ENGLISHENGLISH

UNIT 12UNIT 12

THE POLLUTIONTHE POLLUTION

        POLLUTION OF WATER POLLUTION OF WATER • Some sea and aquatic experts argue that all the new ones products introduced in our Some sea and aquatic experts argue that all the new ones products introduced in our

sea and rivers should be considered potentially lethal.   sea and rivers should be considered potentially lethal.   •           "the following day we navigated under weak wind through an ocean where the limpid "the following day we navigated under weak wind through an ocean where the limpid

water was full of flotation and black masses of tar, seemingly endless... Atlantic Ocean no water was full of flotation and black masses of tar, seemingly endless... Atlantic Ocean no longer it was blue, but grey-greenish and opaque, covered with clots of petroleum that longer it was blue, but grey-greenish and opaque, covered with clots of petroleum that varied of size, from the head of a pin to the dimensions of a sandwich. In the middle of varied of size, from the head of a pin to the dimensions of a sandwich. In the middle of the garbage, bottles of plastic floated.      could be in a dirty town port... he/she Became the garbage, bottles of plastic floated.      could be in a dirty town port... he/she Became clear for us that the humanity was really to pollute his/her more vital one nascent, the clear for us that the humanity was really to pollute his/her more vital one nascent, the indispensable filter of our planet, the ocean." from"The Expedições Rã “ by Thor indispensable filter of our planet, the ocean." from"The Expedições Rã “ by Thor Heyerdalil.   Heyerdalil.  

•   Marks of the pollution is very visible: foamy rivers, an oily shine to the surface of a lake, Marks of the pollution is very visible: foamy rivers, an oily shine to the surface of a lake, blocked courses of water of domestic garbage (as it is the case of our river Gild). But blocked courses of water of domestic garbage (as it is the case of our river Gild). But great part is invisible. Lakes affected by the acid rains can still seem very beautiful but great part is invisible. Lakes affected by the acid rains can still seem very beautiful but without without

• Unhappily the aggression to our aquatic atmosphere doesn't end here. In the seas, lakes Unhappily the aggression to our aquatic atmosphere doesn't end here. In the seas, lakes and rivers an enormous diversity of different species exist and many of them supply the and rivers an enormous diversity of different species exist and many of them supply the humanity with a lot of nutritious food. Threats didn't exist to this source of food before humanity with a lot of nutritious food. Threats didn't exist to this source of food before 1919thth century. When larger ships and techniques more efficient piscatorial, began to century. When larger ships and techniques more efficient piscatorial, began to provoke a serious wear and tear in the reproductive populations. From the ocean whale provoke a serious wear and tear in the reproductive populations. From the ocean whale to the smallest crustacean of fresh water has been decimated by the Man.The diffusion of to the smallest crustacean of fresh water has been decimated by the Man.The diffusion of marine garbage of pole to pole turns necessary an international surveillance. The ships marine garbage of pole to pole turns necessary an international surveillance. The ships that spill petroleum and pollutant chemical in the water of the oceans. But although the that spill petroleum and pollutant chemical in the water of the oceans. But although the discharges and haemorrhages of petroleum in the high sea have important local effects, discharges and haemorrhages of petroleum in the high sea have important local effects, these waters are free from the worst effects of the pollution. The main concern areas are these waters are free from the worst effects of the pollution. The main concern areas are the ones that are close to earth and to agglomerated humans. It is here that the pollution the ones that are close to earth and to agglomerated humans. It is here that the pollution ponders, it is also here that there is most of sea life, in the continental platforms. ponders, it is also here that there is most of sea life, in the continental platforms.

  2. Effects of the pollutants 2. Effects of the pollutants more common in the rivers, more common in the rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal lakes, estuaries, coastal waters, swamps and water waters, swamps and water tables: tables:

• Nitrates are found in the sewers, the fertilizers and the phosphates (found in the Nitrates are found in the sewers, the fertilizers and the phosphates (found in the detergents and fertilizers). In excessive levels, the nutrients stimulate the growth of detergents and fertilizers). In excessive levels, the nutrients stimulate the growth of aquatic plants and algae. The excessive growth of these organisms can affect the aquatic plants and algae. The excessive growth of these organisms can affect the navigability; it can provoke a decrease of oxygen.Once these organisms use the navigability; it can provoke a decrease of oxygen.Once these organisms use the dissolved oxygen as they are decomposed they  can block the light of deep waters. dissolved oxygen as they are decomposed they  can block the light of deep waters. This affects seriously the breathing of the fish and of the aquatic invertebrate This affects seriously the breathing of the fish and of the aquatic invertebrate animals what originates a decrease of the diversity of animals and plants; affects our animals what originates a decrease of the diversity of animals and plants; affects our use of the water for fishing and swimming. In the water tables, the fertilizers and use of the water for fishing and swimming. In the water tables, the fertilizers and nitrates are among the main contaminators of drinking water. nitrates are among the main contaminators of drinking water.

•           The fine sands and other solids are resulted of construction areas, urban areas. The fine sands and other solids are resulted of construction areas, urban areas. When these sediments enter in rivers, lakes, coastal waters or swamps, the breathing When these sediments enter in rivers, lakes, coastal waters or swamps, the breathing of the fish is harmed, the productivity of the plants and the depth of the waters are of the fish is harmed, the productivity of the plants and the depth of the waters are reduced and the organisms of their habitats are removed. reduced and the organisms of their habitats are removed.

