Air Pollution Control

Air Quality Monitoring443 Climate Change Mitigation292 Dust & Fume Extraction262 Particulate Scrubbers164 Electrostatic Precipitators74 Air Filtration410 Gas Cleaning275 Vapour Recovery123 Odour Control350 General Air Purification & Misc.193

Control Air Pollution

Shyamal Ghosh
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Is it possible to have CLEAN AIR in Industries?

Many industries are not able to use the Air Pollution Control plants properly due to deficiency in equipment/system design. Some industries also lack in proper operation and maintenance practice. With proper know-how it is possible to improve the performance of the existing Air Pollution Control Plants through minor modifications of the equipment/system and operating them properly. Shyamal Ghosh is in the field of Air Pollution Control Technology since 1977 through large multi-national organizations, out of which for 17 years he was with Flakt India Limited. System design, marketing and execution of many milestone projects in INDIA, JAPAN, RUSSIA, EGYPT, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, VIETNAM, BANGLADESH and UAE are to his credit. Click here for some clippings. "And I am confident that it is possible to have clean air in and around the industries. I have proved it and am ready to prove it over and over again!" SHYAMAL GHOSH His expertise in the field of Air Pollution Control Technology:Design of New Systems Modification of old systems for better performance. Design of improvised systems for critical dusts and for critical applications.

Check and control design parameters of the Original Equipment Manufacturers. Guidance/Workshops for proper operations & maintenance to achieve the best possible stable performance. Shyamal's activities at present: At present he is attached to various industrial giants of India, Middle-east, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Many successful performance improvement projects have already been carried out by him in India and the neighboring countries.

Shyamals experience have been utilised by various steel industries of India, which are going for large-scale expansions. He is assisting the Industries in the implementation of improved technology for the dust & fume extraction systems being supplied by Indian as well as overseas suppliers. He is also working for many Industries in India and in overseas countries for the performance improvement of their age-old plants as well as design and installation of some new plants. Through his close associations with some organizations in India and abroad he could prove not by words, but by actions that A LITTLE AWARENESS AND INTEREST CAN MAKE THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEMS A REALITY AND NOT JUST EYEWASH. He is also working on the assessment of the requirement of Bag Filter vis-vis ESP at the Thermal Power Plants because of the deterioration of coal quality with increase in ash content (ranging from 35 to 55%). Shyamal conducts workshops and conferences to enrich knowledge of the engineers, operators and also students. Presentations & Workshops carried out by him are mainly on the following subjects: Presentations on: Air Pollution Control, Industrial Air Pollution Control for Sustainable Economic Development & Growth, Control of Carbon dioxide Present world scenario, Environment friendly heritage A path towards restoration of cosmic harmony & control of global warming. Workshops on Air Pollution Control Systems with: Bag Filter, Electrostatic Precipitator, Dynamic Collector, Wet Collector. Click for more on Workshops and Conferences. top Home Articles Technical Support Achievements Contact Useful Links
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May 1997

REFERENCE DATA SHEET ON AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES

By: Gary M. Hutter, Ph.D With the passage of the 1971 Clean Air Act, American industry experienced a significantly increased need to reduce air pollution. The application of existing and new technology resulted in the development of many air pollution control devices. They included:
Cyclones Incinerators Catalytic reactors Baghouses Electrostatic Precipitators Adsorption Absorption equipment & wet scrubbers

In the last two dozen intervening years, much of this equipment has reached the end of its useful life, the original process parameters have changed rendering this equipment less effective, and historical failure modes and equipment limitations have been identified. The major controlling performance parameters are:
Particle size, weight, shape Particle velocity Gas temperature / density Solubility and pH System pressure drop and mass transfer conditions Particle size distribution Gas viscosity Humidity level Chemical stoichiometry Residence time

The following is a short primer on these devices, some of the effects of their controlling parameters, and their limitations, advantages, and operating problems. 1. CYCLONES Cyclones operate to collect relatively large size particulate matter from a

gaseous stream through the use of centrifugal forces. Dust laden gas is made to rotate in a decreasing diameter pathway forcing solids to the outer edge of the gas stream for deposition into the bottom of the cyclone. Efficiencies of 90% in particle sizes of 10 microns or greater are possible. Performance & Collection Efficiency Linear increases with: particle density, gas stream velocity, and rotational passes Linear decrease with fluid viscosity Exponential increase with particle diameter Limitations / Advantages / Problems Reduces internal access needs Optimal flow rate difficult to adjust Prone to internal erosion / corrosion Operation at elevated temperatures possible Low efficiency for small diameter material Hopper recirculation / flow distribution problems High energy costs for volumetric flow requirements Dew point agglomeration, bridging, and plugging Few moving parts, few mechanical / electrical ignition sources

2. INCINERATORS Incineration involves the high efficiency combustion of certain solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes. The reactions may be self sustaining based on the combustibility of the waste or require the addition of fuels. They may be batch operations or continuous as with flares used to burn off methane from landfills; and, they may incorporate secondary control methods and operate at efficiency levels of 99.99%, as with hazardous waste incinerators. Combustion temperatures, contact time, and mass transfer are the major parameters affecting incineration performance. Performance & Efficiency Parameters

t = V/Q where;

t = residence time V = incinerator volume Q = gas volumetric flow rate at combustion conditions

