• Most of the environmental pollution which occurs is man-made.pollution image by Zeno from Fotolia.com
  
  Environmental pollution occurs when contaminants are introduced that are capable of harming people, animals, plants, organisms and the environment. Most of the environmental pollution which occurs are a result of the activities of man. The effects of pollution have a wide scope. An example is the recent BP oil spill, which has affected ecosystems, animals like sea gulls and turtles, caused huge oil slicks and even affected the livelihood of many shrimpers and fishermen.
  
  

Air Pollution

• Air pollution negatively affects people and organisms and damages the environment.pollution image by Joseph Chiapputo from Fotolia.com
  
  Air pollution involves the introduction of substances that can negatively affect people or organisms and damage the atmosphere. Air pollution comes in the form of liquid droplets, solid particles or gases. Carbon dioxide is a type of green-house gas that is a major contributor to global warming. Human beings exhale carbon dioxide. However, it is the carbon dioxide which is emitted by planes, power plants and cars during combustion, and such human activities as the burning of fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas which cause air pollution. Sulfur oxide is one of the components of smog and is one of the chemicals responsible for acid rain. Sulfur oxide also occurs naturally in nature such as when it is spewed by erupting volcanoes. Ammonia is an air pollutant which is emitted during agricultural activities. In this form, it is a gas with a peculiar strong odor.
  
  

Water Pollution

• Garbage is a source of water pollution.Pollution image by nfrPictures from Fotolia.com
  
  Water pollution occurs when runoffs from fertilizer and sewage contaminate bodies of water like streams and lakes. Fertilizer contains nitrates and phosphates which nourish aquatic plants and algae causing an explosion in their growth. These aquatic plants clutter waterways, block light from getting to deeper waters and deplete dissolved oxygen. Another source of water pollutant occurs in the form of oil spills. Oil spills occur when crude oil from tankers, drilling rigs, offshore platforms and wells release their products into coastal waters or the ocean. Water pollution also occurs when people toss garbage into water bodies. Most of this garbage is in the form of plastic and other materials, which are not easily biodegradable.
  
  

Soil Pollution

• Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are sources of soil pollution.pollution 1 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
  
  Soil pollution occurs when chemicals are introduced into the soil in high concentrations. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are sources of soil pollution. Other sources of soil pollution include such activities as industrial waste materials, agricultural runoff, radioactive materials and acidic precipitates. Soil pollution and water pollution are closely related because soil pollution can leach into groundwater or wash into lakes, streams or oceans.