Environmental Pollution I JSS1 Basic Science Lesson Note

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION I

Definition of pollution

Pollution is the contamination of our environment with dirty, poisonous, and dangerous substances. It is also defined as the release of waste products or materials into the environment that is harmful to life.

These dirty, poisonous, and dangerous substances are called pollutants

Types of pollution

1. Air pollution
2. Water pollution
3. Soil pollution

    Air pollution

This is defined as the release of poisonous gases into the air (or atmosphere). Examples of air pollutants are sulphur (iv) oxide, carbon (ii) oxide, hydrogen sulphide, smoke, etc.

Causes of air pollution

In many domestic and industrial processes, air pollutants are released into the atmosphere. The sources of this air pollution differ so also the pollutants emitted into the atmosphere.

    Soil pollution

Soil pollution is the contamination of the land with poisonous materials. It is a time called land pollution. The major soil pollutants are refuse, sewage, and agricultural waste.

    Water pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies with poisonous substances. This is usually a result of both domestic and industrial activities. These pollutants are

1. Refuse and sewage, e.g. leftover food, urine, faeces, etc.
2. Industrial and agricultural waste, e.g. chemicals, fertilisers, insecticides, etc.
3. Oil spillage, e.g. breaking of the oil pipe
4. Thermal or heat source

CLASSWORK 

1. Define pollution

2. Mention 3 water pollutants and soil pollutants that you know