
How Many Types Of Pollution Are There?
Rank | Type of pollution | Definition |
1 | Air Pollution | Air pollution refers to the release of p ... |
2 | Water Pollution | The contamination of water bodies likes ... |
3 | Soil Contamination | When the soil of an area is contaminated ... |
4 | Noise Pollution | When the environment is filled with unne ... |
What are the 5 major types of pollution?
What are the different types of pollution and their causes?
- Air Pollution. There are two types of air pollutants, primary and secondary. …
- Water Pollution. Nutrient pollution is caused by wastewater, sewage, and fertilizers. …
- Land & Soil Pollution. Land pollution is the destruction of land as a result of human’s activities and the misuse of land resources. …
- Noise & Light Pollution.
What are the different types of pollution and their causes?
What are the different types of pollution and their causes? Air Pollution. There are two types of air pollutants, primary and secondary. Water Pollution. Nutrient pollution is caused by wastewater, sewage, and fertilizers. Land & Soil Pollution. Land pollution is the destruction of land as a result of human’s activities and the misuse of land ...
What is the most common form of pollution?
- Air Pollution. According to the World Health Organization, as many as nine out of 10 people breathe air with high levels of pollutants.
- Water Pollution.
- Soil Pollution.
- Habitat Pollution.
- Noise Pollution.
- Light Pollution.
- Radioactive Pollution.
- Thermal Pollution.
How many people are dying because of pollution?
With 1.2 billion people lacking clean water, waterborne infections account for 80 percent of all infectious diseases. Increased water pollution creates breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes, killing 1.2 million to 2.7 million people a year, and air pollution kills about 3 million people a year.

What are the 10 types of pollution?
Major forms of pollution include air pollution, light pollution, litter, noise pollution, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal pollution, visual pollution, and water pollution.
What are the 7 types of pollution causes?
The 7 Different Types of Pollution ExplainedWater Pollution.Air Pollution.Soil Pollution.Thermal Pollution.Radioactive Pollution.Noise Pollution.Light Pollution.
How many 5 types of pollution are there?
The five major types of pollution include: air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, light pollution, and noise pollution.
What are the 6 types of pollution?
These six pollutants are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter), and sulfur oxides.
What is pollution Class 11?
Hint: Pollution can be defined as the introduction of substances or energy that cause adverse changes in the environment and living entities. It is not only chemically but it may be of other forms like sound, heat or light which causes pollution.
What is pollution class 9?
The presence of harmful substances in the air, land, and water, which can have an adverse effect on living beings and on the environment is pollution. Referring to harmful gases, fluid or other pernicious matter that are released or introduced in the natural environment.
What are the main types of pollution?
The three major types of pollution are air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Sometimes, air pollution is visible. A person can see dark smoke pour from the exhaust pipes of large trucks or factories, for example. More often, however, air pollution is invisible.
What are 7 pollution types?
7 Kinds Of Environmental PollutionAir Pollution. According to the dictionary, air pollution is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases, mainly oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. ... Land Pollution. ... Light Pollution. ... Noise Pollution. ... Thermal Pollution. ... Visual Pollution.
What is pollution for class 4th?
It is the unwanted substance added into the environment that can damage our earth. Pollution is mainly of 4 types, and they are air, noise, water and land. Pollution depletes ozone layer. Pollution is harmful for riled life. Pollution is harmful for nature.
What are the 10 effects of pollution?
But generally, the impact of air pollution ranges from: Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems. Increased risk of skin diseases. May increase the risk of cancer....Air PollutionBurning fossil fuels.Mining operations.Exhaust gases from industries and factories.
What is pollution definition Class 8?
a. Pollution is any undesirable change that takes place in the environment which is harmful to both living and non-living things. b. Pollutants are the harmful chemicals and substances that cause pollution. For example, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, carbon monoxide, pesticides etc.
How many pollution are there name them?
When you think of environmental pollution, it typically comes in seven different types. These include air, water, land, radioactive, thermal, light, and sound pollution.
What are 7 pollution types?
7 Kinds Of Environmental PollutionAir Pollution. According to the dictionary, air pollution is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases, mainly oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. ... Land Pollution. ... Light Pollution. ... Noise Pollution. ... Thermal Pollution. ... Visual Pollution.
What are causes of pollution?
Humans have come to rely on fossil fuels to power cars and planes, heat homes, and run factories. Doing these things pollutes the air with carbon dioxide. Other greenhouse gases emitted by natural and artificial sources also include methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
What are the 10 effects of pollution?
