MEV 017: Unit 05 – Air and Water Pollution

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 UNIT 5: AIR AND WATER POLLUTION

5.1 Introduction

Air and water are essential natural resources that sustain all forms of life. However, rapid industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, and poor waste management practices have led to severe air and water pollution, threatening ecological balance and public health. This unit explores the causes, effects, and control measures for both air and water pollution, and discusses relevant legislations, monitoring programmes, and standards aimed at pollution prevention and control in India.

5.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the causes and consequences of air and water pollution.
  • Explain control measures for mitigating pollution.
  • Describe key environmental legislations related to air and water quality.
  • Understand the roles of CPCB, SPCBs, and national monitoring programmes.
  • Interpret Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollution standards.

5.3 Air Pollution

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that negatively affect human health, ecosystems, and climate.

5.3.1 Causes of Air Pollution

  • Industrial emissions (SO₂, NOₓ, PM)
  • Vehicle exhaust (CO, hydrocarbons, lead)
  • Burning of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum)
  • Construction activities (dust and debris)
  • Agricultural activities (stubble burning, pesticides)
  • Open burning of waste
  • Natural sources (volcanic eruptions, forest fires)

5.3.2 Effects of Air Pollution

  • Health impacts: Respiratory issues, asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular problems
  • Environmental impacts: Acid rain, smog formation, ozone depletion
  • Economic impacts: Crop damage, healthcare costs, decreased worker productivity
  • Climate change: Greenhouse gas accumulation

5.3.3 Air Pollution Control Measures

  • Emission standards for industries and vehicles
  • Use of CNG, electric vehicles
  • Public transport promotion
  • Installation of pollution control devices (scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators)
  • Green belts around industrial zones
  • Strict enforcement of environmental laws

5.4 Water Pollution

Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater) due to human or natural activities.

5.4.1 Sources of Water Pollution

  • Domestic sewage
  • Industrial effluents (heavy metals, dyes, chemicals)
  • Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides)
  • Oil spills
  • Plastic waste and marine litter
  • Thermal pollution from power plants

5.4.2 Effects of Water Pollution

  • Health issues: Waterborne diseases (cholera, dysentery, typhoid)
  • Ecosystem damage: Eutrophication, fish kills, biodiversity loss
  • Economic loss: Reduced tourism, fishing, and irrigation potential
  • Groundwater contamination: Long-term public health risk

5.4.3 Water Pollution Control Measures

  • Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs)
  • Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
  • Recycling and reuse of treated water
  • Ban on direct discharge of untreated wastewater
  • Awareness campaigns and community involvement
  • Regulation and licensing of polluting industries

5.5 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

This was India’s first major environmental legislation, focused on preventing and controlling water pollution.

  • Established the Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB & SPCBs)
  • Provides power to inspect, sample, and penalize polluting units
  • Authorizes the closure of industries discharging untreated waste
  • Mandates consent to establish and operate water-polluting industries

5.6 National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP)

  • Implemented by the CPCB and SPCBs
  • Monitors water quality at more than 4000 stations across India
  • Parameters include pH, BOD, DO, coliform count, heavy metals
  • Data helps in pollution assessment and corrective action planning

5.7 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

  • Enacted to prevent, control, and abate air pollution
  • Provides for the creation of CPCB and SPCBs for air quality management
  • Mandates consent from pollution control boards for industrial operations
  • Authorizes action against violations, including closure and prosecution

5.8 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

  • CPCB: Apex body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    • Frames standards, guidelines, national policies
    • Coordinates with SPCBs and implements national programs
  • SPCBs: Implement laws at the state level, grant permissions, and monitor compliance

5.9 National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)

  • Monitors ambient air quality across more than 800 stations
  • Parameters include PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, SO₂, NO₂, CO, ozone, benzene
  • Helps in air quality mapping, identifying pollution hotspots, and policy formulation

5.10 National Air Quality Index (NAQI)

  • Launched in 2014 to simplify public understanding of air quality
  • Categorizes air quality from Good (0–50) to Severe (401–500)
  • Parameters: PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO, ozone, ammonia, lead
  • Each category is linked to health advisories and color codes

AQI Category

AQI Range

Color

Health Impact

Good

0–50

Green

Minimal impact

Satisfactory

51–100

Light Green

Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people

Moderate

101–200

Yellow

Discomfort to asthmatics

Poor

201–300

Orange

Breathing difficulty on prolonged exposure

Very Poor

301–400

Red

Respiratory illness on exposure

Severe

401–500

Maroon

Affects healthy people, serious impact on ill population

5.11 Air and Water Quality Standards

Set by the CPCB, these are used for monitoring and legal enforcement.

Air Quality Standards (for PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, SO₂, NO₂, etc.):

  • PM₂.₅: 60 µg/m³ (24-hour), 40 µg/m³ (annual)
  • PM₁₀: 100 µg/m³ (24-hour), 60 µg/m³ (annual)

Water Quality Standards (designated uses A–E for rivers):

  • Class A: Drinking water without treatment
  • Class B: Outdoor bathing
  • Class C: Drinking after treatment
  • Class D: Propagation of wildlife and fisheries
  • Class E: Irrigation, industrial cooling

5.12 Let Us Sum Up

This unit addressed two of the most critical forms of environmental degradation—air and water pollution. It explained their causes, effects, and control measures, and introduced key laws such as the Air Act (1981) and Water Act (1974). The roles of monitoring programs (NWMP, NAMP) and regulatory agencies (CPCB, SPCBs) were discussed in detail. Standards such as the National Air Quality Index and water quality categories help policymakers and the public in managing pollution effectively.

 

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