Air & Water Borne Diseases
Open Access

pollution; Water pollution; Environmental challenges; Human health; Pollutants; Industrial activities

Introduction

Air and water pollution are two interconnected environmental challenges that have severe implications for both the planet and human well-being. With the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, human activities have intensified, leading to the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere and water bodies. The consequences of these pollutants are far-reaching, affecting not only the ecosystems but also posing significant risks to human health. This article delves into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to combat air and water pollution [1]. Air pollution has been the highlight of all major meetings at the international level and air is a common issue for all of us. Having breathable air is very important for a healthy life, recent air pollution around the world has been a major concern for all people, various environmentalists such as Greta Thunberg etc. have raised their voices, forcing governments to change. The public demand for it was also very high and as a result stricter policies are coming and everyone is aware of the causes and concerns of air pollution.

Water pollution has also become a major concern for leaders and people around the world. Several measures are implemented to reduce water pollution to a minimum. It has been observed that the most polluted waterways are those located closer to residential areas or commercial areas. While the water bodies near the residential areas were polluted because all the sewage waste entered those waters, the main reason for the water pollution of those waters near the commercial areas was the release of industrial waste areas. Several other bodies of water were seen turning into municipal dumps. Water pollution is a critical problem because the pollution of waterways very seriously affects the life of aquatic animals and leads to the complete breakdown of aquatic ecosystems. Huge amounts of plastic, water bottles and polythene can cause deadly conditions for aquatic animals. Increased water pollution has also disturbed the PH level of water bodies, and as a result, the water has sometimes become so toxic or acidic that dead fish, dolphins and penguins are often seen in the sea, on the banks of rivers [2].

Causes and effects of air pollution

Air pollution is the contamination of the Earth's atmosphere by various harmful substances. The primary sources of air pollution include burning fossil fuels for energy production, vehicle emissions, industrial processes, deforestation, and agricultural activities. These activities release a cocktail of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gases (GHGs) [3]. The consequences of air pollution are dire and affect all living organisms. Particulate matter can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, which can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and reduced lung function. Sulfur dioxide emissions are responsible for acid rain, which harms vegetation, aquatic life, and buildings [4].

Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), contribute to global warming and climate change, disrupting weather patterns, melting ice caps, and raising sea levels. Air pollution also damages ecosystems, reduces crop yields, and negatively impacts biodiversity [5].

Sources of air pollution

Outdoor air pollutants is brought about especially with the aid of using the combustion of petroleum merchandise or coal with the aid of using motor motors, industry, and strength stations. In a few international locations, the combustion of wooden or agricultural waste is every other essential source. Pollution also can originate from business tactics that contain dirt formation or fueloline releases. Indoor reassets additionally make contributions to outside air pollutants, and in closely populated areas, the contribution from indoor reassets can create extraordinarily excessive stages of out of doors air pollutants. Motor motors emit PM, nitric oxide and NO2, carbon monoxide, natural compounds, and lead. Lead is a fueloline additive that has been phased out in business international locations, however a few growing international locations nevertheless use leaded fueloline [6]. Mandating the usage of lead-unfastened fueloline is a crucial intervention in terms of health. It removes vehicle-associated lead pollutants and allows the usage of catalytic converters, which lessen emissions of different pollutants.

Causes and effects of water pollution

Water pollution occurs when contaminants are introduced into water bodies, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater. The main sources of water pollution are industrial discharges, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, untreated sewage, and oil spills. Water pollution has devastating effects on aquatic life and ecosystems. High levels of nutrients from fertilizers lead to algal blooms, depleting oxygen levels and creating dead zones where marine life cannot survive. Oil spills can cause long-term damage to marine ecosystems, impacting fish, birds, and other wildlife. Contaminated water sources pose a serious threat to human health. Consuming or coming into contact with polluted water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Moreover, pollutants like heavy metals can accumulate in the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation and potential health risks for humans who consume contaminated fish and seafood [7].

Sources of water pollution

Chemicals can input waterways from a factor supply or a nonpoint supply. Point-supply pollutants is because of discharges from a unmarried supply, consisting of an commercial site. Nonpoint-supply pollutants includes many small reassets that integrate to motive massive pollutants. For instance, the motion of rain or irrigation water over land alternatives up pollution consisting of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides and includes them into rivers, lakes, reservoirs, coastal waters, or groundwater. Another nonpoint supply is storm-water that collects on roads and sooner or later reaches rivers or lakes [8].

Paper and pulp generators eat big volumes of water and discharge liquid and strong waste merchandise into the environment. The liquid waste is commonly excessive in organic oxygen call for, suspended solids, and chlorinated natural compounds consisting of dioxins. The garage and delivery of the ensuing strong waste may contaminate floor waters. Sugar generators are related to effluent characterised via way of means of organic oxygen call for and suspended solids, and the effluent is excessive in ammonium content. In addition, the sugarcane rinse liquid may also include pesticide residues. Leather tanneries produce a massive quantity of strong waste, which include hide, hair, and sludge [9]. Wastewater contains chromium, acids, sulfides and chlorides. Textile and dye industries emit a liquid effluent that includes poisonous residues from the cleansing of equipment. Waste from petrochemical production plant life includes suspended solids, oils and grease, phenols, and benzene. Solid waste generated via way of means of petrochemical techniques includes spent caustic and different dangerous chemical substances implicated in cancer [10].