•           The pathogenic organisms (certain bacteria, viral illnesses, protozoa, transported The pathogenic organisms (certain bacteria, viral illnesses, protozoa, transported by the water) can cause human diseases that vary from the typhoid and the by the water) can cause human diseases that vary from the typhoid and the dysentery, even breathing diseases . These organisms go to the water through many dysentery, even breathing diseases . These organisms go to the water through many roads, including sewers treated inadequately, coming waters of a storm, septic roads, including sewers treated inadequately, coming waters of a storm, septic system and boats that spill sewers. Because it is impossible to test the water for each system and boats that spill sewers. Because it is impossible to test the water for each type of bacteria caused of diseases,it has been made tests to find an indicative type of bacteria caused of diseases,it has been made tests to find an indicative bacterium just as the faecal oviform that it allows the water to be seen if it is bacterium just as the faecal oviform that it allows the water to be seen if it is polluted in the sewer that it was not treated and if other more dangerous organisms polluted in the sewer that it was not treated and if other more dangerous organisms are present. are present.

•           The organic material can penetrate in the drivers of water as sewers or as leaves. The organic material can penetrate in the drivers of water as sewers or as leaves. When the bacteria and the natural protozoa in the water begin to decompose these When the bacteria and the natural protozoa in the water begin to decompose these organic materials, they begin to drain the oxygen dissolved in the water. Many types organic materials, they begin to drain the oxygen dissolved in the water. Many types of fish cannot survive when the levels of dissolved oxygen is lower .The metals (just of fish cannot survive when the levels of dissolved oxygen is lower .The metals (just as the mercury, the lead and the cadmium) and the poisonous organic chemists (just as the mercury, the lead and the cadmium) and the poisonous organic chemists (just as PCB) they are usually resistant to the atmosphere and they can cause the death or as PCB) they are usually resistant to the atmosphere and they can cause the death or reproductive flaws in the fish . In addition, they can be accumulate in the animals and reproductive flaws in the fish . In addition, they can be accumulate in the animals and in the reproduction of fish. They can be absorbed in sediments or be found in in the reproduction of fish. They can be absorbed in sediments or be found in reservations of water ,putting in risk the human health. reservations of water ,putting in risk the human health.

  POLLUTION OF WATER IN POLLUTION OF WATER IN PORTUGAL PORTUGAL • In Portugal there are several examples that pollution is capable to do: the In Portugal there are several examples that pollution is capable to do: the

rivers, that in times they were clean rivers, now the water is quite dirty, the rivers, that in times they were clean rivers, now the water is quite dirty, the smell is also quite unpleasant; the beaches along the Portuguese coast, smell is also quite unpleasant; the beaches along the Portuguese coast, were also in times beaches where the water and the sand were very clean were also in times beaches where the water and the sand were very clean and now they are quite polluted; Febros, tributary of the I Gild, that in and now they are quite polluted; Febros, tributary of the I Gild, that in times it had been inhabited by a great abundance and variety of fish doing times it had been inhabited by a great abundance and variety of fish doing get there to be otters, now it is just "inhabited" by trucks tires, bottles and get there to be otters, now it is just "inhabited" by trucks tires, bottles and many other things. Small rivers and pluvial conducts also serve of deposit, many other things. Small rivers and pluvial conducts also serve of deposit, spilling tons of debris daily in the river and in the sea. The effects are spilling tons of debris daily in the river and in the sea. The effects are evident: pollution. Certain beaches constitute a risk for the public health, evident: pollution. Certain beaches constitute a risk for the public health, for the children or adults, that a lot of of the times, they are very near to for the children or adults, that a lot of of the times, they are very near to play or to take bath, a lot of times without they know the danger that they play or to take bath, a lot of times without they know the danger that they run. In rivers, as in the Portuguese beaches, the existent pollution, the run. In rivers, as in the Portuguese beaches, the existent pollution, the collar like concentration did constitute a threat to the public health. But it collar like concentration did constitute a threat to the public health. But it is not everything. The sewer is composed by great amounts of organic is not everything. The sewer is composed by great amounts of organic matter and pathogenic organisms and still salts minerals, that when matter and pathogenic organisms and still salts minerals, that when arriving, without treatment to a river, the organic matter is degraded, arriving, without treatment to a river, the organic matter is degraded, consuming a lot of oxygen. The pathogenic organisms survive and the salts consuming a lot of oxygen. The pathogenic organisms survive and the salts minerals feed the existent flora that it reproduces quickly and in some minerals feed the existent flora that it reproduces quickly and in some cases, it produces poisonous substances. The treatment of the sewers cases, it produces poisonous substances. The treatment of the sewers would eliminate the pathogenic organisms and it would facilitate the would eliminate the pathogenic organisms and it would facilitate the control of the development of the fluvial plants, increasing the amount of control of the development of the fluvial plants, increasing the amount of existent oxygen in water.  The microbial flora and the very abundant existent oxygen in water.  The microbial flora and the very abundant parasitic fauna in the sewer are also a reason to be concerned of. We  parasitic fauna in the sewer are also a reason to be concerned of. We  should not forget the famous black plague that killed so much people, nor should not forget the famous black plague that killed so much people, nor the cholera in having provoked for water infected by sewers. the cholera in having provoked for water infected by sewers.

•       The pesticides and herbicides used in the agricultural lands can be taken The pesticides and herbicides used in the agricultural lands can be taken by the rain or by the overhead irrigations for the soil and for the superficial by the rain or by the overhead irrigations for the soil and for the superficial waters. These contaminations are in general very persistent in the waters. These contaminations are in general very persistent in the atmosphere and they can be accumulate in the fish and in others you atmosphere and they can be accumulate in the fish and in others you encourage levels that can put in risk the human health and even the encourage levels that can put in risk the human health and even the atmosphere.The pesticides can be infiltrated in lands and pollute the wells atmosphere.The pesticides can be infiltrated in lands and pollute the wells of drinking water. of drinking water.

•         The modifications of the habitat result of such activities are as: the The modifications of the habitat result of such activities are as: the agriculture, the canalisations, construction of dams. The typical examples agriculture, the canalisations, construction of dams. The typical examples of the effects of the hydrological modification include losses of the coastal of the effects of the hydrological modification include losses of the coastal vegetation and increase of the temperature of the waters. vegetation and increase of the temperature of the waters.

