Pollution - Education | National Geographic Society
6 days ago · Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants.
Point Source and Nonpoint Sources of Pollution - Education
Oct 1, 2024 · It is pollution that comes from many places, all at once. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines point source pollution as any contaminant that enters the environment from an easily identified and confined place.
Air Pollution - Education
Oct 1, 2024 · Air pollution consists of chemicals or particles in the air that can harm the health of humans, animals and plants. It can even damage buildings. Pollutants in the air take many forms. They can be gasses, solid particles or liquid droplets. Sources of Air Pollution. Pollution enters the Earth's atmosphere in many different ways.
Marine Pollution - Education
Sep 18, 2024 · Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. This pollution results in damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms, and to economic structures worldwide.
What Is Water Pollution? - National Geographic Society
Jan 22, 2024 · Overview. When asked what water pollution is, most students can readily explain pollution as trash thrown away by humans that enters our water. Students can readily identify items visible to the naked eye, such as cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and bags.
Light Pollution - National Geographic Society
Apr 1, 2024 · Light pollution, the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, is affecting human health, wildlife behavior, and our ability to observe stars and other celestial objects. That Earthly Sky Glow. Light pollution is a global issue.
Noise Pollution - National Geographic Society
Mar 6, 2024 · Noise pollution is an invisible danger. It cannot be seen, but it is present nonetheless, both on land and under the sea. Noise pollution is considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms. Sound is measured in decibels.
Runoff - Education | National Geographic Society
Oct 19, 2023 · Point source pollution is any source that empties directly into a waterway. This might include a pipe from specific sewage treatment plant, factory, or even a home. Regulations determine what type of runoff , and how much, industries are allowed to release.
The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained - Education
Oct 19, 2023 · Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent.
Light Pollution 101 - Education
Oct 19, 2023 · Ever since the light bulb's invention 150 years ago, artificial light has illuminated homes, streets, and skies — but with some unintended consequences. Learn about the major types of light pollution, their impact on human health, and how the worldwide glow from artificial light may continue to grow.