POLLUTION
Definition: Pollution is the release or discharge or dumping of substances or energy into the by man’s activities in harmful concentrations
Pollutants: Are substances or energy released into the environment from human activities in harmful concentration eg CO2, CO, SO2, Mercury etc.
Types of pollution
There are three types of pollution s namely: Air, Water and Land Pollution
1. Air Pollution:
This refers to the release of substances or energy into the atmosphere by man’s activities in harmful concentration
Some Air pollutants or Sources include;
• Carbon dioxide
• Carbon monoxide
• Sulphur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Smoke
Effects
• Global warming
• Acid rain
• respiratory diseases
Control of air pollution
• Plant more trees.
• Use cleaner energy.
• Enforce environmental laws.
2. Water Pollution:
This is the release of substances or energy into water bodies by man’s
activities in harmful concentration.
Water pollutants or Sources include;
• Oil spills
• Sewage
• Fertilizers
• Pesticides
• Industrial wastes
Effects
• Death of aquatic organisms
• Reduced oxygen levels
• Destruction of food chains
Control
• Treat sewage before dispersal
• Prevent oil spills from ship
• Reduce chemical use in water bodies
3. Land Pollution:
This is the indiscriminate dumping of refuse and chemicals on land to such
an extent and duration as to produce harmful effects.
Land pollutants or Sources
• Refuse or garbage Eg peelings from fruits and tubers, plastic papers, cans
• Sewage: This is liquid wastes from homes and industries comprising mostly of urine and faeces.
• Fertilizers
NOTES:
Biodegradable waste: This are waste that can be decomposed naturally eg peelings from fruits
and tubers
Non-biodegradable waste: This are waste that cannot decompose naturally. Examples: Plastic, Glass
Control or Prevention of land pollution
• Recycling of non-biodegradable waste like plastic etc
• Proper waste disposal
• Public education to the population on the dangers of land pollution
• Environmental laws governing land pollution