The environment is something very familiar with humans. Its everything that makes up our surroundings and affects our ability to live on the earth � the air we breathe, the water that covers most of the earth�s surface, the plants and animals around us, and much more. Pakistan has been carefully examining the ways that people affects the environment. It has been noticed that various human activities are causing following major environmental problems,
1. Air pollution. 2. Water pollution. 3. Noise pollution. 4. Soil/Land pollution.
Air Pollution:- Recent study by-EPD has indicated that average air pollution in big cities is about 4 times more than the WHO limits.
Main causes of Air pollution:-
* Vehicular Emissions, * Industrial Emissions, * Solid water. * Dust fall.
Effects of Air pollution:-
* Respiratory diseases and eye irritation etc. * Reduced visibility, * Loss of vegetation, * Damage to material, heritage and monuments, * Effects on growth of plants.
Air pollution - Remedies:-
* Always keep your vehicle in good condition, * Prefer 4 stroke engine vehicles, *Use CNG as transport fuel, * Proper road engineering and designing to avoid traffic jams at peak rush hours, Uncovered road sides be covered with greenery to reduce the fugitive dust, * Proper check on fuel adulteration, * Apply 3 R formula i.e. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, * Make necessary arrangements for the proper disposal of solid waste, * Plant as many trees as possible
Water Pollution:- EDP study of groundwater quality of 20 Districts {Pakistan consist on 4 provinces and provinces consist on many Districts }indicated bacteriological contamination in over 60% of the samples collected.
Main causes of water pollution:-
* Disposal of untreated municipal liquid waste, * Leaking sewer lines, * Industrial waste water,
Effects of Water pollution.
* Drinking water contamination, * Pollution of water bodies e.g. River & branch canal, * Sub �soil water pollution, * Loss of aquatic life, * Crop damages, * Heavy metals in food chain, * Increased rate of water borne disease.
Water pollution � Remedies:-
* Treatment plants for municipal & industrial effects before disposal to water bodies, * Adequate collection, recycling and disposal, * Application of �Clean technology � at the industrial units, * Segregate sewage lines to avoid mixing with drinking water supply, * Filter plants for clean drinking water, * Application of 3 R formula i.e. Reduce , Reuse , Recycle.
Waste Not, Water Not:-
Here are some simple ways you and your family can cut back on water use:
* Don�t pour water down the drain instead, use it to water your plants or garden, * Fix dripping faucets. One drop per seconds waster 2,700 gallons of water per year, * Take shorter showers and turn off the water while you lather up, * Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your face, * Run dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. The light � wash feature uses less water, * When hand � washing dishes, use two containers � one with soapy water for washing and the other with plain water for rinsing, * Don�t water your lawn too much grass only needs to be watered about once a week in the summer, * Lawns can go two weeks without water after a heavy rain, * Make sure sprinklers-if you must use them are aimed at grass and plants, not on pavement or houses, * Don�t use outside water toys that require a constant flow of water.
Soil /land pollution:-
* Main causes of soil/land pollution, * Municipal solid waste, *Hospital waste, * Excessive use of pesticides fertilizer/ herbicides, * Ponding of industrial effluent, * Disposal of industrial solid le on open land, * Effects of soil/land pollution, * Loss in fertility, * Accumulation of pollutants in edible crops, * Leaching of harmful contaminants, * Surface and ground water contamination, * Unaesthetic look.
Soil/land pollution � Remedies:
* Management of municipal solid waste, * Waste grading and Recycling, * Set-up land fills and composting sites, * Incineration for hospital infectious wastes.
Noise Pollution:
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Mild noise can be annoying ; excessive noise can destroy a person�s hearing .People do not easily become accustomed to noise . The slightest unwanted sound can become very annoying if it continues for any length of time.
Main causes of Noise pollution:-
* Auto Rickshaws, * Motorcycle Rickshaws, * Pressure horns, * Fault vehicles, * Loud speakers, * Industrial/ Engineering workshops in urban areas.
The survey form was designed for three categories in order to evaluate the level of awareness among the general messes, so that the concrete plane to be taken.
1- Adult uneducated. 2 - Adult educated. 3 - Children.