MEVE 019: Unit 04 - Persistent Organic and Radioactive Pollutants

-

 UNIT 4: PERSISTENT ORGANIC AND RADIOACTIVE POLLUTANTS

4.1 Introduction

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and radioactive pollutants are two of the most dangerous categories of environmental contaminants. These substances are characterized by their long-term persistence in the environment, resistance to degradation, and ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food chains. As a result, they pose serious threats to ecosystems and human health, even at low concentrations. POPs include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and by-products, while radioactive pollutants arise from nuclear weapons, energy production, and medical waste.

4.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to:

·         Define POPs and radioactive pollutants.

·         Understand the sources and classification of these pollutants.

·         Describe the mechanisms of biomagnification.

·         Evaluate the impacts of POPs and radioactive pollutants on human health and ecosystems.

·         Learn about the management strategies and global/national policies for control.

4.3 Definition

·         Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are organic chemical compounds that resist environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. Examples include DDT, dioxins, furans, and PCBs.

·         Radioactive Pollutants are substances that emit ionizing radiation due to nuclear instability. These include elements like uranium, plutonium, cesium-137, and iodine-131. These pollutants can remain active in the environment for thousands of years.

4.4 Sources of POPs and Radioactive Waste

Sources of POPs:

·         Agricultural use of pesticides such as DDT, aldrin, and chlordane.

·         Industrial processes involving PCBs and dioxins.

·         Waste incineration and by-products from combustion.

·         Accidental spills and improper disposal of chemicals.

Sources of Radioactive Waste:

·         Nuclear power plants (spent fuel rods, cooling water).

·         Medical and research facilities using radioisotopes.

·         Mining and refining of uranium.

·         Nuclear weapons testing and accidents (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima).

4.5 Classification of POPs and Radioactive Waste

4.5.1 Classification of POPs:

·         Pesticides: DDT, aldrin, endrin.

·         Industrial chemicals: PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

·         By-products: Dioxins, furans produced during combustion or manufacturing.

4.5.2 Classification of Radioactive Waste:

·         Low-level waste (LLW): Items like clothing, filters, tools.

·         Intermediate-level waste (ILW): Reactor components, resins.

·         High-level waste (HLW): Spent nuclear fuel, vitrified waste from reprocessing.

4.6 Mechanism

Both POPs and radioactive materials can enter the environment via air, water, or soil. Once released, they:

·         Persist in the environment for long durations.

·         Accumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms.

·         Travel across borders through air and water currents.

·         Enter the food chain, leading to toxic effects at various trophic levels.

4.7 Biomagnification

Biomagnification is the process where the concentration of toxins increases at each successive level of the food chain.

4.7.1 Biomagnification of POPs:

·         POPs are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in fat.

·         Once ingested by small organisms (e.g., plankton), POPs accumulate and move up to fish, birds, and mammals.

·         Top predators (including humans) receive the highest doses.

4.7.2 Biomagnification of Radioactive Waste:

·         Radioactive isotopes like cesium-137 or strontium-90 behave like potassium and calcium, entering bones and tissues.

·         Bioaccumulation in marine and terrestrial organisms leads to long-term exposure even after external levels decline.

4.8 Impacts on Human Health

4.8.1 Impacts of POPs:

·         Endocrine disruption: Mimics or blocks hormones.

·         Carcinogenic effects: Many POPs are linked to cancers.

·         Neurological damage: Affects brain development in children.

·         Immune suppression: Makes individuals more susceptible to infections.

4.8.2 Impacts of Radioactive Waste:

·         Radiation sickness: From high exposure (nausea, vomiting, burns).

·         Genetic mutations: Leading to birth defects and heritable diseases.

·         Cancer risk: Especially thyroid, bone, and lung cancers.

·         Long-term contamination: Unsafe living and agricultural conditions.

4.9 Management

4.9.1 Management of POPs:

·         Banning and phasing out of harmful POPs (as per Stockholm Convention).

·         Safe disposal through incineration at high temperatures.

·         Alternative pest control and green chemicals.

·         Monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites.

4.9.2 Management of Radioactive Waste:

·         Segregation and shielding of radioactive material.

·         Secure storage in engineered containers and geological repositories.

·         Reprocessing and recycling of spent fuel (in some countries).

·         Strict protocols for transport and disposal.