But generally, the impact of air pollution ranges from: Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems. Increased risk of skin diseases. May increase the risk of cancer....Air PollutionBurning fossil fuels.Mining operations.Exhaust gases from industries and factories.
What are the causes and effects of pollution?
Human air pollution is caused by things such as factories, power plants, cars, airplanes, chemicals, fumes from spray cans, and methane gas from landfills, but the ways that humans caused the most air pollution is by burning fossil fuels.
What are the three major types of pollution?
Air, water, and soil pollution are the three major types of pollution. We also have noise, visual, light, thermal, and plastic pollution. Littering and radioactive contamination also causes pollution. Pollution of the environment threatens the health and future well-being of all species on Earth. Pollution is unchecked can lead to the extinction ...
What are some examples of air pollutants?
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, aerosol sprays, etc., are some examples of air pollutants. Such pollution can be highly detrimental to the health and well-being of all life forms on earth.
What is the cause of air pollution in Ukraine?
Air pollution caused by smoke coming out of two factory chimneys in the industrial zone of Kiev, Ukraine. Image credit: LALS STOCK/Shutterstock.com
What are the causes of noise pollution?
Transport vehicles, machinery, industries, loud music, people yelling, etc., are some of the most common sources of noise pollution. This type of pollution on the long-term can give rise to chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases. The psychological health of people can also be affected by noise.
What happens when soil is contaminated?
Image credit: Lefryandi/Shutterstock.com. When the soil of an area is contaminated, it leads to soil pollution or land degradation. The soil is essential to the growth of all plants including crops. Thus, a degradation in the soil quality translates to lower yields and poor health of crops grown on such soil.
How does thermal pollution affect aquatic life?
An induced change in the temperature of large volumes of water causes thermal pollution. This type of pollution leads to the degradation of water quality as the warm water does not provide ideal living conditions for aquatic flora and fauna. For example, when water used as a coolant in power plants or that used in industries is released into a natural water body, the warm or hot water mixes with the rest of the water to raise the overall temperature of the aquatic ecosystem. Higher temperatures also alter the composition of dissolved elements in water. The flora and fauna living in the area that was earlier adapted to a particular temperature range can be killed by this abrupt change in the water temperature. Thus, aquatic life experiences a thermal shock due to thermal pollution.
How does pollution affect the environment?
Pollution of the environment threatens the health and future well-being of all species on Earth. Pollution is unchecked can lead to the extinction of many species. Pollution refers to the addition of contaminating substances to the natural environment resulting in an adverse impact on the environment.
What are the different types of pollution?
As stated before, there are different types of pollution, which are either caused by natural events (like forest fires) or by man-made activities (like cars, factories, nuclear wastes, etc.) These are further classified into the following types of pollution: Air Pollution. Water Pollution.
What are the two things that cause pollution?
Pollution need not always be caused by chemical substances such as particulates (like smoke and dust). Forms of energy such as sound, heat or light can also cause pollution. These substances that cause pollution are called pollutants.
How does pollution affect the environment?
Pollution, even in minuscule amounts, impacts the ecological balance. Pollutants can make their way up the food chain and eventually find their way inside the human body. Read on to explore the types of pollution and their implications. Also Read: Industrial Melanism.
What is water pollution?
Water pollution is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced into water bodies such as lakes, rivers and seas. These contaminants are generally introduced by human activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills. However, even natural processes such as eutrophication can cause water pollution.
Why is noise pollution so common?
Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.) Noise pollution has now become very common due to dense urbanisation and industrialisation. Noise pollution can bring about adverse effects such as : Learn more about pollution, the types of pollution, its causes and effects by registering at BYJU’S Biology.
How does soil pollution affect agriculture?
Other effects of soil pollution include: Loss of soil nutrients, which renders the soil unfit for agriculture. Impacts the natural flora and fauna residing in the soil. Degrades vegetation due to the increase of salinity of the soil.
How does air pollution affect health?
But generally, the impact of air pollution ranges from: Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems. Increased risk of skin diseases. May increase the risk of cancer. Global warming.
Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is the addition of plastic waste to the landscape and waterways. It is caused by manufactured plastics that are not properly disposed of.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that affects health and environmental quality. It is caused by machines and engines associated with industry, as well as airports and other transportation systems.
Light Pollution
Light pollution is unwanted or excessive light caused by streetlights and illuminated buildings, towers, and other structures. Light pollution changes nighttime visibility of natural features, disorienting migratory animals and fostering bird collisions with lighted towers and buildings.