•         The other pollutants include the salts, acid pollutants and the oil. The The other pollutants include the salts, acid pollutants and the oil. The water can become inappropriate for the aquatic life and for some human water can become inappropriate for the aquatic life and for some human uses when it is contaminated by salts. The salinity sources include the salt uses when it is contaminated by salts. The salinity sources include the salt water, used in the extraction of the oil and the intrusion of salt water in the water, used in the extraction of the oil and the intrusion of salt water in the soil and in the superficial waters close to the coast.  The problems of soil and in the superficial waters close to the coast.  The problems of acidity can happen in areas with many abandoned mines and in areas open acidity can happen in areas with many abandoned mines and in areas open to the acid rain. The changes of the acidity (measure of the pH) can alter to the acid rain. The changes of the acidity (measure of the pH) can alter the poisonous level of other chemical in the water and they can turn lakes the poisonous level of other chemical in the water and they can turn lakes or fountains inappropriate for the aquatic life. or fountains inappropriate for the aquatic life.

•         Other pollutants that worry the Man include the crude and other derived Other pollutants that worry the Man include the crude and other derived products of the petroleum that can be spilled during its extraction, products of the petroleum that can be spilled during its extraction, processing, transport or escape of the underground reservoirs; poisonous processing, transport or escape of the underground reservoirs; poisonous aquatic plants, particularly species introduced that compete with other aquatic plants, particularly species introduced that compete with other native plants; and the temperature increase resulting of the process of native plants; and the temperature increase resulting of the process of industrial cooling or modifications of the habitat. industrial cooling or modifications of the habitat.

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4. POLLUTION OF WATER IN 4. POLLUTION OF WATER IN THE WORLDTHE WORLD• In United Kingdom, about 1 and half billion are unloaded everyday for the sea In United Kingdom, about 1 and half billion are unloaded everyday for the sea

through conducts along the coast. Besides, approximately 2 million tons of garbage through conducts along the coast. Besides, approximately 2 million tons of garbage poison are unloaded for the sea all of the years. Two great problems of this discharge poison are unloaded for the sea all of the years. Two great problems of this discharge appear: the derived visible debris of the sewers and, more important still, the risks appear: the derived visible debris of the sewers and, more important still, the risks for the health that can happen after using waters polluted by sewers.   for the health that can happen after using waters polluted by sewers.  

•           The whales Belugas live in the waters of the river S. Lourenço, in Canada. They The whales Belugas live in the waters of the river S. Lourenço, in Canada. They are the only whales of fresh water of the world. They are white and poisonous. The are the only whales of fresh water of the world. They are white and poisonous. The industrial and dangerous pollutant chemical products that it has been coming to industrial and dangerous pollutant chemical products that it has been coming to accumulate in the river along the last 40 years are transferred along the alimentary accumulate in the river along the last 40 years are transferred along the alimentary chain for Belugas. The reproduction of the whales contain such concentrations of chain for Belugas. The reproduction of the whales contain such concentrations of these chemical ones that, according to the Canadian law, to their bodies it has the these chemical ones that, according to the Canadian law, to their bodies it has the special destiny of the poisonous garbage.   special destiny of the poisonous garbage.  

•           Since 1940 the United States increased 70.000 new chemical substances to the Since 1940 the United States increased 70.000 new chemical substances to the atmosphere. These are found in soils, water and eventually in our feeding. Nobody is atmosphere. These are found in soils, water and eventually in our feeding. Nobody is safe. All are the victims of the pollution.      "As  industries of the United States safe. All are the victims of the pollution.      "As  industries of the United States generate to the turn of 40 million tons of poisonous debris a year, 90% of them ,  generate to the turn of 40 million tons of poisonous debris a year, 90% of them ,  according the estimates of E.P.A. (Environment Protection Agency), they are according the estimates of E.P.A. (Environment Protection Agency), they are unloaded inadequately (without the due treatment) ". The USA are not the only ones. unloaded inadequately (without the due treatment) ". The USA are not the only ones. There are many industrialized countries producing of poisonous substances. It is There are many industrialized countries producing of poisonous substances. It is considered that the drinking water of the USA has 2100 chemists poisonous cancer considered that the drinking water of the USA has 2100 chemists poisonous cancer causes, cellular mutations and nervous problems. The central of existent treatment causes, cellular mutations and nervous problems. The central of existent treatment are not prepared to remove the new poisonous chemists, and the government is slow are not prepared to remove the new poisonous chemists, and the government is slow to take measures to regulate the high taxes of contamination. to take measures to regulate the high taxes of contamination.

Polluted Ramalde..!!!!Polluted Ramalde..!!!!

• Ramalde reflects the pollution of Ramalde reflects the pollution of any city in roads of any city in roads of development.There is a serious development.There is a serious instability environmental .There are instability environmental .There are coming garbage of the domestic coming garbage of the domestic life, there are discharges, so much life, there are discharges, so much for atmosphere as for the formerly for atmosphere as for the formerly beautiful river. There is a criminal beautiful river. There is a criminal negligence on the part of the civil negligence on the part of the civil authorities.authorities.

Pollution: A Preoccupying Pollution: A Preoccupying SituationSituation•   The Town Hall services are responsible for the The Town Hall services are responsible for the

collects and treatment of data about resonant collects and treatment of data about resonant and atmospheric pollution.As we announced, the and atmospheric pollution.As we announced, the situation is really serious in most of the areas of situation is really serious in most of the areas of the people of Campo Grande and S. João. Two the people of Campo Grande and S. João. Two examples: examples:

• - The noise reaches, as minimum values, the 70 - The noise reaches, as minimum values, the 70 and 75 decibels (dB). With the passage of and 75 decibels (dB). With the passage of airplanes, in certain areas, reaches the 100 dB. airplanes, in certain areas, reaches the 100 dB. An alone value by itself preoccupying r the An alone value by itself preoccupying r the human health.human health.

