1)Describe the impact of lockdown on Nature and Natural Resources.

COVID-19 provided an opportunity for the Earth to create a pure blue sky and purify the air. During the
global shutdown, the sight of a blue sky inspired people to strive for a cleaner, better environment. Prior
to COVID-19, there was widespread urban air pollution, particularly in the form of CO2, SO2, NO2, and
particle matter. The biggest polluters, such as transportation, industry, and power plants, are to blame
for the increased output of all of these pollutants. Various authorities throughout the world have
established clean air projects to lower particulate matter pollution levels from 2001 to 2019.

These initiatives also highlighted the air quality standards, which are far lower than WHO norms, and
further evidence of the health consequences of air pollution was studied. According to a WHO estimate,
air pollution is responsible for about 8% of all deaths worldwide (WHO, 2016). Air pollution is already
causing many respiratory disorders, such as hypertension, heart attacks, cognitive and mental sickness.
The main distinction is that these infections are not as rapidly fatal as COVID-19 and are not passed from
person to person.

In India, the first case of COVID-19 is reported in the state of Kerala in late January 2020, and the state,
along with the other states, goes into lockdown on March 25, 2020, when Prime Minister Modi orders a
nationwide stay-at-home order for India's 1.3 billion citizens in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-
19. As a result, less fossil fuels are utilised, and as a result, there is less air pollution.

This positive impact on the environment may be temporary but governments and individuals should
learn from this lockdown on how to reduce pollution on a long term basis. (Yunus et al.
(2020) attempted to understand the effect of COVID-19 spread in a hydrosphere using remote sensing
data products. They have selected one of the severely polluted freshwater lakes in India to evaluate the
impact of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 spread on water quality. The analysis of SPM
concentrations in Vembanad lake based on the Landsat-8 OLI data revealed that the concentrations
during the lockdown period were lower than those in the pre-lockdown period by 15.9% on average
(−10.3%–36.4%). The decrease was observed in 18 out of 20 zones of the lake. Eleven of the zones
showed that the concentration was the lowest in April of 2013–2020. While non-industrial pollution (e.g.
discharge of domestic wastewater) remained during the lockdown period, results suggested that
pollution from industries and tourism had a severe impact on lake water quality.

2) What is the role of an individual in preservation of natural resources

Role of Individual in conservation of Natural resources:
Conservation of energy:
1. Switch off light, fan and other appliances when not in use.
2. Use solar heater for cooking.
3.Dry the cloth in the sun light instead of driers.
4. Use always pressure cookers
5. Grow trees near the house to get cool breeze instead of using AC and ai cooler.
6. Ride bicycle or just walk instead of using scooter for short distance.
Conservation of water:
1. Use minimum water for all domestic purposes.
2. check the water leaks in pipes and repair them properly.
3. Reuse the soapy water, after washing clothes for washing courtyard, carpets etc.
4. Use drip irrigation.
5. Rain water harvesting system should be installed in all the houses.
6. Sewage treatment plant may be installed in all industries and institution.
7. Continuous running of water taps should be avoided.
8. Watering of plants should be done in the evening.
Conservation of soil:
1. Grow different type plants i.e trees, herbs and shrubs.
2. In the irrigation process, using strong flow of water should be avoided.
3. Soil erosion can be prevented by sprinkling irrigation.
Conservation of food resources:
1.Cook required amount of food.
2.Don’t waste the food, give it to some one before spoiling.
3.Don’t store large amount of food grains and protect them from damaging insects.
Conservation of forest:
1.Use non timber product.
2.Plant more trees.
3.Grassing must be controlled
4.Minimise the use of paper and fuel.
5.Avoid the construction of dam, road in the forest areas.

3) Suggest some ways for equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles
In last 50 years, the consumption of resource in the society has increased many folds. There is a big gap
in the consumers lifestyle between developed and developing countries.Urbanisation has changed the
life style of middle class population in developing countries creating more stress on the use of natural
resources. It has been estimated that More Developed Countries (MDC) of the world constitute only
22% of world’s population but they use 88% of natural resources. These countries use 73% of energy
resources and command 85% of income and in turn they contribute very big proportion of pollution. On
the other hand less developed countries (LDCs) have moderate industrial growth and constitute 78% of
world’s population and use only 12% of natural resources, 27% of energy and have only 15% of global
income.

