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C ontent ntent Pa P ag e C onte ontents
P ag e numbe number
knowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ac A c knowledgement Purpose of Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Statement of Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Educational Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Definition Of Technical Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Literature Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 Data collection Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Presentation of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-15 Analysis of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 1 6-17 Discussion of findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Limitations Limitatio ns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-28
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Ac A cknow knowled ledg ement The successful completion of this Caribbean Studies School Based Assessment wouldn’t have been possible without the valiant efforts and support of a lot of people. First and foremost, the researcher would like to thank God for giving him strength and guidance. Secondly, the researcher would like to thank the residents of West Watooka, Wismar, Linden for their cooperation in answering questionnaires as well as in interviews. Thirdly, the researcher would like to recognize his family members for their continual support financially. Finally, he would like to express his sincere appreciation to his Caribbean Studies teacher, Mr. Sherwin Fraser, whose contributions in stimulating suggestions helped the researcher to organize this school-based assessment.
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P urp ur pose of R esea sear ch The researcher has been acquainted with the community of West Watooka for more than a decade, and has noticed, that over the last few years, various forms forms of pollution are prevalent prevalent in the community community with the most most concerning one one being Land Pollution. Land Pollution is prevalent, due to the continuous dumping of non biodegradable materials materials by residents residents of the community and neighboring communities. The researcher saw the need to investigate this issue since the relevant authorities were unconcerned. The aim of this study is to investigate the causes of land pollution and how the residents of West Watooka are being affected. In addition to that, methods that can be implemented to mitigate the issue of land pollution will also also be assessed. assessed.
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Sta Statement of pr oblem lem Land pollution is a major issue in West Watooka and early actions are to be taken to prevent future occurrences. The researcher will assess the causes and effects of land pollution in West Watooka as well as methods to be implemented to reduce land pollution.
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E ducati ucatio onal nal value value First and most importantly, the research will benefit citizens of West Watooka who will be more informed on effective methods for garbage disposal, thereby leading to a reduction in pollution. Second, the research will also be beneficial to teachers and students who will be able to acquire increase knowledge and information. Third, government agencies will be able to use this study as a blueprint for effective land management and control of pollution.
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D efi nit ni ti on Te Technica hni call Te Ter ms Pollution – is – is the introduction of any contaminant into the natural environment that may cause any unwanted adverse change to the environment. Community – is is a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government and often have some common cultural or historical heritage. Recommendation – is a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, especially one put forward by an authoritative body. Contamination – means means to make something impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture with something unclean. Pollutants – are any substance or condition that contaminates air, water, or soil.
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L i ter ature ur e R evi ew Land Pollution is an issue that has many negative effects on many citizens in Guyana, more so in the Caribbean as a whole. The reduction of plant cover as well as the amount of infertile land are just two of the most alarming effects of land pollution that are ignored ignored by the relevant relevant authorities. authorities. To accommodate accommodate an increase in population and farming activities, including crop and meat farming, the land is extended, and this leads to further depreciation the land. Pollution is the destruction of the natural characteristics characteristics of the environment by chemical, physical and biological agents (Rahil,2011). (Ramsaroop,2011) points out that pollution of the land can occur either in the form of solid or liquid. Land pollutants are any any unwanted materials materials that have been disposed of on land, land, rather than in watercourses or by burning so that they pollute the air. A major cause of land pollution is the dumping of waste. (Riley, 