Sunday 14 April 2013

Feature On Pollution


Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of   chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution.
There are four basic kinds of pollution:
·         Water Pollution
·         Noise Pollution
·         Land Pollution
·         Air Pollution
  Other  secondary  types are:
·         Light Pollution
·         Thermal Pollution
·         Radioactive Pollution
·         Visual Pollution

    The release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere causes air pollution. Common gaseous pollutants include carbon monoxide   sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and nitrogen oxides produced by industry and motor vehicles. Photochemical ozone and smog are created as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react to sunlight. Particulate matter, or fine dust is characterized by their micrometre size PM10 to PM2.5.
Light pollution: includes light trespass, over-illumination and astronomical interference.
Littering:- the criminal throwing of inappropriate man-made objects, unremoved, onto public and private properties.
Noise pollution:- which encompasses roadway noise, aircraft noise, industrial noise as well as high-intensity sonar.
Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill or underground leakage. Among the most significant soil contaminants are hydrocarbons, heavy metals, MTBE,[9] herbicides, pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Radioactive contamination, resulting from 20th century activities in atomic physics, such as nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons research, manufacture and deployment. (See alpha emitters and actinides in the environment.)
Thermal pollution, is a temperature change in natural water bodies caused by human influence, such as use of water as coolant in a power plant.
Visual pollution, which can refer to the presence of overhead power lines, motorway billboards, scarred landforms (as from strip mining), open storage of trash, municipal solid waste or space debris.
Water pollution, by the discharge of wastewater from commercial and industrial waste (intentionally or through spills) into surface waters; discharges of untreated domestic sewage, and chemical contaminants, such as chlorine, from treated sewage; release of waste and contaminants into surface runoff flowing to surface waters (including urban runoff and agricultural runoff, which may contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides); waste disposal and leaching into groundwater; eutrophication and littering.
Cause of pollution
The ultimate cause of pollution is human activity itself. Pollution is a human contribution to nature. Science has evolved technologies and technologies have helped the human welfare. In the process, the pollution has been a part of technology and therefore a part of human miseries.
Human activities mainly include:
  • Industries for various human needs - directly and indirectly
  • Agriculture for food production and industrial needs
  • Health care for health of human beings and animals
  • Transport for mobility of human beings
  • Dwelling for settlement in city or villages
  • Energy for various direct human needs and industrial needs.
All of them contribute to pollution in one way or other and therefore cause miseries. All of them are aimed to be part of human welfare programmes. Along with welfare, all of them have brought the maladies of pollution.

Impact of pollution
Impact of pollution on Human Health
Many pollutants have a negative impact on human health. For example, pollutants in the air, such as ozone or particulates in the air, may lead to respiratory health problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function. Drinking contaminated water may lead to stomach and other digestive problems. Pollutants such as mercury can accumulate in fish and seafood and can lead to serious health problems, especially for vulnerable populations such as children or pregnant women. Pollutants in the soil, such as contamination by heavy metals, toxins or lead, can lead to serious health problems, including cancer and developmental problems in children.

 

                 Impact of pollution on Air
One of the most common sources of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels, such as vehicle and factory emissions. These emissions are a major contributor to smog, a mass of particulate matter than hangs like a cloud over many major cities and industrial areas. A second effect of air pollution is acid rain, which forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the air combine with oxygen, water and other chemicals in the air. This combination decreases the pH of rainwater, which is typically pH neutral. Acid rain can lead to the death of trees, fish kills in lakes and damage to statues, monuments and building faces.
            Impact on water


Water pollution may result from run-off from places such as agricultural fields, construction sites or factories; oil spills; sewage spills; and the accumulation of trash. Water pollution has a deleterious effect on the native plant and animal species that call bodies of water home. Run-off from agricultural fields can lead to algal blooms which choke out other plants and decrease the amount of available oxygen for species of fish and other organisms. Chemicals in the water can affect animal development, leading to deformities, such as extra legs in frogs. Oil spills kill native species of animals including waterfowl and mammal species. Sewage overflow can contaminate sources of human drinking water, leading to serious health problems, as mentioned above. The accumulation of trash in bodies of water may also lead to animal deaths resulting from becoming tangled in plastic items such as plastic bags, fishing wire and other debris.
                           