Thermal Pollution
Thermal pollution is the addition of heat to a cool environment, and it is caused by water or air used as cooling fluids in power plants and manufacturing that becomes heated in the process.
How many types of pollution are there?
Referring to the process of damaging land, water and air, pollution is mainly divided into three different types, namely water pollution, air pollution and soil pollution.
What is pollution in the world?
Pollution is something that contaminates the environment by a chemical that renders part of the environment unfit for the intended use.
How does pollution cause?
There are countless reasons for how our world with a healthy feel of the breeze and fresh air turned polluted and the significant contribution is from human beings. Compared to any other causes of pollution, it is human beings who are making this problem reach peaks. Some of the common mistakes that people are doing, which in turn increasing pollution in this beautiful world are:
How does pollution affect the environment?
It causes mainly from gases and other detrimental things that soil the earth and fills the air with toxins. These hazardous contaminants and toxins cause great harm to the environment by making it polluted. With the increased number of the population, the pollution is also proliferating.
What are the types of pollution that are increasing day by day?
Air Pollution – It is one of the common types of pollutions that are increasing day-by-day because of many different activities performed by human beings like, burning of fuel, burning of raw material, and release of dangerous gases. There are again six sub-types of air pollution available like:
What is the effect of water pollution on the environment?
Increase in water pollution drastically reduces oxygen levels in the water, which in turn suffocates plants, animals and entire wildlife. Soil Pollution – Anything that degrades the quality of soil is commonly known as soil pollution.
How does pollution affect the world?
With the increased number of the population, the pollution is also proliferating. This increased pollution is not only affecting the health of human beings but also damaging the natural beauty around us. Today almost 50% of the world is affected by pollution, which is making the earth unsafe to survive on.
What is pollution in the environment?
By Komal Nadeem 2 years ago. Pollution is causing an unimaginable amount of damage to the environment. “Pollution is the introduction of impurities into the natural environment that is capable of causing adverse changes”. It can define on the basis of following three aspects: The presence of a contaminant in the environment.
What are the causes of air pollution?
CAUSES: The root cause of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuel during cooking, driving and many other industrial activities release many chemicals the air every day thus polluting it . Smog and soot are the most prevalent air pollutants.
What is the term for the introduction of harmful and poisonous substances into the air?
The introduction of harmful and poisonous substances (pollutants) into the air referred to as Air Pollution . These toxic substances are present at that higher level that they pose serious health issues. The toxic substances released in air by human activities pose serious threats to health.
How does light pollution affect nocturnal animals?
It is generally the inappropriate and excessive use of light. It has a negative impact in a way that restrains the people from having a spectacular sight of the sky at night and impacts the migration pattern of birds and nocturnal animal activities. Light pollution can impact the activities of nocturnal animals.
How does pollution affect the Earth?
Pollution affects everything on planet earth irrespective of their presence. Every day we go through the newspapers and magazine stories about its adverse effects causing irreplaceable damages to the Earth and it is increasing with each year passing. Pollution is negatively affecting the lives of not only humankind but equally causing adverse effects to other living organisms like animals, plants, aquatic organisms. According to a global survey report issued In 2015, pollution killed around 9 million people in the world.
How does the addition of toxic substances in the water affect the environment?
EFFECTS: ON THE ENVIRONMENT: The addition of toxic substances in the water results in eutrophication that badly affects the aquatic life An increase in the temperature of water bodies due to thermal pollution leads to global warming that causes hazards to water organisms.
What is the term for the contamination of water bodies by human activities?
WATER POLLUTION: The contamination of water bodies such as lake, river, streams, oceans or other stretches of water by harmful substances is referred to as water pollution . It is the contamination of water bodies by human activities. There are two types of water pollution :
What are the different types of pollution?
Air Pollution. Water Pollution. Soil Pollution. Noise Pollution. Besides, other types of pollution are thermal pollution, light pollution, and radioactive pollution. Radioactive pollution is the deadliest as it is a result ...
What is pollution in the environment?
Pollution is a state when an adverse change takes place in the natural environment due to the introduction of contaminants. It can be caused by a variety of chemical substances or energy like sound, light or heat. Particulates like smoke, foreign particles and dust, and excess noise or heat or sound are called pollutants. Pollutants cause disturbances not only in the environment but also in the living entities. These foreign bodies enter the human body via the food chain and also impact the ecological balance, even in tiny amounts. This paragraph on pollution is an answer to the definition of pollution.
What is the term for the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere?