Increased residence times mean increased performance

hydrocarbon incineration rate = where; d [HC] = -k [HC] dt

[HC] = concentration of hydrocarbon -k = reaction rate constant

Increased waste stream concentrations mean increased percentage rates of incineration Limitations / Advantages / Problems High destruction efficiencies possible Variations in fuel content of waste Transition among wastes require significant control changes Good for gases, liquids, and solids High cost of supplementary fuel High temperatures require good thermal loss control Hot surfaces, flashback, and explosive conditions 3. CATALYTIC REACTORS Catalytic reactors can perform similar thermal destruction functions as incinerators, but for selected waste gases only. They incorporate beds of solid catalytic material that the unwanted gases pass through typically for oxidation or reduction purposes, and have the advantages of lowering the thermal energy requirements and allow small, short-term fluctuations in stoichiometry. Efficiencies of 99.99% are possible with reduced energy costs. Increasing pressure drops across the catalyst bed increase energy / operating costs. Performance & Efficiency Parameters
Pressure drop = (L) (uf) (V) A

where; L = bed thickness V = velocity uf = fluid viscosity A = cross-sectional area

Limitations / Advantages / Problems

 Supplementary fuel savings Short-circuiting of flow through bed Excessive oxidation and thermal failure Breakthrough of emissions as failure mode Abrasion and thermal shock of catalyst Poisoning of catalyst and drop in performance Thick beds cause high pressure drops and increased energy costs 4. ABSORPTION & WET SCRUBBING EQUIPMENT The goal in absorption and wet scrubbing equipment is the removal of gases and particulate matter from an exhaust stream by causing the gaseous contamination to become dissolved into the liquid stream and the solids to be entrained in the liquid. The rate of gas transfer into the liquid is dependent upon the solubility, mass transfer mechanism, and equilibrium concentration of the gas in solution. Gas collection efficiencies in the range of 99% are possible. The rate of particulate matter collection at constant pressure drops is inversely proportional to the aerodynamic mean diameter of the particulate matter and scrubber droplets. Performance & Efficiency Parameters For gas collection, the maximum equilibrium concentration in solution is described by Henry's law: [Cgas] = (Hk) [Cliquid]
where; (Hk) is Henry's constant [Cgas] is the concentration in the gas stream [Cliquid] is the concentration in the liquid stream

Limitations / Advantages / Problems High pressure drops required Internal plugging, corrosion, erosion Increased need for internal inspection Formation / precipitation of solids Few internal moving parts Reduced opportunity for gas ignition Gas and liquid chemistry control important Increased relative velocity between scrubbing the fluid and gas stream, increases efficiency for solids

5. Baghouses Baghouses utilize sieving, impaction, agglomeration, and electrostatic filtration principles to remove solids from a gaseous exhaust stream. Baghouses maximize the filtration area by configuring the fabric filter media into a series of long small-diameter fabric tubes referred to as bags. They are tightly packed into a housing wherein the dust laden air moves across the bag fabric thereby removing it from the gas stream and building up a filter cake which further enhances air cleaning. The filter cake is removed to hoppers by various shaking means. The operating pressure drop across the bags is described by: Performance & Efficiency Parameters Pressure drop = dP = SeV + KCV2t
where; Se = drag coefficient V = velocity K = filter cake coefficient C = inlet dust concentration t = Collection running time

Limitations / Advantages / Problems High collection efficiencies Internal condensation / corrosion Over-temperature limitations Need for internal inspection / access Possible to have variable flow rates Plugging / short-circuiting / break-through/ collection media fouling Accumulation of flammable gases/ dusts and ignition sources Unexpected bag failure due to changes in operating parameters 6. ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS This control device utilizes gaseous ions to charge particles which are then moved through an electric field to be deposited onto charged collection plates. Collected particulate material is then removed by rapping or washing of the plates. To produce the free ions and electric field, high internal voltages are required. Since the collection process does not rely on mechanical processes such as sieving or impaction, but rather electrostatic forces, the internal gas passages within a precipitator are relatively open with small pressure drops and lower energy costs to move the gas stream. High collection efficiencies

are possible, but collecting efficiency may drastically change with changes in operating parameters. Performance & Efficiency Parameters Collection Eff. % = 1 - e -WA/Q
where; A = collecting electrode area Q = volumetric gas flow rate W = particle drift velocity and drift vel. = W = Eo Ep aC (pi) n

where; Eo = charging field Ep = collecting field a = particle radius C = proportionality constant n = gas viscosity

Limitations / Advantages / Problems Large installation space required High efficiencies for small particles possible Low pressure drops and air moving costs High potential for ignition sources Re-entrainment, spark-over, back corona problems High temperature operation possible Susceptible to changes in moisture and resistivity 7. ADSORPTION The process of adsorption involves the molecular attraction of gas phase materials onto the surface of certain solids. This attraction may be chemical or physical in nature and is predominantly a surface effect. Certain materials like activated carbon charcoal possess the large internal surface area and the presence of physical attraction forces to adsorb large quantities of certain gases within their structure. The rate of adsorption is affected by the temperature, concentration, atmospheric pressure, and molecular structure of the gas. Performance & Efficiency Parameters The following figure shows typical trends for adsorption.

Limitations / Advantages / Problems Can recover contaminant for reuse May require multiple units; one in service, one in recycle mode Few internal parts, controls, and alternating cycler required Potential for step-function change in efficiency Normal operation at ambient temperature Flammable hydrocarbons Chemical mixture problems

This is not a Material Safety Data Sheet but rather a Reference Data Sheet that has been compiled from a number of sources, and is intended to be a concise, relatively non-technical source of information on a particular material or process. It is provided in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date compiled; however, Meridian Engineering & Technology, Inc. makes no representation as to the comprehensiveness or accuracy of the information. It is expected that individuals receiving the information will exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. Accordingly, Meridian Engineering & Technology will not be responsible for damages of any kind resulting from the use of or reliance upon such information.