2005) confirms that the inappropriate management of solid wastes, from land-based sources, in the Wider Caribbean Region is a problem of great concern. This problem has arisen because of the increasing amount of solid wastes being generated within the region, coupled with deficient collection systems and inadequate disposal practices. Faulty disposal practices such as using rivers, streams and mangrove swamps as dumpsites are evident in many communities of this region. The Latin American news (15th March 2016) stated that, Caribbean governments are taking firm steps to ban the importation of non-biodegradable products into their countries. Guyana is the latest member of the 15-country Caribbean Community (CARICOM) (CARICOM) grouping to announce a ban on closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, known popularly as the trade-marked trade-marked brand Styrofoam. The country’s Environmental Environmental Protection Agency is leading this cause, which will come into effect on April 1, 2016. Styrofoam products are widely used in the food industry throughout the Caribbean, but the Government of Guyana has said improper disposal of the single use item remains a threat to human health and the environment. Experts say Styrofoam is a product takes more than 500 years to break down and because of it is lightweight; it eventually reaches gutters, drains and the ocean. Officials of Guyana’s Finance Ministry also a lso announced that the country is considering tax incentives for importers who are interested in alternatives to Styrofoam. Styrofoam. ~8~
Urban areas are more likely to have a higher percentage of land pollution being present when compared compared to the amount amount of land pollution pollution present in rural rural areas. This is because in rural areas, there is a more standardized structure where the residents learn to keep their surroundings clean, whereas in urban areas there is a higher population and larger larger buildings which which increases increases the amount of industrial industrial and domestic waste produced. (Rahil, 2011) highlights that a great deal of environmental pollution results from the rapid increase in population growth. Pickering (2000) points out some other ways land have been polluted in urban areas. These include leisure and transport, metalsheal, radioactive substance and pathogenic microorganisms. microorganisms. (Scheid, 2014) (Scheid, 2014) states that the source of land pollution comes from the human elements such as littering and waste that is washed ashore from boats, oil rigs, and sewage outlets. The surface of our Earth is also contaminated by poor agricultural practices, mining, mining, and industrial industrial waste. Analyzing Analyzing the Earth's Earth's pollution is currently being explored by both non-profit organizations like Earth Platform Platform and federal federal agencies such as the Office of Compliance Assistance Assistance and Pollution Prevention or OCAPP. The OCAPP works directly with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a joint effort to control and help clean up both human waste, industrial waste and agricultural waste. To reduce the present situation, in accordance to causes and consequences of land pollution on the citizens of this country, the government had put disposal services and clean up campaigns into action as well as a new public service department to curb this issue.
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Data Collection Sources To obtain direct information, the researcher went to various data sources as well as residents of West Watooka. These data sources can be grouped into two categories; these being Primary Data Sources and Secondary Data Sources.
P r i mar y Da D ata Source
Questionnaires - The researcher randomly distributed distributed a total of 30 questionnaires, with questions pertaining to land pollution, its causes and effects as well as ways to curb this issue, to the residents in the community of West Watooka, Mackenzie, Linden. These were distributed on the 3 rd of January 2018 and collected on the 15th of the same month. The use of questionnaires questionnaires was very effective, since it gave the researcher the opportunity to analyze the residents’ views on the issue of Land pollution. The researcher found the use of questionnaires to be beneficial since a considerable considerable sum sum of data was collected collected in a short short time. Eye witnesses – The researcher interviewed some residents of West Watooka in relation to the different incidents of land pollution in the town to gain valuable information. This was done to avoid some falsified answers in the questionnaire as well as to get first hand information on the causes and effects of Land Pollution in West Watooka.
Seco Second nda ar y D ata Source Sourcess
Textbooks – The The use of textbooks proved to be a crucial beneficiary, since they contained detailed facts as it pertained to the area of study. Also, these text books contained valuable quoting sources for the Literature Review of this assessment. Internet – The The internet internet also contributed to the researcher’s researcher’s comprehension of the research topic since it contains a vast pool of information as it relates to the causes, effects and solutions to the issue of Land Pollution.