Introduction to the PollutionIntroduction to the Pollution

• In the nature, a biological balance among all the alive beings. In this In the nature, a biological balance among all the alive beings. In this system in balance the organisms produce substances that are useful system in balance the organisms produce substances that are useful for other organisms and so forth. The pollution will exist every time for other organisms and so forth. The pollution will exist every time that residues (solids, liquids or gaseous) produced by micro that residues (solids, liquids or gaseous) produced by micro organisms, or thrown by the man in the nature, they go superior to organisms, or thrown by the man in the nature, they go superior to the capacity of absorption of the environment, provoking alterations the capacity of absorption of the environment, provoking alterations in the survival of the species. The pollution can be understood, still, in the survival of the species. The pollution can be understood, still, as any alteration of the existent ecological balance. as any alteration of the existent ecological balance.

• The pollution is produced essentially by the man and it is directly The pollution is produced essentially by the man and it is directly related with the industrialization processes and the humanity's related with the industrialization processes and the humanity's consequent urbanization. Those are the two contemporary factors consequent urbanization. Those are the two contemporary factors that can explain the current pollution indexes clearly. The pollutant that can explain the current pollution indexes clearly. The pollutant agents are the more possible variables and they are capable to alter agents are the more possible variables and they are capable to alter the water, the soil, the air, etc. the water, the soil, the air, etc.

• Pollution, is therefore, an aggression to the nature, to the Pollution, is therefore, an aggression to the nature, to the environment in that the man lives. The effects of the pollution are environment in that the man lives. The effects of the pollution are today so wide that already countless organizations of defence of the today so wide that already countless organizations of defence of the environment exist. environment exist.

Classification of the Classification of the Pollutants Pollutants

In agreement with the In agreement with the Origin Origin • a)Primary Pollutant - they are present in a)Primary Pollutant - they are present in

the atmosphere in the shape that it is the atmosphere in the shape that it is emitted as a result of some process. The emitted as a result of some process. The main ones pollutant of this category are so main ones pollutant of this category are so much solids, as liquids and gaseous, or much solids, as liquids and gaseous, or even radiations. We mentioned as primary even radiations. We mentioned as primary pollutant; fine particles, rude particles, pollutant; fine particles, rude particles, composed of nitrogen, carbon monoxides, composed of nitrogen, carbon monoxides, composed of sulphur, composed composed of sulphur, composed halogenations, composed organic, among halogenations, composed organic, among others. others.

In agreement with the Origin In agreement with the Origin

• b)Secondary Pollutant - It is b)Secondary Pollutant - It is produced in the atmosphere by the produced in the atmosphere by the reaction among two or primary reaction among two or primary pollutant, or by the reaction with pollutant, or by the reaction with constituent normal atmospheric, constituent normal atmospheric, with or without picture-activation. with or without picture-activation. We mentioned as secondary We mentioned as secondary pollutant; oxidizers, acid fogs, pollutant; oxidizers, acid fogs, smog.smog.

In agreement with the State In agreement with the State

• a) Gases and steams - CO, CO2, a) Gases and steams - CO, CO2, SO2, NO2 SO2, NO2

• b) Solid and liquid particles - b) Solid and liquid particles - Dusts, tobaccos, fogs and Dusts, tobaccos, fogs and smokes smokes

Solid and liquid particles - Solid and liquid particles - Dusts, tobaccos, fogs and Dusts, tobaccos, fogs and smokes smokes

• a) Pollutant Organic - a) Pollutant Organic - Hydrocarbons, aldehydes and Hydrocarbons, aldehydes and acetones acetones

• b) Pollutant Inorganic - H2S, HF, b) Pollutant Inorganic - H2S, HF, NH3 NH3

The great forms of aquatic The great forms of aquatic pollution pollution

• Pluvial sewers and Pluvial sewers and urban drainage - urban drainage - Drainage of Drainage of impermeable impermeable surfaces including surfaces including streets, buildings streets, buildings and other areas and other areas paved for sewers or paved for sewers or tubes before they tubes before they unload for unload for superficial waters.superficial waters.

• Industrial - pulp Industrial - pulp Factories and of Factories and of paper, chemists' paper, chemists' factories, factories, factories of factories of textile, factories textile, factories of alimentary of alimentary products... products...

• Agricultural - Excess Agricultural - Excess of fertilizers that will of fertilizers that will infiltrate in the soil infiltrate in the soil and to pollute the and to pollute the underground water underground water tables and the rivers tables and the rivers or brooks or brooks

• Extraction of resources Extraction of resources Minas... - Modifications Minas... - Modifications hydrological hydrological Canalisations, Canalisations, construction of dams... construction of dams...

Chemical pollution of the Chemical pollution of the waters waters

It is a type of pollution of waters It is a type of pollution of waters that reaches rivers and oceans. Two that reaches rivers and oceans. Two types of pollutant characterize the types of pollutant characterize the

chemical pollution: chemical pollution:

• a) Biodegradable - a) Biodegradable - Chemical products that Chemical products that at the end of a time, at the end of a time, they are decomposed they are decomposed by the action of by the action of bacteria. They are bacteria. They are examples of pollutant examples of pollutant biodegradable the biodegradable the detergent, insecticides, detergent, insecticides, fertilizers, petroleum, fertilizers, petroleum, etc etc

• b) Persistent - Saint b) Persistent - Saint chemical products that chemical products that stays for long time in stays for long time in the environment and in the environment and in the alive organisms. the alive organisms. These pollutant ones These pollutant ones can cause serious can cause serious problems as the problems as the contamination of foods, contamination of foods, fish and crustaceans. fish and crustaceans. They are examples of They are examples of pollutant persistent pollutant persistent DDT, the mercury, etc.DDT, the mercury, etc.

• Usually the mercury is used in the mining to Usually the mercury is used in the mining to separate the gold in the rivers. If a polluted fish for separate the gold in the rivers. If a polluted fish for mercury be ingested by people, this polluted fish can mercury be ingested by people, this polluted fish can take these people until the death if they don't take take these people until the death if they don't take you make arrangements immediate. you make arrangements immediate.

