Waste refers to unwanted materials and things. It can be anything from household garbage to industrial effluents, batteries, electronics, construction materials and more.

Sources of Waste :

The major sources of waste are industries and households. Industrial waste contribute more in damaging the environment.

Industrial Waste :

Industrial waste can be in the form of solids, liquids , and gases. However, when we talk about industrial waste, it is mostly referred to as solid waste. The sources of industrial waste are the power generation plants, metal processing industries, cement plants, iron and steel manufacturing industries, manufacturing units for leather goods, food packaging , chemicals, transport equipment, resins, plastics and paper. Even water treatment plants generate industrial waste.

Industrial solid waste contains metals, chemicals, plastics, demolition materials, medical trash, ashes, packaging and other hazardous materials. Sludge from industries contains toxins, which is harmful for the environment.

Harmful Effects of Industrial Waste :

Water Pollution :-

The industrial pollution that is produced in an industry is dumped into the rivers for disposal. As a result, many of our water sources have a high amount of industrial waste in them, which seriously impacts the health of our ecosystem. The same water is then used by farmers for irrigation purposes, which affects the quality of food that is produced.

Soil Pollution :-

Soil pollution is creating problems in agriculture and destroying local vegetation. It also causes chronic health issues to the people that come in contact with such soil on a daily basis.

Air Pollution :-

Air pollution has led to a steep increase in various illnesses, and it continues to affect us on a daily basis. With so many small, mid and large scale industries coming up, air pollution has taken a toll on the health of the people and the environment.

Wildlife extinction :-

Industrial pollution has also affected the natural rhythms and patterns of fail, meaning that the wildlife is getting affected in a severe manner. Habitat are being lost, species are becoming extinct, and it is harder for the environment to recover from each natural disaster.

Global warming :-

With the rise in industrial pollution, global warming has been increasing at a steady pace. Smoke and greenhouse gases are being released by industries into the air, which causes an increase in global warming.

Melting of glaciers, extinction of polar bears, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes are few of the effects global warming.

Biodiversity loss :-

Industrial pollution continues to cause significant damage to the earth and all of its inhabitants due to chemical wastes, pesticides, radioactive materials etc. It affects wildlife and ecosystem and distrupts natural habitat.