V1, No 3, 247-254 (2000)

INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY AND ITS EFFECTS ON AIR AND WATER

QUALITY

F. SAKELLARIADOU

Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, 40 Karaoli and Dimitriou St.,

185 32 Piraeus, Greece E-mail: fsakelar@unipi.gr

Abstract. It is widely believed that the industrial growth has created severe
environmental problems affecting seriousiy both air and water quality. Combustion in
manufacturing industry and production processes are two industrial sectors that
release pollutants to the atmosphere. These atmospheric pollutants can also, through !
he rainwater, find their way to the marine environment. In addition, industry is
expanding in coastal zones and large volumes of various wastes produced end up into
the sea. The effects of industrial pollution are harmful and cover a wide range.
Atmospheric emissions are responsible for health problems, acid rain and global
warming. The coastal pollution has harmful effects to the health, the natural resources
and amenities. In several parts of the world, advanced technologies and effective
institutional arrangements were combined to create management systems that appear to
prevent most wastes from being released into the environment in hazardous forms. It is
obvious that, unless the wastes produced are better managed, societies will be
committed to a costly and perpetual mission of toxic chemical cleanups. The selection
of treatment methods for industrial pollutants is not an easy task. Atmospheric
pollutants can be diminished by applying modern technological achievements.
Industrial wastes, before discharging into the sea, need to be treated in the most
appropriate way, based upon the particular quality requirements and in regard to the
absorptive capacity of the sea. Recycling efforts for various materials would also reduce
energy needs and power plant emissions as well as pollution directly resulting from
materials manufacturing. In the present paper, the industrial discharges are discussed in
regard to their environmental risk.

Keywords: atmospheric pollution, marine pollution, metal contaminants, pollution

prevention.