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P r esenta sentati tio on of of D ata Responses
Number of Responses
Percentage
Disposal of Farming Machinery on Land
7
23%
Urbanization
3
10%
Dumping of Unwanted Materials on Land
15
50%
Use of Pesticides on Farming Land
5
17%
Figure 1.1: Table Showing Showing What What Residents Think Think Are the Causes Causes of Land Pollution Pollution in West West Watooka Watooka
Causes of Land Pollution in West Watooka 17% 23%
10%
50%
Disposal of oil from farming machinery on land Urbanization Dumping of non biodegradable materials on land The use of pesticides on farming land
Figure 1.2: 1.2: Pie Chart Chart Showing the Causes Causes of Land Pollution in West Watooka
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Responses
Number of Responses
Percentage
Depopulation
6
20%
Takes Away from Scenic Beauty of Community
3
10%
Migration
12
40%
Disease Outbreaks
9
30%
Figure 2.1: Table Showing Showing What What Residents Think Think are The Effects Effects of Land Pollution In West Watooka Watooka
Effects Of Land Pollution In West Watooka 14 40%
12
30%
10
8
6
20%
4 10% 2
0 Depopulat io ion
Takes Away Fr om om Sce ni nic Beauty of Community
Figure 2.2: Bar Graph Showing Showing the Effects of Land Pollution Pollution
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Migratio n
Dis ea ease Outbr ea eaks
Responses
Number of Responses
Percentage
Recycling Waste
7
23%
Burning of Garbage
5
17%
Educating the Public of Effects of Land Pollutions
6
20%
Disciplinary Action to Those Found Polluting the Land
12
40%
Figure 3.1: Table Showing Showing How Residents Residents Think Think Land Pollution Pollution Can be Reduced Reduced West West Watooka Watooka
Methods Used to Reduce Land Pollution
23%
Recycling Waste
40%
Burning Of Garbage
Educating the Public Of Harmful Effects of Land Pollution 17%
Disciplinary Action to Those Who are Found Guilty Of Land Pollution
20%
Figure 3.2: Donut Graph Showing Showing Preferred Preferred Methods Methods of Reducing Reducing Land Land Pollution Pollution
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Responses
Number of Responses
Percentage
Burning Garbage
2
7%
Burying in Pits
7
23%
Dumping in Waterways
6
20%
Garbage Disposal Service
15
50%
Figure 4.1: Table Showing Showing How Residents Residents Dispose Dispose of Garbage Garbage in West West Watooka Watooka
Methods of Garbage Disposal 16
50%
14 12 Garbage Disposal Service
10 8
Dumping in Waterways and Empty Lots
23% 20%
6
Burying In Pits
4 7% 2 0 Garbage Dumping in Burying In In Pi Pits Disposal Service Waterways and Empty Lots
Burning
Figure 4.2: Histogram Showing Showing Methods Methods of Garbage Garbage Disposal Disposal
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Burning
Ana A naly lyssi s of of D ata Figure 1.2
According to Figure 1.2, 50% of the individuals who were surveyed posited that land pollution in West Watooka was mainly influenced by the dumping of non-biodegradable materials materials on land. 23% 23 % of them said that the t he dumping of oil from farming machinery is a cause of land pollution. Another 17% of the residents stated that the use of pesticides on farmlands also influences land pollution. West Watooka is a rural area known for farming, and to keep pests away from crop, pesticides must must be used so the the overuse of these chemicals is unavoidable. Also because of the land land space being used used for mostly mostly farming and as as a residential residential area, there is not much land space to be used to dispose of oil from farming machinery machinery so as a result, the land becomes polluted. 10% of the surveyed individuals posited that urbanization influences land pollution in West Watooka. As a growing community, many new buildings will be erected, and more waste will be produced from construction sites and because of an increase in population, more domestic waste will be produced. Figure 2.2
In Figure 2.2, 40% of the surveyed individuals stated that land pollution is a cause of migration in West Watooka. 30% of them said that the spread of diseases is an effect of land pollution in West Watooka. 10% of the surveyed individuals stated that land pollution in West Watooka takes away from the natural beauty of the community. These responses are effects of garbage piling up. When the garbage piles up; a breeding place is created for disease spreading organisms: scenic spots in the community look insanitary and because of this, residents decide to leave the community resulting resulting in migration and depopulation. 20% of individuals stated that depopulation is an effect of land pollution. Figure 3.2
From Figure 3.2, 40% of the surveyed individuals stated that disciplinary disciplinary actions taken to those individuals guilty of polluting the land , would be convenient method of reducing land pollution. By doing this, persons will desist from littering the community since they would not want to be arrested or fined for polluting the ~ 15 ~
land. 23% of residents said that recycling used materials will help to stop the issue of land pollution in West Watooka. By recycling there will be no unwanted materials dumped on the roadways and in yards since the materials will be put to better use in elsewhere. elsewhere. 20% of the surveyed individuals individuals stated stated that educating educating the public about the harmful effects of land pollution pollution will reduce it. Residents Residents believe that this method will work since residents would not want to be harmed because of land pollution, so they will desist from polluting the land to save themselves and their family. Another 17% of the surveyed individuals individuals stated that the burning of garbage will help to stop land pollution. The residents suggested that this method will work because, rather than dumping on the land, the garbage can be burnt and will take up less space as ashes. Figure 4.2
Figure 4.2 is a Histogram showing preferred methods of garbage disposal in Linden. In this community, community, garbage is either disposed by the garbage disposal service, by dumping into the Demerara river, by burying or burning their garbage. Majority of the respondents (50%), (50%), indicated that they use the town’s disposal services because they can afford it and because they are aware of the community’s present state due to the land pollution issue. issue. 20% of the residents, residents, stated that they dumped their garbage recklessly in empty lots and running waterways. This is done because they cannot cannot afford the disposal disposal services services and don’t own land space for burning or burying. burying. 23% of the respondents respondents stated stated that they bury their garbage behind their house house because to the the fact that they cannot afford the disposal services services and they have a lot land space and it better their soil for agriculture produce due to the decomposition of organic litter. While the remaining 7% of respondents stated that they burn their garbage since they cannot afford the disposal services and it increases soil fertility with the ash remains.