There is a huge gap between rich and poor. In this age of development the rich have gone richer and the
poor is becoming more poorer.. This has lead to unsustainable growth. There is an increasing global
concern about the management of natural resources. The solution to this problem is to have more
equitable distribution of resources and income. Two major causes of unsustainability are over
population in poor countries and over consumption of resources by rich countries. A global consensus
has to be reached for balanced distribution of natural resources.

For equitable use of natural resources more developed countries/rich people have to lower down their
level of consumption to bare minimum so that these resources can be shared by poor people to satisfy
their needs. Time has come to think that it is need of the hour that rich and poor should make equitable
use of resources for sustainable development of mankind.

4) Explain in detail the scope and importance of Environment Studies.

Environmental studies discipline has multiple and multilevel scopes. This study is important and
necessary not only for children but also for everyone. The scopes are summarized as follows:
1. The study creates awareness among the people to know about various renewable and nonrenewable
resources of the region. The endowment or potential, patterns of utilization and the balance of various
resources available for future use in the state of a country are analysed in the study.
2. It provides the knowledge about ecological systems and cause and effect relationships.
3. It provides necessary information about biodiversity richness and the potential dangers to the species
of plants, animals and microorganisms in the environment.
4. The study enables one to understand the causes and consequences due to natural and main induced
disasters (flood, earthquake, landslide, cyclones etc.,) and pollutions and measures to minimize the
effects.
5. It enables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental issues before deciding an
alternative course of action.
6. The study enables environmentally literate citizens (by knowing the environmental acts, rights, rules,
legislations, etc.) to make appropriate judgments and decisions for the protection and improvement of
the earth.
7. The study exposes the problems of over population, health, hygiene, etc. and the role of arts, science
and technology in eliminating/ minimizing the evils from the society.
8. The study tries to identify and develop appropriate and indigenous eco-friendly skills and
technologies to various environmental issues.
9. It teaches the citizens the need for sustainable utilization of resources as these resources are
inherited from our ancestors to the younger generating without deteriorating their quality.
10. The study enables theoretical knowledge into practice and the multiple uses of environment.

Importance
• World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in developing countries.
• The natural resources endowment in the earth is limited.
• The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources are advanced.
• The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the resources to the future
generations.
• The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to pollution of all types and at all levels.
• The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of all living things on earth ,
including man.
• The people should take a combined responsibility for the deteriorating environment and begin to take
appropriate actions to space the earth.
• Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species extinction.
• The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollution.

5) What are the structure and functions of an ecosystem?

The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both biotic and abiotic
components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It also includes the climatic
conditions prevailing in that particular environment. 
The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components, namely: 

 Biotic Components
 Abiotic Components
The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an open system where the
energy and components can flow throughout the boundaries.

Biotic Components
Biotic components refer to all life in an ecosystem.  Based on nutrition, biotic components can be
categorised into autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or decomposers).

 Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called autotrophs as they can produce
food through the process of photosynthesis. Consequently, all other organisms higher up on the
food chain rely on producers for food.
 Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that depend on other organisms for food. Consumers
are further classified into primary consumers, secondary consumers and tertiary consumers.

 Primary consumers are always herbivores that they rely on producers for food.
 Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for energy. They can either be a
carnivore or an omnivore.
 Tertiary consumers are organisms that depend on secondary consumers for food. 
Tertiary consumers can also be an omnivore.

 Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains. These organisms prey on

tertiary consumers for energy. Furthermore, they are usually at the top of a food chain
as they have no natural predators.
Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly thrive on the dead and
decaying organic matter.  Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem as they help in recycling
nutrients to be reused by plants.

Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem.  It includes air, water, soil, minerals,
sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc. 

Functions of Ecosystem
The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:

1.
1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders
stability.
2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.
4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.
5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involves the
exchange of energy.
So the functional units of an ecosystem or functional components that work together in an ecosystem
are:

 Productivity – It refers to the rate of biomass production.

 Energy flow – It is the sequential process through which energy flows from one trophic level to
another. The energy captured from the sun flows from producers to consumers and then to
decomposers and finally back to the environment.
 Decomposition – It is the process of breakdown of dead organic material. The top-soil is the
major site for decomposition.
 Nutrient cycling – In an ecosystem nutrients are consumed and recycled back in various forms
for the utilisation by various organisms.

