Air, Soil and Water pollution

Air Pollution

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances called air pollutants are released into the air leading to:

• Global climate changes caused by greenhouse gases such as global warming which brings strong winds, droughts, flash floods and heavy rains that destroy the habitats and their occupants
• Toxins in the air such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide released from industries and vehicles. They result in the formation of acid rain that corrodes stonework and metalwork of buildings, destroys trees in the forest and kills plants and animals on land and in water.
• Thinning of the ozone layer.

Soil pollution

Soil pollution occurs when harmful substances called soil pollutants are released into the soil. Soil pollutants, such as toxic chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers and waste from dumping grounds can seep into the water  and surrounding soil. The toxin in the soil may be absorbed into the plants that eventually poison the animals that feed on them.

Water pollution 

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances called water pollutants are found in the water.

Examples are:

• The release of untreated sewage into the water due to poor solid waste management. This may harm humans and other living things organisms and cause diseases such as cholera.
• Oil spills or discharge from tankers and factories into water. Fish and other marine life will be killed. Marine animals and seabirds may drown or freeze to death because the oil causes their fur or feathers to stick together.