• The rivers usually get to "dilute" a certain amount of The rivers usually get to "dilute" a certain amount of pollutant chemical, but if these amounts are pollutant chemical, but if these amounts are outdated grows in the river green-bluish algae, that outdated grows in the river green-bluish algae, that you/they make to smell him/it badly. These bacteria you/they make to smell him/it badly. These bacteria reproduce quickly and they are going increasing reproduce quickly and they are going increasing stealing all the oxygen of the water. Without oxygen stealing all the oxygen of the water. Without oxygen the fish are going dying little by little, and a lifetime the fish are going dying little by little, and a lifetime in the river it is going stopping existing, dying the in the river it is going stopping existing, dying the bacteria besides.bacteria besides.

Pollution by pathogenic Pollution by pathogenic organisms organisms

The water can be infected by The water can be infected by pathogenic organisms, pathogenic organisms,

existent in the sewers. Like existent in the sewers. Like this, it can contain: this, it can contain:

• * Bacteria - they * Bacteria - they Provoke infections Provoke infections intestinal epidemics intestinal epidemics and endemic and endemic (typhoid fever, (typhoid fever, cholera, shigelose, cholera, shigelose, salmonelose, salmonelose, leptospirose etc.). leptospirose etc.).

• * Virus - they * Virus - they provoke hepatitides, provoke hepatitides, infections in the infections in the eyes etc. eyes etc.

• * Protozoa - * Protozoa - Responsible for Responsible for the am biases the am biases and giardíases, and giardíases, etc. etc.

• * Worms - * Worms - Esquistossomose Esquistossomose and other and other infestations infestations

Pollution of RiversPollution of Rivers

• As fruit of the man's performance on As fruit of the man's performance on the environment, the problem of the the environment, the problem of the pollution of the rivers appears. pollution of the rivers appears.

• The sources of pollution of the water The sources of pollution of the water of the rivers result, among other of the rivers result, among other factors, of the domestic sewers, factors, of the domestic sewers, industrial spilling, drainage of the industrial spilling, drainage of the rain of the urban areas and of the rain of the urban areas and of the waters of irrigation return.waters of irrigation return.

• This way, mainly the current century, the great This way, mainly the current century, the great population growth and the industrial development, population growth and the industrial development, besides the use, every time larger, of chemical besides the use, every time larger, of chemical fertilizers and insecticides in the farming has been fertilizers and insecticides in the farming has been causing serious damages in general to the rivers and causing serious damages in general to the rivers and the life. the life.

• The great concentrations of nitrogen and match, The great concentrations of nitrogen and match, used in the fertilizers and fertilizers, they constitute used in the fertilizers and fertilizers, they constitute a type very common of pollution of the water. The a type very common of pollution of the water. The torrents transport for the rivers the phosphates and torrents transport for the rivers the phosphates and nitrates. These nurture the aquatic plants, the ones nitrates. These nurture the aquatic plants, the ones which, multiplying (especially algae), they absorb which, multiplying (especially algae), they absorb the oxygen of the water.The lack of oxygen provokes the oxygen of the water.The lack of oxygen provokes the death of many plants and animals that, if they the death of many plants and animals that, if they decompose, increase the pollution.decompose, increase the pollution.

• It is noticed that the rivers, as source of foods, It is noticed that the rivers, as source of foods, means of transportation and suppliers of water for means of transportation and suppliers of water for the irrigation of lands and for use in general of the the irrigation of lands and for use in general of the man, they had been threatened .It is need measures man, they had been threatened .It is need measures to stop pollution or rigid norms of the use of the to stop pollution or rigid norms of the use of the natural resources must be adopted. In case that it natural resources must be adopted. In case that it doesn't happen the rivers will be agonizing. doesn't happen the rivers will be agonizing.

• In United Kingdom, about 1 billion of litres they are In United Kingdom, about 1 billion of litres they are unloaded everyday for the sea through conducts unloaded everyday for the sea through conducts along the coast. Besides, approximately 2 million along the coast. Besides, approximately 2 million tons of garbage poison are unloaded for the sea all tons of garbage poison are unloaded for the sea all of the years. Two great problems of this discharge of the years. Two great problems of this discharge appear: the derived visible debris of the sewers and, appear: the derived visible debris of the sewers and, more important still, the risks for the health that more important still, the risks for the health that you/they can happen after using waters polluted by you/they can happen after using waters polluted by sewers. sewers.

The Thermal Pollution The Thermal Pollution

• • The thermal pollution elapses of the release, in the The thermal pollution elapses of the release, in the

rivers, of the warm water used at the process of rivers, of the warm water used at the process of cooling of refineries, steel industries and thermo cooling of refineries, steel industries and thermo electrical plants. For the alive beings, the effects of electrical plants. For the alive beings, the effects of the temperature concern the acceleration of the the temperature concern the acceleration of the metabolism, in other words, of the chemical metabolism, in other words, of the chemical activities that happen in the cells. The acceleration activities that happen in the cells. The acceleration of the metabolism provokes increase of the need of of the metabolism provokes increase of the need of oxygen and, consequently, in the acceleration of the oxygen and, consequently, in the acceleration of the breathing rhythm. On the other hand, such breathing breathing rhythm. On the other hand, such breathing needs are committed, because the haemoglobin has needs are committed, because the haemoglobin has little likeness with the warm oxygen. Combined and little likeness with the warm oxygen. Combined and reinforced with other pollution forms she can reinforced with other pollution forms she can impoverish the atmosphere in an unexpected way.impoverish the atmosphere in an unexpected way.

Atmospheric pollution Atmospheric pollution

• The emission sources of pollutant primary and of the The emission sources of pollutant primary and of the secondary components it can be the most varied secondary components it can be the most varied possible. The emission of poisonous gases for self-possible. The emission of poisonous gases for self-driven vehicles is the largest source of atmospheric driven vehicles is the largest source of atmospheric pollution. pollution.

