The Evaluation of Pollution Originating from Urbanization
Pollution is just one of many negative environmental effects of urbanisation, which also includes the growth and expansion of cities. This article will examine the many urbanization-related pollution sources and assess their impacts on the natural world and human health.
Pollutants in the air are a major problem in cities. Increasing urban populations mean more cars on the road, which means more pollution. Air quality and human respiratory health can both suffer as a result of these emissions, which include pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (Smith et al., 2014). Urban industrial operations also discharge pollutants into the air, such as sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Chen et al., 2017).
Urbanisation also has the unintended consequence of polluting our water supply. Cities thirstier than ever are pumping water from rivers, lakes, and even deep underground to meet rising demand. Pollutants such heavy metals, pathogens, and chemicals can enter water bodies due to improper waste management practises in metropolitan areas, such as poor sewage treatment and unlawful dumping (Wang et al., 2018). When polluted water is ingested or utilised in daily activities, it not only harms aquatic ecosystems, but also poses threats to human health.
Soil contamination is another consequence of urbanisation. Dangerous materials, such as lead-based paints and asbestos, are frequently used in building and infrastructure development. There are dangers to both the environment and human health from the improper disposal of construction waste (Li et al., 2019). In addition, the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides in urban agriculture can contaminate soil, decreasing crop quality and perhaps posing health risks to consumers.
Urbanisation also has the unintended and frequently ignored consequence of noise pollution. Noise levels are rising as cities expand, a result of an increase in traffic, building, and industrial activity. Hearing loss, tinnitus, and other health problems have all been linked to chronic exposure to loud noise (Basner et al., 2014).
In conclusion, urbanisation has resulted in several types of pollution, such as air, water, soil, and noise pollution. The effects of these contaminants on both ecosystems and human health are substantial. Policymakers, city planners, and citizens must all do their part to control the pollution that comes with urbanisation. The environmental impacts of urbanisation may be reduced and cities made more habitable by adopting measures such as supporting green infrastructure, expanding access to public transit, and enhancing waste management.
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Chen, L., Li, C., & Chen, J. (2017). Air pollution and health effects in China: A review. Atmospheric Environment, 426-436.
Li, X., Poon, C. S., & Liu, P. S. (2019). Heavy metal contamination of urban soils and dusts in Hong Kong: A comprehensive geochemical survey. Science of the Total Environment, 661, 536-546.
Smith, K. R., Bruce, N., Balakrishnan, K., Adair-Rohani, H., Balmes, J., Chafe, Z., … & Kjellstrom, T. (2014). Millions dead: how do we know and what does it mean? Methods used in the comparative risk assessment of household air pollution. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 185-206.
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