Week 9 Lesson 2

Subject: Social Studies

Grade: Nine (9)

Topic: A Glimpse of Our History

Sub – Topic: Environmental Issues: Pollution

Objectives: Students will:

Define the term water pollution.

State the causes and effects of water pollution.

Concept: The environment may become contaminated or even destroyed because foreign
substances have been introduced into it. This is known as pollution of the
environment. The advances in technology by man and the application of scientific
research have made pollution problems more severe.

Content: Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or

microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body
of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the
environment.

When water becomes polluted, all living things that use the water are in danger of
some type of health problem.

Domestic water may become polluted because excess sedimentation makes the
water filtration system less effective.

Recreational areas for bathing and fishing become unhealthy.

Ground water/surface water transmits diseases to man.

 Siltation or sedimentation, caused by logging and mining is harmful to fish.

The Causes of Fresh Water Pollution

 Fresh water found in streams, rivers, lakes and springs may become polluted
by-
 Household wastes, which enter the drainage system.
 Agricultural inputs and wastes – pesticides, animal manure and inorganic
fertilisers.
 Industrial and chemical wastes.
 Discharge of raw sewage.

Activity: Can you think of any other causes of water pollution?

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The effects of Fresh Water Pollution

 Rivers and streams eventually dry up creating a shortage of water.

 Fish and other aquatic creatures find new habitats.
 Plants and weeds that grow in the water die.
 The environment develops an unpleasant odour.
 Human activities cease because of the absence of water for drinking,
sanitation, agriculture and industry.

Activity: Can you think of any other effects of water pollution?

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Reference:

Grade 9 Social Studies Teacher’s Guide

New Horizons in Social Studies, Book 3

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#whatis