JSS1 Second Term Basic Science: Environmental Pollution

SUBJECT: BASIC SCIENCE

CLASS: JSS1

DATE:

TERM: 2 ND TERM

RESOURCES & MATERIALS: BASIC SCIENCE FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS BOOK 1

BUILDING BACKGROUND/CONNECTION TO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE: The students are familiar with matter, science, living and non-living things before

JSS1 Second Term Basic Science: Environmental Pollution

CONTENT:

Pollution: Pollution is the introduction of detrimental substances/harmful materials into the environment, commonly known as pollutants. These substances may originate naturally, such as volcanic ash, or result from human activities, including the generation of waste and runoff from industrial facilities. The impact of pollutants extends to the deterioration of air, water, and land quality. Whether arising from natural phenomena or human-induced sources, pollutants contribute to the degradation of the overall environmental health.

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION:

Air Pollution: This occurs when harmful substances, such as pollutants, are released into the air. Common air pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and ozone. Sources include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning of fossil fuels.
Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, with harmful substances. Sources of water pollution include industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, oil spills, and improper disposal of waste.
Soil Pollution: The introduction of pollutants into the soil, affecting its fertility and overall health. Soil pollution can result from industrial activities, improper waste disposal, the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and contaminated water runoff.
Noise Pollution: Excessive or disturbing noise that interferes with normal activities and can have detrimental effects on human health and wildlife. Common sources include traffic, industrial machinery, and loud recreational activities.
Light Pollution: Excessive or misdirected artificial light that interferes with the natural darkness of the night sky. This can disrupt ecosystems, affect wildlife behavior, and have negative impacts on human health.
Thermal Pollution: The release of heated water into natural water bodies, often from industrial processes or power plants, which can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm fish and other aquatic organisms.

CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Environmental pollution is a broad term that encompasses various types of pollution affecting different components of the environment. The causes of environmental pollution are diverse and often interrelated. Here are some major causes:

Air Pollution:
- Industrial Emissions: Factories and manufacturing processes release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air.
- Vehicle Exhaust: Combustion of fossil fuels in cars, trucks, and other vehicles emits pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.
- Agricultural Practices: The use of pesticides and fertilizers can release pollutants into the air.
Water Pollution:
- Industrial Discharges: Factories discharge pollutants, including heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins, into water bodies.
- Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers from agricultural fields can enter rivers and lakes through runoff.
- Sewage and Wastewater: Improperly treated sewage and wastewater discharges contribute to water pollution.
- Oil Spills: Accidental spills from oil rigs, tankers, or pipelines contaminate oceans and waterways.
Soil Pollution:
- Industrial Activities: Contamination of soil occurs when hazardous chemicals and heavy metals are released into the ground.
- Agricultural Practices: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can accumulate in the soil, affecting its quality.
- Improper Waste Disposal: Dumping of solid waste, including hazardous materials, in landfills can lead to soil pollution.
Noise Pollution:
- Transportation: Noise from vehicles, airplanes, and other modes of transportation contributes to noise pollution.
- Industrial Processes: Factories and machinery in industrial areas generate significant noise pollution.
Light Pollution:
- Urbanization: Increased artificial lighting in urban areas disrupts natural light cycles, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.
- Excessive Outdoor Lighting: Unnecessary and excessive outdoor lighting contributes to light pollution.
Thermal Pollution:
- Industrial Discharges: The release of heated water from industrial processes into natural water bodies can cause thermal pollution.
- Power Plants: Cooling water discharges from power plants can elevate water temperatures.
Radioactive Pollution:
- Nuclear Accidents: Accidents in nuclear power plants can release radioactive substances into the air, water, and soil.
- Improper Disposal: Inadequate disposal of radioactive waste poses a significant threat to the environment.
Plastic Pollution:
- Improper Disposal: Improper disposal of plastic waste leads to its accumulation in landfills and oceans, causing harm to ecosystems.
Deforestation:
- Logging: Clearing forests for timber contributes to habitat loss and disrupts ecosystems.
- Urban Expansion: The expansion of urban areas often involves clearing large tracts of land, leading to deforestation.
Climate Change:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to the release of greenhouse gases, leading to climate change.

Pollution poses significant threats to the environment, human health, and biodiversity. It can lead to a range of problems, including respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, habitat destruction, and climate change. Efforts to mitigate pollution involve regulatory measures, technological solutions, and public awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of human activities.

STRATEGIES & ACTIVITIES: Critical thinking and problem solving activities.

WRAP-UP (CONCLUSION): The teacher conclude by revise the topic again and the key objectives was emphasize.

ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION