Pollutants are the key elements of pollution which are generally waste materials of

different forms. It disturbs the ecosystem and the balance in the environment.
Modernization and development in our lives has resulted in an increase in pollution.
We are now faced with many devastating effects which include:

1. Environment degradation
2. Human Health
The decrease in air quality leads to respiratory problems such as asthma or lung
cancer.
Water pollution may result in skin related problems such as skin irritations and
rashes.
Noise pollution may lead to hearing loss, stress and sleep disturbance.
3. Global Warming
The rapid increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, affects the
environment.
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
5. Acid Rain
6. Infertile land

Pollution not only affect humans by destroying their respiratory, cardiovascular and
neurological system; it also affects plants, fruits, vegetables, rivers, ponds, forests,
animals; all of which we highly depend on for survival. It is very crucial to control
pollution and this can be done in many ways:

1. Catalytic Converters
These are converters which are fitted into cars to reduce the emission of
nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Once warmed up, the
platinum-rhodium catalyst causes nitrogen oxides to be converted to harmless
nitrogen gas and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Unburnt hydrocarbons and
carbon monoxide may also reduce the nitrogen oxides.

2. Sequestering Agents
These are agents which remove particular ions from the soil, contaminated water
or from air.
Examples: Copper ions and nickel ions are removed from water by adding
sequestering agents such as chitosan and EDTA.

3. Scrubbers
These are effectively and efficiently designed to remove gas pollutants (such as
ammonia, chlorine or sulfur compounds.) The waste gases are sprayed at high
pressure against the side of a cylindrical tank. The water moves up the tank and
the dirty water runs down the side of the tank which allows clean air to escape
through the top. This explains a process called Wet Scrubbing or Washing.
Flue-gas desulfurization is an example of scrubbing where acids, alkalis or other
chemical reactions are used to neutralize harmful substances in waste gases.

4. Filters
These are used to remove dust and particulates from the waste gases in
chemical plants and some power stations. Air is drawn through the filters and
the dust collects on the outside.
5. Washing
Metal ores often undergo high pressure washing to remove any contaminating
dust and clays. Washing may also remove soluble contaminants from a
substance.