Pollution can be defined as the introduction or presence of harmful materials or products into the habitat, thus causing unfavourable changes exhibiting potential threats to the human world and overall well-being. The pollutants’ origin in the environment can be due to various human and natural activities.

The most common types of pollution are as follows-

1. Air Pollution: This type of pollution occurs when detrimental substances such as particulates, gases and biological molecules, are directly emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere without any treatment. The common type of pollutants include sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and particulate matter which are being released from sources such as refrigerators, vehicle emissions, industrial dispose, burning of fossil fuels etc. Air Pollution can lead to various health issues like respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, global warming and many more.

2. Water Pollution: Water Pollution has become a global concern due to the introduction of contaminants into the water sources like lakes, rivers and oceans. They are mainly caused due to high usage of chemical pesticides, industrial waste, untreated sewage, urban runoff etc. The common type of pollutants include heavy metals, chemicals and pathogens, which causes threat to aquatic life and makes water unsafe for human consumption and use.

3. Soil Pollution: Soil Pollution is another common type of pollutant which is caused when chemicals, such as direct dumping of heavy metals into the soil, pesticide usage in agriculture hydrocarbons, etc. make the soil impure. The sources of soil pollution include waste disposal without treatment, industrial activities, and high usage of pesticides in agriculture, which ultimately destroy useful soil microbes, lead to reduced soil fertility, and are also injurious to human health.

4. Noise Pollution: This type of pollution is mainly caused when excessive and harmful noise levels are sourced typically from industries, urban activities transportation systems and ultimately affect human health. It may lead to hearing loss, sleep disturbances and stress.

5. Thermal Pollution: This type of pollution involves sudden changes in the temperature of water bodies like rivers, oceans, and lakes. Thermal pollution is caused by direct discharging of industrial-heated water or effluents into the water bodies without cooling them down. It causes a disbalance in the aquatic ecosystems by decreasing the level of dissolved oxygen and disrupting their life cycles.

Therefore, with proper addressing of pollution and sustainable practices can help to protect and restore the overall environmental scenario.