4.10 Policy

4.10.1 Policy for POPs:

·         The Stockholm Convention (2001): A global treaty aimed at eliminating or restricting the use of POPs.

·         India’s actions: DDT use is limited to disease control; other listed POPs are banned under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

4.10.2 Policy for Radioactive Waste:

·         IAEA guidelines: Emphasis on safety, containment, and long-term planning.

·         Indian Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): Regulates nuclear waste management.

·         Nuclear Waste Management Rules (2016): India’s framework for handling radioactive waste safely.

4.11 Let Us Sum Up

·         POPs and radioactive pollutants are highly persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative.

·         Sources include agriculture, industry, nuclear energy, and healthcare.

·         These substances pose serious health risks, including cancer, genetic disorders, and developmental problems.

·         Biomagnification ensures that apex species, including humans, bear the greatest burden.

·         Effective international treaties (like the Stockholm Convention) and national regulations are critical for managing these pollutants.

·         Public awareness, technological solutions, and strict enforcement of policies are necessary to protect both people and the planet.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Jcert Class 8 Daffodil Chapter 1a: The Naive Friends Solutions

-
Chapter 1a : The Naive Friends Answer the following questions: 1. Which questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg? Ans.         How did the chick come out? How big would the eggs? How many? What colours would they? What did they eat? Such types of questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg. 2. What three things did the children do to protect the eggs? Ans.         The children done three things are: (i)          Adjustment of food. (ii)        Adjustment of water. (iii)      Adjustment of roof. 3. Why did Keshav think of making a cushion for the eggs? Ans.         When Keshav saw the egg on direct sun light, he thaught making a cushion for the eggs. 4. What excuse did Keshav give for not showing the eggs to Shyama? Ans.     ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 3 मित्रता Solutions

-
अध्याय - 3 : मित्रता 1. आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है? उ. मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है क्योंकि संगति का गुप्त प्रभाव हमारे आचरण पर पड़ता है और यदि हमें अच्छी संगति, अच्छे मित्र मिलते हैं तो वे हमें सफलता की ओर ले जाते हैं जबकि बुरी संगति हमारे जीवन को खाक में मिला देती है।  2. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है।' आशय स्पष्ट कीजिए। उ. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है'- ऐसा इसलिए कहा गया है कि यदि हमें विश्वासी मित्र मिल गया तो हम अपने जीवन में चाहे जैसा भी कदम उठाएँ, उस कदम की आलोचना करके वह हमें सही दिशा की ओर उन्मुख करेगा। हम अपनी गलती रूपी बीमारी को उसकी आलोचना रूपी औषधि से दूर कर सकेंगे।  3. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए? उ. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें निम्नलिखित बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए हमारे अच्छे विचारों (संकल्पों) को दृढ़ करने वाला हो। हमें दोषों और त्रुटियों से बचाए। हमारे सत्य, पवित्रता ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 8 अमरूद का पेड Solutions

-
अध्याय - 8 : अमरूद का पेड 1. लेखक को क्यों लगता है कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा। उ. अमरूद के पेड़ को देखकर सबसे पहले बाबू कन्हैयालाल की बूढ़ी पत्नी ने एक दिन टोका कि पश्चिम की तरफ अगर मकान का मुखड़ा हो और सामने ही अमरूद का पेड़ तो 'राम-राम बड़ा अशुभ होता है और माँ के चेहरे पर थोड़ा-सा भय दिखा पर लेखक को विश्वास था कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा क्योंकि उसके घर के लोग आधुनिक विचारधारा के थे उसकी माँ सत्याग्रह के दिनों में अजमेर में लम्बा जेल कर चुकी है। पिताजी खुद राजनैतिक सामाजिक उदारता वाले आदमी थे। बुआ ने विवाह नहीं किया था, पढ़ने-लिखने में ही अपनी सम्पूर्ण जिन्दगी लगा दी और समाज कोई चुनौती देने का साहस नहीं कर सका। साथ ही परिवार के सभी लोगों में पिछड़ेपन के प्रति भर्त्सना का भाव था। 2. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया किस प्रकार लेखक को उनके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है ? उ. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया लेखक को उसके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है। वे सभी अमरूद की छाया में बेंत की कुर्सियों पर बैठ चर्चाएँ करते थे जिससे उनके बीच...
Read more