              Pollutants in the soil most often result from industrial sources. Particularly insidious soil pollutants include lead, PCBs and asbestos. These pollutants may negatively affect human health and native plant and animal health. Pesticide use can also impact the land. One undesired impact of using pesticides is the death of native plant and animal species that also reside in the area.

Impact on Ecosystems

Because each type of pollution (air, water, land) does not occur separately from one another, entire ecosystems are often impacted. For example, the use of pesticides or fertilizers on land may negatively impact terrestrial species of plants and animals. When these materials are introduced to nearby bodies of water, they impact aquatic species of plants and animals. Thus, curbing pollution in one area of an ecosystem can also help protect another part of the ecosystem.


Pollution  is  threatening the delicate balance of life on Earth. Meanwhile our own bodies are being attacked by cancers, diseases, and a flurry of health problems that seem to increase in number every year. It can cause anyone to feel overwhelmed and confused about what they can do. The vast amount of troubles in the world can make any thing we do seem insignificant. But if we can do just a few things to help, the joined efforts can create a huge difference in both the world and in our lives. If you are not sure where to begin here are five simple things that can create a big change.
1. Grow your own garden. Whether you have a large yard, a small patch of land, or just enough room for a few potted plants growing your own garden can create a tremendous difference. Having fresh fruits and vegetables at your finger tips can not only improve your health, it can also save you money. A packet of seeds only costs a few cents but can produce several times the amount of food than you would expect to pay in a grocery store, and without the added hassle of driving to the store and creating more garbage from the packaging and bags. Spending time each day working in your garden is wonderful exorcise and a great way to get plenty of sunshine.
2. Start composting. For many composting seems disgusting. Often when people think of composting they imagine an open pile of rotting foods, foul odors, and an array of animals digging through it. Modern composting, however, is nothing like that. Today you can buy or create several different kinds of containers and storage devices from small ones that fit under your kitchen sink to large ones that sit in your yard. These containers not only prevent rodents and other animals from creating a mess they also look neater and more attractive than an open heap or pile. Smell is also something that does not have to be a worry. Ideally composting should not have a strong odor, an odor usually is a sign of an imbalance in what you are adding to the mix. Adding more fallen leaves or cut grass can help reduce the smell. Having a compost bin is a great way to get rid of common kitchen scraps without creating more garbage and waste. And once cultivated you have an excellent source of fertilizer and mulch for plants to grow from.
3. Stop buying chemical cleaners. Check under your sink or in your kitchen cabinets. Are there bottle after bottle of cleaners, degreasers, and disinfectants? Most people think that they need to spend money buying special formulas to clean their house, what they don't think about is what effect those chemicals can have on your health and the environment. Instead of buying more bottles of chemicals and creating more waste try some of the simple cleaner ideas that you can make yourself. Vinegar and baking soda is one of the simplest, most effective, and cheapest cleaning solutions available. You can clean everything from a dirty stove top to a load of laundry with that mixture, and not worry about the effects it could have on your health and home. Lemon juice is another safe and effective cleaner that can remove soap scum and whiten clothes as well as many other uses.
4. Change your light bulbs. Replacing your ordinary light bulbs with low energy bulbs can both save you money and help the environment. These long lasting bulbs reduce your energy bill and do not need to be replaced as often as conventional bulbs. There are a variety of styles available, even low energy holiday lights are being sold. Though the initial price can be higher for these than ordinary bulbs, over time these bulbs can save you up to $50 during the lifetime of a bulb.
5. Recycle. The tried and true method of helping the environment is recycling. Most cities have recycling centers or recycling pick-up available for people. Plastic, glass, paper, even old phonebooks can be recycled and used for other things. Using recycled items can also help the environment and save you money. Old tires and newspapers are used for insulation in homes, paper is recycled into new paper for notebooks and envelopes, even the rubber souls on shoes can come from recycled products. Many stores now offer a wide variety of recycled items, simply look for the recycled symbol to know if you are buying something that came from recycled products

