Theory question 103
Pollution(a)(i) What is Pollution? (ii) Name two pollutants each of air and water
(b) (i) State four effects of water pollution on organisms (ii) Mention four ways of preventing water pollution in an environment
(c) (i) Name three sources of noise pollution (ii) State three effects of noise pollution on man
Show the model answer
(a)(i) Pollution is the release into the environment of harmful substances or energy (pollutants), in amounts that damage living things.
(ii) Air: carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, smoke/soot, dust. Water: sewage, crude oil, fertilisers, pesticides, industrial chemicals/heavy metals, refuse.
(b)(i) Any four: death of fish and other aquatic organisms; less dissolved oxygen (eutrophication from sewage and fertilisers); spread of water-borne diseases (cholera, typhoid); poisoning of organisms and accumulation along food chains; oil coats birds' feathers and fish gills; water becomes unfit for drinking.
(ii) Any four: treat sewage before discharge; proper disposal of refuse; treat industrial waste before release; avoid excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides; prevent oil spills and clean them up; laws and fines against polluters; public education.
(c)(i) Any three: aircraft/airports; motor vehicles and horns; factory machines and generators; loudspeakers/music; blasting, building work.
(ii) Any three: loss of hearing/deafness; headache; stress, irritability and lack of sleep; high blood pressure; poor concentration.
Name actual substances as pollutants, not just 'smoke'.