SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Pollution and Its Types
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. Air Pollution
Definition: Contamination of the atmosphere due to harmful gases, particulates, or biological molecules.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sources | Vehicular emissions (CO, NOx, PM), industrial fumes (SO2, heavy metals), burning fossil fuels, crop residue burning |
| Effects | Smog formation (especially in winter), respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis), eye irritation, acid rain, global warming |
| Control | Use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electrostatic Precipitators in industries, Catalytic Converters in vehicles, enforcing BS-VI norms, Green Belt Development |
Example: Delhi's odd-even vehicle scheme aims to reduce vehicular air pollution.
2. Water Pollution
Definition: Degradation of water quality due to harmful substances that render it unfit for drinking or aquatic life.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Causes | Untreated industrial discharge, sewage, agricultural runoff (fertilizers & pesticides), oil spills, religious dumping of waste |
| Diseases | Waterborne diseases - Cholera, Dysentery, Hepatitis A, Typhoid |
| Control Measures | Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Bioremediation using microbes, awareness campaigns, Namami Gange Programme |
Note: Ganga and Yamuna are among the most polluted rivers due to urban waste.
3. Soil Pollution
Definition: Decline in soil quality due to the addition of toxic chemicals and waste materials.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sources | Overuse of pesticides & fertilizers, plastic & e-waste dumping, heavy metal contamination, solid waste |
| Effects | Reduced soil fertility, disrupted microbial life, crop contamination, biomagnification of toxins through food chains |
Biomagnification: Increase in concentration of pollutants like mercury & DDT as they move up the food chain.
4. Noise Pollution
Definition: Unwanted or excessive sound that causes discomfort or harm to humans and animals.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sources | Vehicular traffic, construction work, industrial operations, loudspeakers, aircraft |
| Effects | Hearing impairment, stress, high blood pressure, disturbed sleep, animal disorientation |
| Measurement | Unit: Decibel (dB). Acceptable limit: 40-50 dB in residential areas |
5. Radioactive & Thermal Pollution
a) Radioactive Pollution
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sources | Nuclear power plants, uranium mining, improper disposal of nuclear waste, atomic tests |
| Effects | Genetic mutations, cancer, birth defects, long-term ecosystem damage |
| Notable Accidents | Chernobyl (1986), Fukushima (2011) |
Radioactive waste has a very long half-life and remains hazardous for centuries.
b) Thermal Pollution
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sources | Discharge of heated water from power plants and industries into water bodies |
| Effects | Decreases dissolved oxygen in water, kills aquatic life, disrupts breeding and migration of fish |
Thermal pollution reduces biodiversity in affected aquatic ecosystems.
Quick Revision Table
| Type | Key Source | Main Effect | Control Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Vehicles, Industries | Smog, Lung issues | Catalytic converters, CNG |
| Water | Sewage, Industrial Waste | Waterborne diseases | STPs, ETPs, Bioremediation |
| Soil | Pesticides, Plastics | Fertility loss, Biomagnification | Organic farming, waste segregation |
| Noise | Traffic, Loudspeakers | Hearing loss, Stress | Noise barriers, awareness |
| Radioactive | Nuclear Plants | Cancer, Mutation | Strict safety norms, deep storage |
| Thermal | Power Plants | Aquatic death, low oxygen levels | Cooling towers, temperature control |
Start Your SSC CGL Journey Now!
Join Courage Library to experience disciplined study and expert support.
Be a Couragian!