2.

CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

2.1Definition of Key terms
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: Refers to the introduction of harmful substances or
contaminants into the natural environment, leading to adverse effects on ecosystems,
wildlife, and human health.
WASTE MANAGEMENT: These are activities carried out to control unwanted or
unusable materials from its inception to its proper disposal. It includes waste collection,
transport, treatment, storage and disposal, in conjunction with regulation and monitoring
of the process as a whole.
CONTROL MEASURES: These are activities taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate an
environmental hazard that has been identified.
Environmental Management and Coordination Act 1999 (EMCA): This is the principal
framework law on environmental management and conservation in Kenya. First enacted in
1999, it has been amended to align to the 2010 Constitution. The latest amendment to the
principal Act was in 2015.
Standard Protocol: This is a mandated, statutory or fixed procedure for completing a task
or complying with regulations. The procedure may be expressed through a flow chart, or
spelled out as text. Standard protocol may be nationally recognized or be part of an
organization structure.
Air Pollution
This occurs when harmful substances, such as gases, dust, or smoke, are released into the
atmosphere, degrading air quality. Common air pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
Impacts of Air Pollution
1. Health Impacts
• Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter
(PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) can
lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive
pulmonary diseases (COPD). It can also increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and
other cardiovascular conditions.
• Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter and
certain chemicals like benzene, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
• Premature Death: Air pollution is a significant risk factor for premature death,
particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with
pre-existing health conditions.
• Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Air pollution can affect pregnant women, leading to
adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental issues in
children.
2. Environmental Impacts
• Climate Change: Pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and black
carbon contribute to global warming and climate change by increasing the greenhouse
effect.
• Ecosystem Damage: Air pollution can harm ecosystems by acidifying soils and water
bodies (acid rain), which affects plant and aquatic life. Ozone pollution can also damage
crops and forests, reducing agricultural productivity and affecting biodiversity.
• Depletion of the Ozone Layer: Certain pollutants, particularly chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs) and halons, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects life on
Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
3. Economic Impacts
• Healthcare Costs: Increased healthcare costs arise due to the treatment of diseases and
conditions associated with air pollution. This puts a financial strain on individuals and
public health systems.
• Loss of Productivity: Illnesses caused by air pollution can lead to absenteeism and
reduced work capacity, resulting in economic losses for businesses and the economy as a
whole.
• Damage to Infrastructure and Property: Pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides can cause acid rain, which corrodes buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure,
leading to increased maintenance and repair costs.
 Control measures for Air pollution
Control measures to prevent, reduce or eliminate pollutants in the air are guided by the
Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (No 8 of 1999). The regulations to be
followed can be found in the Environmental Management Co-ordination (air quality)
Regulations of 2014.
1. Regulatory Measures
• Emission Standards and Regulations: Governments can set limits on the amount of
pollutants that industries, vehicles, and other sources can emit. These regulations often
include standards for particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx),
carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Permitting and Licensing: Requiring permits for industrial facilities that release
pollutants ensures that they operate within legal limits and adhere to best practices for
emission control.
2. Technological Solutions
• Pollution Control Devices: Technologies such as scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators,
and fabric filters can remove particulates, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants from
industrial emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
• Catalytic Converters: These devices are installed in vehicles to reduce emissions of
harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons by
converting them into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
• Low-Emission Technologies: Adopting cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles
(EVs), renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro), and energy-efficient industrial
processes, can significantly reduce emissions of pollutants.
3. Urban Planning and Transportation Management
• Public Transportation: Expanding and improving public transportation systems can
reduce the number of vehicles on the road, decreasing traffic congestion and vehicular
emissions.
• Promoting Active Transport: Encouraging walking, cycling, and other forms of non-
motorized transport can reduce emissions and improve public health.
• Traffic Management: Implementing traffic management strategies, such as congestion
pricing, carpool lanes, and optimized traffic flow, can reduce emissions from idling
vehicles and improve air quality.
4. Agricultural and Forestry Practices
• Sustainable Agriculture: Adopting practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and
integrated pest management can reduce emissions of ammonia, methane, and other
pollutants from agricultural activities.

