that would not result in soil erosion.The figure (Woolf et al, 2010) clears avoided emissions attributable to sustainable biochar generation or pyrolysis of biomass over hundred years, in comparison to the current biomass use. There were 3 scenariosmodeled showing different degrees of requirements on global biomass resources; red is for Maximum Sustainable Technical Potential (MSTP), blue for Medium and black for Low). Sustainable biochar is depicted by solid lines; dashed linesfor biomass combustion. In all three levels sustainable biochar trumped combustion of biomass in terms of avoided emissions of gases.

By : Shoaib Aslam

Water Pollution and the Worldwide Problem of Various Diseases

Water is all essential for the entire human race. But when water is contaminated with different types of pollutants, it becomes very dangerous. In other words, it becomes a toxic substance that causes various diseases in the human body. Since water delivers key elements and minerals to the body which make sure that the entire body processes work smoothly, the intake of polluted water creates further complications such as digestion and metabolism issues and these problems, then lead to diseases like cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, hepatitis A, lead poisoning, malaria and polyomavirus infection.

Cholera:

A bacteria, called vibrio chlorae is largely found in contaminated water and as you drink polluted water, there is a high chance that you will be caught by this bacteria. A person with cholera can suffer from numerous symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, rapid heart rate, loss of skin elasticity, dry mucous membranes, low blood pressure, thirst, and muscle cramps.

Dysentery:

Dysentery is also causes of polluted water. Therefore, it is advised that always drink boiled water. The process of boiling eliminates all types of bacteria in the water. Symptoms of dysentery include mild illness, mild stomach pain, sudden onset of high fever and chills, abdominal pain, cramps and bloating, flatulence (passing gas), urgency to pass stool, feeling of incomplete emptying, loss of appetite, weight loss, headache, fatigue, vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea.

Diarrhea:

Intake of polluted water triggers diarrhea. It is also defined some of the very key diseases caused by polluted water. The waterborne viruses, bacteria and parasites are found in contaminated water that primarily cause frequent passage of loose, watery stools. Other major symptoms include thin or loose stools, watery stool, nausea and vomiting, bloating in belly, cramps, blood, mucus, undigested food in the stool, weight loss and fever.

Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease that destroys the human liver. The usual cause of this disease is also directly related to contaminated water. A person with Hepatitis A can suffer symptoms from fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, clay-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Lead Poisoning: 

Lead poisoning is caused due to old water pipes. The small parts of metal can directly go into the stomach and cause serious chronic diseases like kidney failures and can damage the human reproductive system. Lead poisoning symptoms include developmental delay, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness, and fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and Hearing loss.

Trachoma (Eye Infection):

Trachoma (Eye Infection) is largely caused due to water pollution. If the water supply also contains hygiene and sanitation problems, it can also trigger this disease. Children are more vulnerable to this disease as their immune systems are also very weak. Symptoms like mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids are related to this disease.

Importance of Tree Plantation

Plantation has a lot of meanings in many aspects, but to me, the plantation is simply growing plants and trees. Apart from all other benefits of growing plants, one of the important components is that growing plants just give you an insight to feel nature. Watching to the green plants and the beautiful flowers gives a soothing effect to your eyes and mind. Most of the people plant trees to decorate their land and to provide the shed. But there is a lot more than this.

Health Beneficiary Landscape: 

From environmental impact to economics to health, to beautify the landscape and even to psychology, there are lots of benefits of a plantation.  Due to the fast-growing technology and industrial development, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) is increasing rapidly in our atmosphere. This increase is changing our climate and mounting the pollution. This increase in carbon dioxide in our environment is very dangerous for earth’s life. If we say that trees and plants are the life saviors, it wouldn’t be wrong. They absorb the CO2 and release the oxygen.

Absorbents of Different Pollutants:

With advancements in everything, pollution is also increasing day by day, which is the biggest cause of spreading dangerous diseases. Trees and plants are the absorbents of different pollutants and dangerous gases. They filter out the odors and toxins from air to reduce pollution.

Global Warming, Earth’s Temperature:

Due to one of the biggest issues of our time, global warming, the earth’s temperature is rising very quickly. Plants and trees cool the homes and streets by providing shed, purifying air and releasing water vapors in the atmosphere. So, do plantation to save your planet from pollution, heat, diseases and many other bad effects produced by pollution.