6) Individual has a major role in preventing the pollution. Justify your views
Ways in Which a Individual can Help in Prevention of Pollution

 Individuals should minimize wastage of resources such as electricity. Every unit of electricity
saved is equivalent unit of electricity produced as it not only saves the fuel that would be used to
produce that electricity, but also help to prevent pollution that is accompanied by burning of that
fuel. Therefore, person should always switch off appliances when not in use.
 Individuals should prefer walking or use cycles instead of using motor vehicles, especially when
distances to be travelled are small.
 Individuals can make considerable contribution by using mass transport (buses, trains, etc)
instead of using personal vehicles.
 When going to workplace, colleagues from nearby localities should pool vehicles instead of
going in individual personal vehicles.
 Taking personal vehicles for periodic pollution checks at centres approved by authorities.
 Individuals should reuse items whenever possible.
 Products that are made of recycled material should be given preference.
 Use gunny bags made of jute instead of plastic bags.
 Take part in environment conservation drives such as tree planting drives.
 Use water resources efficiently.
 Use renewable resources by installing equipment such as solar heaters and using solar cookers.
 Dispose potentially harmful products such as cells, batteries, pesticide containers, etc properly.
 Use of refrigerators should be minimised wherever possible as they are main source of CFC,
which is responsible for Ozone layer depletion.
 Follow and promote family planning, as more population means more resources utilized and
more resources utilized imply more pollution.
 Avoid making noise producing activities such as listening to loud music.

7) Write a detailed note on the role of information technology in environment and human health

Role of Information Technology in Environment and Human Health!

Information technology has tremendous potential in the field of environment education and health as in

any other field like business, economics, politics or culture. Development of internet facilities,

Geographic Information System (GIS) and information through satellites has generated a wealth of up-

to- date information on various aspects of environment and health.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

A number of software have been developed for environment and health studies which are used friendly

and can help an early learner in knowing and understanding the subject.

Database on Environment System:

Database is the collection of interrelated data on various subjects. It is usually in computerized form and

can be retrieved whenever required. In the computer the information of database and can be very

quickly retrieved. The comprehensive database includes wildlife database, conservation database, forest

cover database etc. database is also available for diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Fluorosis, etc.

(a) National Management Information System (NMIS):

NMIS of the Department of Science and Technology has compiled a database on Research and

Development Projects along with information about research scientists and personnel involved.

(b) Environmental Information System (ENVIS):

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has created an information System called

Environmental Information System (ENVIS). With its headquarters in Delhi, it functions in 25 different

centres all over the country.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The ENVIS centres work for generating a network of database in areas like pollution control, clean

technologies, remote sensing, coastal ecology, biodiversity, western Ghats and eastern environmental

management, media related to environment, renewable energy, desertification, mangroves, wildlife,

Himalayan ecology, mining etc.

(c) Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS):

Satellite imageries provide us actual information about various physical and biological resources and

also to some extent about their state of degradation in a digital form through remote sensing. Satellite
imageries provide us actual information about various physical and biological resources and also to

some extent about their state of degradation in a digital form through remote sensing. We are able to

gather digital information on environment aspects like water logging, desertification, deforestation,

urban sprawl, river and canal network, mineral and energy reserves and so on.

8) What are the ethical and moral values related to biodiversity conservation

Ethical and moral values:Ethical values related to biodiversity conservation are based on the importance

of protecting all forms of life against illegal activities like cloning of animals, smuggling of valuable

biodiversity instances, bio-piracy, illicit trade etc. In India, several generations have preserved nature

through local traditions. However, immediate benefit rather than ethics appears to be modern man’s

objective.

9) Write a detailed note on the natural resources and its associated problems

A natural resource is what people can use which comes from the natural environment. Examples of
natural resources are air, water, wood, oil, wind energy, natural gas, iron, and coal.

The dividing line between natural resources and man-made resources is not clear-cut. Hydro-electric
energy is not a natural resource because people use turbines to convert the energy from moving water.
Petroleum and iron ores are natural, but need work to make them into usable refined oil and steel. Atomic
energy comes from metallic nuclear fuel, like fissionable uranium and plutonium, but rocks need
technical work to make them into these nuclear fuels.

 Exploitation is one of the biggest and most destructive problems connected to natural resources.

 Biotic resources refer to those acquired through the biosphere. Mainly animals and forests,but
also all of the materials we can obtain from them.
 Renewable natural resources are those resources that can be replenished naturally.

The biggest problem associated with natural resources is the problem of exploitation. It is the usage of

these resources for economic growth, which often leads to the degradation of the environment. This

problem started to gain traction in the 19th century with the development of methods of extracting raw

materials. During this time, mankind developed mining, steam power, and various machinery that made it
easier to get to these materials. The rate of consuming energy only grew bigger throughout the 20th

century, and nowadays, the majority of our energy consumption is sustained by fossil fuels. 

