Natural Science Grade 9

The given statement is true. Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful or unwanted substances into the environment, which can cause damage to the earth's ecosystems, human health, and overall well-being. It can occur in various forms such as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution. These pollutants can come from various sources including industrial activities, transportation, agriculture, and improper waste disposal. The contamination of unwanted materials can have detrimental effects on the environment, leading to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and various health issues.

The three Rs of reducing pollution are commonly known as reduce, reuse, and recycle. These actions aim to minimize waste, conserve resources, and mitigate environmental impact. The term "reform" does not fit into this context as it does not directly address pollution reduction or waste management. Instead, reform typically refers to making changes or improvements in policies, laws, or systems. While reform may indirectly contribute to pollution reduction, it is not specifically included as part of the three Rs.

Water pollution does not only affect coastal land, but it can impact any body of water such as rivers, lakes, and even underground water sources. Pollution can come from various sources like industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharge. These pollutants can contaminate the water, harming aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems, and posing risks to human health. Therefore, the statement that water pollution affects coastal land only is false.

Industrial pollution is not a type of pollution because it refers to the pollution caused by industries and their activities, such as the release of harmful chemicals and waste into the environment. It is a specific form of pollution that falls under the broader categories of water, land, and air pollution.

Cholera is not a result of air pollution. Cholera is a waterborne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food, not through air pollution. Air pollution can lead to various other environmental issues such as acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming, but it does not directly cause cholera.

Erosion can contribute to water pollution because when soil erodes, it carries pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment into water bodies. This can lead to contamination of the water, making it unsafe for aquatic life and human consumption. Additionally, erosion can also increase the turbidity of the water, reducing sunlight penetration and affecting the growth of aquatic plants. Therefore, erosion is a significant factor in water pollution.

The given examples, vehicles and burning of coal, are indeed air pollutants. Vehicles emit various pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute to air pollution. Similarly, burning coal releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which also contribute to air pollution. These pollutants have detrimental effects on human health and the environment, making them significant examples of air pollutants.

Littering is not an example of water pollution. Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater by harmful substances. Littering, on the other hand, refers to the act of disposing of waste inappropriately, such as throwing trash on the ground or in public spaces. While littering can contribute to overall environmental pollution, it is not specifically classified as water pollution.

The correct answer includes "littering" and "illegal dumping" as examples of land pollutants. Littering refers to the act of improperly disposing of waste materials, such as throwing trash on the ground instead of using designated bins. Illegal dumping refers to the unauthorized disposal of waste in areas that are not designated for waste disposal, such as dumping garbage in forests or bodies of water. Both of these actions contribute to the pollution of land, as they introduce harmful substances and materials into the environment, negatively impacting ecosystems and human health.

The correct answer includes fungi, oil leaks, and algae as examples of water pollution. Fungi can contribute to water pollution through the release of toxins and the depletion of oxygen in water bodies. Oil leaks, such as from spills or leaks from ships or pipelines, can contaminate water and have detrimental effects on aquatic life. Algae blooms, caused by excessive nutrient pollution in water bodies, can lead to oxygen depletion and harm aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, all three examples mentioned are valid instances of water pollution.