The release of harmful contaminants including toxic gases, particulates, biological molecules, chemicals, etc. into the environment is called air pollution . Gaseous pollutants for damaging the atmosphere include carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides that are produced by industry and motor vehicles.
How do pollutants affect the environment?
Pollutants cause disturbances not only in the environment but also in the living entities. These foreign bodies enter the human body via the food chain and also impact the ecological balance, even in tiny amounts. This paragraph on pollution is an answer to the definition of pollution.
What is water pollution?
Water Pollution. Water pollution is one of the types of environmental pollution that has harmful effects widely. It is caused when water bodies like rivers, seas and lakes get polluted with toxic matter.
Why do we get particulates?
The particulates and unwanted contaminants are generally introduced by humans via activities such as oil spills, disposal of industrial waste into water, and sewage treatment. Other reasons may be natural processes like algae blooms, volcanoes, floods, animal waste, storm, etc.
What are the causes of soil pollution?
Soil pollution is also one of the causes of land pollution or both can be interchangeably used. It is land degradation that is caused by chemicals or other changes in the natural soil environment. Certain industrial activities, agricultural chemicals and improper waste disposal are some of the major factors contributing to soil pollution. Other reasons for land pollution include deforestation, garbage accumulation,, low soil fertility, reforestation, climatic changes, etc.
How many types of pollution are there?
There are 10 types of pollution and their causes vary. When you’re aware of the classes of pollution in the world and your environment, you may be able to take precautionary measures to safeguard your community. Pharmaceutical Pollution. This type is prevalent in the water and is then transferred to medications.
What is pollution in ecology?
First, “What is pollution?”. Pollution is the entrance of toxic or harmful substances into the environment. The ecosystem is significantly disturbed by pollution, and over time, it can affect animals, plants, and people. There are 10 types of pollution and their causes vary.
Why is soil polluted?
Soil becomes polluted because of the excessive use of manmade pesticides. These are then transferred into or onto the food we eat. With so many homes and business using oil tanks for heat, this can be a large part of soil pollution. Your property’s oil tank can leak harmful substances into the ground and atmosphere.
How does trash disposal affect the environment?
The improper disposal of trash can also put toxins into the air. By creating new habits , such as eating organic foods, becoming smoke-free and driving cars that don’t produce harmful emissions, you can help combat the sources and effects of environmental pollution.
What are the causes of thermal pollution?
Thermal Pollution. Thermal pollution comes from drastic changes in temperature. This can kill or damage animals that live in the water and changes the air quality for humans, animals, and plants. Soil Pollution. Soil becomes polluted because of the excessive use of manmade pesticides.
What is visual pollution?
Visual Pollution. Visual pollution is caused by watching unpleasant or undesirable situations and inflicting damage on the eyes. For instance, looking at construction sites or advertising boards with very bright lights can lower eye function and cause vision problems later in life. Agricultural Pollution.
Can noise pollution cause an interruption in life?
Noise pollution can cause an interruption in life. Stress and cardiovascular issues can also result, especially if you live and/or work in an environment where there are many loud noises.
What are the different types of pollution?
Types of pollution: The natural resources which are freely available a gift of nature are polluted and they can be broadly divided into following types like. Air pollution due to toxic fumes from automobile exhaust. Air pollution: This is the contamination of natural air with dangerous gases.
What is pollution in science?
Pollution by definition is an unconcerned and uncontrolled contamination of the natural environment.
Why is dust pollution on roads?
This can be from soil, roads, farming, and even due to mining, etc. From farms, this dust pollution occurs due to pollen grains as a part of pollination. While on the roads it is due to the unclean road overrun by vehicles.
What is the main contributor to environmental pollution?
Air pollution : This is the contamination of natural air with dangerous gases. This is a major contributor to environmental pollution. The presence of a lot of green trees and plants is one of the options to minimize this pollution.
What gases are emitted from automobiles?
Many gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, and other harmful gases are emitted from automobiles (powered by petroleum), industries, and sometimes by natural calamities like volcanoes. Another type is particulate air pollution, it seems many of us are quite unaware of it.
How can air pollution be minimized?
This is harmful especially to the respiratory system are it is directly exposed. This air pollution can be minimized by filtration of effluents, a decrease in the use of petroleum-related automobiles, and also sufficient growth of trees. Water pollution: After air, water is the resource that is highly contaminated.
What is land pollution?
Municipal and other waste being dumped untreated on to land. Land pollution: Land pollution is one that occurs due there is excess dumping of toxic waste. This can be a chemical or other waste material. Polluting the land by harmful chemicals can lead to the entry of pollutants into the food chain.