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Which Air Pollution Control Method is Most Effective? Category: Air Pollution Control Methods | 17/02/2009 - 15:05:00

Concerns about global air pollution levels are increasing, and for business owners feeling the pressure, the growing area of air pollution control can be pretty cloudy itself. Enviro News explores the day-to-day methods available to modern industries to help minimise air pollution using practicable systems. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

One of the major causes of both indoor and outdoor air pollution are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are found within a wide range of consumer products, including solvent-based paints, printing inks and petrol products. Due to the proven contribution of VOCs to air pollution (and ultimately smog) VOC control regulations are enforced around the world to protect the environment against them. Activated Carbon Activated Carbon is a popular air pollution control method. One of the most common forms of carbon treatment in air pollution control is carbon adsorption. This method sees the use of dry chemical scrubbing media such as carbon filters for the adsorption of fumes from the air. Biofilters: Clearing the Air Biofiltration is a method of pollution control in which process pollutants are biologically degraded using microorganisms. The most common air pollution control application of biofilters is the microbiotic oxidation of contaminants in the air. Biofilters use living materials to degrade pollutants when immobilized in the biofilm. Applications of this method include treatment of the off-gas from wastewater treatment plants, after painting and during the manufacture of food products. Although capable of treating large airflows, one of the disadvantages of biofilters is the requirement of a large amount of physical space. In recent years efforts have been made to reduce the amount of space needed, meaning that footprint reductions have been seen. Various systems are used to ensure that sufficient moisture levels are maintained throughout the system. Air is humidified before entry to the bed using humidification chambers, bioscrubbers and water spray systems. Biofilters are cost-effective and straightforward options for pollutants capable of biodegrading reasonably easily. The absence of further pollution from biofilters is another positive associated with this method of air pollution control. Driving Towards Cleaner Emissions Car engine emissions are recognized as one of the leading causes of air pollution. Catalytic Oxidizers are placed in the exhaust system of cars to reduce emissions from the exhaust pipe. The ideal byproducts of a cars engine are carbon dioxide, some water and nitrogen. However in reality engines continue to release unburned hydrocarbons which damage the environment. Catalytic oxidizers now oxidize many of the unburnt hydrocarbons from an engine, leading to cleaner emissions from cars. The Big Problem: CO2 Emissions One of the challenges associated with catalytic oxidizers is the necessary operation speed to catch the unburnt hydrocarbons before they leave the exhaust pipe. Standards of catalytic oxidizers are increasing each year, although carbon dioxide emissions still pose a problem. It is not possible to oxidize CO2 emissions into anything less harmful to the environment. Weve all seen Gas Flares (or flare stacks) burning off unwanted substances and releasing them into the environment. Gas flares burn excess and flammable gases and

liquids from plant equipment in an elevated chimney. Examples of gas flare usage include chemical plants, landfills and oil rigs. Their most common purpose is to protect against unplanned over-pressuring of the plant equipment. The gases we see leaving the chimneys are released automatically whenever any piece of plant equipment becomes over-pressurised. The released substances are burned as they exit the flare stacks. One of the worlds largest gas flaring sites (and a major source of concern for environmentalists) is the Niger Delta, which sees more natural gas flaring during crude oil production than any other country. Air Pollution vs Noise Pollution Efforts have been made to reduce the impact of gas flares on air pollution levels. The injection of steam into the flame can serve to reduce the amount of black smoke released during gas flaring, although one problem with this is an increased level of noise during the burning which can lead to complaints from those living within earshot. Some environmentalists argue that this is an easy choice to make in light of the urgency to lower air pollution levels. Acid Gas Control - SO2 Several systems for dry scrubbing are available, including Spray Dryer Absorbers (SPAs) and Dry Sorbent Injectors (DSIs). Usually known as spray dryers, SPAs remove the presence of acid gases from the environment through absorption in the dryer. Wet or Dry Scrubbers? DSIs are mainly used in medical waste applications and involve the injection of an alkaline into a gas stream. This causes a reaction to create solid salts which can then be removed. The ability of DSIs to reduce air pollution is limited in the less advanced systems. Dry scrubbers are ideal for air pollution reduction applications in which the lowest level of water involvement is vital. They are particularly suited to the removal of aerosol mist, metal finishing and battery wet and dry charging. Whilst dry scrubber methods do not rely on saturation of the gas stream, wet scrubber air pollution control methods see contact between the stream of polluted gas and a scrubbing liquid. The gas is stripped of its pollutants as it is pushed through the liquid. Advantages associated with wet scrubbers in air pollution control applications include their capacity to withstand high temperatures and moisture levels, they necessitate a smaller operating space due to compact equipment and they have the ability to neutralize corrosive gases. Applications of wet scrubbers include exhaust cleaning, the treatment of industrial process gas streams and the incineration of medical waste. Drawbacks of this method include corrosion and the requirement of treatment on the spent liquid. Worth noting, is the fact that the disposal of the water must be handled

according to the current wastewater regulations, which can be time consuming. Additionally, the need for high pressure during operation makes the powering of wet scrubbers costly for businesses. Inspection of the various VOC control solutions available demonstrates that whilst there are plenty of options, none of them are flawless. Advice on the best VOC control solution for the individual business can be gained by contacting suppliers with the working knowledge of air pollution reduction technology to help you make the right choice - both for your business and the environment.

