CE/GEO/Form 5/Chapter C4 Pollution/ P.1
Chapter C4 Pollution
C4.1 What is pollution?
1. Pollution refers to the undesirable changes in the quality of our natural
environment.
2. Pollution may
a. upset the balance of natural ecosystem
b. cause harm to the health , survival or activities of all living organisms,
including human beings.
C4.2 Common Types of Pollution
There are four common types of pollution:
1. air pollution
2. water pollution
3. noise pollution
4. solid-waste pollution
C4.3 Causes of Pollution
1.
Urban development
a. Rapid urban development causes a high concentration of human
activities and a transport system.
b. The rising consumption of matter and energy increase waste
2.
Industrial development
Rapid industrial development causes pollution, e.g.:
--air pollution is caused by the increased use of fossil fuels
--water pollution is caused by industrial sewage and waste heat
--noise pollution is caused by factories and power stations
--solid waste pollution is caused by industrial waste
3. Man’s technological capabilities
Improvement in man’s technological capabilities causes:
-–an increase in energy generation and consumption
-–an increase in manufacturing activities
--an increase in the exploitation of natural resources
--an increase in the use of persistent pollutants and products,e.g. DDT
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C4.4 Pollution in Hong Kong
A. Air Pollution in Hong Kong
-
Definition
Air pollution occurs when the air contains chemicals in such a high
concentration that both the living and non-living environments are
harmed
Major sources of air
pollution
Pollution Sources in Hong Kong
Effect of air pollution
1.
Power station
Incinerators
Gas plants
Factories
Construction sites
vehicles
Increasing composition of carbon
dioxide
in
the
air
affects
microclimate
The greenhouse effect is enhanced and
the temperature rises
An urban heat island is found
2. High concentrations of air
pollutants may cause smog
Smog reduces visibility and the
duration of bright sunshine, and it is
harmful to man’s health
3. sulphur dioxide (SO2) dissolved in rain
cause
acid
rain
which
damages
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organisms , soil and buildings
B. Water pollution in Hong Kong
Definition:
Water pollution occurs when some substance or condition causes
deterioration of water quality to such a degree that the water cannot meet
a specific standard or the water cannot be used for a specific purpose.
-
Water pollution can be classified into two types:
coastal pollution
stream pollution
Major sources of water pollution
Domestic source
Industrial source
Transport source
Agricultural source
Effect of water pollutants
1. Sewage increases the temperature
and
turbidity
of
water
which
encourages the growth of algae
2. Reduce the dissolved oxygen and
threaten the life of aquatic organisms
3. A bad smell is created
4. Toxic chemicals kill water organisms
5. Untreated animal waste may spread
disease.
C. Noise pollution in Hong Kong
-
Definition:
Noise is usually defined as ‘unwanted sound ‘.
Others
0.2%
Neighbourhood
And public areas
21.7%
Construction
Transport 3.4%
Industrial
42.4%
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32.3%
Major sources of noise pollution
Effect of noise pollution
Neighborhood noise e.g.
1. mental stress and heart disease
mahjong,karaoke
2.tmeporary or permanent deafness
Industrial and commercial noise 3.disturbance of work and schooling
e.g. factory machines,
construction activities
Traffic noise e.g. flight of
aircraft
D. Solid waste pollution in Hong Kong
Definition:
Solid-waste refers to any useless or unwanted solid material that has been
disposed.
Major sources of solid waste
pollution
Domestic source
Industrial source
Commercial sources
Agricultural source
Effect of solid waste pollution
1.a bad smell is created
2.toxic chemicals and metals are
harmful to man’s health
3.spoils beautiful scenery
4.spread disease
C4.5 Possible measures to reduce pollution in Hong Kong
A. Urban planning and land use zoning
a. urban renewal is précised in which polluting industries are relocated from
mixed land use zones to the suburbs
b. new town are developed in which residential and industrial land uses are
separated
c. sewage treatment plants are planned in new towns
B. Legislation
a. Ordinances for pollution control are made
b. main ordinances include:
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Air Pollution Control Ordinance
Water Pollution Control Ordinance
Noise Control Ordinance
Waste Disposal Ordinance
c. air and water control zones are set up
C. Treatment and recycling of pollutants
a. Smoke , dust and gases are filtered before discharge by installation of
equipment
b. Sewage, animal waste, glass, etc. are treated and recycled
D. Education
a. public awareness on environmental conservation is raised by education ,
e.g. , the school curriculums and world Environment Day
E. Specific measures for different types of pollution
1. Solutions to air pollution
a. raising taxes to discourage private car ownership
b. monitoring air quality by setting up an air pollution index
c. encourage motorists to replace their old cars
d. encourage the use of LPG-powered vehicles
2. Solutions to Water pollution
a. dredging of sludge in river and sea beds to speed up water flow
b. regular infection of oxygen into river water
c. practice of sewage charges according to polluter pays principle
3. Solutions to noise pollution
a. construction of noise barriers along roads and railways
b. Setting time-limits for piling and drilling
c. Installation of double-glazed windows and air-conditioners in those
schools seriously affected by noise
4. Solutions to Solid waste pollution
a. sanitary landfill
b. encourage the use of biodegradable lunch boxes
c. composition
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Worksheet
The following table shows the average daily solid waste in 1996 in Hong
Kong.
Types of solid waste
Tones
Domestic waste
6,400
Commercial waste
1,000
Industrial waste
8,00
Special waste
500
Recovered waste
3,100
Construction waste
7,500
Total
19,300
(a) Draw a pie chart to show the proportion of different types of solid
waste.
(3marks)
(b) What are the possible effects of solid waste pollution on the
environment?
(4 marks)
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( c)What are the roles of
(i) the government and
(4 marks)
(ii) citizens
(4 marks)
to alleviate solid waste pollution?
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