Back to: Environmental Biology 300 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello, superstar! Let’s begin with a simple question: have you ever seen a smoky refuse dump burning by the roadside, or noticed the black soot that settles on cars and windows in busy cities like Port Harcourt or Lagos? That’s pollution—and it’s one of the biggest challenges facing our environment today. But here’s the good news: pollution can be controlled. Today, we’ll unpack practical ways Nigeria and the world are tackling this issue through environmental pollution control.
Environmental Pollution Control
What is Environmental Pollution Control?
Environmental pollution control refers to the strategies, technologies, policies, and behaviours put in place to reduce or eliminate the release of harmful substances into our environment—air, water, and land. It ensures cleaner surroundings, healthier lives, and more sustainable development.
Pollution control is not just about stopping pollution—it also includes cleaning up existing pollution and preventing future occurrences through regulation, awareness, and innovation.
Types of Pollution and Their Control Methods
1. Air Pollution Control
Air pollution is common in urban areas due to vehicle emissions, generator fumes, industrial smoke, and open waste burning.
Control methods include:
Enforcing emission standards for vehicles and industries
Promoting the use of clean energy like solar and wind
Installing air filters and scrubbers in factories
Banning open burning of waste
Encouraging tree planting to purify air
Example: In Lagos, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) monitors air quality and has introduced emission testing for commercial vehicles.
2. Water Pollution Control
Water pollution results from oil spills, sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff.
Control methods include:
Treating wastewater before release into rivers
Penalising companies for illegal dumping
Promoting eco-friendly farming (e.g. using organic fertilisers)
Regular monitoring of water bodies
Community clean-up and awareness campaigns
Example: After repeated oil spills in Ogoniland, the Nigerian government initiated the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to clean up contaminated water and soil.
3. Soil Pollution Control
Soil pollution occurs due to waste dumping, pesticide overuse, heavy metals from mining, and oil contamination.
Control methods include:
Proper waste disposal systems
Bioremediation—using plants and microbes to clean contaminated soil
Regulations on use of chemicals in agriculture
Regular monitoring of landfill sites
Promoting recycling to reduce waste
Example: Some communities in Edo State have begun using composting methods instead of dumping organic waste, improving soil fertility and reducing landfill pressure.
Government and Policy Measures
Nigeria has several policies in place to manage pollution:
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) oversees pollution control nationwide.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports are required before new projects begin.
Local and state governments enforce sanitation laws.
Public awareness campaigns and environmental days (like World Environment Day) raise consciousness.
The Role of Citizens
Pollution control isn’t just the government’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility.
Don’t dump refuse in gutters or rivers.
Reuse and recycle plastics, metals, and paper.
Report environmental violations.
Support clean energy and green technologies.
Educate others around you, especially children and neighbours.
Summary
- Environmental pollution control involves strategies to reduce or prevent pollution in air, water, and soil.
- Air pollution can be controlled through emission standards, clean energy, and afforestation.
- Water pollution is managed by treating waste, penalising offenders, and promoting eco-farming.
- Soil pollution control includes waste regulation, bioremediation, and reducing chemical use.
- Agencies like NESREA and projects like HYPREP support pollution control in Nigeria, but individual responsibility is also key.
Evaluation
- What does environmental pollution control mean?
- List two sources and two control methods for air pollution.
- Explain how water pollution can be controlled in oil-producing areas.
- What role does NESREA play in pollution control in Nigeria?
- Mention three ways individuals can help reduce environmental pollution.
You’ve just taken another bold step in your journey as a guardian of the Earth. By understanding how pollution is managed, you become part of the solution. Let your knowledge spark change—your voice matters. Afrilearn is proud to walk this meaningful path with you!