I. WHAT IS LAND POLLUTION?

Land pollution is the demolition of the Earths land surfaces often caused by human activities and their misuse of land resources. It occurs when waste is not disposed properly (www.wikipedia.org). It also means putting something on the land or adding something to the soil that makes the soil less productive and less useful or dangerous to living things (Mingoa, T., Coronel, C., Mingoa, M., Padua, A., Romero, M., 2006). According to Andi Kirmayer, an eHow contributor, Land pollution is caused by toxic chemicals, pest control substances, construction and human waste. Its effects are often visible for example, when trees may die off, but the consequences are even greater when harmful substances reach into groundwater sources and kill off vital animal and plant species (www. ehow.com). a. CAUSES OF LAND POLLUTION 1. Improper Garbage Disposal or Littering Many people carelessly leave or throw away food wrappers. These wrappers may be made of plastic, Styrofoam, or paper carton that contributes to land pollution (Dorado, S., Apostol, J., Morales, M., Nacua, A., Mantua, M., 2005). 2. Construction Waste Land pollution from construction is exacerbated by soil dumping, which interferes with natural processes in rivers and bays, and with the release of oils, paints and chemicals that are dumped or that run off (www.ehow.com). 3. Pesticides, Herbicides and Any Other Harmful Substances

Herbicides, pesticides and insecticides harm more than their targeted nuisances and can penetrate into groundwater, harming other plant and animal life and even reaching human drinking water sources (www.ehow.com).

b. EFFECTS ON LAND POLLUTION 1. Effects on Climate

Land pollution can affect the general environment of the Earth. Land pollutions leads to loss in the forest cover of Earth. This is in turn going to affect the amount of rain. Less rains mean lesser vegetation. The effect of all different kinds of pollution will eventually lead to problems like acid rains, greenhouse effect, global warming. All of these problems have already initiated and need to be curbed before the situation runs out of control (Prabhakar Pillai, 2012). 2. Extinction of Species

One of the major causes of concern is the extinction of species. Species are pushed towards endangerment and extinction primarily by two processes. Habitat fragmentation is the fragmentation of the natural habitat of an organism; cause primarily by urban sprawl. Habitat destruction, on the other hand, is when land clearing adversely affects animals special such that their natural habitat is lost. Both actions can cause some species to go extinct and others to become invasive (Prabhakar Pillai, 2012).

3. \Effects on Biodiversity Species extinction and biomagnification is going to overthrow the balance of nature very significantly. The main reason for this is disturbance created in the food chain. To give you a very simple example - on account of biomagnification of mercury in eagles, they might go extinct in the subsequent years. However, we know eagles prey on snakes. Less (or no) eagles will then result in more number of snakes! (Prabhakar Pillai, 2012).

III: SOLUTIONS TO LAND POLLUTION 1. Plant a tree. A tree holds the soil together and purifies the air. Plant a tree in your backyard. Participate in campaigns against land pollution (Boac, A., 2002, p.165). 2. Dispose of hazardous and chemical waste appropriately. Hazard waste includes batteries, used motor oil, unwanted paint and solvents. A local government website should have instructions on appropriate disposal in your area. Some forms of hazardous waste, including motor oil and batteries, are recyclable. Placing these items in with ordinary trash can cause a host of negative environmental consequences (www.ehow.com). 3. According to Charles Pearson, an eHow contributor, Improve fertility of land by reforesting. Soil in forested lands are far more fertile than soil without trees, suggesting that trees have the ability to fertilize land (2012).

4. Charles Pearson also said, Recycle waste materials. As explained by the Stanford Recycling

Center, each American throws away 7 1/2 lbs. of garbage. Garbage requires land fills, which takes up large amounts of land (2012).

II. WHAT IS WATER POLLUTION? Water pollution means adding something to the water or changing its properties such that it is no longer safe to use it for the purpose you want. Changes brought about water pollution are harmful to living things (Mingoa, T., Coronel, C., Mingoa, M., Padua, A., Romero, M., 2006, p. 179). This type of pollution causes problems to animals and to people. a. CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION 1. Chemical Waste from Factories Chemical waste from factories can make the water too acidic, too hot or too dirty. It can no longer be used for drinking, cooking or swimming instead it can only be use for traveling (Mingoa, T., Coronel, C., Mingoa, M., Padua, A., Romero, M., 2006, p. 179). 2. Oil Spills from Ships Oceans and seas are also polluted. Ships have spilled large amounts of oil into the water, killing fish and birds. Many beaches are ruined by the oil washing up on them (Boac, A., 2002, p.163).

3. Doing Laundry in the River Washing clothes in the river can cause pollution when using detergents or soaps that are not biodegradable. These cannot be reduced into simpler substances that can be useful again to the nature (to plants and animals) (Mingoa, T., Coronel, C., Mingoa, M., Padua, A., Romero, M., 2006, p.179). 4. Dump of Garbage in the Water Dumping garbage in the river and any other forms of water can also cause water pollution. The decayed substances that comes from the garbage uses up the oxygen gas in the water. This is not good for aquatic animals and can cause widespread death of fish that is called fish kill (Mingoa, T., Coronel, C., Mingoa, M., Padua, A., Romero, M., 2006, p.179).

b. EFFECTS ON WATER POLLUTION 1. Eutrophication Eutrophication is the aging process of a body of water choked by plant life: evolution into a marsh, with the depletion of available oxygen, followed by eventual disappearance (The New Lexicon Websters Dictionary, 1975).This is caused by the increase of nutrients in streams and lakes. As a result, the water plants like algae will grow. Due to that, bacteria will become more active and they deplete oxygen levels further. As a result the level of oxygen in the sea is low and many aquatic animals will die.

2. Acid Rain According to Chris Dinesen Rogers, an eHow contributor, Water quality is also compromised by air pollution through acid rain. Acid rain occurs when contaminants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine with moisture in the air in a process fueled by sunlight. The result is precipitation with acidic pH levels. The acid rain can cause immediate plant and animal distress or death in high concentrations. The effects are especially dire when the pH levels of waterways are altered. Soil contamination can also occur, making entire environments unfit for life (2012).

c. SOLUTIONS TO WATER POLLUTION 1. Forests act like sponges, soaking up rain water and holding onto it until it has been filtered

through them. This prevents runoff from occurring. Clean water then travels into nearby streams, rivers and lakes (www.ehow.com).

2. Agricultural chemicals don't simply remain at the site where they are used. Rain washes them into water tables, rivers, and eventually oceans. Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides are all toxic, and some do not break down for decades. The nutrients in fertilizers are one of the primary causes of algal blooms. Algae then depletes oxygen and creates dead zones. By choosing organic food, or, even better, by growing your own food, you will help to reduce chemical land and water pollution (www.ehow.com).

3. Use Green Household and Personal Care Products. As consumers and citizens we have an obligation to know what effect our consumer by-products are having on the planet. Many of the chemicals found in our food, household cleaners, personal care products, and medications are all being dumped back into the waterways. These chemicals are NOT adequately filtered through municipal water treatment facilities. Thus, if we are not drinking filtered water, we are consuming many of these chemicals (as well as other dangerous contaminants) on a daily basis (www.waterbenefitshealth.com). 4. Enforce Existing Laws. Our first solution to water pollution, therefore, is pretty simple tell your politicians to enforce existing laws. When a politician touts his new anti-pollution bill that he claims will clean up the environment, it means little if they continue to allow existing laws to go unenforced. Tell your politicians what you think. Encourage them to enforce existing laws such as the Clean Water Act. Beyond enforcing laws, there are some practical steps that we can take as individuals to limit the pollution in our neighborhoods and cities

(www.waterbenefitshealth.com).

III: WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION? Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment (or built environment), into the atmosphere (www.wikipedia.org).

a. CAUSE OF AIR POLLUTION 1. Smog According to Tracy Twyman, an eHow contributor, It originally referred strictly to a combination of exactly those two things. Nowadays, however, the word "smog" refers more loosely to any mixture of air pollutants, including gas and fine particles, that congregate in the air, usually around populated areas. Smog can cause health problems and is a serious environmental issue (2012).

2. Harmful Chemicals or Substances in the Atmosphere Scientists and environmentalists have found out that the greatest sources of air pollutants are vehicle engines that burn petroleum gas. Thus, vehicles that burns petroleum gas contributes most to air pollution (Dorado, S., Apostol, J., Morales, M., Mantua, M., Nacua, A., 2005, p.183). 3. Fossil Fuels Factories, office buildings, homes and power-generating stations burn fossil fuels, which cause air pollution. The burning of oil and coal (fossil fuels) also contributes to smog. This air pollution destroys plants, damages buildings and creates oxidation on iron (www. ehow.com). b. EFFECTS ON AIR POLLUTION 1. Cardiopulmonary disease kills over a million people each year in U.S. alone. Of those cases, almost a 100 percent are somewhat related to air pollution and the effects of the environment. This is especially true in children, which have reported increased levels of asthma attacks, and

the elderly, who frequently show signs of toxins accumulation in their lungs and throat. Air pollution also increases the number and severity of bronchitis and respiratory allergy cases, as well as worsening cardiac conditions and emphysema (www.ehow.com). 2. We can also counteract air pollution by planting more trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air. If there are more trees, there will be less carbon dioxide in the air (Dorado, S., Apostol, J., Morales, M., Mantua, M., Nacua, A., 2005, p.190). c. SOLUTIONS TO AIR POLLUTION 1. One way is to ban or not allowing CFC. Instead of CFCs, refrigerants and air conditioners must have another cooling substance. Refrigerators and air conditioners should be CFC-free or ozone friendly (Dorado,S., Apostol, J., Morales, M., Mantua, M., Nacua, A., 2005, pp.189-190). 2. To help with air pollution problems you need to understand that the quality of the air we breathe matters. After all, if you have kids then you may one day have grand kids and it will only get worse for them. So, you need to make up your mind that you will do your part and do it as soon as you can. Recycling is a great way to help reduce air pollution. Instead of throwing everything away find ways to reuse it. Check out the recycling programs and centers in your area and get involved. You might even make a few dollars, since some places give small cash rewards. Get busy and recycle today (www.ehow.com). 3. Trade in your fume throwing gas lawnmower for an electric one. Or get one of the old fashion push mowers that also provide exercise. Some of the gas lawnmowers people are using are like baby smog monsters. This is an easy way for you to help reduce air pollution problems. Ride with a friend or take public transport; the less vehicles running around the better. Anytime you get a chance walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving. Do all your errands in one trip such as

the store, bank, cleaners etc. Oh and drive a vehicle that gets better mpg instead of a gas guzzler (www.ehow.com). 4. Get rid of toxic chemicals at home. There are plenty of non-toxic household products on the market to choose from these days and while painting use a brush instead of a sprayer. These are a few ways that you can help reduce air pollution problems with very little effort. While you're at it reduce energy use. There are many small things you can do to help pollution problems. For example, use energy efficient appliances and unplug them when not in use, keep heat down in winter and A/C in summer, insulate well and seal air leaks at windows and doors (www.ehow.com)

5. Plant trees and keep the trees you have healthy. Trees reduce air pollution problems. They do this by producing oxygen, providing shade in summer and blocking cold winds in winter, thus helping us be energy efficient. Lastly, know that there are many other ways you can help, however, this short list will get you started. So, don't delay and do your part today (www.ehow.com).

INTRODUCTION Before modern technologies were introduced, the environment before was clean and order. There were no yet harmful activities that will make the environment in danger. But nowadays, man abuses nature that causes global destruction. One of these is pollution. According to Amelia M. Boac (2002), Irresponsible human activities cause pollution. Pollution is a worsening problem in our country today and even throughout the world. It is a change of the environment for the worse (p. 161). Pollution is the contamination of the environment, especially with man-made waste. It happens every day (Dorado, S., Apostol, J., Morales, M., Nacua, A., Mantua, M., 2005, p.180). Let us discuss the three common types of pollution as we go along in this research. Pollution happens in land, water and air. The first one is land pollution. Land pollution is disposing trash, waste, and chemicals into our land and soil. The land pollution can be dangerous for crops because it could contaminate the foods we eat (www.askikids.com). Next is the water pollution. According to Chris Woodford (2006, 2012), a contributor, Over two-thirds of Earths surface is covered by water; less than a third is taken up by land. As Earths population continues to grow, people are putting ever-increasing pressure on the planets water resources (www.explainthatstuff.com). The third one is the air pollution. Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment into the atmosphere (www.wikipedia.org). As we go along in this research, a list of preventive measures

or solutions shall be shown with regards to the reduction and lessening of the three types of pollution.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land pollution 2.) Mingoa, T., Coronel, C., Padua, A., Mingoa, M., Romero, M. (2006). Exploring and Protecting Our World (Grade 5). 1253 G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Vibal Publishing House, Inc. 3.) Kirmayer, A. (1999-2012). Information about land pollution. Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/facts_6157798_information-land-pollution.html 4.) Dorado, S., Apostol, J., Morales, M., Nacua, A., Mantua, M. (2005). Science Plus More (Grade 4). Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, SIBS Publishing House, Inc. 5.) Wikipedia (2001-2012). Land Pollution. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia 6.) Pillai, P. (2012, January 16). Causes and effects of land pollution. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-and-effects-of-land-pollution.html 7.) Boac, A. (2007), Science with Life (Grade 4). Antonio Arnaiz corner Chino Roces Avenue Makati City, Metro Manila. Salesiana Publishers. 8.) WaterBenefitsHealth (2010). Solutions to Water Pollution. Retrieved from

http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/solutions-to-water-pollution.html 9.) Buzzle (2000-2011,2012). Causes and Effects of Land Pollution. Retrieved from

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-and-effects-of-land-pollution.html 10.) Ehow.com (2012). Facts about Smog. Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/about_5448488_smog.html#ixzz1pWccLVML 11.) Ehow.com (2012). How to Reduce Air Pollution Problems. Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/how_5351333_reduce-air-pollution-problems.html#ixzz1pWgsBNiD 12.) Ehow.com (2012). 10 Facts on Solutions to Water Pollution.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8103217_10-solutions-water-pollution.html#ixzz1pVxqFtVr

In Partial Fulfillment in the Requirements of English III

By: Justino F. Ambasan III Krisha Mariz E. Garaza Kim P. Eupea

Date of Submission: March 19, 2012

CONCLUSION

Based on our research, pollution is a global problem that is caused by irresponsibility of man. Pollution is also the root cause of global disasters and destruction. It is also the reason why the world is experiencing global warming. Pollution is also the cause why Mother Nature is suffering and declining. It is also the one of the factors affecting our planet earth- its fauna, flora and all the living things that surrounds it. It is one of the reasons why the animals, plants and especially to human beings dies and suffers because of the pollution. We should be aware of what is happening today. We should not waste time doing things that will make the Earth suffers. We should start making actions in our own simple and little ways. Do what you can do today, because procrastination drains your energy and burdens your mind. Furthermore, if we will start acting some things, we should start by transforming our own selves into a better human being so that in the next generation, the existing Nature will be stable and balanced.