5. Public Awareness and Behavioral Change

• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Informing the public about the sources and
effects of air pollution, as well as ways to reduce personal contributions, can promote
behaviors that contribute to cleaner air.
 2.2 Procedures for solid waste management
observed according to environmental management and
coordination Act
Types of Solid Waste
Industrial waste. This is waste produced by industrial activities which includes any material that
is rendered useless during manufacturing process. Industries produce both hazardous and
nonhazardous waste. They include chemical solvents, paints, sand paper and paper products,
industrial by products, metals, municipal solid waste and radioactive waste.
Bio-Medical Waste. Bio medical waste refers to waste generated in health facilities, research
institutions or during immunization of human beings and animals. It is classified into; infectious
waste sharps, pharmaceutical wastes, chemical waste and pathological waste. Biomedical waste
pose risks to human health.
Sewage Sludge . This is a sediment material that accumulates over time. In the sewage treatment
plants and ponds. Sewage sludge that is contaminated by heavy metals from industrial effluent
can severely contaminate agricultural land to which it is applied.
E-Waste. This is waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment (EEEs) becoming
obsolete e-waste comprises of heavy metal components and materials used in the manufacture of
electronic goods. They include; mercury, brominated flame retardants and cadmium, which are
considered hazardous.
Procedure for Solid waste management
1.Waste Generation
Most of the waste is generated at household, market places, cities, town, institutions and
industrial zones. The waste generator should endeavor to minimize waste by reducing, reusing,
refusing, returning waste or by adopting cleaner production technologies. Waste should be
segregated at the source; this can be made possible by county governments providing coded bags
and bins.
2.Waste transportation
This involves transportation of various segregated solid waste types. Waste transportation trucks
should be closed and suitable for the transportation of various types of waste to waste treatment
facilities and landfills. These transportation vehicles should be lincensed to be operated by
NEMA.
3.Waste treatment
a) Recycling. This is the processing of waste materials. Into a new product of similar chemical
composition. Recycling prevents wastage of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption
of raw materials and ultimately reduces pollution.
b) Composting. Composting is the biological decomposition of biodegradable solid waste under
controlled aerobic conditions to produce compost. Compost is used as an organic fertilizer in
agricultural production.
c) Thermal treatment of waste. This is the combustion of waste at specific temperatures with or
without air supply as part of the process and includes waste incineration, gasification and
pyrolysis. This process reduces the volume of waste and inert any hazardous components
4 Waste Disposal
Disposal refers to the depositing or burial of waste in land. The sanitary landfills should be filled
with systems to collect leachate and methane gas. There should be frequent spreading,
compacting and covering of waste with soil or any other appropriate covering material so as to
avoid environmental pollution and scavenging birds.
 NOISE POLLUTION
Noise pollution or sound pollution is the transmission of sound in levels that have harmful
impacts on the functioning of humans and animals. High sound frequency can be from activities
of human beings or be caused by natural events such as volcanic explosions.
Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB).
Types of Noise Pollution
1.Industrial Noise. This is high intensity sound caused by machinery, such as generators, turbines
and shredders from industry process. Noise from mechanical saws and drills is unbearable and
320 protective equipment for workers is needed. Industry noise does not only affect only workers
but also those who are close to the factory may suffer the effects.
2.Transportation Noise. Transport noise mainly is from traffic from road, rail and aircraft. With
increase in population, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles on roads, like
motorcycles, cars, and buses, trucks, and diesel engines vehicles. This has aggravated the noise
pollution problem. Noise pollution from aircrafts can be experienced by staff who work in
airports and military airbases and those living nearby. This type of noise pollution is usually
experienced in urban areas where traffic is high.
3.Neighborhood Noise. This type of noise includes disturbance from household electronics and
community activities. Common source of this type of noise pollution include TVs, loudspeakers
and musical instruments. Community activities carried out in neighborhoods such as parties,
cultural functions and wedding and burial ceremonies.
4. Agricultural Activities.Farm Machinery: The use of tractors, harvesters, and other
machinery in farming operations can contribute to noise pollution in rural areas, particularly
during planting and harvesting seasons.
5. Social Behavior.Loud Conversations and Gatherings: Noisy social gatherings, parties, or
loud conversations in public or residential areas can contribute to local noise pollution.
Methods of controlling Noise Pollution
1.Regulatory Measures
• Setting Noise Standards: Governments can establish permissible noise levels for
different areas (residential, commercial, industrial) and times of the day. These standards
help manage and limit noise pollution by setting clear guidelines for acceptable noise
levels.
2. Technological Solutions
• Soundproofing: Buildings can be soundproofed by using materials such as double-
glazed windows, acoustic tiles, insulated walls, and soundproof doors to reduce the
transmission of noise from the outside or between rooms.
3 Traffic Management: Implementing traffic management strategies, such as speed limits,
traffic calming measures (e.g., speed bumps, roundabouts), and restricted vehicle access in
certain areas, can reduce noise from road traffic
4 Transportation Improvements
• Encouraging Public Transportation: Promoting the use of public transportation
systems can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing traffic noise.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the sources and impacts of noise
pollution, as well as ways to reduce it, can promote community cooperation and encourage
quieter behavior.
6 Personal Responsibility: Encouraging individuals to take steps to reduce noise, such as
keeping volume levels low on electronic devices, using quieter home appliances, and
maintaining vehicles and equipment, can contribute to overall noise reduction.
 WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes,
oceans, and groundwater, with harmful substances.
• Sources of Water Pollution
1. Point Sources:
1. Industrial Discharges: Factories and industrial plants often discharge pollutants
directly into water bodies. These pollutants may include heavy metals, chemicals,
and toxic substances.
2. Sewage and Wastewater: Untreated or inadequately treated sewage and
wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources can introduce
pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals into water bodies.
3. Oil Spills: Accidental or deliberate releases of oil into oceans, rivers, or lakes
from ships, oil rigs, or pipelines can cause severe water pollution.
2. Non-Point Sources:
1. Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from agricultural
fields can wash into water bodies, introducing nutrients, chemicals, and
pathogens.
2. Urban Runoff: Rainwater runoff from urban areas can carry pollutants like oil,
grease, heavy metals, and litter into nearby water bodies.
3. Atmospheric Deposition: Pollutants released into the atmosphere from industrial
processes, vehicles, and other sources can settle onto water bodies through
precipitation, leading to water contamination.
3. Other Sources:
1. Marine Dumping: Disposal of waste materials, such as plastics, chemicals, and
industrial waste, directly into the ocean can cause significant pollution.
2. Mining Activities: Mining operations can release heavy metals, acids, and other
toxic substances into nearby rivers and streams, leading to water pollution.
3. Leaching from Landfills: Landfills can produce leachate, a liquid that percolates
through waste and can carry pollutants into groundwater and nearby water bodies.