Reduce the Exposure of Unhealthy Gasses:

Ultraviolet rays are the biggest cause of skin cancer. Most of the working people and the children at school or in playgrounds are highly affected by these rays. Plants and trees provide a shelter from ultraviolet rays. They reduce the exposure of these gases to about 50%, thus providing a great protection from the dangerous rays coming from the sun.

Providing Fruits and Vegetables:

There are a lot more benefits like providing fruits and vegetables, wood, home to the wildlife, prevent soil decay and many more. World planting day is also celebrated on 21st March. The purpose of the day is to give people knowledge of the importance of plantation. This plantation is of very much importance to save us, to save our planet.

By: Tarbia Iftikhar, BS Engineering(Punjab University, Lahore. Pakistan ) MS Engineering University of Lahore, Pakistan      

Noise Pollution Leads to Cardiovascular Diseases

Noise means ‘unwanted sound’. It is perceived as an environmental nuisance and stressor. Exposure to consistent noise of 85–90 dBA, exclusively over a lifetime in industrial surroundings, can lead to a progressive loss of hearing, with an enhancement in the threshold of hearing ability and sensitivity. Hearing impairments due to noise are a direct consequence of the impacts of sound energy on the inner part of ear which affects brain.

Noise is the Reason of High Blood Pressure: 

The evidence for the impact of noise on the cardiovascular system is clear from blood pressure studies in occupational surroundings. Most of occupational studies suggest that persons chronically exposed to regular noise at higher levels of 85 dB have greater blood pressure than those not exposed to such levels of noise. Exposure of noise is an indicator of exposure to physical and psycho social, which are also linked with high blood pressure. Unless these other risk factors are controlled, spurious associations between noise and blood pressure may arise. The recent study on pioneering longitudinal industrial noise has proved that noise levels predicted raised systolic and diastolic pressure in those doing complex but not simple jobs, and predicts increased mortality risk.

Cardiovascular Effects:

Besides the effects on cognitive responses, it has been explored that chronic exposure to noise may give birth to physiological effects in terms of high blood pressure. A study in Los Angeles Airport, consistent exposure to noise of aircraft was observed to be associated with alarmingly raised systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These increments were within the average levels and were not led to hypertension. After one year, the observations were the same, making it clear that these effects were not habituated. The recent study in Munich, chronic noise exposure was observed to be associated with baseline systolic blood pressure and minimum re-activity of systolic blood pressure to a cognitive task provided under acute noise. After opening of new airport, a drastic increase in systolic blood pressure was observed showing evidence for a link between chronic noise exposure and raised blood pressure. There was no association seen between noise and diastolic blood pressure.

Other Health Risks: 

Exposure to a very high intensity industrial noise is associated to high levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Catecholamine secretion reduced when workers wore hearing protection against noise. Many researches have shown raised cortisol in exposure to higher noise level. Cortisol is released in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration. Its function is to enhance blood sugar, to suppress the immune system, and to assist the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also minimizes formation of bones.

The evidence for consequences of environmental noise pollution on health is strongest for sleep, annoyance and cognitive reactions in adults as well as children. Occupational noise exposure also shows some association with raised blood pressure. Dose–response associations are demonstrated for annoyance and less consistently for blood pressure. The ultimate consequences of noise are drastic for those outcomes that, like annoyance, are categorized under ‘quality of life’ rather than ailments.

REFERENCES:

1. Hygge S, Evans GW, Bullinger M. A prospective study of some effects of aircraft noise oncognitive performance in school children. Psychol Sci 2002; 13: 469–74
2. Smith AP, Broadbent DE. Non-auditory Effects of Noise at Work: A Review of the Literature. HSE Contract Research Report No 30, London: HMSO, 1992
3. Civil Aviation Authority. Aircraft Noise and Sleep Disturbance: Final Report. DORA Report 8008: London, 1980
4. Rosenlund M, Berglind N, Pershagen G, Jarup L, Bluhm G. Increased prevalence of hypertension in a population exposed to aircraft noise. Occup Environ Med 2001; 58:769–73
5. Cavatorta A, Falzoi M, Romanelli A et al. Adrenal response in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in workers exposed to high noise levels. J Hypertens 1987; 5:463–6  

By: Shoaib Aslam M.Sc. (Hons.) Soil Science