Hello everyone! 

As I have already mentioned in my introduction post, I will be focusing on different types of pollution and their effects on biodiversity. In today’s post, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about various types of pollution that are all around us before I go forward to talk about their impacts on biodiversity. 

What exactly is pollution? In our module, we assume environmental pollution to be the introduction of pollutants (including contaminants) to the environment through human activity in amounts that can have adverse effects on biota, including humans, and ecosystem services. Another definition is said to be “the introduction of harmful materials into the environment” (Boudreau et al., 2012). Both definitions mentioned ‘adverse effects’ and ‘harmful’ but how is this measure? I believe this would be where dose and exposure come into play as what Professor David Taylor has mentioned. It can then be said that all substances are potentially harmful based on concentration, exposure, and individual susceptibility.

Pollutants can come from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions that release ash and gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride (EPA, 2018). Anthropogenic sources of pollutants have significantly affected the natural environment. Decaying of such pollutants varies from a few days to even millenniums which can cause negative effects on the natural elements like water and air, which is essential for life (Rinkesh, 2020).

There are essentially 3 common types of pollution mentioned everywhere namely: Air, Water, and Soil/Land pollution. I would also like to touch on Light, Noise, and Radioactive pollution. 

#1 Air Pollution 

From another module I am currently taking, ESE3201Air Quality Management, air pollution is defined as “Any atmospheric condition in which substances are present at concentrations high enough above their normal ambient levels to produce a measurable effect on man, animals, vegetation, or materials.” (Seinfeld & Pandis, 2016). When talking about air pollution, I believe we all will be reminded of factories emitting fumes, the haze from forest fires, etc. However, individuals can contribute to it on a daily basis by simply driving or taking the plane.

#2 Water Pollution

The first thought most people would have is floating debris on the water surface or oil spills. However, water pollution can come in many forms and may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye. Take for example, harmful chemicals and microplastics. In addition, heat can also pollute water, also known as thermal pollution. This happens when power plants located near water use them as coolant and release heated water back to the environment which is very harmful to aquatic creatures (Boudreau et al., 2012). 

#3 Soil/Land Pollution

Many of the pollutants that pollute the water also harm the land. This includes harmful chemicals from mining activities, pesticides like DDT, and fertilizers. Trash is another very obvious land pollution. Inefficient garbage collection systems and landfill management can lead to leachate seeping into the land.

#4 Light Pollution 

Most of us are probably very familiar with the first 3 pollutions I have mentioned but did you know light can also be a pollutant? The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) defines light pollution as “The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light” (IDA, 2017). Simply putting it, we now live in a night without darkness. In such a small country like Singapore, light pollution is an even bigger issue. The night is so filled with light that 99.5% of all stars that can be seen are now invisible (Drake, 2019). Ecosystems are highly affected by light pollution due to the lack of distinction between night and day leading to detrimental impacts.

#5 Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is defined to be “any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms” (National Geographic Society, 2019). We may not be aware but prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause a range of health problems. Not only so, but it also impacts the health and well-being of wildlife creatures since many of them use sound for a variety of reasons. 

#6 Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive Pollution is defined as the increase in the natural radiation levels caused by human activities (Environmental Pollution Centers, 2017). This would be highly related to both water and soil pollution as most of such radioactive components end up in water bodies or the land. When thinking about radioactive pollution, we think about nuclear weapons and nuclear plant accidents. However, there exist many common sources that remain unnoticed like our mobile phones, television, microwaves, and more. Though they generate low levels of radiation, long term exposure may cause damage to health. 

“Environmental pollution is an incurable disease. It can only be prevented.”  –  Barry Commoner

Just as Barry Commoner said, tackling such a widespread problem of environmental pollution is not easy but we should all do our part such that further damage can be prevented.

That concludes the short introduction to some of the different types of pollution. Starting from the next post I will be touching on the impacts of how pollution affects biodiversity! I am very excited about it hope you guys are too!

See you guys soon!

References

Boudreau, D., McDaniel, M., Sprout, E., & Turgeon, A. (2012, October 09). Pollution. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/pollution/

Drake, N. (2019, April 3). Our nights are getting brighter, and Earth is paying the price. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/04/nights-are-getting-brighter-earth-paying-the-price-light-pollution-dark-skies/

Environmental Pollution Centers. (2017). Radiation and Pollution: Environmental Pollution Centers. Retrieved August 22, 2020, from https://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/radiation/

EPA. (2018, June 06). Volcanoes. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/volcanoes

IDA. (2017, February 14). Light Pollution. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/

National Geographic Society. (2019, July 15). Noise Pollution. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/noise-pollution/

R. (2020, July 02). Causes, Effects and Wonderful Solutions to Environmental Pollution. Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-environmental-pollution.php

Seinfeld, J. H., & Pandis, S. N. (2016). Atmospheric chemistry and physics: From air pollution to climate change. New York, NY: John Wiley et Sons.

Yinting, C., Xiaojing, G., & Zhijun, M. (2010). A comparison of line transect and point count surveys:a case study of spring saltmarsh birds at Chongming Dongtan. Biodiversity Science, 18(1), 44. doi:10.3724/sp.j.1003.2010.044