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D i sc scus ussi sio on of of F i ndi ndi ngs This research shows that West Watooka is terribly affected by land pollution and its effects on the community are becoming more of a problem recently. According to Rahil, 2011, Pollution is the destruction of the natural characteristics of the environment by chemical, physical and biological agents, and clearly in West Watooka, the natural characteristics of this community is degraded by chemical and physical agents. West Watooka was a scenic unpolluted community and as of late, due to urbanization and other factors, an increase in the occurrence of land pollution is observed. observed. In addition, this research indicated that the major cause of land pollution is by dumping unwanted materials on land was well as the overuse of pesticides. (Riley, 2005) confirms that the inappropriate management of solid wastes, from land based sources, in the Wider Caribbean Caribbean Region Region is a problem of great concern and in West Watooka, most of the solid waste found fo und in this community are as a result of the inappropriate management of domestic waste. There are many other causes of land pollution. In West Watooka, the residents said that they dispose of their garbage whenever it gets too much due to the fact that the disposal services are not timely and as a resident of this community, I can testify to the unpunctual collection of garbage. Sometimes garbage is collected weeks after the collection day, and residents are forced to dispose of their garbage in other ways. According to a residential interview, the price for the collection of garbage is too costly and as a result the garbage must be disposed of in other ways like burning, burying burying or disposing disposing of it in the nearby Demerara Demerara river. These methods methods are used because they are cheaper, and it is advantageous due to the fact that residents don’t have to rely on the on the untimely disposal service. Burning garbage is a bit disadvantageous disadvantageous because when we we burn garbage, garbage, it leads to air air pollution due to the high carbon emissions from waste. The remaining residents testified to using pits to bury their garbage. These These were the families families that seemed seemed to be more comfortable both physically and financially with using the more conventional method of garbage disposal. This is achieved by a large/deep hole being dug. This is built to last a while and is treated t reated and recovered with dirt to ensure the restriction and destruction of pathogens. ~ 17 ~
Land pollution has affected the residents of West Watooka negatively. West Watooka, being a rural farming area, is affected by pests and as a control for this problem for farming, farming, pesticides pesticides are used. However, However, the over use use of pesticides on crops and the soil can lead to poisoning. Lead is a natural chemical found commonly in pesticides and when chemicals containing this chemical is overused on soil and crops it can lead to lead poisoning. This affects the central nervous system and causes mental retardation retardation it can also be fatal if there is a high intake. It was suggested that urban areas are more likely to have a higher rate of land pollution than rural rural areas. This This suggestion suggestion was based on the the fact that rural areas areas have a more standardized social structure, where the residents learn to keep their environment clean and tidy while the urban areas have a high population and more large buildings and larger factories. West Watooka is a rural area, and recently the population of this this community has been on the rise. rise. Because of this this an increase in the occurrence of land pollution is seen in this community. This claim is supported by (Rahil, 2011), 2011), who highlights highlights that a great deal deal of environmental environmental pollution results from the rapid increase in population growth. The community has been subjected to some floods due to the blockage of the main water ways with Styrofoam materials as well as other solid wastes. A few residents testified that their crops and livestock were fatally affected by these floods. They explained that the high-water levels and the debris damaged their crops and their livestock were infected with a fowl cholera, a waterborne disease, due the high level of bacteria in the water. Not only does floods affect crops and plant medically but they also affect affect humans since since pathogens such as cholera and typhoid typhoid are also present in the water. water. Thanks to the ban on the importation of of Styrofoam in April of 2016, no floods were observed since. Additionally, most of the residents in West Watooka indicated that they are thinking about migrating from the area due to pollution occurring and so would migrate to an area or another village which is seen as safer, healthier and in more control where pollution pollution is concerned. While some are thinking thinking about migrating, others are thinking about procedures procedures that they can put in place to reduce the increase of land pollution occurrences, whether it is by burning or burying, or by dumping it wherever.
