Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

TERM – 2^ND TERM

WEEK NINE

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Biology

Topic: POLLUTION

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Define pollution
2. Identify the types and sources of pollution
3. Identify the effects and control of pollution
4. Describe eutrophication
5. Identify the causes, Effects and the possible control of eutrophication.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:  Videos, loud speaker, textbook, picture

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

POLLUTION

Pollution refers to the introduction of contaminants or substances into the environment that cause adverse changes. These pollutants can be in the form of chemicals, particulate matter, or other harmful materials, leading to negative effects on ecosystems, human health, or the overall well-being of the environment.

Pollutants are the specific substances or agents that cause pollution. These can be solid, liquid, or gaseous materials released into the environment as a result of human activities, natural processes, or a combination of both. Pollutants can have harmful effects on ecosystems, human health, and the overall quality of the environment.

Types of pollution

1. Air Pollution: Contamination of the air by harmful substances like pollutants and gases, often from industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and other sources.
2. Water Pollution: Introduction of pollutants into water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, through industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage, and improper waste disposal.
3. Soil Pollution: Contamination of the soil with toxic substances, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals, impacting plant growth and posing risks to human and animal health.
4. Noise Pollution: Excessive or disruptive noise levels in the environment, often caused by industrial activities, traffic, and urban development, leading to adverse effects on human health and wildlife.
5. Radioactive Pollution: Release of radioactive substances into the environment, often from nuclear accidents, improper disposal of nuclear waste, or industrial processes involving radioactive materials.
6. E-waste Pollution: Improper disposal of electronic waste, including outdated or non-functional electronic devices, contributing to environmental hazards due to the presence of toxic materials.

Measures for prevention and mitigation.

Land Pollution

Sources

1. Industrial waste disposal
2. Agricultural chemicals and pesticides
3. Improper solid waste disposal
4. Mining activities

Effects

1. Soil degradation and erosion
2. Contamination of groundwater
3. Loss of biodiversity
4. Adverse effects on human health

Control

1. Implementing proper waste disposal practices
2. Recycling and reusing materials
3. Regulating industrial emissions
4. Sustainable agricultural practices

Water Pollution

Sources

1. Industrial discharges
2. Agricultural runoff
3. Municipal wastewater
4. Oil spills

Effects

1. Contamination of drinking water
2. Harm to aquatic ecosystems
3. Impact on human health through waterborne diseases
4. Disruption of marine life

Control

1. Strict regulations on industrial effluents
2. Treatment of sewage and wastewater
3. Sustainable agricultural practices
4. Prevention and preparedness for oil spills

Air Pollution

Sources

1. Vehicle emissions
2. Industrial smokestacks
3. Power plants
4. Deforestation

Effects

1. Respiratory problems in humans
2. Global warming and climate change
3. Acid rain
4. Damage to ecosystems

Control

1. Emission standards for vehicles and industries
2. Transition to cleaner energy sources
3. Afforestation and conservation efforts
4. Public awareness and education on air quality

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a process in which water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, become overly enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This excessive nutrient input stimulates the rapid growth of algae and other aquatic plants. As a result, algal blooms and dense plant growth can occur on the water surface.

The increased plant growth leads to several detrimental effects. When these plants die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen during the process, causing a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This oxygen depletion can harm fish and other aquatic organisms, potentially leading to "dead zones" where marine life cannot thrive.

Causes of eutrophication

1. Excessive Nutrient Input: Runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas containing high levels of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
2. Wastewater Discharge: Untreated or partially treated sewage containing nutrients released into water bodies.
3. Fertilizer Use: Agricultural runoff with excess fertilizers reaching water systems.
4. Atmospheric Deposition: Airborne pollutants depositing nutrients into water bodies.

Effects of eutrophication

1. Rapid growth of algae, leading to dense mats on the water surface.
2. Decomposition of excessive plant material reduces oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.
3. Oxygen-deprived conditions can result in mass fish deaths.
4. Disruption of the natural balance and decline in aquatic species diversity.

Control of eutrophication

1. Reduce excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture and control nutrient runoff.
2. Upgrade and implement effective wastewater treatment facilities to reduce nutrient discharge.
3. Establish vegetated buffer zones along water bodies to trap and filter runoff.
4. Implement proper land-use practices to minimize nutrient runoff.
5. Educate the public about responsible nutrient use and its impact on water bodies.

EVALUATION: 1. What is eutrophication

2. Mention 3 causes and 3 control measure of eutrophication
3. Define pollution
4. Identify 4 types of pollution and describe their sources respectively.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively