Caribbean Studies Internal Assessment

Name: Richard Gray

Candidate number: 100121-0503

Center number: 100121

Theme: Land Pollution

Topic: How does Pollution affect residents of Johns Town Road, Port Antonio, Portland,

Jamaica?

Year of Exam: 2023

Name of School: Titchfield High

Teacher’s Name: Ms. P. Roper.

Territory: Jamaica

Table of Contents

Titles Page Number

 Acknowledgment..................................................................................Pg.1

 Introduction and Purpose of Research.................................................Pgs.2-3

 Literature Review.................................................................................Pgs.4-6

 Data Collection Sources.......................................................................Pg.7

 Presentation of Data and Analysis of Data..........................................Pgs.8-15

 Discussion of Findings........................................................................Pgs.16-17

 Conclusion, Limitations and Recommendations.................................Pgs.18-19

 Bibliography........................................................................................Pg.20

 Appendix.............................................................................................Pgs.21-23
 Acknowledgment

Firstly, I would like to thank God for giving me the strength and mental determination to

complete this research paper. He is my motivation. I would like to thank everyone who

participated in the completion of this research paper, my mother, my younger brother, and my

aunt. I would like to thank my ISP for a stable connection throughout the paper. The authors of

the sources are also giving credit by adding the appropriate references. Thank you all.

Pg. 1
 Introduction and Purpose of Research

John’s Town Road is a hilly plateau community with sparsely populated land; about 240

persons live there. However, Pollution is evident in the area. According to the National

Geographic Society (2022), Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the

environment. These toxic materials are called pollutants. This topic was chosen because of the

problems Pollution brings and its health consequences and to bring attention to John’s Town

Road residents. Today, Pollution is an enormous problem that needs everyone’s attention. It

affects EVERYTHING in human life, such as health, wildlife, water supply, and even the

climate. This research paper was done to guide people with awareness and encourage them to

participate in more environmentally friendly practices. Pollution negatively affects John’s Town

Road residents with health consequences (lung infection, rash, etc.) and rodent increase (increase

in rats, cockroaches, and flies).

Statement of Problem

What are the effects of Pollution on the environment of the John’s Town Road community?

Research Aims

1. To discover the reasons why residents of the community litter.

2. To find out if there are enough strategically placed garbage bins in the community and if

the garbage collection truck arrives regularly.

3. To determine whether the increase in rodents is linked to increasing land

pollution/improper garbage disposal.

4. To investigate how this problem can be alleviated.

5. To ascertain how Pollution affects residents of John’s Town Road.

Pg. 2
Value of Study

This research will benefit everyone since the examined problem affects all living organisms.

With this information, people can become more aware of the consequences of pollution (land) on

the environment and humans and how humans can implement ways to reduce its impacts and

contribute to a good grade in my final year at school.

Hypothesis

Pollution affects residents of Johns Town Road negatively leading to health issues; rodents

increase, lack of garbage bins, and irregular garbage collection.

Pg. 3
 Literature Review

Pollution of natural resources has become one of the significant environmental concerns since

the 19th century and more increasingly since the last few decades. Land pollution has become

very prevalent with the uprise of industrialization, mass production, transportation, migration,

and the increasing population.

According to the National Geographic Society (2022), “Pollution is the introduction of harmful

materials into the environment,” whereas “land pollution occurs when trash, compost, and other

toxins are dumped on the land by humans, contaminating or polluting it.” (Bjus, 2023). (Byjus,

2023) also continues to state that “the degradation of the earth’s land surfaces, both above and

below ground level, is referred to as land pollution. The accumulation of solid and liquid waste

products contaminates groundwater and soil is the cause. The greater the permeability of the soil,

the greater the risk of land contamination.”

(Texas Disposal Systems, 2023) declares some causes of land pollution: “Litter - Littering, the

improper disposal of waste products, is unfortunately common.” According to a study by (Litter

in America, 2020), “litter cleanup costs the U.S. more than an estimated $11.5 billion annually.

Every cigarette butt tossed on the ground or food wrapper tossed out of a car window is a small

contribution to a huge issue.” According to the (Keep America Beautiful, 2020) study, “there is

an estimated 50 billion pieces of litter along U.S. roadways and waterways.”

Urbanization and Construction - Large quantities of people living close together, producing

trash, and littering in dense areas inevitably lead to land pollution. Construction activities also

occur to accommodate our increasing population, resulting in large waste materials, such as

Pg. 4
metal, plastic, wood, and bricks. When these materials are not correctly disposed of, it

contributes to the land pollution of that area.

Agriculture - Agricultural Pollution occurs when contamination created as a by-product of

raising livestock and growing food crops is released into the environment, and the contamination

is vast. Unsustainable farming practices such as intensive cultivation and overgrazing can strip

the land of its natural nutrients, leaving it no longer viable for future crops unless restored.”

According to (NetSol Water) the article explains how land pollution conflicts with other

environmental systems. “Pollution of the air - Landfills emit foul odors and stenches in various

locations where they are located. Residents in cities and towns near large dump sites and landfill

areas have reported excessive levels of a noxious odor. Aside from the disgusting odor, landfills

are constantly burning, thus contributing to air pollution. Pollution of Water - Land

contamination has the potential to spread in all directions, causing harm to the immediate

ecosystem. It can contaminate water and drastically impair its quality on this basis. It occurs

when surface rainwater runoff carries chemicals and other harmful substances from landfills and

solid wastes into rivers. Leaching occurs, thus allowing harmful metals and compounds to

penetrate aquifers and water tables. Furthermore, contaminated water evaporates and condenses

as precipitation with the contaminants, perpetuating the Pollution and contamination cycle.”

Hence with the threats land pollution introduces, curbing the issues is now in work. (Jamacia

Information Service, 2018) Reported,

“As of January 1st, 2019, the Government and regional body will impose a ban on single-

use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene (food boxes). This ban covers all importation,

manufacturing, and all distribution of the materials.” This ban has already occurred following

this research, and paper alternatives for each prior item said are now in circulation. Other

Pg. 5
countries within the Caribbean region and internationally have also implemented their bans to

relapse the environmental issue. NEPA (National Environment and Protection Agency)

encourages individuals to reduce their use and consumption of plastic, reuse empty plastic

containers or recycle them. They also enable the disposal of items and chemical waste properly.

Pg. 6
 Data Collection Sources

The researcher used primary and secondary sources to conduct this research. The Primary data

collection method used was the questionnaire, while Secondary sources included online

websites, articles, and professional papers from the internet.

The questionnaire has a total of eight (8) questions, two (2) of which were demographic close-

ended and five (6) close-ended questions. The researcher chose questionnaires since they were

the most appropriate, time-saving, and cost-effective for acquiring quantitative data. Since John’s

Town has approximately two-hundred and forty (240) persons in the community, the random

sampling method was chosen.

The sample chosen was random; the questionnaire was just handed out to people living there.

Only thirty (30) questionaries were handed out. This study was conducted in March 2023. On

March 24th, the questionnaires were handed out to collect data. The following four (4) days were

used to manage the questionnaires. Only twenty-nine (29) were received, with one (1) being

returned with blank information, but only the age and gender were filled out. This questionnaire

will not be used for the analysis.

The Secondary sources were written by credible sources known for decades. The online sources

used were up-to-date and had the needed information. This issue may be limited in the region as

for investigation and publications of information that the researcher could access that credible,

hence international sources were used to fill the gap of national origins. Each Secondary source

has contributed greatly to the research paper, with each having extensive information. The

Primary source has a stronger valid, and credible effect on the research.

Pg. 7
 Presentation of Data and Analysis of Data

Of the thirty (30) questionaries handed out, only twenty-nine (29) were received, with one (1)

being returned with blank information, but only the age and gender were filled out.

Question 1: What is your age?

Age of respondents

7% 36-45
14% 26-35
38% 56+
46-55
14% 15-25

28%

Figure 1. The pie chart shows the age of the respondents. It displays that 38% (11) are between

the ages of 15-25, 27% (8) are between the ages of 46-55, 14% (4) are between the ages of 56+

and 26-35, and 7% (4) are between the ages of 36-45.

Pg. 8
Question 2: How long have you lived in the area?

Number of years respondents have lived in the

community
14
12
Number of respondents

10
8
6
4
2
0

Length of time of residence in the community

1-6 months 7-12 months 1-3 years 3-5 years 6+ years

Figure 2. The bar graph above shows how long respondents have lived in the community.

Twelve (12) have lived in the area for 6+ years, seven (7) have lived in the area for 1-3 years,

five (5) have lived in the area for 3-5 years, three (3) have lived in the area for 7-12 months, and

two (2) have recently come to live in the community between 1-6 months.

Pg. 9
Question 3. What do you do with your garbage when the garbage collection truck does not arrive

weekly?

What the respondents does with their garbage

when the garbage collection truck does not arrive
on a weekly basis
Burn the waste Bury the waste
Continue Waiting Travel to a nearby dumpster

14%

41%
21%

24%

Figure 3. This pie chart displays what the respondents do with their waste when the garbage

collection truck does not arrive weekly. 41% (12) state that they travel to a nearby dumpster,

24% (7) state that they continue waiting, 21% (6) state that they bury the waste, and 14% (4)

state that they burn it. These results were not expected, the 12 persons who travel to a nearby

dumpster to dispose of their waste could’ve been so because of the high volume of waste being

produced daily. The six persons who bury the waste must’ve done so because of high volumes

and lack of garbage bins, the same goes for 4 persons who burn it.

Pg. 10
Question 4. What do you think contributes to land pollution in your community?

Causes of land pollution. Number of Respondents.

Clogged drains that overflow during heavy 4

rainfall and flood areas with garbage on land.

Bad agricultural practices. 5

Improper garbage disposal of residents and 11

people passing through.

Not enough garbage bins to dispose of 9

garbage properly.

Figure 4 shows a table that displays the probable cause the respondents believe contributes to

land pollution. From the table it shows that four (4) of the respondents believed that clogged

drains cause land pollution, five (5) respondents believed that bad agricultural practices cause

land pollution, eleven (11) reports that improper garbage disposal causes land pollution and nine

(9) respondents state that not enough garbage bins contribute to land pollution. These link back

to Figure 3 about what residents did with high loads of waste.

Pg. 11
Question 5. What are some ways you believe land pollution has affected your community?

Impacts that affected the community. Number of Respondents.

Increase in rodents (flies, rats, and 5

cockroaches) and uncleanliness of the

community because of stray animals

dispersing garbage.

Health issues (hard to breathe daily because 3

of stench, rash on kids because of them

playing outside and mosquito-related health

issues).

Destruction of the ecosystem of the land. 1

All of the above. 20

Figure 5 shows a table that denotes how land pollution affected the community. Five (5)

respondents states that there was an increase in rodents and uncleanliness of the community,

three (3) states that there are health issues, one (1) states that there is the destruction of the

ecosystem and twenty (20) states that all the above has affected them.

Pg. 12
Question 6. How have you been affected by land pollution?

How have the residents been affected in the Number of Respondents.

community from an individual perspective?

Rodent invasion/infestation of your home. 6

Stray animals (larger than rats) invading your 3

garbage.

Sickness and Infections of your family. 3

Unpleasant stench constantly in your home. 2

Water supply contaminated. 3

All of the above. 12

Figure 6 above shows a table that denotes how the residents have been affected from an

individual perspective. Six (6) persons stated that they have rodents’ invasion/infestation, three

(3) respondents for each statement stated that stray animals invade their garbage, that their water

supply is contaminated, and that their family has sicknesses and infections because of land

pollution. Two (2) stated that they must constantly deal with the unpleasant stench in their home

and twelve (12) selected all of the above.

Pg. 13
Question 7. What do you think can be done from an individual standpoint to prevent land

pollution in your community?

What the respondents think can be done to

prevent land pollution from an individual
standpoint.

Proper disposal of garbage

Weekly cleanup of home and sur-
14% rounding area
Recycle, Reuse and Reduce
All of the above
41%
21%

24%

Figure 7 shows a pie chart showing what the respondents think can be done from an individual

standpoint to prevent land pollution in the community. 41% (12) think that all of the above

applies to prevent land pollution, 24% (7) state that they recycle, reuse and reduce, 21% (6) state

that they do a weekly cleanup of their home and surrounding area and 14% (4) states that proper

disposal of garbage prevents land pollution.