Noise pollution and its bad effects on Human Health ( Article)


Noise pollution is displeasing or excessive noise that may disrupt the activity or balance of human or animal life. The word noise is cognate with the Latin word nauseas, which means disgust or discomfort. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines and transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircrafts, and trains. Outdoor noise is summarized by the word environmental noise. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution, since side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas.
Indoor noise is caused by machines, building activities, music performances, and especially in some workplaces. There is no great difference whether noise-induced hearing loss is brought about by outside (e.g. trains) or inside (e.g. music) noise.
Noise Pollution has adverse effects on human   health as:
·         Cardiovascular effects in humans,
·         A rise in blood pressure,
·         An increase in stress and vasoconstriction,
·         An increased incidence of coronary artery disease,
·         Interfere with reproduction and navigation,
·         Contribute to permanent hearing loss,
·         Unwanted sound (noise) can damage psychological health,
·         Cause annoyance and aggression,
·          Hypertension,
·         high stress levels,
·         tinnitus, hearing loss,
·         sleep  disturbances etc.


If noise pollution is allowed to go unchecked with the increasing number of vehicles on roads, rising growth of factories and construction work, loudspeakers used on various occasions and the playing of film songs and pop music at wedding celebrations, then it may rob the people of their hearing capacity. All of these are responsible for causing noise pollution. The WHO reports that transportation road, rail and air traffic is the major source of noise pollution. Things haven’t changed much in the past few thousand years.
Noise control laws are openly violated. It is time the authorities wake up and act against the danger of noise pollution. They should strictly enforce noise control laws. Noise-producing factories located in the residential areas should be shifted to far-off places without any delay. The use of loudspeakers should be stopped after a specific time. The public needs to cooperate against the dangers of noise pollution. Without public cooperation the authorities cannot make much difference. It is earnestly hoped that the authorities concerned would take urgent necessary action against those responsible for noise pollution to relieve the people from its harmful effects.

Major environmental issues of Pakistan (Feature)


A safe environment is prerequisite for healthy life. Major environmental issues currently confronting Pakistan include water, energy, pollution and waste management, salinity and water logging, irrigated agriculture, biodiversity and climate change. Pakistan being one of the most urbanized countries of the region is facing overall deterioration in all these areas.

Environmental hazards have become a major global issue in of this century. Rapid economic development and manmade interference to the natural systems are the main reasons behind this problem. To address this issue, the initial step is to monitor the extent of these hazards.

Water Crisis in Pakistan and its remedies


SOURCES OF WATER



God has blessed Pakistan with abandoned water resources, with water flowing down the Himalayas and Karakorum heights, from the world’s largest glaciers, a free and unique bounty of nature for this land of alluvial plains. As a result of this natural resource, today we have the world’s marvelous and the largest irrigation system that irrigates over 16 million hectors of land, out of 34 million hectors of cultivable land available. Basically we have two major sources of water i.e. surface water & ground water.

SURFACE WATER

In surface water we have three hydrologic units. First one is Indus Basin River.

(a) Indus Basin River

At the time of independence, we had about 67 maf water available for diversion; this amount increased to about 85 maf by 1960. In 1960 Pakistan signed a water treaty “Indus water treaty” with India, which brought major changes in the sources of water for Pakistan. In that treaty the right of three eastern rivers i.e. Beas, Sutlej and Ravi was given to India. Now the Indus river basin constitutes of the mountain basins Indus plain, Karachi plains and desert areas of Sindh. Its principle rivers and tributaries are Indus, Shyok, Gilgit, Astor, Siran, Kabul joined by Jhelum, Chenab and Sutlej. It covers an area of 516,600 sq. km. its source of water are snowing, glacier melting and rainfalls. From this annually 141.67 maf of water is being received.

(b) Closed basin Kharan desert

It consists of areas of mountain basins of Quetta and basins of tributaries draining in to Kharan desert. its main rivers are Pishin Lora, Baddo Rakhshan, Mashkhel and many other streams. It covers an area of 120,100 sq. km. its main sources of water are rainfall and nominal snow. Here we are getting approximately 4.5 maf of water.