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In 1307 a resident of london was executed for causing air pollution.

Not all scientists beleive DEFINITION: that global warming is Air Pollution, contamination of the atmosphere by actually the result of gaseous, liquid, or solid wastes or by-products that can increasing Carbondioxide endanger human health and the health and welfare of level but they all agree it's plants and animals, or can attack materials, reduce just a big experiment to visibility, or produce undesirable odours. perform on our planet. Air pollution has now been one of the major problems faced by every country world wide. The reason beign centered on the increase use of fossil fuels over the past five or so decades and to some extent increased cement, nitric and sulphuric acid production, all these brought about by industrial revolution.The level is usually given in terms of atmospheric concentrations (micrograms of pollutants per cubic metre of air) or, for gases, in terms of parts per million, that is, number of pollutant molecules per million air molecules.Each year industrially developed countries generate billions of tons of pollutants. * The burning of fossil fuels such as Coal causes the emmision of Sulphur dioxide, which then combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form sulphurous acid and finally combines with water vapour to form sulphurous and sulphuric acids respectively. Nitrogen dioxide is another gass pollutant like sulphur dioxide combines with atmosperic water vapour to form Natural air pollution: nitric acid. In solution both gasses causes the Although man is responsible for causing atmospheric water vapour to be slightly acidic resulting to acid rain . Acid rain has been found to be pollution in the atmosphere some kinds of responsible for the attack of many limestone and marble pollution are way out of works. his hands. The pollution Burning of petroleum in car engines and other petrol

runned vehicles relases Carbon monoxide and Carbon caused by a volcano erruption for example is a dioxide gasses. Carbon Monoxide causes health problems and prolonged exposure to it may result to natural pollution. A volcano erruption shoots death. This is so because it inhibits haemoglobin in red blood cells making it incapable of carrying oxygen. alot of smoke into the Carbon dioxide gass along with other green house atmosphere causing massive pollution of the gasses such as methane is responsible for greenhouse air around it and to some effect ,a process which warms the earth making its climate bearable and capable of sustaining life.But extent areas beyond it. increasing levels of carbon dioxide is beleived to result The radioactive gass into Global warming. Not all scientists beleive that radon which is a global warming is actually the result of increasing byproduct of the Carbondioxide level but they all agree it's just a big radioactive decay of uranium minerals. An air experiment to perform on our planet. Global warming may cause the polar ice to melt and subsequently pollutant emmited by natural sources is a major increase the ocean levels of the world, this may cause small island to drown and flooding in many costal health threat beign regions. Countries like Britain may benefit from this responsible for lung though with better warmer temperatures. Lead petrol cancer. Sometimes temperature causes the realise of lead into the atmosphere. Lead is a harmful substance to the human body. inversions cause a Burning of fossil fuels is not the only cause of air realease of Methyl isocyanate. Exposure to pollution, CFCs [chloro flouro carbons] found in different items such as foams and pesticides contribute this gass caused the disaster of Bhopal India in a great deal. The use of CFC has been regulated in many countries but is still widely used in many december 1984. developing nations. When CFCs are realised to the atmosphere they react with Oxygen radicals to form ClO. Usually the Oxygen radicals combine with Oxygen to form Ozone. A layer which protects us from harful UV [Ultra violet] radiation. The ClO is a stable compound and there fore its introduction to the atmosphere prevents the regeneration of Ozone and therefore causes [ozone depletion]. Although ozone protects us from UV radiation it also has a side effect. It is a dangerous pollutant in smog, and is produced by the interaction of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides under the influence of sunlight. And thus in cases of smog is considered a pollutant. Most or all of air pollutants are potential hazards to human health, and may cause potential injury to

livestock and crops. Often, the first noticeable effects of pollution are aesthetic. ACTION TAKEN: There is not much that can be done about air pollution, the governments have tried to put some restrictions to regulate emission of air pollutants to the atmosphere. The rest depend on how fast we will be able to find an alternative to fossil fuels, the major causes of air pollution and how willing are the people and business men willing to accept the changes that these inventions will bring there with. How ever scientists all over the world have been bursting their brains out to come up with solutions to this problem. Currently cars have been fitted with elotrolytic converters and electrostatic preticipitators which converts harmful gasses to less harmful gasses, Carbon monoxide for example is converted to Carbon dioxide and nitorgen dioxide to nitrogen. Although these are not the ideal solutions, they are probably the best temporay ones. The Green Cars are one step forward, lets see how tech will solve its mess.