Pg. 14
Question 8. What do you think can be done to properly resolve the issue of land pollution?

What the respondents think can be done to

properly resolve the issue of land pollution.
16
Number of respondents

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Land pollution management ideas

Government laws imposed on improper garbage disposal

Bi-annual cleanup of country
Spreading of information on proper garbage disposal
All of the above

Figure 8 shows a bar chart showing what the respondents think can be done to properly resolve

the issue of land pollution. Fifteen (15) respondents selected all of the above, seven (7)

respondents selected that the spreading of information on proper garbage disposal would help,

three (3) selected that a bi-annual cleanup of the country would help and two (2) selected that

government laws imposed on improper garbage disposal would help.

Pg. 15
 Discussion of Findings

After conducting the research in the community of Johns Town Road, several points were

raised, some of which was like that of previous researchers. In completing the objectives of this

research are to find out how to land pollution affects residents of the community and to solved

find ways to how it can be solved.

According to (Byjus, 2023) in the Literature Review, land pollution occurs when trash, compost,

and other toxins are dumped on land by humans, contaminating or polluting it. (Texas Disposal

Systems, 2023) the Literature Review also reiterates that littering, urbanization and construction,

and agriculture all contribute to land pollution. This coincides with what the respondents state

“Improper garbage disposal of residents and people passing through and Not enough garbage

bins to dispose of garbage properly”.

(Netsol Water) the Literature review stated that “Landfills emit foul odors and stenches in

various locations where they are located. Residents in cities and towns near large dump sites and

landfill areas have reported excessive levels of a noxious odor.” This also coincides with the data

that was collected as most respondents selected “All of the above” with “Unpleasant stench”

included.

(Netsol Water) also stated in the Literature Review that “Land contamination has the potential to

spread in all directions, causing harm to the immediate ecosystem. It can contaminate water and

drastically impair its quality on this basis. It occurs when surface rainwater runoff carries

chemicals and other harmful substances from landfills and solid wastes into rivers. Leaching

occurs, thus allowing harmful metals and compounds to penetrate aquifers and water tables.

Furthermore, contaminated water evaporates and condenses as precipitation with the

Pg. 16
contaminants, perpetuating the Pollution and contamination cycle.” All this information is on

point with the study and the data collected, a majority of respondents state water contamination

and illnesses arising from land pollution.

According to (Jamacia Information Service, 2018), the regional body has already imposed a ban

on single-use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene (food boxes). This piece of information has

applied to the research where the respondents agreed with the selection of responses they were

given, where most selected “All of the above” with “Government laws imposed on improper

garbage disposal” included.

Pg. 17
 Conclusion, Limitations, and Recommendations

The findings of this research show that land pollution is easily one of the most dangerous

environmental threats to humans and animals alike. All the respondents who participated in this

research, through their responses have proven that the issue is quite a pressing one. The findings

of this research reflect the Literature review and other findings based on the topic. This shows

how common the causes and impacts of land pollution are. Generally, this research was able to

identify the most common causes of land pollution, which include improper garbage disposal,

not enough garbage bins, and bad agricultural practices, there are others however which

contribute to land pollution globally. Therefore, with the occurrence of land pollution, there are

also consequences it has on human life. The research found that land pollution inhibits human

life overall, by interfering with human health, destroying ecosystems, and infestation of

properties. Most of the respondents believe that proper disposal of garbage, government

intervention, and weekly cleanups would help to curb the issue.

Hence, the issue of land pollution cannot be solved in a day, but with the teamwork of everyone

and taking responsibility to care for the environment, it will certainly not be an impossible task.

Limitations

Upon conducting this research, the researcher encountered a few problems which slowed

research. Firstly, the researcher was able to access many sources of information, but it was found

that not many of the sources were in-depth scientific studies of the country of origin. This led to

the use of other studies internationally to aid in the research. Secondly, the researcher had to take

the responses with a grain of salt. Although it contributed greatly to the research, one returned

questionnaire had no information on it. This puts distrust in the information as the people of the

Pg. 18
country are not always credible and the people do not see the significance of these surveys.

