Editors: Dr. Natchimuthu Karmegam

Dr. Mani Prakash

ISBN: 978-93-94174-13-9

R. Janet Rani*

Department of Microbiology, Sadakathullah Appa College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

The causes of morbidity and mortality associated with environmental pollution are not new, yet they remain a major problem facing humanity. During the past few decades, global environmental pollution has been primarily caused by human activity, including urbanization, industrialization, mining, and exploration. The burden of protecting the environment is shared by developed and developing nations, though awareness and stronger laws have contributed more to protecting the environment in developed countries. Due to its severe long-term consequences, pollution still has an impact despite the global attention it has received. In addition to the primary damage that can be quantified and monitored, the pollutants may also produce secondary damage. Alternatively, secondary damage occurs when subtle disturbances occur in the delicate balance of the biological food web pyramid, and is only apparent after a considerable period of time. There are varying perspectives on pollution, but it is generally accepted that pollution is the result of urban-industrial and technological advancements, rapacious and rapid exploitation of natural resources, an increase in the exchange rate of matter and energy, and an ever-increasing amount of industrial waste, urban effluents, and consumer goods. This Chapter entitled pollutants and environment deals with the introduction about environment pollution and pollutants, types, components, causes and importance.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: janetgnana@gmail.com

Cite this Chapter: Janet Rani, R., 2022. Environmental pollutants - A global perspective. In: N. Karmegam and M. Prakash (Eds.), Status, Trends and Advances in Bioremediation. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 126-144. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-13-9_7