(c) Makran coastal basin

Makran coastal basin constitutes of streams of Malir, Hub, Porali, Kud, Hingol, Nai, Mashhai, Dasht, Nihing and Kech. It covers an area of 122,400 sq. km and its main source of water is rainfall. From this basin 0.78 maf of water.

Now coming towards groundwater sources.

Ground water:-

The Indus plains constitute about 34 million hectors (over 85 million acres) of cultivable land. The recharge or absorption to the ground is around 72 maf, out of which about 48 maf is in the command of Indus basin irrigation system (ibis). Ground water is also found in some rain-fed (barani) lands and inter-mountain valleys at depths varying from 100 to 200 feet.

After pointing out the main sources of water, let’s have a glance of the water available to us through them. We receive an average of 141.67 maf of water from western rivers. Eastern rivers contribute 8.47 maf of water. About 4 maf of water is received from outside Indus plains. Water available above rim stations is 5.28 maf whereas rainfalls below rim also contribute about 14 maf of water. Also about 66.89 maf ground water is available to us. In other words a total of 240.22 maf of water is available to us from the present sources.

For controlling the water resources and for its effective utilization lets have a glance at the present storages and its capacities.
 

Water reservoirs / capacities:-

Pakistan is having three basic reservoirs, namely mangla dam reservoir, Terbela dam reservoir and Chashma barrage reservoir. more small reservoirs like Warsak, Baran dam hub, Khanpur, Tanda, Rawal, Simly, Bakht khan Hamal lake, Mancher lake, Kinjhar lake and Chotiari lake Arealso included as small storage. The storage capacity of these reservoirs is as shown on the view foil.

I shall be discussing only the major reservoirs only.

(a) Terbela dam reservoir

World’s largest earth and rock filled dam was built at Terbela on river Indus in 1976 with a gross capacity of 11.62 maf and a live storage capacity of 9.68 maf. With the passage of time, due to silting, 24.6% of the storage has been lost and now it has a live storage of 7.295 maf.

(b) Mangla dam reservoir

Mangla reservoir is the second major storage of Pakistan. It was built in 1967 on river Jhelum with a gross capacity of 5.882 maf and live storage of 5.41 maf. Again due to siltation it has lost 13.2% of its storage and presently can store 4.636 maf of water.

(c) Chashma barrage reservoir

Chashma barrage is situated on river Indus and was built in 1972 with a gross storage of 0.870 maf and live storage of 0.717 maf. It has also reduced its storage capacity by 39.3% and is left with a storage capacity of 0.435 maf.

UTILIZATION OF WATER

In Pakistan we utilize the water available to us for different purposes. The basic utilization is for irrigation and then used for power generation, drinking and also provided to some Industries.

(a) Irrigation

Out of 240.22 maf, 172.21 maf water is utilized for irrigation purposes as shown on the view foil. In this the canal diversions is 105.23 maf; system loses are 144-40; rainwater is 6.0 maf; ground water is 41.30 and utility above rims is 5.28 maf.

(b) Power generation

Water released by the hydropower plants returns to the river system. The reservoirs are operated on priority bases only for irrigation. Recent increase in thermal generation has reduced the potential conflicts between water releases from reservoirs for hydropower generation and irrigation. Now most of the annual storage is utilized for irrigation and not for hydropower, but conflicts do arise at times.

(c) Drinking

Most of the rural and urban water is supplied from ground water through tube wells and hand pumps except few cities like Karachi and Islamabad/Pindi. Total urban and rural (domestic and commercial) requirements estimated is 10-15% of the surface water, out of which 80% return to the system, however with degraded quality. Net consumption is normally about 2% of the total water available.

(d) Industry

Water is also utilized in Industries basically for cooling purposes and also in manufacturing processes. This utility is less than 1%.