e > ecomii science encyclopedia > Water pollution Top of Form Water pollution A change in the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological quality of water that is injurious to its existing, intended, or potential uses (for example, boating, waterskiing, swimming, the consumption of fish, and the health of aquatic organisms and ecosystems). The term water pollution generally refers to human-induced (anthropogenic) changes to water quality. Thus, the discharge of toxic chemicals from a pipe or the release of livestock waste into a nearby water body is considered pollution. Conversely, nutrients that originate from animals in the wild or toxins that originate from natural processes are not considered pollution. The contamination of ground water, rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans can threaten the health of humans and aquatic life. Sources of water pollution are generally divided into two categories. The first is point-source pollution, in which contaminants are discharged from a discrete location. Sewage outfalls and oil spills are examples of pointsource pollution. The second category is non-point-source or diffuse pollution, referring to all of the other discharges that deliver contaminants to water bodies. Acid rain and unconfined runoff from agricultural or urban areas are examples of non-point-source

pollution. The principal contaminants of water include toxic chemicals, nutrients and biodegradable organics, and bacterial and viral pathogens. Water pollution can threaten human health when pollutants enter the body via skin exposure or through the direct consumption of contaminated food or drinking water. Priority pollutants, including dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), persist in the natural environment and bioaccumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms. These persistent organic pollutants are transferred up the food chain (in a process called biomagnification), and they can reach levels of concern in fish species that are eaten by humans. Finally, bacteria and viral pathogens can pose a public health risk for those who drink contaminated water or eat raw shellfish from polluted water bodies. Environmental toxicology Food web Contaminants have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems. for example, enrichment of water bodies with nutrients (principally nitrogen and phosphorus) can result in the growth of algae and other aquatic plants that shade or clog streams. If wastewater containing biodegradable organic matter is discharged into a stream with inadequate dissolved oxygen, the water downstream of the point of discharge will become anaerobic and will be turbid and dark. Settleable solids, if present, will be deposited on the streambed, and anaerobic decomposition will occur. Over the reach of stream where the dissolved-oxygen concentration is zero, a zone of putrefaction will occur with the production of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other odorous gases. Because many fish species require a minimum of 45 mg of dissolved oxygen per liter of water, they will be unable to survive in this portion of the stream. Direct exposures to toxic chemicals is also a health concern for individual aquatic plants and animals. Chemicals (e.g., pesticides) are frequently transported to lakes and rivers via runoff, and they can have unintended and harmful effects on aquatic life. Toxic chemicals have been shown to reduce the growth, survival, reproductive output, and disease resistance of exposed organisms. These effects can have important consequences for the viability of aquatic populations and communities. Learn more about Insecticides Wastewater discharges are most commonly controlled through effluent standards and discharge permits. Under this system, discharge permits are issued with limits on the quantity and quality of effluents. Water-quality standards are sets of qualitative and quantitative criteria designed to maintain or enhance the quality of receiving waters. Receiving waters are divided into several classes depending on their uses, existing or intended, with different sets of criteria designed to protect uses such as drinking water supply, bathing, boating, fresh-water and shellfish harvesting, and outdoor sports for seawater. For toxic compounds, chemical-specific or whole-effluent toxicity studies are used to develop standards and criteria. In the chemical-specific approach, individual criteria are used for each toxic chemical detected in the wastewater. Criteria can be developed to protect aquatic life against acute and chronic effects and to safeguard humans against deleterious health effects, including cancer. In the whole-effluent approach, toxicity or bioassay tests are used to determine the concentration at which the wastewater induces acute or chronic toxicity effects. Learn more about Hazardous waste and Sewage treatment. Want to clean up your water? Click here for 4 simple ways to filter your water at home. Back to all terms Bottom of Form

What are the Main Causes of Water Pollution? There are many causes of water pollution, some of them natural, some manmade and some natural but exacerbated by human activity. Here are some basic facts about water pollution from industry, agriculture and domestic sources.

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Water pollution facts Although industry and agricultural factors are huge, our domestic waste products have a considerable and increasing effect upon water pollution. Water companies are having to be more and more pro-active to deal with the deluge of bathroom and kitchen chemicals we use on a daily basis! This page focuses mainly on the industrial and agricultural causes of water pollution. Read on to learn more. Click here to read about what we can do to prevent domestic sewage water pollution. Click here for ways to protect ourselves from water pollution and obtain pure, clean water for our families. Here is some reading about water pollution facts and some of the solutions These brief outlines of major environmental problems are offered as a quick over-view only. The issue of water pollution is far too big to do justice to on a web site such as this. If you believe that you are affected by water pollution, check the links section for organisations which could help you.

Picture above: Willows with their roots in water at the margins of a reservoir. Many rural bodies of water can be affected by water pollution, especially from agricultural run-off Sediments and organic debris - a natural cause - or not! Natural organic wastes and soil can be one of the biggest causes of water pollution in some areas. Sediments build up over time in rivers and lakes as rain water washes soil, silt and organic debris from the land. This process may lead to local problems for fish and other water-based living creatures. This natural process is made far worse when humans add an extra burden of wash-off from activities such as logging, construction and agriculture. An additional set of problems occur when chemicals and petrochemicals are added to the contents of wash-off, as in the treatment of oil tar sands to remove the oil, as is currently happening in Canada. The environmental destruction going on in Fort MacKay, Alberta and in Saskatchewan is causing lost livelihoods and dramatically increased cancer levels for local people. Fish from local rivers have growths and deformities and are regarded as inedible. See Oilsandtruth for more about this.

The main causes of water pollution: Industry as a cause of water pollution Industrial discharges cause many, many water pollution incidents.

