Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Acoustic Pollution
Traffic is the main source of acoustic pollution in cities, followed by construction. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that excessive noise can cause undesirable effects.
Sources of Noise
- Means of transportation
- Construction of buildings
- Industrial activities
- Leisure activities (especially at night)
Physiological Alterations
Demonstrated reduction or loss of hearing, depending on the time of exposure to noise and its intensity.
Preventive Measures
Locate activities that generate noise away from residential areas or implement acoustic insulation.
Global Impact Scale: Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon caused by the retention of heat in the atmosphere, preventing a portion of the heat emitted from the Earth’s surface from escaping into space. The main greenhouse gases are CO2, CH4, and O3.
Some changes that may be caused by the uncontrolled greenhouse effect are:
- Increased precipitation in northern Europe
- Decreased precipitation in the Mediterranean area
- An increase of between 1 and 2 degrees Celsius in the average temperature in the Mediterranean area
- An increase in sea level of 30 to 60 cm, mainly due to the thermal expansion of seawater
Preventive Measures
Minimize global warming, primarily by substituting conventional energy sources with alternative, non-polluting energy sources and promoting public transportation.
Reduction of the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere with a composition of gases similar to that found on the Earth’s surface, where there is also a certain amount of ozone. The main pollutants that deplete the ozone layer are:
- Chlorinated compounds, such as CFCs (also known as Freon), which contain chlorine atoms in their molecules.
- Methane (CH4), naturally produced by the metabolism of living organisms during the breakdown of organic matter under anaerobic conditions.
- Nitrogen oxides, released directly into the stratosphere by jet aircraft.
These gases slowly rise to the upper parts of the atmosphere and can reach the stratosphere intact. Strong winds in the upper troposphere push them towards the polar areas. The low winter temperatures in these areas, especially in Antarctica, facilitate the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds trap CFC molecules throughout the winter, and ice particles break down CFCs, releasing chlorine (Cl) atoms. When spring arrives, the clouds dissipate, releasing Cl, which continues its ascent to the ozone layer, where it reacts with ozone (O3). CFCs and other compounds concentrated under the clouds cause catalytic surface reactions. The Montreal Protocol established the elimination of all substances that damage the ozone layer.
The Issue of Contamination
The issue is the production and release of contaminating substances into the atmosphere. Emission levels are not appropriate when talking about air quality, so we speak of emission levels, which are the concentrations of contaminants present in the air.
Air Pollution Monitoring and Forecast Network
Catalonia (CAT) performs emission control. Its functions are:
- To comply with environmental protection regulations.
- To locate the main emission sources and their effects.
- To understand the evolution of pollution levels in time and territory.
- To inform citizens about air quality and its evolution.
- To produce maps of vulnerability and capacity of the territory.
- To initiate actions in areas with degraded air quality.
- To initiate preventive actions in areas that are not degraded.
Catalan Air Quality Index
This is the public information system that provides an approximate indicator of air quality (good, poor, or improved), intended especially for the public.
Legislation
Provides a new framework for setting air quality standards, gradually reviewing existing limits and establishing new ones. Includes 4 aspects:
- Prevention: Forecasting the potential environmental impacts of different human activities.
- Control: Inspections of emission levels.
- Penalties: Imposed when pollution control regulations are violated.
- Restoration: Action plans are implemented in areas declared as having special protection to regenerate the atmosphere due to its degradation.