If wastes are allowed to accumulate and are not disposed of carefully, then they will not only affect our environment but will also affect our health. Here, we have discussed the impact of waste accumulation on pollution.
- When accumulated wastes are left open and unattended, they begin to decompose. This results in the growth and multiplication of a number of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi that carry germs of various diseases to human settlements.
- The decomposition of wastes also produces various gases which pollute the air around us.
- During the rainy season, rain water takes various decomposed wastes containing pathogens to water bodies causing water pollution.
Impact of Waste Accumulation on Pollution
- Pollution is caused by the introduction of harmful substances into the atmosphere. It is caused by the addition of waste toxic chemicals or gases into the atmosphere.
- Accumulation of waste leads to pollution. Industries, household activities, hospitals, restaurants, and agricultural practices (such as the use of fertilizers) are the main sources of pollution.
- In open dumping, wastes are dumped in open spaces located far away from the limits of the city. This kind of waste disposal is not safe and has many limitations. The dumping of different types of wastes makes such dumping grounds the breeding ground of mosquitoes and flies. When these wastes are carried by rainwater to nearby lakes, rivers, or ponds it results in water pollution.
- Industrial wastes contain harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury. These chemicals enter animal and human bodies by the food chain.
Eutrophication
It is a process in which oxygen begins to deplete from water bodies either naturally or because of human activities. Nutrients and chemicals are discharged into water bodies through sewage and effluents. Accumulation of these in water bodies results in the growth of phytoplankton and algae. This obstructs the penetration of oxygen and sunlight into water bodies which may result in the death of aquatic organisms.
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Waste Management-I
Waste refers to any discarded material which no longer remains useful. According to the Environment Protection Act, 1990, waste is any substance that constitutes a scrap material, or effluent, or an unwanted surplus that arises out of the application of any process. Read more
Waste Management-II
If wastes are allowed to accumulate and are not disposed of carefully, then they will not only affect our environment but will also affect our health. When accumulated wastes are left open and unattended, they begin to decompose. Read more