Some stretches of river in the UK used to have no fish at all because the water was so polluted from factories routinely discharging effluent into them. Thanks to tighter controls most are now much cleaner; even the Thames now has fish once again. But this pattern of industrial pollution is being repeated in many countries. Some rivers in the east of Europe are now very heavily polluted. The Yellow River in China is now one of the Flow: For Love of most polluted waterways in the world; stretches of the Water river are now so toxic that animals drinking the water may die and many nearby communities are blighted by high levels of cancers. Industrial causes of water pollution are becoming more closely monitored and controlled in many countries. Domestic pollutants also play a part The main causes of water pollution: Groundwater in underground aquifers (underground water sources) can also become polluted. Groundwater pollution can happen even from household use of weed killers. A study in 1996 of wells in Iowa, USA, found that over half of them were polluted by chemicals from weed killers. In the US many rural communities draw water from wells so the quality of groundwater is crucial to their health. Chemicals in detergents and personal care items can be hard to remove from water. Some leave traces which are strong enough to affect aquatic organisms. Some water pollution is caused by our love of drugs. In the US there are around 200 million prescriptions for Prozac each year. New research shows that some of this drug remains in water after it leaves treatment works.Fish downstream of waste water treatment facilities are behaving in abnormal ways, becoming more sluggish and even exhibiting bizarre behaviour. Read about water pollution, the causes of water pollution and some of the solutions Here is some excellent reading about water pollution and other water related books, including books for children.

When Smoke Ran Like Water: Tales Of Environmental Deception And The Battle Against Pollution Devra Davis looks at the consequences of unregulated industries and the blighting of people's lives and health by pollution. She is an epidemiologist who takes a scalpel to some of the political aspects of the issues, exposing how industrialists have deceived politicians, public and scientists alike. There is a first hand account of the pollution of her home town Donora by the coal, steel and zinc industries. A testament to all those who have pushed for better regulation and continue to do so. From the Bottom Up: One Man's Crusade to Clean America's Rivers The inspiring story of Chad Pregracke who set out to clean up the Mississippi - one of the largest rivers in the world. Not content with just that, he has gone on to found a movement to clean up all of America's rivers, involve and educate thousands of people and plant thousands of trees. Water: The Fate of Our Most Precious ResourceMarq De Villiers writes about the looming water crisis. Water is probably the earth's most precious and undervalued resource. This book is both an enjoyable travelogue and a disquieting appraisal of the scope of the world water shortage. A Drop Of Water The amazing nature of water explained and explored for children with enquiring minds. Walter Wick presents fascinating insights to delight and intrigue through photographs and the text. Around 9 - 12 year olds. Flow: For Love of Water is a film starring Maude Barlow and Vandana Shiva who are trying to publicise the political shenanigans which often deprive people of safe, clean water.

Fertilisers and pollution The main causes of water pollution:

Farmers' use of chemical fertilisers can also affect surface waters such as lakes and rivers and eventually end up in groundwater too. Agricultural run-off often causes algae in the water to "bloom" or reproduce at an artificially fast rate, until the water is choked with organisms, which then tend to suffocate and die as there is not enough oxygen in the water to support them. When this happens, local fish stocks are affected too. Fish and other water organisms often find it hard to survive in the polluted waters. By the lake near where I live there are notices put up every year warning people of the dangers of toxic blue-green algae (see picture below). These are an example of algal blooms. They happen because of the routine use of chemical fertilisers on the nearby wheat crops. The problem is especially bad where years of poor farming practice has led to dusty soils without enough structure to hold nutrients in place until they can be used by plants. If organic matter has been regularly returned to the soil a complex, rich soil structure is maintained and run-off is less likely to happen. Some of these problems can arise with organic fertilisers too, though they should be easier to avoid. Problems can occur as a consequence of poor farming practices, where organic manure is stored too close to water sources. Organic fertilisers (properly composted,) are less prone to causing agricultural run-off once they have been applied to the land because they help build soil structure. Picture, above: Toxic They are also generally less quickly dissolved by rainfall than many commercial fertilisers. blue-green algae can be a threat to dogs and For more on organic growing methods please other swimmers see Organic Gardening If there are too many nitrates (from fertilisers) in the drinking water supply this can lead to Blue Baby Syndrome, a potentially fatal disease affecting newborn babies. Farming and water pollution There are other ways in which modern farming practices may contribute towater pollution. Many animals are kept in intensive rearing sheds and are routinely fed drugs such as antibiotics. As around 75% of such drugs may be excreted, the resultant manure becomes a potential source of water pollution.

Antibiotics in water sources help create resistant strains of microbes, which gradually undermines the usefulness of antibiotics in treating diseases. Metals in animal feeds can also be a source of toxic contamination which ends up in water courses. Zinc and copper are necessary for health but may be oversupplied in feedstuffs and end up being excreted. As noted above, storage of manure and liquid animal wastes can cause problems if "lagoons" or other storage devices are allowed to leak their contents into nearby water courses. Pesticides and water pollution facts Pesticides are one of the more important causes of water pollution. Pesticides, including herbicides and fungicides are also part of the modern farmer's arsenal which can end up in water supplies. Farmers very often spray empty ground with herbicides which kill weeds and make it easier for them to then sow seeds later, after the herbicide has washed away. Fungicides are used frequently on crops such as wheat to prevent fungi such as ergot. (Ergot is a real menace: it can cause a kind of mania.)Pesticides are often routinely used to prevent damage by airborne insects. A study by the National Geological Society (US) showed that 90% of thewater sources tested were contaminated by pesticides from agriculture and other industries. Pesticide pollution is a growing concern world-wide. There are other ways in which farming affects ground and surface waters. Animals which are kept indoors or in small pens create manure which has to be disposed of carefully. If this is not done properly there may be contamination by run-off seeping into water supplies. The waste materials may carry harmful bacteria and will almost certainly have a polluting effect, bringing too many concentrated nutrients into local streams or ponds. This causes them to lose oxygen, ultimately stifling the organisms which would normally live there. Many people in the world still do not have access to clean, safe water. Here are a few organisations which seek to improve water supplies in the developing world: http://thewaterproject.org/ http://www.charitywater.org/ http://www.globalwater.org/