All of these methods of getting energy are taking a toll on the environment. Another way we continue to

destroy the environment through the exploitation of natural resources is through intensive agriculture.

This hinders the natural environment in a large number of aspects. Good examples would be the

degradation of forests and water pollution. The world population is constantly growing, which leads to

economic growth and a higher depletion of natural resources. This is becoming a huge problem because

we are destroying our environment, as well as the natural sources themselves.

10) Difference between renewable and non-renewable resources

We often say there are two sorts of natural resources: renewable resources and non-renewable resources.

 A renewable resource is one which can be used again and again. For example, soil, sunlight and
water are renewable resources. However, in some circumstances, even water is not renewable
easily. Wood is a renewable resource, but it takes time to renew and in some places people use
the land for something else. Soil, if it blows away, is not easy to renew.
 A non-renewable resource is a resource that does not grow and come back, or a resource that
would take a very long time to come back. For example, coal is a non-renewable resource. When
we use coal, there is less coal afterward. The non-renewable resource can be used directly (for
example, burning oil to cook), or we can find a renewable resource to use (for example, using
wind energy to make electricity to cook).

Most natural resources are limited. This means they will eventually run out. A perpetual resource has a
never-ending supply. Some examples of perpetual resources include solar energy, tidal energy, and wind
energy.[1] There may be a limit to how much can be taken in a given day or year, but that amount can be
taken again next day or next year. Non perpetual resources include Fossil fuels such as Petroleum, coal,
etc.[1] They have a limit of usage.

Some of the things influencing supply of resources include whether it is able to be recycled, and the
availability of suitable substitutes for the material. Non-renewable resources cannot be recycled. For
example, fossil fuels cannot be recycled.

11) Write a short note on Environmental Protection Act

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in the year 1986. It was enacted with the main
objective to provide the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters
connected therewith. The Act covers all forms of pollution; air, water, soil and noise. It provides
the safe standards for the presence of various pollutants in the environment. It prohibits the use
of hazardous material unless prior permission is taken from the Central Government.

The chief aims and objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 are listed below.

1. Implementing the decisions made at the United Nations Conference on Human

Environment held in Stockholm.
2. Creation of a government authority to regulate industry that can issue direct orders
including closure orders.
3. Coordinating activities of different agencies that are operating under the existing laws.
4. Enacting regular laws for the protection of the environment.
5. Imposing punishments and penalties on those who endanger the environment, safety
and health. For each failure or contravention, the punishment includes a prison term of
up to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both. This can also be extended for up to
seven years in cases.
6. Engaging in the sustainable development of the environment.
7. Attaining protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

12) Write a detailed note on the energy flow in the ecosystem

Energy Flow
The chemical energy of food is the main source of energy required by all living organisms. This energy is
transmitted to different trophic levels along the food chain. This energy flow is based on two different
laws of thermodynamics:

 First law of thermodynamics, that states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it
can only change from one form to another.
 Second law of thermodynamics, that states that as energy is transferred more and more of it is
wasted.

Energy Flow in Ecosystem

The energy flow in the ecosystem is one of the major factors that support the survival of such a great
number of organisms. For almost all organisms on earth, the primary source of energy is solar energy. It
is amusing to find that we receive less than 50 per cent of the sun’s effective radiation on earth. When
we say effective radiation, we mean the radiation, which can be used by plants to carry out
photosynthesis.
Levels in the food chain

There are varying levels in a food chain, known as trophic levels, all starting at the producers which
originally absorb the sun's light. [2] It then moves up to the organisms that eat or decompose it, which
continues all the way to the apex predators (those that are no longer typically eaten by other animals)
which can only decompose at a later point.
Each level contains a certain amount of biomass, which is transferred from one level to the next. This
transfer is not very efficient however, and this is due to the second law of thermodynamics, as
mentioned above. Only a portion of what is consumed is actually converted into usable biomass from
level to level, with typical efficiencies of 2-40%. [2] This is known as ecological efficiency.
The more levels in the food chain, the more energy is lost as it gets to the top. Assuming a 10%
efficiency, if there were 10 000 units of energy initially from the sun and 4 levels to the apex predator,
each level would receive 10x less energy until the apex predator received just 1 unit of this energy. This
example helps explain why there are countless decomposers and insects, while there is a visibly small
amount of tigers, sharks, and eagles in the world. [2] It also explains why these top species are the first to
experience extinction when their ecosystems are altered.