• In the cities, those vehicles are responsible for 40% In the cities, those vehicles are responsible for 40% of the pollution of the air, because they emit gases of the pollution of the air, because they emit gases as the monoxide and the carbon dioxide, the oxide of as the monoxide and the carbon dioxide, the oxide of nitrogen, the dioxide of sulphur, derived of nitrogen, the dioxide of sulphur, derived of hydrocarbons and lead. The refineries of petroleum, hydrocarbons and lead. The refineries of petroleum, chemical and metallurgical industries, paper mills chemical and metallurgical industries, paper mills and cement emit sulphur, lead and other heavy and cement emit sulphur, lead and other heavy metals, and several solid residues.metals, and several solid residues.

• The identification of a source of atmospheric The identification of a source of atmospheric pollution, depends, before anything else, of the pollution, depends, before anything else, of the patterns adopted to define the pollutant agents and patterns adopted to define the pollutant agents and their effects on men, animals, vegetables or other their effects on men, animals, vegetables or other materials, as well as of the criteria to measure the materials, as well as of the criteria to measure the pollutant ones and their effects. pollutant ones and their effects.

• Those alterations provoke in the man breathing Those alterations provoke in the man breathing disturbances, allergies, degenerative lesions in the disturbances, allergies, degenerative lesions in the nervous system, and in vital organs, and cancer. In nervous system, and in vital organs, and cancer. In cities very polluted, those disturbances become cities very polluted, those disturbances become worse in the winter with the thermal inversion, when worse in the winter with the thermal inversion, when a layer of cold air forms a glass dome in the high a layer of cold air forms a glass dome in the high atmosphere, arresting the hot air and impeding the atmosphere, arresting the hot air and impeding the dispersion of the pollutant ones.dispersion of the pollutant ones.

Pollution of SoilPollution of Soil

The soil in ecosystemThe soil in ecosystem

• We already saw We already saw that the soil is that the soil is integral part of the integral part of the ecosystems, for its ecosystems, for its participation in the participation in the biochemical cycles. biochemical cycles. The use of water The use of water and nutrients are and nutrients are cyclical since, cyclical since, solitary of the soil, solitary of the soil, such elements such elements return to the same return to the same through the through the biochemical cycles .biochemical cycles .

The problem of the The problem of the GarbageGarbage

• The urban garbage is constituted predominantly by organic matter The urban garbage is constituted predominantly by organic matter and as such it suffers intense decomposition, allowing the and as such it suffers intense decomposition, allowing the recycling. The decomposition can be made by two processes: recycling. The decomposition can be made by two processes: aerobium and anaerobe. aerobium and anaerobe.

The aerobic decomposition is much faster, The aerobic decomposition is much faster, and the residues resultants are: carbon gas, and the residues resultants are: carbon gas, salts minerals and some composed organic salts minerals and some composed organic that, more resistant to the biodegradation that, more resistant to the biodegradation they don't arrive the if to decompose totally. they don't arrive the if to decompose totally. The anaerobic decomposition, however it can The anaerobic decomposition, however it can originate composed noxious, as gas sulphuric, originate composed noxious, as gas sulphuric, mercaptans and others composed that can be mercaptans and others composed that can be poisonous or to exhale bad smell. The urban poisonous or to exhale bad smell. The urban garbage suffers four processes: “lixões”, garbage suffers four processes: “lixões”, sanitary embankments, compost gem and sanitary embankments, compost gem and incineration. In the case of the "lixões", the incineration. In the case of the "lixões", the garbage is simply taken for wastelands where garbage is simply taken for wastelands where it is exposed and it is taken advantage and it is exposed and it is taken advantage and people can take the risk of contracting people can take the risk of contracting diseases. On the other hand the “lixão” diseases. On the other hand the “lixão” provokes intense proliferation of flies and provokes intense proliferation of flies and other insects. Another inconvenience is the other insects. Another inconvenience is the "corume", that it results of the decomposition "corume", that it results of the decomposition of the garbage and that it pollutes the soil of the garbage and that it pollutes the soil and the water tables. and the water tables.

The resonant pollution The resonant pollution differs enough of the differs enough of the pollution of the air and pollution of the air and of the water as for the of the water as for the following aspects:following aspects:

• a) The noise is produced a) The noise is produced everywhere and, therefore, it everywhere and, therefore, it is not easy control him/it in is not easy control him/it in the source as it happens in the source as it happens in the pollution of the air and of the pollution of the air and of the water; the water;

• b) Although the noise b) Although the noise produces cumulative effects produces cumulative effects in the organism, in the same in the organism, in the same way that other pollution way that other pollution modalities, he/she differs for modalities, he/she differs for not leaving residue so soon in not leaving residue so soon in the atmosphere is the atmosphere is interrupted; interrupted;

• c) Differing of the pollution of c) Differing of the pollution of the air and of the water, the the air and of the water, the noise is just noticed in the noise is just noticed in the proximities of the source;proximities of the source;

• d) there is No larger interest d) there is No larger interest for the noise nor motivation for for the noise nor motivation for you combat him/it; the people you combat him/it; the people are more capable to complain are more capable to complain and to demand political action and to demand political action concerning the pollution of the concerning the pollution of the air and of the water than air and of the water than regarding the noise; regarding the noise;

• e)the noise, to the that seems, e)the noise, to the that seems, doesn't have more generic doesn't have more generic effects, as it happens with effects, as it happens with certain forms of pollution of certain forms of pollution of the air and of the water, to the air and of the water, to example of the radioactive example of the radioactive pollution. However I pollution. However I inconvenience him/it, the inconvenience him/it, the frustration, the aggression to frustration, the aggression to the hearing apparel and the the hearing apparel and the general fatigue caused by the general fatigue caused by the resonant pollution can affect resonant pollution can affect the future generations.the future generations.

