(a) What is environmental pollution? (b) Describe four causes of environmental pollution (c) Outline three ways in which environmental pollution can be cont...

Answer Details

(a) What is environmental pollution?

Environmental pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants (pollutants) into the natural environment (air, water, land or soil) in quantities that are injurious to human health, other living things and property, and that degrade the quality of the environment.

(b) Four causes of environmental pollution

1. Industrial activities: Factories release smoke, poisonous gases, chemical wastes and effluents into the air and water.
2. Vehicular and machine exhausts: Motor vehicles and generators emit carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases that pollute the air.
3. Improper waste disposal: Dumping of refuse, sewage and untreated waste on land and into rivers pollutes the soil and water bodies.
4. Oil spillage, gas flaring, bush burning and use of agro-chemicals: These release oil, smoke, soot and chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides) that contaminate air, land and water.

(c) Three ways environmental pollution can be controlled

1. Treat industrial effluents and sewage before they are discharged, and install filters to trap smoke and gases.
2. Provide proper waste collection and disposal systems (recycling, sanitary landfills) and enforce anti-pollution laws.
3. Educate the public on sanitation, control bush burning and the use of chemicals, and encourage afforestation and cleaner sources of energy.