http://www.wateraid.org/uk/ is supported by Glastonbury Festival and has a good track record of helping provide safe water and sanitation in countries in the developing world. Petrochemicals pollute water supplies, too Other environmental pollutants such as petrochemicals and soot from industry or domestic fires may find their way into water systems. Soot may simply blow into water, carried on the wind. Petrochemicals residues and debris from tyres are washed down storm drains besides roads. The water coming off the surface of roads can contain a hazardous cocktail of chemicals. This can be a very significant source of water pollution, so much so that fish have been known to die after unusually heavy rain washes such residues away suddenly into nearby rivers. Also, some motorists still dump used engine oil into a nearby drain when carrying out an oil change and this finds its way into the water supplies. Petrochemical waste is one of the main causes of water pollution in urban areas. Sewage disposal sometimes causes water pollution Sewage is another human product which often ends up as a major pollutant of water sources. While this is not routinely a problem in the developed world, in developing countries there is often a serious lack of proper facilities for disposing of human waste. The United Nations estimated in 2000 that just under half the population of the earth (44%) was living with unsatisfactory sewage disposal systems. So sewage can be one of the main causes of water pollution for some people. Sewage also becomes more of a problem when there is a crisis, for example when flood waters swamp drains, or in the aftermath of an earthquake. In the developed world sewage can also pose other problems. For example,the birth control pill is getting into water supplies through its presence in urine flushed down the toilet. It has been shown to affect fish, causing feminisation and reproductive problems. Chemicals from domestic sewers can also leak into the wider environment. This occurs in developed counties where the sewage system is strained to breaking point by increased loads and and where the infrastructure is aging and insufficient for the task. Causes of water pollution - what can we do? So what can we do to reduce some of these causes of water pollution? Water pollution is an issue which needs good co-ordination between government bodies and other public authorities to solve. More causes of water pollution seem to emerge year on year!

But there are a few things we can do at home. Here are a few suggestions for ways to prevent water pollution from domestic sources. Preventing domestic causes of water pollution Always dispose of chemicals such as unwanted oil, petrol or household cleaners in the proper manner. Many chemicals are unsuitable for flushing down the sink; local sewage systems are not always able to cope with domestic chemicals. If in doubt as to how to dispose of any chemicals, consult your local authority. Do your best to avoid chemical spills and sort out leaks (such as from domestic fuel oil) as quickly as possible. Avoid using pesticides and other garden chemicals as far as possible. Always select environmentally-friendly products over other commercial products where possible. For example, practically all domestic cleaning jobs can be tackled using environmentally-friendly products and many personal care products such as skin creams and shampoos have ecofriendly versions which are usually far better for your health, too. See "Natural Household Cleaners" for more on green cleaning techniques and products Even food causes water pollution; it absorbs oxygen in water. Avoid pouring fats and other food wastes down the sink. Use composting instead if possible. Bokashi composters can cope with fats and even meat products. See "A Bokashi Kitchen Composter" for more on Bokashi composting Protecting your family from the effects of water pollution There is not much you can do (in the short term) to stop the local farmer from using chemical fertilisers on his or her land. All the other industrial causes of water pollution are largely outside of our control, too. These problems are clearly political in scope. In order to effect change political lobbying and action are needed. This website is non-political but there are plenty of organisations which are campaigning for more effective controls on polluters. Please consult the links page for pointers.

However, you can take steps to ensure your own water supply is pure and fit to drink! Here's a website which has lots of good information on home water treatment methods and options For more on the importance of obtaining pure water please see this page .

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How to Reduce Water Pollution edits by:Waited, Travis Derouin, Manchurian President, Maluniu (see all) Article EditDiscussHistory

Eww.. Water Pollution Not in my backyard! The phrase has long been a rallying cry for communities concerned about factories, mines, and other polluters who impair local water quality. Many people are unaware however, that a large part of the water pollution problem can be traced right back to their own backyards. Surface runoff, often called stormwater runoff, carries untreated sediments and toxins off lawns, gardens, and driveways directly into local watersheds. It's almost impossible for government agencies to minimize this type of pollution, but you can help solve the problem by following a few simple steps. EditSteps

1. 1 Reduce the amount of runoff that comes from your property. Reducing runoff pollution actually has two components: improving the quality of runoff and reducing the quantity. This article deals with the former, but check out the related wikiHow for steps you can take to reduce the amount of runoff from your yard. Ads by Google Waste water tanks Leading Manufacturers & Supplier of Waste water tanks www.polybeekindia.com 2. 2 Maintain your vehicle. You can see the stains from leaky cars all over any parking lot. The chemicals--motor oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze, just to name a few--almost always get washed directly into the nearest river or body of water. Have your vehicle regularly serviced and immediately repair any leaks you notice. Driving less or getting rid of your car entirely will do a tremendous service to the environment. 3. 3 Minimize your use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. The chemicals you spray or spread on your home, lawn, or garden don't stay there. Traces of these poisons get washed into storm drains with rainwater or snowmelt. Multiply these small amounts by thousands of households, and the effects on watersheds and aquatic life can be catastrophic. Think twice before using these products, and consider alternatives (i.e. pulling weeds, living with a few bugs around the house, or using natural predators to control pests and organic methods to control weeds). Take an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to controlling undesirable organisms, and you often won't have to use toxic chemicals at all. If you do need to use these chemicals, use only as much as you need; target their application, and don't apply them right before rainfall is expected. 4. 4 Replace your lawn and high-maintenance plants with native plants. Lawns require a lot of water and, generally, a lot of chemicals. The same can be said for many other plants that aren't necessary suited for survival in your yard. By replacing these highmaintenance plants with native species, you can reduce or eliminate your use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and you won't have to spend as much time tending your yard. You can also dramatically lower your water use and help prevent runoff and erosion. 5. 5

