Cont. Chapter 5

Lecture 15+16 : Radiation,Noise and light pollution

Dr. Mohammed Ajjour University Of Palestine 2009,

Global warming Causes : Carbon dioxide emissions from

fossil fuel burning power plants and transportation

Methane emissions from animals, and agriculture such as rice paddies, and from Arctic seabeds

Deforestation, especially tropical forests for wood, pulp, and farmland

Increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on cropland

University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

Global WarmingGlobal Warming Effects: Rise in sea levels worldwide More killer storms and extreme weather conditions Massive crop failures Widespread extinction of species and disappearance

of coral reefs

University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

Solutions of global warming

University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

Radiation pollution Radiation pollution is any form of ionizing or nonionizing radiation that results from

human activities. There are many sources : such as research laboratories, nuclear power plants , etc. The worst case of the radiation pollution was the chernobyl disaster .

The effects of exposure to low-level radiation are not yet known. A major concern about such exposure is the potential for genetic damage. The effects to human health would depend upon the amount of radiation , the length of exposure, type of radiation, age, and health of the person and also the part of the body that was exposed.Today, high level exposure is very rare due to the advancement of technology. It could come from defective or badly damage nuclear plants, ammunitions of factories, and nuclear war . Accidents arising from the transport of nuclear fuel and waste can also results in dangerously high level of radiations. Other small sources for radiation are : computers, cell phones …

University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

Noise pollutionoNoise can be defined as an unwanted or undesired sound.oDecibel is the standard unit for measurement of sound. Usually 80 db is the level at which sound becomes physically painful, and can be termed as noise.onoise pollution contaminants are not physical particles, but rather waves that interfere with naturally-occurring waves of a similar type in the same environment.o although most developed nations have government agencies responsible for the protection of the environment, no nation has a single body that regulates noise pollution.oA decibel is the standard for the measurement of noise. The zero on a decibel scale is at the threshold of hearing, the lowest sound pressure that can be heard,, 20 db is whisper, 40 db the noise in a quiet office . 60 db is normal conversation, 80 db is the level at which sound becomes physically painful.University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

Causes Of Noise Pollution : Traffic : is the main source of noise in urban areas . Cars trucks , low flying

aircrafts , and operations of railway locomotive engines. Construction of buildings, highways and city streets Industrial noise , Plumbing, boilers, generators, air conditioners and fans Household equipments, such as vacuum cleaners, mixers and some kitchen

appliances Effects : Noise can cause sleep disruption in humans and animals, hearing

loss, heart disease (as a result of stress), and in severe cases even mental instability. Noise can disturb wildlife habits, thereby affecting the manner in which animals hunt and mate.

Noise pollution 35

00 Million years ago some simple species of Bacteria were found, which are able to exist in absence of O2 and to photosynthesise CO2 to produce free oxygen. Some of these are still there.

Since the last 550 million years, the concentration of free O2 increased to present level allowing the existence of other species presence of Oxygen. At present ,these Species are undergoing different changes and adaptations..

During this long history ,the geological processes produced the minerals ( like Gold, diamond, phosphate, Iron...etc)and Fossile Energy Sources ( Oil, Coal, gas ).

Light pollution Light pollution in the broad sense refers to any nighttime

artificial light that shines where it's not needed. light pollution is also defined as:“ Any adverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste. ” It obscures the stars in the night for city dwellers, interferes with astronomical observatories, and, like any other form of pollution, disrupts ecosystems and has adverse health effects.

This nocturnal brightness can disorient humans and confounding eyes and biological rhythms that evolved in a world without such light.

University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour

Lighting is responsible for one-fourth of all energy consumption worldwide, and case studies have shown that several forms of over-illumination constitute energy wastage

Light pollution poses a serious threat to wildlife, having negative impacts on plant and animal physiology. Light pollution can confuse animal navigation, alter competitive interactions, change predator-prey relations, and cause physiological harm . The rhythm of life is orchestrated by the natural diurnal patterns of light and dark, so disruption to these patterns impacts the ecological dynamics.

Light pollution

Light pollution Reduction : Reducing light pollution implies many things, . Possible solutions

include: Utilizing light sources of minimum intensity necessary to accomplish the light's

purpose. Turning lights off using a timer or occupancy sensor or manually when not

needed. Improving lighting fixtures, so that they direct their light more accurately towards

where it is needed, and with less side effects. Adjusting the type of lights used, so that the light waves emitted are those that

are less likely to cause severe light pollution problems. Evaluating existing lighting plans, and re-designing some or all of the plans

depending on whether existing light is actually needed. University Of Palestine 2009, Dr. Mohammed Ajjour