Impacts of Water Pollution

1 Environmental Impacts:
• Ecosystem Damage: Water pollution can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to loss of
biodiversity, habitat destruction, and the decline of fish and other aquatic species.
• Algal Blooms: Nutrient pollution can cause harmful algal blooms, which produce toxins
that can harm aquatic life, wildlife, and humans.
2 Human Health Impacts:
• Waterborne Diseases: Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as cholera,
typhoid, and hepatitis, posing significant health risks to communities.
3 Economic Impacts:
• Loss of Livelihoods: Water pollution can affect industries like fishing, tourism, and
agriculture, leading to economic losses for communities dependent on these activities.
• Increased Treatment Costs: Treating contaminated water to make it safe for drinking
and use can be costly, especially for communities with limited resources.
 Control of Water Pollution
1.Regulatory Measures:
Water Quality Standards: Establishing and enforcing water quality standards helps protect water
bodies from pollution and ensures safe drinking water for communities.
Pollution Control Regulations: Regulations limiting the discharge of pollutants from industrial,
agricultural, and municipal sources can help reduce water pollution.
Permitting and Monitoring: Requiring permits for discharges and regular monitoring of water
bodies helps identify pollution sources and enforce compliance.
2 Technological Solutions:
Wastewater Treatment: Treating sewage and industrial effluents before discharging them into
water bodies can significantly reduce pollution levels.
Stormwater Management: Implementing practices such as rain gardens, green roofs, and
permeable pavements can reduce urban runoff and filter pollutants before they reach water
bodies.
Erosion Control: Techniques like planting vegetation, using silt fences, and creating buffer zones
can reduce soil erosion and sediment pollution in water bodies.
3 Sustainable Agricultural Practices
:Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and
using organic alternatives can minimize agricultural runoff.
Riparian Buffers: Planting vegetation along riverbanks and water bodies can filter pollutants
from runoff and provide habitat for wildlife.
Conservation Tillage: Reducing soil disturbance in farming can prevent erosion and runoff,
reducing sediment and nutrient pollution.
4 Public Awareness and Education:
Promoting Responsible Waste Disposal: Educating the public about proper disposal of household
chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and waste can reduce pollution.
Community Involvement: Encouraging community participation in river and beach clean-ups
and water quality monitoring programs can raise awareness and reduce pollution