Name of learner : Nyamangodo Dorcas

Candidate number :
Level : Form 6
Name of school : Murewa High School
Centre number : 030534
Learning area : Communication Skills
CALA Title : Pollution
CALA type : Pen and Paper

Background
It has been observed that there are scores of problems affecting learners , teachers and
people at Murewa High School and it’s surrounding area and these include among them
pollution .The researcher will examine the nature , causes ,effects and mitigation measures of
pollution and how it is affecting the above mentioned stakeholders.
Part A
The nature of pollution
Pollution is a pervasive threat that plagues our planet and its inhabitants. It takes on many
forms, from air and water pollution to soil and noise pollution. Human activities, such as
industrial processes, transportation, and improper waste management, are the primary
culprits behind pollution. The consequences are far-reaching, with ecological imbalances, loss
of biodiversity, and health issues being just a few of the impacts. To combat pollution, we
must adopt sustainable practices, invest in clean technologies, and raise awareness about the
importance of environmental stewardship. Only through collective efforts can we mitigate
pollution's harmful effects and create a healthier, more sustainable world for future
generations.

Some common forms of pollution include :

Water pollution
Land pollution
Air pollution
Noise pollution

Water Pollution
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes,
groundwater, and oceans, with harmful substances or pollutants.

Causes of Water Pollution at Murewa High School:

1. Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in agriculture are
leading to runoff, carrying these chemicals into water bodies. Implementing best
management practices like precision farming, erosion control measures, and sustainable
agricultural practices can minimize agricultural runoff.

2. Sewage and Wastewater: Improperly treated or untreated sewage and wastewater from
residential sources and the boarding areas are contaminating water bodies.

3. Improper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of solid waste, including plastics and
hazardous materials, can contaminate water bodies.

Effects of water pollution

1. Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems: Water pollution can disrupt and harm aquatic ecosystems
in several ways. Pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals can
accumulate in water bodies, affecting the health and survival of aquatic plants and animals.

2. Contamination of Drinking Water: Water pollution can contaminate sources of drinking

water, making it unsafe for human consumption. Pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and parasites
from untreated sewage and wastewater can cause waterborne diseases such as cholera,
typhoid, and dysentery.

3. Human Health Impacts: Water pollution can have direct and indirect impacts on human
health. Direct exposure to polluted water through swimming, bathing, or consumption can
lead to skin irritations, gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory problems, and other waterborne
diseases.

4. Economic Consequences: Water pollution can have significant economic consequences.

Contaminated water sources can result in increased healthcare costs due to the treatment of
water-related illnesses , in this case the school will have to cater for all these expenses to
make sure students are treated.

5. Impact on Recreational Activities: Water pollution can negatively impact recreational

activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Contaminated water can pose health risks
to individuals engaging in water-based activities, leading to restrictions or closures of
recreational areas. This can result in economic losses for tourism-dependent communities.

Measures to control water pollution

1. Source Control: Implement source control measures to prevent pollutants from entering
water bodies in the first place. This includes implementing best practices in agriculture to
minimize runoff of fertilizers and pesticides.

2. Wastewater Treatment: Ensure that wastewater from schools , communities and other
sources undergoes proper treatment before being discharged into water bodies. This includes
the use of treatment processes like physical, chemical, and biological treatment to remove
pollutants.

3. Proper Waste Disposal: Promote proper waste disposal practices to prevent the
contamination of water bodies. This includes encouraging recycling and reuse of materials
and safe disposal of hazardous waste to prevent leaching into groundwater or surface water.
4. Environmental Regulations: Establish and enforce strict environmental regulations that set
pollution limits and standards for wastewater treatment, waste management, and
agricultural practices. Regular monitoring and enforcement are crucial to ensure compliance
with these regulations.

5. Education and Awareness: Conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness about
water pollution and its consequences. Promote responsible water use, proper waste disposal,
and the importance of preserving water resources. Encourage individuals and communities to
take actions that contribute to water pollution prevention.

6. Sustainable Agriculture: Promote sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the use of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Encourage practices such as organic farming, crop rotation,
precision agriculture, and integrated pest management to minimize agricultural runoff and
protect water quality.

Land Pollution
Land pollution refers to the degradation and contamination of the land surface, often caused
by human activities.

Causes of land pollution

1. Improper Waste Management: Inadequate waste disposal systems in schools can
contribute to land pollution. When waste is not properly managed, it can accumulate in
school premises, including plastic bottles, food waste, papers, and other non-biodegradable
materials. These waste items can degrade the aesthetics of the school environment and
contaminate the soil.

2. Littering: Students and staff members littering the school grounds with wrappers, plastic
bags, and other waste materials can lead to land pollution. Litter not only spoils the visual
appeal of the school but can also get blown away or washed into nearby soil, causing
pollution.

3. Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Lack of proper sanitation facilities, including toilets and
sewage systems, in schools can result in contamination of the surrounding soil. If sewage
systems are not functioning correctly or if there is no proper wastewater treatment, the
untreated wastewater can seep into the ground, polluting the soil with harmful pathogens
and chemicals.
4. Construction and Demolition Activities: Construction or demolition projects within school
premises, if not properly managed, can generate land pollution. Improper disposal of
construction debris, such as concrete, bricks, and other construction materials, can
contaminate the soil and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.

5. Illegal Dumping: Some schools may face the issue of illegal dumping, where individuals or
communities dispose of waste illegally on school premises. This can include dumping
construction debris, household waste, or industrial waste. Illegal dumping not only pollutes
the land but can also pose health risks to students and staff.

6. Lack of Environmental Education: Limited awareness and education about environmental

conservation and waste management practices can contribute to land pollution in schools.
When students and staff are not aware of the consequences of their actions or the
importance of proper waste disposal, it can lead to careless behavior and contribute to
pollution.

7. Insufficient Infrastructure and Resources: Inadequate infrastructure and limited resources

can make it challenging for schools to manage waste effectively. Lack of waste bins, recycling
facilities, or composting systems can result in improper waste disposal and contribute to land
pollution.

Effects of land pollution

1.Soil Degradation: Land pollution can lead to soil degradation, reducing its fertility and
productivity. Contamination from chemicals and pesticides can render the soil unsuitable for
agriculture or plant growth. This can result in reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and
food scarcity.
2. Loss of Biodiversity: Land pollution can result in the loss of biodiversity and habitat
destruction. Contamination and degradation of land can destroy ecosystems and disrupt the
natural habitats of plants and animals. This can lead to the decline or extinction of species,
disrupt food chains, and reduce overall biodiversity.

3. Health Risks: Land pollution poses significant health risks to humans and other living
organisms. Exposure to contaminated soil or air pollutants can lead to various health
problems, including respiratory issues, skin diseases, neurological disorders, and even cancer.
Ingesting food grown on polluted land can also expose individuals to toxic substances.

4. Accumulation of Waste: Land pollution contributes to the accumulation of solid waste,

including non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, glass, and metals. Improper waste
disposal and inadequate recycling practices lead to overflowing landfills, soil contamination,
and unsightly landscapes.

5. Climate Change: Land pollution, particularly through the release of greenhouse gases from
waste disposal sites or industrial activities, contributes to climate change. Methane emissions
from landfills, for example, are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming
and climate instability.

Measures to control land pollution

1. Establish Proper Waste Management Systems: Schools should develop and implement
comprehensive waste management systems. This includes providing sufficient waste bins or
containers for different types of waste, such as recyclables, organic waste, and non-
recyclables. Clear signage should be placed to guide students and staff on proper waste
disposal.

2. Promote Recycling: Implement recycling programs within the school premises. Encourage
students and staff to separate recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, and glass, from
general waste. Establish partnerships with recycling companies or local organizations that can
collect and process these recyclables.

3. Encourage Composting: Introduce composting initiatives to manage organic waste

generated in the school, such as food scraps and garden waste. Composting not only reduces
the volume of waste sent to landfills but also produces valuable organic fertilizer for use in
gardening or landscaping projects.

4. Increase Awareness and Education: Conduct regular awareness campaigns and educational
programs to educate students, teachers, and staff about the importance of waste
management and the consequences of land pollution. Raise awareness about recycling,
composting, and the proper disposal of hazardous materials.

5. Implement Hazardous Waste Disposal: Establish proper protocols for the disposal of
hazardous waste, such as chemicals, batteries, and electronic equipment. Ensure that these
materials are stored safely and disposed of through authorized channels that handle
hazardous waste appropriately.

Air Pollution
Air Pollution is pollution that occurs when harmful gases, particulate matter, and pollutants
are released into the air.

Causes of air pollution

1.Combustion Appliances:
Improperly maintained or malfunctioning combustion appliances like stoves, heaters, or
furnaces can emit harmful gases, including carbon monoxide , nitrogen dioxide and
particulate matter .

2.Vehicle Emissions:
Murewa High is located near busy roads and a highway thus it can be exposed to high levels
of air pollutants from vehicle emissions. Exhaust gases from cars, buses, and trucks contain
pollutants like nitrogen oxides , particulate matter and volatile organic compounds .

3. Construction Activities:
Construction or renovation activities near schools can contribute to air pollution. Dust and
particulate matter generated during construction can be carried by wind and enter the school
environment, leading to poor air quality.

4. Improper Handling of Hazardous Materials:

In schools, improper handling or storage of hazardous materials can release harmful
substances into the air. Chemicals used in laboratories, art classrooms, or maintenance
operations, if not handled safely, can emit volatile fumes and contribute to air pollution.

5. Tobacco Smoke:
Smoking or the presence of smokers in schools or in designated smoking areas can lead to
air pollution.
Effects of air pollution
1. Respiratory Problems: Exposure to air pollutants can cause or worsen respiratory issues
such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide , and volatile
organic compounds present in indoor and outdoor air can irritate the airways, leading to
coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and respiratory discomfort.

