Learning objectives

Introduction

Definition

Pollution can be defined as any undesirable change in the physical, chemical and biological characteristic of air, water or land that may or will harmfully affect human life or that of various species, the industrial processes, living conditions and cultural assets.

Classification of pollutants

Generally a pollutant is classified as biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Biodegradable pollutants are those which degrade easily such as sewage, whereas non-biodegradable pollutants are those which either do not degrade or degrade very slowly, such as plastic.

General source of pollutants

The sources of pollution caused by man-made actions can be grouped under four categories.

State of pollution in India

A Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) is used to typify the quality of the environment at a particular locality ensuing the source of pollution, their path or conduit and the receiver. CEPI is envisioned to function as an instrument of timely warning. Such a pollution index apprehends the well-being of environmental components like air, water and land in their various dimensions. The CPCB or SPCB or Pollution Control Committees in association with IIT Delhi, had applied Central Environmental Pollution index to 88 specific industrial clusters or areas. Out of 88, 43 were ‘critically polluted’ (with score more than 70 out of 100); 32 were ‘severely polluted’ with scores varying between 60 and 70. In the interim assessment report carried out jointly by CPCB and GPCB, 2012, Vapi ranked first in pollution with a CEPI score of 90.75 out of 100, Angul Talcher ranked second with 89.74, while Vatva and Ankleshwar rank sixth and seventh respectively.