AIR POLLUTION AND ITS CONTROL

Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are
harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials.

We are dependent on air for our respiratory needs. Air pollutants cause injury to all living organisms.
They reduce growth and yield of crops and cause premature death of plants. Air pollutants also
deleteriously affect the respiratory system of humans and of animals. Harmful effects depend on the
concentration of pollutants, duration of exposure and the organism. Smokestacks of thermal power
plants, smelters and other industries release particulate and gaseous air pollutants together with
harmless
gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, etc. These pollutants must be separated/filtered out before releasing
the harmless gases into the atmosphere.

Automobiles are a major cause for atmospheric pollution atleast in the metro cities. As the number of
vehicles increase on the streets, this problem is now shifting to the other cities too. Proper maintenance
of automobiles along with use of lead-free petrol or diesel can reduce the pollutants they emit. Catalytic
converters, having expensive metals namely platinum-palladium and rhodium as the catalysts, are fitted
into automobiles for reducing emission of poisonous gases. As the exhaust passes through the catalytic
converter, unburnt hydrocarbons are converted into carbon dioxide and water, and carbon monoxide
and nitric oxide are changed to carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas, respectively. Motor vehicles equipped
with catalytic converter should use unleaded petrol because lead in the petrol inactivates the catalyst.

CNG burns most efficiently, unlike petrol or diesel, in the automobiles and very little of it is left unburnt.
Moreover, CNG is cheaper than petrol or diesel, cannot be siphoned off by thieves and adulterated like
petrol or diesel. The main problem with switching over to CNG is the difficulty
of laying down pipelines to deliver CNG through distribution points/ pumps and ensuring uninterrupted
supply.

Water Pollution and its control

Human beings have been abusing the water-bodies around the world by disposing into them all kinds of
waste. We tend to believe that water can wash away everything not taking cognizance of the fact that
the water bodies are our lifeline as well as that of all other living organisms.
Sewage from our homes as well as from hospitals are likely to contain many undesirable pathogenic
microorganisms, and its disposal into a water without proper treatment may cause outbreak of serious
diseases, such as, dysentery, typhoid, jaundice, cholera, etc. Unlike domestic sewage, waste water from
industries like petroleum, paper manufacturing, metal extraction and processing, chemical
manufacturing, etc., often contain toxic substances, notably, heavy metals (defined as
elements with density > 5 g/cm3 such as mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, etc.) and a variety of organic
compounds. A few toxic substances, often present in industrial
waste waters, can undergo biological magnification (Biomagnification) in the aquatic food chain.
Biomagnification refers to increase in concentration of the toxicant at successive trophic levels. This
happens because a toxic substance accumulated by an organism
cannot be metabolised or excreted, and is thus passed onto the next higher trophic level.
Eutrophication is the natural aging of a lake by nutrient enrichment of its water. However, pollutants
from man’s activities like effluents from the industries and homes can radically accelerate the aging
process. This phenomenon has been called Cultural or Accelerated Eutrophication. During the past
century, lakes in many parts of the earth have been severely eutrophied by sewage and agricultural and
industrial wastes. The prime contaminants are nitrates and phosphates, which act as plant nutrients.
They overstimulate the growth of algae, causing unsightly scum and unpleasant odours, and robbing the
water of dissolved oxygen vital to other aquatic life. At the same time, other pollutants flowing into a
lake may poison whole populations of fish, whose decomposing remains further deplete the water’s
dissolved oxygen content. In such fashion, a lake can literally
choke to death. Heated (thermal) wastewaters flowing out of electricity-generating units,
e.g., thermal power plants, constitute another important category of pollutants. Thermal wastewater
eliminates or reduces the number of organisms sensitive to high temperature, and may enhance the
growth of plants and fish in extremely cold areas but, only after causing damage to the indigenous flora
and fauna.

 Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water
shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment.
 Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don’t throw paints, oils or other forms of
litter down the drain. Use environmentally household products, such as washing powder, household
cleaning agents and toiletries.
 Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilisers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into
nearby water sources.
 By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertiliser, pesticides and contaminated
water from running off into nearby water sources.
 Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers
and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.

Marine pollution

Marine pollution occurs when substances used or spread by humans, such as industrial, agricultural and
residential waste, particles, noise, excess carbon dioxide or invasive organisms enter the ocean and
cause harmful effects there.

