Pollution is the process whereby various harmful substances are added to the environment (land, water, air etc.) by human and natural activities.
The various types of pollution that exist are: air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, noise pollution.
Natural activities that cause pollution are, for example, volcanic eruptions, sandstorms and natural forest fires. These events cause a large amount of substances such as ash and dust, which are harmful to our health, to be added to the environment.
Although some natural events may contribute to pollution, human activities have a more harmful impact to the environment.
As the world population increases rapidly, there is an increasing demand for food, materials and energy. The activities that produce these products tend to pollute the environment.
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES Farms, too, produce a lot of waste. Waste from animals, pesticides and herbicides are washed into rivers and then into the sea.
When solid waste is not properly treated and disposed of, it can become a breeding for pests and disease can spread.
When there is too much chemical content in the water absorbed by the roots, it can also affect plant life.
EFFECTS ON ANIMALS Oil spills in the seas and oceans result in birds and animals (e.g. penguins and seals) being coated in oil.
Solid waste in the water encourages the growth of algae which depletes water of oxygen and kills marine life.