Properly store and dispose of chemicals. Many household chemicals and automotive products are extremely toxic both to humans and to other organisms. Protect water quality by making sure these chemicals are stored in tightly sealed containers and that they aren't exposed to extreme temperatures. Clean up spills carefully, rather than leaving them on the ground or washing them into the street. When it comes time to get rid of used or unwanted chemicals, take them to your local hazardous waste recycling facility. In the U.S., Earth911.org maintains a recycling locator on its website. Better yet, reduce your use of toxic substances by using non-toxic alternatives. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of some of these alternatives on its website. 6. 6 Clean up pet waste. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and other pollutants. While a good rain storm may wash your dog or cat's poop away, it isn't really gone--it's in the water supply. Promptly pick up after your pet, and seal the waste in a plastic bag before throwing it in the trash. 7. 7 Contain and/or compost yard waste. Yard waste that sits around can easily wash into storm drains when it rains. Even if the waste doesn't contain chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, the introduction of large quantities of sticks, leaves, and grass clippings can overwhelm waterways with unhealthy quantities of nutrients. Remember, even beneficial and necessary substances can be harmful if there's too much of them, and waterways can't handle the sudden inflow of mass quantities of organic matter washed down storm drains.

Compost yard wastes. Your compost should be contained in a bin or barrel--some municipalities provide these for free or at low cost--to prevent the materials from being washed away. Use a mulching mower instead of bagging grass clippings. Mulching mowers add a natural layer of compost to your lawn, and you don't have to deal with disposal of grass clippings. Dispose of yard and grass clippings properly. If you don't compost or have yard wastes that you can't compost, contact your local waste management or environmental protection agency to determine how to dispose of yard wastes. Many jurisdictions provide regularly schedule yard waste pickups, and others allow you to schedule separate pickups. In any case, bag or otherwise contain the material while you're waiting for pickup. Contain disturbed soil. If your revamping your landscape or tearing out old sod, you can end up with big piles of dirt and organic matter. These are highly susceptible to being washed away in runoff and should therefore be covered or otherwise contained, even if they will only be there for a short time.

8. 8 Pick up litter and properly dispose of trash. Litter isn't just unsightly; it can also contribute to water pollution. Just about every material--from paper to cigarette butts to aluminum cans and old appliances--contains chemicals that can leach out into the environment. Everybody knows that littering is a no-no, but it's important to understand that trash or junk sitting in your yard can be just as harmful as trash illegally dumped by the side of the road. 9. 9 Avoid using salt to de-ice walkways. In colder climates, salting walkways and driveways is a common practice. It's so common, in fact, that freshwater streams and lakes in these areas have been found to have extraordinarily high concentrations of salt--high enough to kill off fish and other aquatic organisms. Regularly and thoroughly shovel and/or sweep snow from your walkways instead of relying on salt, and sparingly apply non-toxic alternatives to salt to surfaces that need de-icing or extra traction. Examples of alternatives to salt include gravel and biodegradable, low-toxicity chemicals such as calcium magnesium acetate and liquid potassium acetate. 10. 10 Maintain your septic system. If you have a septic system, have it regularly inspected and maintained. Overloaded or improperly functioning septic systems can spew raw sewage directly into bodies of water or can contaminate groundwater. Most septic systems should be pumped every 2-3 years.

11. 11 Maintain a vegetated buffer between your yard and bodies of water. If you live near a body of water, keep or plant a buffer of vegetation to capture runoff from your yard. Don't mow your lawn all the way up to the shore, and seriously consider replacing a lawn buffer with native plants. This area should be completely free of pet waste, pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. People who live in close proximity to streams, lakes, and oceans have a special responsibility in the fight against water pollution, because they can more directly contaminate these bodies of waters than others who live further away. Ads by Google Oil Absorbing Fabric Use Ultra-X-Tex material to capture oil and keep it off the beach! www.SpillContainment.com

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EditTips Hazardous waste isn't limited to chemicals like drain cleaner or gasoline. Household products such as electronics, batteries, and thermometers also often contain toxic substances. If you're not sure whether something is hazardous, check with your local waste management or environmental protection department or do some research online. Think about the big picture. You may think that a little oil leak on your car isn't a big deal, and in a way, you're right. The oil from thousands or millions of cars with minor oil leaks, however, adds up quickly, and pretty soon you're looking at a cumulative oil spill far worse than any oil tanker crash. You can't fix all the oil leaks in the world, but you can fix yours. Be part of the solution. Educate your family, friends, and neighbors about ways to reduce their contributions to pollution. If your community doesn't already have environmental education programs, pollution control regulations, or a hazardous waste recycling facility, take the initiative to get the ball rolling. In many areas, agricultural runoff is a bigger pollution problem than urban runoff. If you're involved in agriculture, contact your local extension service or environmental protection agency to find out more about ways you can reduce your environmental impact.