TEST OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTION (a) List five sources of water pollution (b) Highlight five measures that can be taken to control water pollution

Answer Details

(a) Five sources of water pollution

• Industrial effluents and chemical waste discharged into rivers.
• Untreated sewage and domestic refuse.
• Oil spillage from tankers, pipelines and offshore drilling.
• Agricultural chemicals (fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides) washed into water bodies.
• Mining waste and thermal (hot-water) discharge; also dumping of solid waste.

(b) Five measures to control water pollution

• Treatment of waste: sewage and industrial effluents should be treated before being discharged into water bodies.
• Enforcement of anti-pollution laws: government should make and strictly enforce laws that punish polluters.
• Proper waste disposal: provide dumps, drainage and recycling so that refuse is not thrown into rivers.
• Control of oil spillage: maintain pipelines, monitor tankers and clean up spills promptly.
• Public education and controlled use of agro-chemicals: enlighten people on the dangers of pollution and encourage moderate, correct use of fertilisers and pesticides.

Other valid points: creation of buffer/protected zones around water sources, regular monitoring of water quality.