Any undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of any component of the environment (air, water, soil) which can cause harmful effects on various forms of life or property.

Pollution is derived from Latin word '__' which means '__' any feature of environment.

Is the effect of undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful effects on plants, animals and human beings.

Is a natural resource for which there is NO substitute.

Are NOT a substitute for fertile soil.

Derived from the decayed remains of plants and animals, is concentrated in the dark uppermost "top soil".

Made up of rock fragments, is formed over thousands of years by physical and chemical weathering uf bedrock.

May be local, regional, transboundary or global.

The agent which causes pollution.

These can be rapidly broken by natural processes. Eg. Domestic sewage, discarded vegetables etc.

These remain in the environment for many years in an unchanged condition and take decades or longer to degrade.

These cannot be degraded by natural processes. Eg: Toxic elements like lead or mercury and nuclear wastes

Occurs due to the presence of undesirable solid or gaseous particles in the air in quantities that are harmful to human health and environment.

Presence of foreign matter either gaseous or particulate or combination of both in the air which is detrimental to the health and welfare of human beings.

Pollutants that are emitted directly from identifiable sources are produced by natural events can be in the form of particulate matter or gaseous form.

The pollutants that are produced in the atmosphere, when certain chemical reactions take place among the primary pollutants and with others in the atmosphere.

Are small pieces of solid material

__ are the first rate of polluters. __ occupy second position.

Such as dust, seeds, spores, pollen grains, algae fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Such as mineral dust, cement, asbestos dust, fibres, metal dust, fly ash smoke particles from fires etc.

Includes sources such as oceanic aerosol, volcanic emissions, biogenic sources, windblown terrestrial dust and lightening.

Generates from human activities and includes sources such as fuel burning, refuge burning, transportation, construction of buildings, chemical factories, metallurgical factories and, vehicles.

Are the first rate of polluters.

Occupy the second position as polluters.

Is a yellowish fog caused by a mixture of atmospheric pollutants and it consists mainly of fine particles and ozone.

Is the product of complex photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Are released directly into the air by motor vehicles, industrial processes and heating, especially wood burning.

Are created in the atmosphere following the chemical reactions of precursor pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the air.

When the quality or composition of water changes directly or indirectly as a result of man's activities such that it becomes unfit for any useful purpose is said to be polluted.

This source of pollution can be readily identified because it has a definite source and place, where it enters the water. Eg: Municipal industrial discharges pipes.

When a source of pollution cannot be readily identified such as agricultural runoff, acid rain etc.

These have the capacity to absorb from the surrounding air through their stomata openings.

It creates O2 rich conditions where bacteria and fungi oxidize the wastes.

Is essential to the maintenance of all life.

It constitutes __ percent or more by weight of active protoplasm.

It is the most efficient of all solvents and carmes in solution the necessary gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as the mineral substances necessary to the growth of plants and animals.

It is itself one of the essential raw materials in the manufacture of foods by plants.

Is a buffered solution, that is, changes from acid to alkaline condition, or vice versa, are resisted.

Are the primary factors governing life in riverine habitats, and both are closely related to seasonal variations.

Is a basic requirement for a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Affects the solubility of many chemical compounds and can therefore influence the effect of pollutants on aquatic life.

Are important characteristics of water that affect its suitability for biota and influence chemical reactions.

Is necessary for photosynthesis, and is often a defining feature when describing habitat.

Represents perhaps a major environmental factor affecting the biota of running waters.

Is the organic and inorganic material that makes up the bed of a river, stream or lake etc.

Is poor in dissolved inorganic and suspended solids, but dissolved organic matter produces a reddish-brown colour. These are typically acidic.

Has high levels of suspended solids with a muddy/silty appearance, as well as high levels of dissolved inorganic solids, tending to be alkaline.

Varies in acidity and has little suspended material.

The release of harmful materials, typically generated through human activity including industry, domestic and agricultural waste, into the receiving environment.

Is discharged in the system through a single source.

Is mainly the result of agricultural and forestry activities, although it can also occur where there is small-scale mining over a large area.

They undergo constant change and adaptation, and can withstand stress based on their unique physical, chemical and biological properties.

It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose.

It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance can be assessed.

The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact and drinking water.

They work to understand how these systems function, which in turn helps to identify the sources and fates of contaminants.

They work to define legislation with the intention that water is maintained at an appropriate quality for its identified use.