However, the researcher was able to use the information to complete the research assuming they

answered truthfully.

Recommendations

To reduce and potentially curb the issue of land pollution, several solutions have been

suggested because of this research. To start, residents in polluted areas have community watches

for a reason. They should use the responsibility they own to conduct the weekly cleanups

mentioned by the respondents. They should have community laws in urban and suburban areas

and report any illegal dumping or burning of garbage in rural areas. Also, the media can

highlight the issue at hand and bring awareness among individuals about the importance and

benefits of keeping their environment clean. In larger areas like towns and cities, the government

should penalize anyone who breaks the law regarding the disposal of garbage. Making bins

available for every kilometer is another step in curbing the issue. Also, the lack of garbage

collection trucks should be taken into consideration as the population produces more waste than

they can handle daily.

Pg. 19
 Bibliography

1. Boudreau, D., McDaniel, M., Sprout, E., & Turgeon, A. (2022, December 14). Pollution.

National Geographic. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/pollution.

2. Brown, R. (2022, July 27). Causes, effects, and solutions to land pollution you'll wish

you'd known. Conserve Energy Future. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-land-pollution.php

3. Bucknall, V. (2023, February 7). Land pollution: Causes, effects, and prevention. Texas

Disposal Systems. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from

https://www.texasdisposal.com/blog/landpollution/#:~:text=Landpollution( degradation)

illegal-dumping-and-littering.

4. Cortney, A. (2016, October 21). What are the consequences of land pollution? NetSol

Water. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://netsolwater.com/7-serious-consequences-

of-land-pollution.php?blog=1694

5. Fayral, C. (2022, July 20). What is land pollution? - Causes, Effects & Solutions.

BYJUS. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://byjus.com/chemistry/land-pollution/

Pg. 20
 Appendix

Dear Respondent,

This is a survey that is being carried out in John’s Town Road, Port Antonio to

investigate the impacts of land pollution. This research is being done as part of completing my

CAPE education. This is promised not to test your intellectual ability as there are no correct or

wrong answers. Your honest thoughts and opinions are only what is needed. The questions can

be completed by answering in a checkbox ( ).You are also encouraged that you do not have to

include your name in the questionnaire, hence you are provided complete anonymity.

Your support will be appreciated.

Yours Sincerely,

______________

Richard Gray.

Pg. 21
 Questionnaire

Place a tick ( ) inside the box you choose as your answer to the question.

1. What is your age?

15-25 26-35 36-45

46-55 55+

2. How long have you lived in the area?

1-6 months. 7-12 months. 1-3 years.

3-5 years. 6+ years.

3. What do you do with your garbage when the garbage collection truck does not arrive

weekly?

Continue Waiting. Travel to a nearby dumpster.

Burn the waste. Bury the waste.

4. What do you think contributes to land pollution in your community?

Clogged drains that overflow during heavy rainfall and flood areas with garbage on land.

Bad agricultural practices.

Improper garbage disposal of residents and people passing through.

Not enough garbage bins to dispose of garbage properly.

5. What are some ways you believe land pollution has affected your community?

Increase in rodents (flies, rats, and cockroaches) and uncleanliness of the community

because of stray animals dispersing garbage.

Health issues (hard to breathe daily because of stench, rash on kids because of them

playing outside and mosquito-related health issues).

Destruction of the ecosystem of the land. All of the above.

Pg. 22
6. How have you been affected by land pollution?

Rodent invasion/infestation of your home.

Stray animals (larger than rats) invading your garbage.

Sickness and Infections of your family.

Unpleasant stench constantly in your home.

Water supply contaminated. All of the above.

7. What do you think can be done from an individual standpoint to prevent land pollution in

your community?

Proper disposal of garbage.

Weekly cleanup of home and surrounding area.

Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. All of the above.

8. What do you think can be done to properly resolve the issue of land pollution?

Government laws imposed on improper garbage disposal.

Bi-annual cleanup of the country.

Spreading of information on the proper garbage disposal. All of the above.

END OF QUESTIONNAIRE

Pg. 23