Risks and Solutions to Environmental Pollution

The industrial revolution in the 18th century and introduction of fossil fuels posed a significant impact on social and economic growth globally and laid the foundation for modern industrial practices and energy development.

On the contrary, there were some uncertain and unexpected outcomes of air pollution which are currently posing a significant risk to human health with a rising overall earth temperature. The current crisis of global warming need immediate solutions to environmental pollution.

In this study we will address potential risks and possible solutions which are progressing globally to achieve a target of net-zero emissions.

In addition to the emissions, Industrial waste has added the damage to the ecosystems the recovery of which can only be possible with strict regulations, sustainable practices, and increased social awareness. We can overcome environmental pollution challenges and protect the beauty of our planet by promoting change and adopting eco-friendly solutions.

What are the Causes of Pollution

Environmental pollution is caused by various reasons forming a complex pattern including industrial emissions, the use of non-biodegradable materials, high energy demand linked with fossil fuels, uncontrolled urbanization and improper waste disposal. World is now particularly concerned with understanding these causes and implementing sustainable practices.

Similarly, Increased and advanced recycling technologies at one side can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and on the other side make industrial and agricultural practices more sustainable.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the most prominent case formed by gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide due to different industrial and agricultural operations and disposals.

In the long run, the most dangerous pollutants are the greenhouse gases mainly carbon dioxide, which are responsible for climate change. Multiple research data show that the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1°C since the start of the Industrial Revolution in 1850 and it could rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius by 2100, depending on the current emission scenarios.

This trend of global warming is a clear signal that human emissions of greenhouse gases may change it to an unlivable planet.

Among the biggest contributors are fossil fuels. Global demand for oil, natural gas, and coal continues to increase in industrial and automotive sector. In 2021, global energy-related emissions from fossil fuels reached a staggering 37.4 billion tonnes of CO2 mainly from coal and oil.

However natural gas is a fossil fuel but is the least contributor towards CO2 emissions and considered as the most reliable source of energy and the benchmark to clean energy.

Study more about role of natural gas as clean energy benchmark in our blog.

Another pollution driver is ozone, a toxic gas that turns into smog which is an extremely harmful form of air pollution, significantly reducing visibility. Similarly, extreme climate events like dust storms as well as changing weather conditions also contaminate the atmosphere.

The most effective solution by which a target of net-zero emissions can only be achieved is to cutting down emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewables in power production and decarbonizing the industrial and automotive sector. Moreover, transition to other energy sources like nuclear and renewables is a long term process that requires global coordination and collaboration.

Additional steps are to be taken by chemical and leather production sectors by installing water and chemical treatment plants.

The classification of wastes at corporate level also helps to segregate conventional and electronic wastes because the e-wastes contributes to air pollution due to emissions from harmful metals.

We have a detailed study on recovering precious metals from electronic waste and harmful impact of these metals to the environment and human health.

Carbon capture and storage techniques removes carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and stores it underground. This can be a key tool to reduce air pollution.

Water Pollution

Although the water pollution is affected mainly by oil spills from shipping disasters, but currently, the problem of pollution from plastics and particularly microplastics is becoming increasingly critical.

There are thousands of sources all over the world which produce plastic waste every day. Increasing consumption and improper waste management in many countries has made plastic pollution a worldwide problem, causing damage to the environment and human health.

Plastic Pollution

Humans produce over 480 million metric tons of plastic annually of which only 9% is recycled, and about 26% of plastic waste worldwide is either not collected and improperly disposed of, or ends up as litter.

United Nations have passed a resolution in 2022 to eliminate plastic pollution by 2025 and many countries including United States have taken strict legislative actions to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution to a reasonable extent.

Polystyrene, a common type of plastic is mainly used in food packaging industry worldwide and now has become the major cause of sea pollution worldwide. Many technological developments have been made to recycle plastic waste more specifically polystyrene waste to reduce their impact on environment.

We have our recent study on plastic recycling pollutions and their integrated solutions in our blog for your study.

A further study about impacts of polystyrene waste on environment and its recycling procedures is also available in our blog.

Similarly, conventional plastics are being replaced with bioplastics and biodegradable plastics which are now extensively being used in medical supplies, toys, automotive and packaging sectors.

You can study about bioplastics and biodegradable plastics in detail in our blog.

Since the majority of bioplastics are made from corn, sugar and starch materials, to expand their use significantly raises the prospect of competition between growing conventional crops to food crops for the manufacture of primary biofuels. Producing such crops will make agriculture sector more sustainable.

A detailed study about modern agricultural practices for producing crops to make bioplastics is also available in our blog.

Soil Pollution

Soil erosion and Pollution are the main threat to soil. It is caused both by macroscopic objects such as waste left by humans.

The way our chemical waste disposed of from different types of industries is the major cause of contamination of soil. This leads to acidification of soil and contamination due to the disposal of industrial waste, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, dumping oil and fuel, etc.

In addition to the above, excessive use of pesticides and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers leads to acidification, soil salinity and infertility of the soil.

These types of chemical pollutants and pesticides are carcinogenic and individuals who are exposed to them are much more likely to develop cancer.

Contaminated soil can also lead to other health problems such as depression of the central nervous system, headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation and skin rashes. Where the soil contains excessive amounts of mercury, those exposed are more likely to suffer from kidney or liver damage.

Similarly, high levels of heavy metals in the soil can cause irreversible developmental problems in children. For example, high concentrations of lead or mercury can damage children’s brains while they are still developing, causing neurological problems.

Similarly, sulfur dioxide emitted by burning fossil fuels is an acidic component creates an acidic environment that is harmful for the microorganisms like worms that usually improve soil health by decomposing organic matter and promoting water movement. Fungi and bacteria that help bind the soil together are also negatively affected by acidity, which can lead to soil erosion.

Moreover, Soil pollution can also contaminate the groundwater, which is one of the main sources of drinking water for many communities. Since groundwater collects underneath layers of soil, any toxins present in the soil can seep into the water resulting in water pollution.

Use of correct farming techniques, proper treatment and recycling of Waste before disposal, and use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can mitigate the effects to the soil resulting in increased soil fertility.