(a) What is environmental pollution?
(b) Describe four causes of environmental pollution
(c) Outline three ways in which environmental pollution can be controlled
Explanation
(a) Environmental pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or unhealthy condition to the environment.
(b) Causes of Environmental Pollution:
(i) Discharge of chemical pollutants into the atmosphere
(ii) Accelerated industrialisation which leads to increased emission of industrial and toxic wastes
(iii) Emissions from aircraft and vehicles
(iv) Atomic bomb testing and the use of atomic energy in industries release radioactive substances into the atmosphere.
(v) Burning of bushes, coal and firewood
(vi) Poor sewage disposal/refuse disposal
(vii) Mineral working and oil spillage
(viii) Use of artificial fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides and herbicides in agriculture
(ix) Use of big loudspeakers produces noise pollution
(x) Use of big industrial machines produces heat that causes thermal pollution.
(c) Control of Environmental Pollution:
(i) Government legislation to check industrial emissions into the atmosphere.
(ii) Factories and motor cars should have anti-pollution devices
(iii) Observation of anti-pollution measures
(iv) Removal of poisonous and harmful chemicals from industrial wastes before being discharged into the rivers and seas.
(v) Improved methods of sewage disposal
(vi) Greater care in handling petroleum products
(vii) Use of machines that are more efficient in fuel combustion
(viii) Turning down of loudspeakers to approved noise level
(ix) Environmental impact assessment to be carried out before any project is executed
(xi) Strict adherence tc Land Use plannings
(xii) Public enlightenment, e.g. seminar, education.