  Causes of noisesCauses of noises

Noise in the StreetsNoise in the Streets

• The traffic is the great cause of the noise in the The traffic is the great cause of the noise in the life of the great cities. The characteristics of the life of the great cities. The characteristics of the noisy vehicles are the holed exhaust or rusty, the noisy vehicles are the holed exhaust or rusty, the alterations in the silent or in the flushing pipe, the alterations in the silent or in the flushing pipe, the alterations in the motor and the bad habits when alterations in the motor and the bad habits when driving - accelerations and braked abrupt and the driving - accelerations and braked abrupt and the excessive use of horn. excessive use of horn.

• In the main streets of the city of São Paulo, the In the main streets of the city of São Paulo, the noise levels reach from 88 to 104 decibels. Why noise levels reach from 88 to 104 decibels. Why that explains the professional drivers are the that explains the professional drivers are the main objective of acquired deafness. In the main objective of acquired deafness. In the residential areas, the noise levels vary from 60 to residential areas, the noise levels vary from 60 to 63 decibels - above the 55 established decibels 63 decibels - above the 55 established decibels as limit for the Municipal Law of Silence.as limit for the Municipal Law of Silence.

Noise in the Houses Noise in the Houses

• Conditioning of air, mixers, liquidizers, Conditioning of air, mixers, liquidizers, floor polishers, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, vacuum cleaners, washing machine , refrigerators, sound washing machine , refrigerators, sound apparels and of massage, televisions, apparels and of massage, televisions, hair dryers and so many other hair dryers and so many other appliances can be present in a same appliances can be present in a same residence, working simultaneously and residence, working simultaneously and adding their undesirable decibels.adding their undesirable decibels.

  Noise in the IndustriesNoise in the Industries

• It is of the most important the paper of the industry in the It is of the most important the paper of the industry in the resonant pollution. After the great first war, it was that the resonant pollution. After the great first war, it was that the increase of the professional diseases was verified, especially the increase of the professional diseases was verified, especially the deafness, besides the emergence of other diseases, owed to the deafness, besides the emergence of other diseases, owed to the amazing development brought by the industrial outbreak. amazing development brought by the industrial outbreak.

• In some European countries, like Sweden and Germany, where the In some European countries, like Sweden and Germany, where the statistical data portray the reality faithfully, it is impressive statistical data portray the reality faithfully, it is impressive number him/it of workers that, in the industries, due to the noise, number him/it of workers that, in the industries, due to the noise, they are suffering audition loss. they are suffering audition loss.

• Seeking the workers' of the factories protection, in 1977 the Seeking the workers' of the factories protection, in 1977 the United States established the maximum noise of 90 dB for the United States established the maximum noise of 90 dB for the daily duration of 8 hours. It was verified with the adoption of that daily duration of 8 hours. It was verified with the adoption of that limit, a fifth of the workers were subject to hearing deficiencies. limit, a fifth of the workers were subject to hearing deficiencies. Therefore Holland and other countries lowered the limit for 80 dB. Therefore Holland and other countries lowered the limit for 80 dB.

Noise of the AirplanesNoise of the Airplanes

• The departure and the arrival of The departure and the arrival of airplanes to jet are accompanied of airplanes to jet are accompanied of noises of great intensity that disturb noises of great intensity that disturb the residents of the environs the residents of the environs excessively excessively

Effects in the Man's audition Effects in the Man's audition

• An individual's hearing capacity can be limited to An individual's hearing capacity can be limited to 60%. Though, for being him still capable to hear the 60%. Though, for being him still capable to hear the own voice and certain routine noises, he/she doesn't own voice and certain routine noises, he/she doesn't worry about the deafness. The total loss of audition worry about the deafness. The total loss of audition can be happened the person is subject daily, for 8 can be happened the person is subject daily, for 8 following hours, to sounds with superior intensity to following hours, to sounds with superior intensity to 85 dB, as the registrars in discos factories of 85 dB, as the registrars in discos factories of armaments and airports. armaments and airports.

• The noise of 140 dB can totally destroy the eardrum, The noise of 140 dB can totally destroy the eardrum, provoking what is called "blow-out of the eardrum." provoking what is called "blow-out of the eardrum."

• When the noise level reaches 100 dB can cause the When the noise level reaches 100 dB can cause the "hearing trauma" and the consequent deafness. At "hearing trauma" and the consequent deafness. At the level of 120 dB, besides harming the hearing the level of 120 dB, besides harming the hearing nerve, they provoke at least, constant buzzing in the nerve, they provoke at least, constant buzzing in the ears, dizziness and increase of the nervousness. ears, dizziness and increase of the nervousness.

Effects in the Effects in the HealthHealth

a) Widespread reactions to a) Widespread reactions to the stressthe stress

• The World Organization of Health The World Organization of Health (OMS) it considers that the (OMS) it considers that the beginning of the hearing stress if beginning of the hearing stress if of the under exhibitions to 55 of the under exhibitions to 55 dB. dB.

b) Physical reactionsb) Physical reactions

• The noises increase the blood pressure, the heart rhythm and the The noises increase the blood pressure, the heart rhythm and the muscular contractions. They are capable to interrupt the muscular contractions. They are capable to interrupt the digestion, the contractions of the stomach, the flow of the saliva digestion, the contractions of the stomach, the flow of the saliva and of the gastric juices. They provoke larger adrenaline and of the gastric juices. They provoke larger adrenaline production and other hormones, increasing, in the blood, the flow production and other hormones, increasing, in the blood, the flow of acids and glucose. In what he/she refers to the intense and of acids and glucose. In what he/she refers to the intense and lingering noise to which the individual habitually is exposed, they lingering noise to which the individual habitually is exposed, they result more durable physiologic changes even permanent, result more durable physiologic changes even permanent, including cardiovascular disorders, of ear-nose-throat and, in including cardiovascular disorders, of ear-nose-throat and, in smaller degree, sensitive alterations in the secretion of hormones, smaller degree, sensitive alterations in the secretion of hormones, in the gastric functions, physics and cerebral. in the gastric functions, physics and cerebral.