Shortage of water

As we all know that now a days our country is facing severe shortage of water. There are two main reasons, one natural due to prolong drought---which is beyond the control of a man, and the other due to the gross negligence in the development and mis-management of water resources. The average annual inflow of the Indus and its tributaries is i41.67 maf, of which 97% is used in agriculture and the remaining 3% for domestic and Industrial purposes. Out of 141.67 maf, around 106 maf is annually diverted in to one of the largest but in-efficient irrigation system. The remaining 36 maf goes into the sea unused – a total loss --. Out of 106 maf, diverted into an extensive irrigation net work, more than 50% is lost during the changeling and the field application before it reaches the crop root zone.

In the years when the rainfall is normal or above, the country generally does not face any water shortage, where as in below average rainfall period it does. This has happened just few weeks earlier. i was sitting with secretary irsa, in connection of my vision, and he said that they are reducing the quota of punjab and sind by 5% because of no rains and that the level of mangla has gone below dead level. After three days i was again with him and he said that now we are increasing the quota of all the provinces, because we are in happy situation due to present heavy rains and snowfalls. The planners, it is assumed, are responsible to foresee and carry out effective water resources development and management planning to meet the future challenges. However, sadly this is not practiced which ultimately lands the state into such uncalled situations.

Impact on economy / society

As I said earlier that agriculture is our backbone and the water flowing in the channels to the crops is its blood line—and if there is no or less water then we should be prepared for facing problems economically as well as socially. According to the estimates of federal government, the agriculture sector would suffer a loss of about Rs. 90 billion because of drought. Since agriculture has remained a major source of shouldering the already crippled economy, it has a vital role to play particularly in terms of food security and employment of the ever-burgeoning population of the country. It contributes around 35 % to the gnp and employs about 44% of labor force. It also contributes 65% of our export earning. The adverse effects of water shortage on agriculture would have a spiraling effect on the prevailing level of poverty.

(a) Less water means less agricultural yields and to fulfill the food requirements of the nation, we will be dependent on other countries.

(b) Raising livestock is the main source of livelihood of rural areas. it is also an important economic activity, which contributes 9.7% of gdp, will be affected due to shortage of water.

(c) Orchards of pakistan bring home a healthy amount of foreign exchange, which can be affected due water shortage.

(d) Due to less production of main crops, which are wheat, cotton, sugar cane and rice, the Industries related to them will suffer adversely.

(e) Then due to drought and more dependency on ground water for irrigation, the water table will go down, and this will cause water constrains to the population.

(f) Less agricultural outputs will compel people to head towards urban areas for jobs, which will increase the unemployment further.

(g) The distribution of water is controlled from the center by irsa (Indus river system authority) as per 1991 agreement between the provinces. Now the shortage of water will cause disputes between the provinces, which may cause harm to the national integrity.

Analysis

Pakistan is one of the poorest countries of the world, where as on the other hand it is one of the richest in its population increasing capabilities. Our population has surpassed the 140 million mark by now and is still increasing at an alarming rate of about 3%, which definitely needs to be checked. On the other hand the growth rate of agriculture is decreasing due to water shortages. To keep up the pace of agricultural growth comparable to population growth, we must bring additional lands under cultivation. in order to achieve the required growth targets in agriculture, we needed an estimated amount of 149 maf in 2000 and will need 215 maf year 2013 and about 277 maf by year 2025. this scenario warns that pakistan has already has slided from a water happy country to a water scarce country in 1994 and already shortage of over 40 maf persists, which may increase to a shortage of 108 maf and 151 maf by years 2013 and 2025 respectively. This water shortage has been threatening the federal structure of the country. Our reluctance to treat water as an economic good and inadequate recognition of the environmental concerns associated with current practices have led us towards this catastrophic situation. Further more its remedy is an urgent one, otherwise it could trigger water riots and finally lead to social, if not political, catastrophe. Since no additional water is available, it is the time to recognize our responsibilities and start taking steps in the right direction.

So for overcoming the water crises following steps are recommended

Recommendations

The national water strategy must be based upon two essential elements covering
 
  • Water developments
  • Water management
The water development strategy is largely based upon construction of new storage reservoirs where as the water management strategy will help in reducing the present losses.

Water development

In this construction of following dams should start immediately:-

(a) Chasha dam

It would be located 200 miles upstream of terbela on river Indus. its gross storage capacity would be 7.3 maf and live storage 5.7 maf. Its power generation capacity would be 3360 mw.

(b) Kalabagh dam

Kalabagh dam site is located 132 miles down stream of Terbela. Its gross storage would be 6.1 maf. It would have a power generation of 3600 mw. Here I shall further suggest that the construction of Kalabagh be under taken only, once all the provinces are convinced and willing to cooperate.

(c) Thal reservoir

It would be located on the right bank of Chashma – Jhelum link canal, along the western bank of river Jhelum. Its reservoir would have gross capacity of 2.3 maf.

(d) Raised Mangla dam

in this the present Mangla dam would be further raised by 40 ft and thus increasing its gross capacity to 9.5 maf. In addition, its power generation capacity would be increased by 15%.

(e) Mirani dam

The dam is located on Dasht River about 48 km of Turbat town in Mekran division. Its main objective is to provide water for irrigation. Its gross storage is 0.30 maf.

(f) Gomalzam dam

It is located at Khajori Kach on Gomal River in South Waziristan, about 75 miles from Dera Ismail Khan. Its main objective will be to irrigate 132000 acres of land, power generation of 17.4 mw and flood control.

From these projects we shall be able to store additional 20maf of water.

Water management

Managing water resources is the need of time, and we in Pakistan already short of water, must chalk out a strategy. In this endeavor can be made to save around 1.3 maf of water from existing losses. following is recommended in this regard:-
 
  • Presently the losses occur due to seepage, infiltration and leakages etc. seepage results in water logging and these losses can be reduced or eliminated by lining the canals.
  • In addition, people should be educated to conserve water by cooperation.
  • Further more government should make laws on water conservation, like many western countries.
  • The second largest contribution to the total water available comes from the groundwater sources. This source has been exploited and very well used by public and private tube wells. It can still provide over nine maf of water. This source can be exploited and judiciously used for irrigation purposes. How ever in some areas ground water is rapidly depleting due to excessive pumpage, authorities should take control in such areas to save them from depleting.
  • Efforts be made to convert the present rotation based irrigation system to demand oriented system.
  • The modern irrigation techniques, that is trickling, sprinkling etc, which have a potential to improve water distribution and its utilization.
  • Authorities should take appropriate steps to curb the illegal extraction of water and ensure its equitable distribution.
  • Presently irrigation department has failed to stop the illegal theft and extraction; thus irrigation distribution system needs to be privatized through water user associations.
  • In addition, water, now-a-days is supplied to farmers at a very negligible cost and that is why they do not treat water as a precious resource; therefore there is a need to increase the water prices to make irrigators realize the importance of this asset.
  • Farmer’s organizations, water user association, and private sector be involved in construction, operation, and maintenance of the irrigation system. Such associations are conceived as a mechanism for creating a cooperative frame work for improvement of watercourses.

Conclusion

The problems faced by the water sector in the country are many, acute and serious and it is also known that we can generate about 83 maf of more water. Therefore, building of more reservoirs and an effective management strategy are the needs of time. Also implementation of the recommendations will enable the country to meet the challenges, and achieve the objectives of integrated, efficient, environmentally and financially sustainable development and management of limited water resources. At the same time it will enable us to utilize every drop of our water for our bright future.

The Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi Campus in collaboration with National Space Agency (SUPARCO), organized a Five Days short training on Integrating Ground Based Methods and Spatial Techniques for Environmental Monitoring, from 24-28 October, at its National Centre For Remote Sensing and Geo-Informatics Karachi, for sensitizing the above mentioned issues. The Institute of Space Technology, established in year 2002 offers graduate and undergraduate programs in a number of specialized fields of engineering and science. The objective of this course is to train various stakeholders in an area where integrated approach utilizing geospatial and ground based monitoring techniques are required to address environmental issues.
Recent advances in application of Satellite Remote Sensing (RS) for environmental monitoring have provided the capacity to acquire the needful information at spatial and temporal scales. Through integrating Remote Sensing data with ground based data, an advanced approach to study environmental issues are now possible. SUPARCO has been actively promoting uses of space science and technology for the socio economics uplift in the country as well as in the Ummah. Its research and application programs cover remote sensing for earth resources and environmental studies.
The course was inaugurated by Imran Iqbal, Member Space Applications and Research of SUPARCO. A number of participants hailing from brotherly Islamic countries are participating in is course.
This training program encompassed a number of areas such as Environmental Issues (both local and Global), Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment, Introduction to Satellite System and their Application,
Satellite Based Environmental Monitoring, GIS for Water Resources using hydrological, model Arc Hydro (ESRI Software), Snow and Glacier Monitoring and Modeling, Environmental problems of Pakistan and their Solutions (success stories by environmental experts of Pakistan), Hands on Exercises using Remote Sensing, GIS and Hydrologic Software.

