POLLUTION

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to;
• Define pollution
• List and explain types of pollution
• List control measures for pollutions
Introduction
Pollution is the release of toxic or harmful substances into the environment that it causes biological
damage to man and his resources. Harmful substances that cause pollution are known as pollutants. The
sources of the pollution can be natural or man-made.
Types of pollution

Air Pollution.
Water Pollution.
Land Pollution.
Noise pollution

Air Pollution
Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural composition
and chemistry of the air.
Air pollutants Sources Effects
Carbon monoxide Combusting engines Causes suffocation as a
Burning fuels in cars result of its combination
with haemoglobin thereby
reducing the ability to
carry oxygen.
Nitrogen oxides Industrial processes Irritates skin and
Electrical discharge in air respiratory system
Form acid rain which
corrode metals

Dust particles Mining, industrial processes, quarries. Reduces visibility

Irritate respiratory system
and cause catarrh and
cough.
Sulphur dioxide Vehicle exhaust, coal mining and Cause acid rain
cement factory Cause respiratory diseases
and irritation of the eyes
and skin.
 Smoke and soot Burning of substances from home and Soot cover leaves of
industries plants, reducing
photosynthesis.
Damage lungs and cause
discomfort.
Darkens surfaces
Reduces visibility

Carbon dioxide and methane Combustion of fossils and Acid rain

(greenhouse gases) decomposition by bacteria.

Control of air pollution

 Conditions must be created for complete combustion of fuels in internal combustion engines
 Control over the kinds of fuel used in cars, aeroplanes, power stations, etc.
 Plantation of trees.
 Industries should be sited far away from residential areas.
 Chemical wastes can be discharged into air through fume chambers.
 Legislation should be made against indiscriminate burning.
Water pollution
Water pollution is the introduction into fresh or ocean waters of chemical, physical, or biological material
that degrades the quality of the water and affects the organisms living in it.

Water pollutants Sources Effects

Sewage Sewage system Makes water unfit for drinking

Unpleasant smell
Destruction of aquatic life
Support growth of pathogens that
cause disease such as cholera
 Chemical wastes Industries and ships at harbours Can kill aquatic organisms
Accumulate in human body if water is
consumed and later become toxic
over time. E.g mercury and lead
Makes water unfit for drinking

Crude oil Loading and unloading of oil tankers Threat to aquatic life
(oil spillage) Oil drilling Food chain may be affected
Makes water unfit for drinking
Migration of aquatic life.

Pesticides and fertilizers Erosion from farmlands Rapid growth of plants (algae bloom)
thereby hindering free movement of
aquatic animals.
Eutrophication
Death of animals and laying of fragile
eggs from accumulation of DDT in
insects and aquatic animals

Control measures for water pollution

 There should be efficient and proper sewage disposal system.
 Industries should be sited far away from residential areas
 There should be efficient techniques to deal with or prevent oil spillage.
 Strict monitoring of industrial wastes.
 Public enlightenment on waste disposal.
 By research and legislation, the pollution of water bodies, even though not entirely prevented,
must be effectively controlled.

Land pollution
Land pollution is the degradation of the Earth’s land surface through misuse of the soil by poor
agricultural practices, mineral exploitation, industrial waste dumping, and indiscriminate disposal of
urban wastes. Most land pollutants are non-biodegradable which make them accumulate and become
very unsightful.

Land pollutants Sources Effect

Refuse Industries, homes, schools, markets, Offensive odour on decay
offices. Respiratory disorder.

Sewage Homes, schools, offices. Breeding ground for vectors and

pathogens

Pesticides and fertilizers Pesticides and fertilizers used on Destroy useful organisms
crops and soil Excess fertilizer may cause soil
acidity.

Metal scraps Abandoned vehicles and cars. Prevent proper use of land
Occupy land space

Crude oil Loading and unloading of oil tankers Renders land infertile.
(oil spillage) Oil drilling
 Glass particles Glass manufacturing industries and Its non-biodegradable hence
companies using bottles. preventing proper land use
Cause Injury to the skin.

Control of land pollution

 Anti-litter campaigns can educate people against littering;
 Organic waste can be dumped in places far from residential areas;
 Inorganic materials such as metals, glass and plastic, but also paper, can be reclaimed and
recycled.
 Pesticides and fertilizers should be applied as instructed.
 Refuse should be burnt in incinerators
 Sewage should be properly treated before disposal.
 Oil pipelines should be maintained and checked regularly to prevent spillage.

NOISE POLLUTION:
Sources of Noise pollution

1. Car horns and sirens

2. Aeroplane and aviation noise
3. Railway trains
4. Noise from factories and industries
5. High pitched musical sound
6. Generators
7. Noise from gun shots

Effects of Noise pollution:

1. Hearing loss or deafness
2. General irritation and short – temperedness
3. Emotional disorder and loss of concentration
4. May cause high blood pressure and hypertension
5. May lead to change of behavior

Control of noise pollution

• Ban on use of heavy guns
• Soundproof generators should be used especially in industries
• Laws against use of loud speakers in public places
• Railways and airports should be sited away from residential areas
• Use of car sirens should be banned or reduced.