• In cases of chronic stress (permanent) in the workers, it has been In cases of chronic stress (permanent) in the workers, it has been verified psychological effects, psychological disturbances nauseas, verified psychological effects, psychological disturbances nauseas, migraines, irritability, emotional instability, reduction of the migraines, irritability, emotional instability, reduction of the libido, anxiety, nervousness, hypertension, appetite loss, libido, anxiety, nervousness, hypertension, appetite loss, sleepiness, insomnia, prevalence increase of the it ulcerates, vital sleepiness, insomnia, prevalence increase of the it ulcerates, vital disturbances, I consummate of tranquillisers,, fatigues, disturbances, I consummate of tranquillisers,, fatigues, productivity reduction, increases of the numbers of accidents, of productivity reduction, increases of the numbers of accidents, of medical consultations and absenteeism.medical consultations and absenteeism.

c) mental and emotional c) mental and emotional AlterationsAlterations

• The reactions in the psychic The reactions in the psychic sphere depend on the agent's sphere depend on the agent's characteristics, of the middle, characteristics, of the middle, and of the emotional conditions and of the emotional conditions of the host, in the moment of the of the host, in the moment of the exhibition. The reactions can exhibition. The reactions can show through irritability, show through irritability, anxiety, excitability, discomfort, anxiety, excitability, discomfort, fear, tension and insomnia. fear, tension and insomnia.

Effects of the noise in Effects of the noise in plant and animals plant and animals

• According to the zoologists, the largest According to the zoologists, the largest difficulties of adaptation of the animals to the difficulties of adaptation of the animals to the captivity, elapse mainly of the artificial noise captivity, elapse mainly of the artificial noise of the great cities. of the great cities.

• On the other hand, it is proved that is at the On the other hand, it is proved that is at the places of a lot of noise more accentuated the places of a lot of noise more accentuated the presence of mice and cockroaches, potential presence of mice and cockroaches, potential agents of transmission of diseases. agents of transmission of diseases.

• The resonant vibrations produced by airplane The resonant vibrations produced by airplane motors provoke the change of posture of the motors provoke the change of posture of the birds and decrease of its productivity.birds and decrease of its productivity.

Radioactive pollutionRadioactive pollution

• Since the beginning of the atomic era, the hundreds Since the beginning of the atomic era, the hundreds of experiences with nuclear material have been of experiences with nuclear material have been playing enormous amounts of radioactive residues in playing enormous amounts of radioactive residues in the atmosphere. The drafts take charge of the atmosphere. The drafts take charge of distributing this material for all of the areas of the distributing this material for all of the areas of the Earth. With the time, the suspension is brought for Earth. With the time, the suspension is brought for the soil and for the oceans, where it will be absorbed the soil and for the oceans, where it will be absorbed and incorporate for the alive beings. and incorporate for the alive beings.

• Besides the direct liberation of radioactive material, Besides the direct liberation of radioactive material, the serious problem of the nuclear waste exists, the serious problem of the nuclear waste exists, produced by the nuclear power stations, that it produced by the nuclear power stations, that it presents a series of difficulties in its storage.presents a series of difficulties in its storage.

• Strontium-90 radioactive liberated by leaks Strontium-90 radioactive liberated by leaks or nuclear explosions can cause serious or nuclear explosions can cause serious problems when assimilated. Once in the problems when assimilated. Once in the sanguine current, he is confused with the sanguine current, he is confused with the calcium (to see the distribution both in the calcium (to see the distribution both in the periodic table) and absorbed for the bone periodic table) and absorbed for the bone fabric, where it will be fastened. Now being fabric, where it will be fastened. Now being part of the bones, he emits his/her radiation part of the bones, he emits his/her radiation and it will end for provoking serious and it will end for provoking serious cancerous mutations in the blood found in cancerous mutations in the blood found in the bone marrow. the bone marrow.

Main radioactive elementsMain radioactive elements

• IODINE IODINE

• 131PLUTÔNIO 131PLUTÔNIO

• 239 STRONTIUM 239 STRONTIUM

• 90 URANIUM 90 URANIUM

• COBALT COBALT

• CALCIUMCALCIUM

Nuclear energyNuclear energy

• In the fifties, this type of energy came as In the fifties, this type of energy came as the ideal eugenic solution ideal for the the ideal eugenic solution ideal for the humanity. However, after several accidents, humanity. However, after several accidents, among the ones which the one of the plant among the ones which the one of the plant Chernobyl (Ukraine) in the decade of 80, it Chernobyl (Ukraine) in the decade of 80, it started to be very questioned his/her use. started to be very questioned his/her use. The explosion risks and contamination are The explosion risks and contamination are big, what turns reckless his/her use. big, what turns reckless his/her use.

• Several countries, like the USA, England, Several countries, like the USA, England, Japan, Russia and other, they used nuclear Japan, Russia and other, they used nuclear power plants. However, other, like Sweden, power plants. However, other, like Sweden, Norway and Germany, they have been Norway and Germany, they have been disabling their nuclear programs and even disabling their nuclear programs and even disassembling plants.disassembling plants.

• The Brazilian nuclear program, from The Brazilian nuclear program, from its implantation, was very its implantation, was very questioned, for several reasons. questioned, for several reasons.

• Nowadays, Brazil has a nuclear Nowadays, Brazil has a nuclear power plant in operation in Angra dos power plant in operation in Angra dos Reis (RJ). Reis (RJ).

It is so good that the world It is so good that the world will be always like this: will be always like this:

This work belongs to:This work belongs to:

• Horácio RibeiroHorácio Ribeiro • Pedro CardosoPedro Cardoso

THE ENDTHE END