Pollution
Pollution is a major environmental problem in the most developing as well as developed countries. Most of these countries such as U.S have been quite successful in solving these problems by passing out certain environmental laws and producing alternatives to such sources which cause a lot of pollution such as coal and oil power stations. There are also laws which make sure that the waste from the industries is being disposed off correctly and is not in any way harmful to the environment. However in Pakistan the pollution problems have been rising since it got its independence. Very few people have concern about the negative effects of pollution on themselves as well as their environment. Hence this problem is increasing day by day which may lead in the destruction of our natural environment as well as our own. In Pakistan there are three major sources of pollution


Types of Pollution


There are several types of pollution, and while they may come from different sources and have different consequences, understanding the basics about pollution can help environmentally conscious individuals minimize their contribution to these dangers. In total, there are nine recognized sources of pollution in the modern world. These sources of pollution don't simply have a negative impact on the natural world, but they can have a measurable effect on the health of human beings as well.
Barrage Anti-pollution Stops and Retains oil pollutions Environmental protection

Different Types of Pollution

Air Pollution

Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of particulate matter such as dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors that cannot be effectively removed through natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle or the nitrogen cycle.
Air pollution comes from a wide variety of sources. Some of the most excessive sources include:
  • Vehicle or manufacturing exhaust
  • Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, dry soil erosion, and other natural sources
  • Building construction or demolition
Depending on the concentration of air pollutants, several effects can be noticed. Smog increases, higher rain acidity, crop depletion from inadequate oxygen, and higher rates of asthma. Many scientists believe that global warming is also related to increased air pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or bacterial matter that degrades the water's quality and purity. Water pollution can occur in oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, and as different water sources flow together the pollution can spread.
Causes of water pollution include:
  • Increased sediment from soil erosion
  • Improper waste disposal and littering
  • Leaching of soil pollution into water supplies
  • Organic material decay in water supplies
The effects of water pollution include decreasing the quantity of drinkable water available, lowering water supplies for crop irrigation, and impacting fish and wildlife populations that require water of a certain purity for survival.

Soil Pollution

Soil, or land pollution, is contamination of the soil that prevents natural growth and balance in the land whether it is used for cultivation, habitation, or a wildlife preserve. Some soil pollution, such as the creation of landfills, is deliberate, while much more is accidental and can have widespread effects.
Soil pollution sources include:
  • Hazardous waste and sewage spills
  • Non-sustainable farming practices, such as the heavy use of inorganic pesticides
  • Strip mining, deforestation, and other destructive practices
  • Household dumping and littering
Soil contamination can lead to poor growth and reduced crop yields, loss of wildlife habitat, water and visual pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution refers to undesirable levels of noises caused by human activity that disrupt the standard of living in the affected area. Noise pollution can come from:
  • Traffic
  • Airports
  • Railroads
  • Manufacturing plants
  • Construction or demolition
  • Concerts
Some noise pollution may be temporary while other sources are more permanent. Effects may include hearing loss, wildlife disturbances, and a general degradation of lifestyle.

Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive pollution is rare but extremely detrimental, and even deadly, when it occurs. Because of its intensity and the difficulty of reversing damage, there are strict government regulations to control radioactive pollution.
Sources of radioactive contamination include:
  • Nuclear power plant accidents or leakage
  • Improper nuclear waste disposal
  • Uranium mining operations
Radiation pollution can cause birth defects, cancer, sterilization, and other health problems for human and wildlife populations. It can also sterilize the soil and contribute to water and air pollution.

Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution is excess heat that creates undesirable effects over long periods of time. The earth has a natural thermal cycle, but excessive temperature increases can be considered a rare type of pollution with long term effects. Many types of thermal pollution are confined to areas near their source, but multiple sources can have wider impacts over a greater geographic area.
Thermal pollution may be caused by:
  • Power plants                                     Urban sprawl
  • Air pollution particulates that trap heat
  • Deforestation
  • Loss of temperature moderating water supplies
As temperatures increase, mild climatic changes may be observed, and wildlife populations may be unable to recover from swift changes.

Light Pollution

Light pollution is the over illumination of an area that is
considered obtrusive. Sources include:
  • Large cities
  • Billboards and advertising
  • Nighttime sporting events and other nighttime entertainment
Light pollution makes it impossible to see stars, therefore interfering with astronomical observation and personal enjoyment. If it is near residential areas, light pollution can also degrade the quality of life for residents.

Visual Pollution

Visual pollution - eyesores - can be caused by other pollution or just by undesirable, unattractive views. It may lower the quality of life in certain areas, or could impact property values and personal enjoyment.
Sources of visual pollution include:
  • Power lines
  • Construction areas
  • Billboards and advertising
  • Neglected areas or objects such as polluted vacant fields or abandoned buildings
While visual pollution has few immediate health or environmental effects, what's causing the eyesore can have detrimental affects.

Personal Pollution

Personal pollution is the contamination of one's body and lifestyle with detrimental actions. This may include:
  • Excessive smoking, drinking or drug abuse
  • Emotional or physical abuse
  • Poor living conditions and habits
  • Poor personal attitudes
In some cases, personal pollution may be inflicted by caregivers, while in other cases it is caused by voluntary actions. Taking positive steps in your life can help eliminate this and other sources of pollution so you can lead a more productive, satisfying life.

Fighting Pollution

All types of pollution are interconnected. For example, light pollution requires energy to be made, which means the electric plant needs to burn more fossil fuels to supply the electricity. Those fossil fuels contribute to air pollution, which returns to the earth as acid rain and increases water pollution. The cycle of pollution can go on indefinitely, but once you understand the different pollution types, how they are created, and the effects they can have, you can make personal lifestyle changes to combat poor conditions for yourself and others around you.


SOLUTIONS TO THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS
Here are a few solutions to the pollution problems faced by Pakistan:
Air Pollution:
Instead of using private cars we must use public transport more often and walk for short distances.
There should be a greenbelt constructed in big cities such as Karachi. The trees in the green belt would reduce the amount of fumes in the air and give out clean oxygen.
We should use unleaded petrol in our vehicles. It is already available at most petrol stations. Unleaded petrol is more efficient for the car and is less harmful to the environment.
Most of the leading car manufacturers should install catalyc converters in their
2. Water pollution:
a)The factory waste should be first filtered and then disposed properly into sea or river. If this is not done, then the government should take legal action against them.
b)Instead of using clean water, we can use the filtered industrial water for flushing toilets, watering the plants and washing the cars.
c)The government should ask the local citizens for proper beach cleaning once in a year. Besides it should also fine those people who throw their waste into the sea or river.

d)There must be a regular cleaning of all the canals and channels by the government workers.

e) The government should pass strict environmental laws concerning oil spill
f)We must all cooperate with one another to save our marine life as much as possible.
3.Land Pollution:
a)Instead of throwing all our rubbish away we can give some of it for recycling such as old newspapers etc. we must also reuse polythene bags for other purposes such as for carrying things.
b) There must be a landfill area where all the rubbish can be disposed off. There must also be incinerators where the remaining garbage can be burned.
c)The government should place garbage cans and bins in many places so that people can throw their rubbish there.
d)We can play a part by throwing plastic wrappers and other kinds of waste into the garbage cans and not on the roads.
e) We can also help by keeping our environment around us clean as well as educating others to do so.

f)
All the shop keepers must use paper bags instead of polythene ones. These are more environments friendly and can be recycled.