What are the pollutants in the air?
There are several air pollutants including gases (such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons), particulates (inorganic and organic materials), and biological molecules. Air pollution may produce allergies, diseases, and could even be fatal; it may also injure other living organisms, ...
How many deaths are caused by air pollution?
Outdoor air pollution alone produces 2.1 to 4.21 million losses annually. By and large, air pollution causes the deaths of around 7 million souls globally each year and is the world’s most significant single environmental health hazard.
What is Air Pollution?
As discussed before, air pollution associates with the discharge of pollutants into the air that is harmful to social health and the planet.
What is PM in the air?
Particulate Matter (PM) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Ozone (O3) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Conclusion. Types of Air Pollution – Air pollution aims to discharge pollutants into the air that is damaging to humans’ health and other living creatures or does damage to the materials or environment. There are several air pollutants including gases (such as carbon ...
When is ozone highest?
Ozone is regularly highest in the spring and summer and lowest in the winter. Besides, Ozone levels are highest during the afternoon and are usually higher in the countryside than in cities. Ozone is a principal component of summer air pollution events. Ozone can aggravate the airways of both normal people and those with lung diseases.
What happens when pollution is introduced into the atmosphere?
When it proceeds to our atmosphere, pollution points to the introduction of particulates, biological elements, and chemicals that can be disturbing to humans, animals, and plants, causing damage to the natural environment.
What is pollution in ecology?
By definition, pollution refers to any element that is “out of place”. To put it another way, it is what happens when contaminants, toxins, and other harmful outcomes are entered into an ecosystem, disturbing its natural roles and models.

Air Pollution -
Water Pollution -
- In simple terms, the contamination of water bodies likes lakes, rivers, ponds, aquifers, etc., by pollutants is called water pollution. Like air pollution, water pollution is one of the most harmful types of pollution. It can have extremely disastrous consequences for all living beings using the contaminated water. A major volume of the all the pollutants produced on land end up in water b…
Soil Contamination -
- When the soil of an area is contaminated, it leads to soil pollutionor land degradation. The soil is essential to the growth of all plants including crops. Thus, a degradation in the soil quality translates to lower yields and poor health of crops grown on such soil. Industrial and agricultural chemicals are the common pollutants contaminating the soil.
Noise Pollution -
- When the environment is filled with unnecessary or unpleasant sounds that are harmful to animals and plants, it is called noise pollution. Transport vehicles, machinery, industries, loud music, people yelling, etc., are some of the most common sources of noise pollution. This type of pollution on the long-termcan give rise to chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases. The psy…
Plastic Pollution -
- As the name suggests, plastic pollutionis caused by plastic accumulation in the environment. Plastic, a non-biodegradable substance, is extremely harmful to all life on earth. Every year, thousands of animals lose their lives due to plastic pollution. Ingestion of plastics or entanglement in plastic objects kill these animals. Most of the plastic waste generated in the wo…
Radioactive Contamination -
- When radioactive substances are present in areas where their presence is undesirable or unintended, it results in a type of pollution called radioactive contamination. Such substances are highly toxic to all life on earth. Radioactive substances trigger mutations in the genetic material of living organisms, leading to different types of cancers. Exposure to such toxins can also adverse…
Light Pollution -
- The pollution of the night environment by anthropogenic light is known as light pollution. This type of pollution is caused by an excessive lighting of the streets, flood lights used in stadiums, lights used in an industrial area, etc. The negative effects of light pollutioninclude the spoilage of the aesthetic environment of a place, creating disturbances in the ecosystem, and also harming the …
Thermal Pollution -
- An induced change in the temperature of large volumes of water causes thermal pollution. This type of pollution leads to the degradation of water quality as the warm water does not provide ideal living conditions for aquatic flora and fauna. For example, when water used as a coolant in power plants or that used in industries is released into a natural water body, the warm or hot wat…
Visual Pollution -
- Everyone loves to see clean and green spaces and beautiful vistas. When human activity installs ugly barriers to this vision of open and clutter-free landscapes, it is called visual pollution. The installation of billboards, open storage of trash, networks of electric wires crisscrossing each other above the street, etc., create visual pollution. This type of pollution generates distraction, e…
Littering -
- When waste products generated by humans is not disposed of properly, it is called littering. Here, waste can include anything that is discarded by humans after use like bottles, glass, packaging material, electronic waste, metal waste, etc. Some of these pollutants like electronics, batteries, tires, etc., are hazardous to the health of the environment. When chemicals from such wastes le…