Marine trash encompasses all manufactured products—most of them plastic—that end up in the ocean. 
Littering, storm winds, and poor waste management all contribute to the accumulation of this debris, 80
percent of which comes from sources on land. Common types of marine debris include various plastic
items like shopping bags and beverage bottles, along with cigarette butts, bottle caps, food wrappers,
and fishing gear. Plastic waste is particularly problematic as a pollutant because it is so long-lasting.
Plastic items can take hundreds of years to decompose.

This trash poses dangers to both humans and animals. Fish become tangled and injured in the debris,
and some animals mistake items like plastic bags for food and eat them. Small organisms feed on tiny
bits of broken-down plastic, called microplastic, and absorb the chemicals from the plastic into their
tissues. Microplastics are less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter and have been detected in a
range of marine species, including plankton and whales. When small organisms that consume
microplastics are eaten by larger animals, the toxic chemicals then become part of their tissues. In this
way, the microplastic pollution migrates up the food chain, eventually becoming part of the food that
humans eat.

Solutions for marine pollution include prevention and cleanup. Disposable and single-use plastic is
abundantly used in today’s society, from shopping bags to shipping packaging to plastic bottles.
Changing society’s approach to plastic use will be a long and economically challenging process. Cleanup,
in contrast, may be impossible for some items. Many types of debris (including some plastics) do not
float, so they are lost deep in the ocean. Plastics that do float tend to collect in large “patches” in ocean
gyres. The Pacific Garbage Patch is one example of such a collection, with plastics and microplastics
floating on and below the surface of swirling ocean currents between California and Hawaii in an area of
about 1.6 million square kilometers (617,763 square miles), although its size is not fixed. These patches
are less like islands of trash and, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says, more like
flecks of microplastic pepper swirling around an ocean soup. Even some promising solutions are
inadequate for combating marine pollution. So-called “biodegradable” plastics often break down only at
temperatures higher than will ever be reached in the ocean.

Soil pollution

Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil, in high
enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and/or the ecosystem. In the case of
contaminants which occur naturally in soil, even when their levels are not high enough to pose a risk,
soil pollution is still said to occur if the levels of the contaminants in soil exceed the levels that should
naturally be present.

All soils, whether polluted or unpolluted, contain a variety of compounds (contaminants) which are
naturally present. Such contaminants include metals, inorganic ions and salts (e.g. phosphates,
carbonates, sulfates, nitrates), and many organic compounds (such as lipids, proteins, DNA, fatty acids,
hydrocarbons, PAHs, alcohols, etc.). These compounds are mainly formed through soil microbial activity
and decomposition of organisms (e.g., plants and animals). Additionally, various compounds get into the
soil from the atmosphere, for instance with precipitation water, as well as by wind activity or other
types of soil disturbances, and from surface water bodies and shallow groundwater flowing through the
soil. When the amounts of soil contaminants exceed natural levels (what is naturally present in various
soils), pollution is generated. There are two main causes through which soil pollution is generated:
anthropogenic (man-made) causes and natural causes.

The Effects of Soil Pollution

Soil pollution affects plants, animals and humans alike. While anyone is susceptible to soil pollution, soil
pollution effects may vary based on age, general health status and other factors, such as the type of
pollutant or contaminant inhaled or ingested. However, children are usually more susceptible to
exposure to contaminants, because they come in close contact with the soil by playing in the ground;
combined with lower thresholds for disease, this triggers higher risks than for adults. Therefore, it is
always important to test the soil before allowing your kids to play there, especially if you live in a highly
industrialized area.

Diseases Caused by Soil Pollution

Humans can be affected by soil pollution through the inhalation of gases emitted from soils
moving upward, or through the inhalation of matter that is disturbed and transported by the
wind because of the various human activities on the ground. Soil pollution may cause a variety
of health problems, starting with headaches, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, eye irritation and
potentially resulting in more serious conditions like neuromuscular blockage, kidney and liver
damage and various forms of cancer.

Prevention and control measures of soil pollution

The following measures should be taken to prevention of soil pollution-
1.Use of pesticides should be minimized.
2. Use of fertilizers should be judicious.
3. Cropping techniques should be improved to prevent growth of weeds.
4. Special pits should be selected for dumping wastes.
5. Controlled grazing and forest management.
6. Wind breaks and wind shield in areas exposed to wind erosin.
7. Planning of soil binding grasses along banks and slopes prone to rapid erosin.