Pollution Management

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Pollution Management

• 5.1 Nature of Pollution

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Assessment Statements

• 5.1.1 Define the term pollution
• 5.1.2 Distinguish between the terms point source
  pollution, and non-point source pollution, and
  outline the challenges they present for
  management.
• 5.1.3 State the major sources of pollutants.

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5.1.1 Define the term pollution

• Pollution Contamination of the Earth and
  atmosphere to such an extent that normal
  environmental processes are adversely affected.
• Polluted elements are disagreeable, toxic,
  harmful, and/or objectionable.
• Can be natural, accidental, or deliberate.
• Includes release of substances which reduces
  human quality of life.
• It is difficult to define the levels which
  constitute pollution. Much depends on the nature
  of the environment.

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5.1.2 Distinguish between the terms point source
pollution, and non-point source pollution, and
outline the challenges they present for
management.

• Point source pollution Discrete sources of
  contaminants that can be represented by single
  points on a map, and the pollution can be
  tracked.
• The nuclear explosion at Chernobyl is a good
  point source pollution example.
• Point source pollution is generally easier to
  manage. Its point source is localized, making it
  easier to control emissions, apportion
  responsibility, and take legal action. The
  localized impact is also easier to manage.

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5.1.2 Distinguish between the terms point source
pollution, and non-point source pollution, and
outline the challenges they present for
management.

• Non-point source pollution Refers to more
  dispersed sources from which pollutants originate
  and enter the natural environment.
• A good example here is the release of air
  pollutants from numerous, widely dispersed
  origins. (Car exhaust.)
• This far more difficult to locate and manage as
  there is normally not a singular obvious source
  where the pollution is coming from. Therefore it
  is also more expensive to manage as well.

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5.1.3 State the major sources of pollutants.

• Major sources of pollution
• Mining and quarrying 27
• Agriculture organic wastes from intensively
  farmed livestock 20
• Industry 17
• Dredging sand and mud from waterways (To keep
  clear for navigation) 11
• Domestic and commercial products (Paper, Plastic,
  etc.) 9
• Demolition and Construction 8
• Sewage and sludge 8