2. Reduced Lung Development: Prolonged exposure to air pollution during childhood can
hinder lung development. Studies have shown that children exposed to high levels of air
pollutants may experience reduced lung function and compromised respiratory capacity,
which can have long-term consequences on their overall health.

3. Increased Absenteeism: Unhealthy indoor environments can contribute to increased

absenteeism among students and staff. Respiratory issues, allergies, and other health
problems caused or exacerbated by poor air quality can lead to more frequent illnesses,
resulting in missed school days for students and decreased productivity for teachers and staff.

4. Allergies and Asthma Attacks: Airborne allergens, such as mold spores, pollen, and dust
mites, can trigger allergies and asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.

5. Long-Term Health Impacts: Prolonged exposure to air pollution in schools can have long-
term health consequences. Studies have linked exposure to air pollutants with the
development of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even certain types of
cancer. Children, with their developing bodies and higher breathing rates, may be more
vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

Mitigation measures of air pollution

1.Implement Adequate Ventilation Systems: Ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to
allow for the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This helps dilute indoor pollutants and
improve air quality.

2.Regular Maintenance of Combustion Appliances: Conduct regular inspections and

maintenance of combustion appliances to ensure they are functioning properly and not
emitting harmful gases.
3.Green Spaces and Filtration Systems: Create green spaces around the school premises and
use air filtration systems to help reduce outdoor pollutants entering indoor environments.

4.Promote No-Smoking Policies: Enforce strict no-smoking policies within and near school
premises to protect students and staff from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

5.Education and Awareness: Educate students, staff, and parents about the causes and
effects of air pollution. Promote awareness of sustainable practices, such as reducing vehicle
emissions, carpooling, and using eco-friendly products.

6.Collaboration with Local Authorities: Work with local authorities and environmental
agencies to address air pollution issues near schools, such as implementing emission control
measures and monitoring air quality.

Noise Pollution
Noise Pollution
Noise Pollution is characterized by excessive, unwanted, or disruptive sound levels in the
environment.

Causes of noise pollution

1. Playground Activities: Noise generated from children playing and engaging in physical
activities in the school playground can contribute to high noise levels, especially during recess
or break times.

2. Classroom Noise: Noisy classroom environments can result from students talking loudly,
moving furniture, or engaging in group activities without proper noise control measures.

3. School Events and Assemblies: School events, assemblies, or performances held in

auditoriums or gymnasiums can generate loud noises, impacting the surrounding classrooms
and interrupting ongoing classes.

4. School Transportation: The arrival and departure of school buses, car traffic, and idling
vehicles near school entrances can contribute to noise pollution.

5. Construction and Maintenance: Renovation or construction activities within or near the

school premises can generate significant noise, disrupting classes and causing discomfort.
6. Music Classes and Band Practices: Musical instruments and the practice sessions of school
bands or music classes can generate loud noise, affecting nearby classrooms.
Effects of noise pollution

1. Reduced Concentration: Excessive noise levels can make it challenging for students to
concentrate on their studies and stay focused on classroom activities. Background noise can
be distracting and disrupt the learning process, leading to reduced attention spans and
decreased academic performance.

2. Impaired Learning: Persistent exposure to high noise levels can hinder the acquisition and
retention of new information. It can interfere with effective communication between
teachers and students, making it difficult for students to understand instructions or
participate in class discussions.

3. Communication Difficulties: Noise pollution can make it challenging for students and
teachers to communicate effectively. Teachers may need to raise their voices, leading to
vocal strain, and students may struggle to hear and understand instructions, leading to
misunderstandings and potential academic setbacks.

4. Increased Stress Levels: Continuous exposure to loud and disruptive noise can create a
stressful learning environment. Elevated stress levels can negatively impact students' mental
well-being, increase anxiety levels, and contribute to fatigue and irritability.

5. Hearing Impairment: Exposure to high noise levels over an extended period can potentially
result in hearing impairment or damage, especially if students are consistently exposed to
loud noises without proper hearing protection.

6. Reduced Academic Performance: Noise pollution can have a direct impact on students'
academic performance. The inability to concentrate, comprehend information, and
effectively communicate can lead to lower grades, decreased motivation, and diminished
overall educational outcomes.
Mitigation measures of noise pollution
1. Soundproofing: Install sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic panels or ceiling tiles, to
reduce echo and control noise levels in classrooms, hallways, and other noisy areas.

2. Classroom Design: Arrange classroom furniture and equipment in a way that minimizes
noise generation and facilitates better acoustics, such as acoustic partitions.

3. Noise Control Policies: Develop and enforce noise control policies within the school, setting
guidelines for acceptable noise levels in various areas and during different activities.

4. Quiet Zones: Designate quiet zones in the school, such as libraries or study areas, where
students can focus without disturbances.

5. Traffic Management: Implement traffic management strategies to minimize noise from

school buses, car traffic, and loading/unloading areas.