Solutions to air and water pollution

Addressing air and water pollution requires a concerted effort from governments, industries, communities, and individuals. Some key solutions include:

Transitioning to clean energy: Investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution.

Improved industrial practices: Implementing better technologies and practices in industries can help reduce emissions and the discharge of harmful chemicals into water bodies.

Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices that minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can mitigate water pollution from agricultural runoff.

Waste management: Proper waste disposal and recycling are essential to prevent pollutants from reaching water bodies and causing harm to the environment.

Regulations and enforcement: Governments must enact and enforce strict environmental regulations to limit emissions and protect water bodies from pollution [11].

Public awareness and education: Raising awareness about the consequences of air and water pollution can encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable habits and support environmental initiatives.

Discussion

Both air and water pollution has significant health consequences. Exposure to air pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and premature death. Water pollution can result in waterborne diseases, such as cholera and gastrointestinal infections. Contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides in drinking water can also cause chronic health problems, including neurological disorders and organ damage. Governments and international organizations have implemented regulations and control measures to address air and water pollution. These may include emission standards for industries and vehicles, the promotion of clean energy sources, waste management policies, and restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals. Wastewater treatment facilities are crucial for removing pollutants before discharge into water bodies. Environmental agencies monitor compliance and enforce penalties for violations to encourage pollution reduction. Adopting sustainable practices is essential in mitigating air and water pollution [12]. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Improving public transportation and promoting electric vehicles help reduce air pollution from transportation. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as using organic farming methods and precision irrigation, can minimize water pollution from agricultural runoff.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that some of chemical compounds that can be launched into the air or water can purpose negative fitness outcomes. The related burden of sickness may be substantial, and funding in studies on fitness outcomes and interventions in particular populations and publicity conditions is crucial for the improvement of manage strategies. Pollution manage is consequently a crucial aspect of sickness manage, and fitness experts and government want to broaden partnerships with different sectors to discover and put in force precedence interventions.

Developing nations face principal water amount and pleasant challenges, compounded via way of means of the outcomes of fast industrialization. Concerted moves are had to correctly control using poisonous chemical compounds and to broaden tracking and regulatory guidelines. Recycling and using biodegradable merchandise should be encouraged. Technologies to lessen air pollutants on the supply are properly hooked up and must be utilized in all new commercial improvement. Retrofitting of present industries and energy vegetation is likewise worthwhile. The developing range of personal motor cars in growing nations brings sure benefits, however opportunity way of transportation, especially in swiftly developing city areas, want to be taken into consideration at an early stage, because the poor fitness and financial influences of excessive concentrations of motor cars are properly hooked up. The concepts and practices of sustainable improvement, coupled with neighborhood studies, will assist incorporate or get rid of fitness dangers attributable to chemical pollutants. International collaboration related to each governmental and nongovernmental businesses can manual this fantastically interdisciplinary and intersectoral region of sickness manage.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

1. Pandey M D, Nathwani J S (2003) Canada Wide Standard for Particulate Matter and Ozone: Cost-Benefit Analysis Using a Life Quality Index. Risk Analysis 23(1): 55–67. 

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Pereira LA, Loomis D, Conceição GM, Braga AL, Arcas RM, et al. (1998) Association between Air Pollution and Intrauterine Mortality in São Paulo, Brazil. Environmental Health Perspectives 106: 325–329. 

Indexed at , Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Ponsonby AL, Couper D, Dwyer T, Carmichael A, Kemp A, et al. (200) The Relation between Infant Indoor Environment and Subsequent Asthma. Epidemiology 11: 128–135. 

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Burnett R, Thun M, Calle E, Krewski D, Ito K, et al. (2002) Lung Cancer, Cardiopulmonary Mortality, and Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution. Journal of the American Medical Association 287(9): 1132–1141. 

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Rios JLM, Boechat JL, Sant'Anna CC, Franca AT (2004) Atmospheric Pollution and the Prevalence of Asthma: Study among Schoolchildren in Two Areas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 92(6): 629–634.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Voorhees AS, Araki S, Sakai R, Sato H (2000) An Ex Post Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Nitrogen Dioxide Air Pollution Control Program in Tokyo. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association 50: 391–410.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Dhara VR, Dhara R (2002) The Union Carbide Disaster in Bhopal: A Review of Health Effects. Archives of Environmental Health 57(5): 391–404.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Dockery DW, Pope CA, Xu X, Spengler JD, Ware JH, et al. (1993) An Association between Air Pollution and Mortality in Six U.S. Cities. New England Journal of Medicine 329(24): 1753–1759.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Scoggins A, Kjellstrom T, Fisher G, Connor J, Gimson N (2004) Spatial Analysis of Annual Air Pollution and Mortality. Science of the Total Environment 321: 71–85.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Xu X, Wang L (1993) Association of Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Level with Chronic Respiratory Disease. American Review of Respiratory Diseases 148: 1516–1522.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

11. Zhao C, Wang Y, Zeng T (2009) East China plains: A “basin” of ozone pollution. Environ. Sci. Technol 43: 1911–1915.

Google Scholar, Crossref

12. Ying L, Min S,  Lu SH, Chang CC, Wang JL, et al. (2008) Source apportionment of ambient volatile organic compounds in the Pearl River Delta, China: Part II. Atmos. Environ 42: 6261–6274.

Google Scholar, Crossref