Industrial Pollution

This is an undesirable outcome when industries emit harmful by-products during processing of materials and toxic wastes into the environment. These emissions are channeled to the water bodies, atmosphere, soil and deposition on landfills.

Additionally, these form of pollution has been aggravated and exacerbated by industrial evolution. Therefore, read on to find out its causes, effects and possible solutions to address this underlying problem.

Causes of Industrial Pollution

The following are the primary causes of industrial pollution.

Toxic chemicals

Chemicals used during industrial processes are the most significant contributors to pollution. They pose a threat to human health and the environment. Most industries release these toxic chemicals to the environment thus resulting in pollution.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas due to its ability to induce global warming by absorbing thermal radiation. Most industries emit this gas which causes pollution.

Lack of policies

Lack of effective strategies and strong enforcement has made most industries to bypass laws which restrict pollution. Therefore, untreated industrial waste has been dumped on the environment which pose a severe health risk to the people and animals.

Unplanned industrial growth

Some industries in town were not planned for. They end up congesting in one place, leading to excess pollution especially through sewage.

Use of outdated technologies

Most industries use obsolete technologies which lead to the production of large amounts of waste. Therefore, waste ends up in air, soil and water bodies thus causing pollution.

Degradation of natural resources

Industries require a constant supply of raw materials which are sourced from the environment. This leads to the destruction of natural resources through deforestation and clearance of vegetation cover. This opens up for pollution.

Inefficient waste disposal

Inefficient waste disposal leads to water and soil pollution. Long-term exposure leads to other health complication, and it lowers the quality of the environment.

Effects of Industrial pollution

The following are the associated effects of industrial pollution:

Water pollution

Most industries are run by large volumes of water. This water comes in contact with harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other radioactive materials. This wastewater is then channeled to river sources without treatment hence being a threat to both humans and animals.

Soil pollution

When industrial wastes are deposited to the land, it makes the soil toxic thus destroying vegetation. Some other chronic illness can arise as a result of this to the people who come in contact with the contaminated soil.

Air pollution

Toxic gases emitted to the atmosphere as a result of industrial pollution lead to air pollution. This contaminates air thus making it unfit to both animals and plants. Chronic respiratory infections can develop when the contaminated air is inhaled.

It leads to global warming

Radioactive gases are emitted to the atmosphere which results in global warming.

Solution to Industrial Pollution

The following are some control measures to undertake:

Control at source

This involves alteration of raw material choice and treatment of exhaust gases before they are discharged into the atmosphere.

Treatment of industrial waste

All industrial waste should be subjected to proper treatment before disposal.

Developing plantations

Intensive plantation cover reduces smoke, dust and other pollutants.

Government action

The government should enforce policies on industries to manage their industrial waste before disposal. This will minimize health risks to animals and plants. They should impose strict implementation of the environment act.

Summary

Industrial pollution has been rated as one of the most significant supplementing factors to other forms of pollution. It produces a wide variety of pollutants which contribute to air, water, and soil pollution. As levels of industrialization rapidly increases, there is a need to develop a permanent solution to industrial waste.

By IsaacV