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These findings have shown that land pollution is a major issue in West Watooka. The findings of this research can prove to be useful in the hands of strategy makers for the development of procedures that can mitigate the matter of land pollution in this area. The results of this research can also be an opening for future researchers who anticipate on pursuing related research based on the same topic. The researcher gained vital knowledge on the broad topic of land pollution and the new point of view on the issues affecting affecting the residents residents of the area. area.
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Conclusion This research aimed to determine what kinds of land pollution activities were being committed in West Watooka, how often these pollution activities are occurring, who are mostly affected by these pollution activities, how it affects the residents and what can be done to mitigate this problem in West Watooka, Wismar, Linden. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that there is a high level of pollution activities in this community. These activities have a negative effect on the residents living there. Some of these effects include flooding and damage to crops and livestock. These effects also contribute to the migration of residents to a place which is seen as safer. Some of the factors that contribute to land pollution activities are lack of an effective disposal service and an appropriate and safe dump site, the in ability to pay for disposal services etc. Consumers Consumers can use shopping bags made of biodegradable biodegradable materials materials instead of plastics to reduce reduce land pollution Legislation with severe penalties must be passed to regulate the disposal of solid waste.
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Limitations In the process of completing this study there were some hinderances that had to be overcome. The date for recollection of questionnaires had to be extended as most of the residents were relatively slow in completing their questionnaires. questionnaires. Thus, the study took longer than expected to be completed. Initially, 40 questionnaires were handed out but only 30 were retrieved due to carelessness on the residents’ part. Hence the study was restructured to accommodate 30 instead of 40 respondents. Adding to this, text books were not always available since the school library had limited books to help. Also, it was impossible to use the internet in there. Although there were few difficulties, this did not obstruct obstruc t the researcher’s researcher’s ability from completing this study.
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R ecomm commendati ndations ons To help to reduce the issue of land pollution, the following suggestions suggestions can be taken into consideration: consideration:
The local government can implement stricter laws and penalties that restrict the dumping of garbage in open land spaces so that the community will be garbage free. To stop migration in the community the local government can use the mass media as a means of creating awareness about the dangers of polluting the land, which would cause residents to desist from the act of pollution. Public skip bins should be provided in the community in an effort to stop land pollution and encourage proper garbage disposal practices. Some anti-pollution agencies should be made for every village in each district of the country. Garbage should be collected at least twice weekly. Educate the residents of West Watooka about the effects of land pollution on health. This includes educational programs programs on how to keep our environment healthy and how we can recycle the things we use daily and reuse them.
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Bibliography Ramsaroop, N. (2011). Environmental (2011). Environmental Science for the Caribbean: Caribbean: Trinidad, La Romaine: Caribbean Educational Publishers. Rahil, V. (2011) New (2011) New Caribbean Caribbean Geography Geography with map reading reading and CXC CXC Questions (New Edition): Trinidad: Caribbean Educational Publishers. Rahil, V. (2005) New (2005) New Caribbean Caribbean Geography Geography with map reading reading and CXC CXC Questions: Trinidad: Caribbean Educational Publishers.
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AP A P P E N D I X QUESTIONNAIRE Survey of land pollution Dear Villager, This survey is being carried out in the village of, West Watooka to gather information on the causes of land pollution and how the residents in the community are affected. This is a study that t hat will aid the researcher in successfully successfully completing his internal assessment (IA) for Caribbean Studies. Please answer all questions honestly, your cooperation will be very beneficial and will help the community also. Your name does not have to be stated on the questionnaire. Some Some questions can be answered by a check in a given box next to the question. Thank you you for your cooperation. Yours sincerely,
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1. Sex Male 2. Age range 18-25 26-39 3. Occupation Office workers Field workers
Female 40-50 51-65 Industrial workers Self-employed
4. How long have you been residing in West Watooka? 1-3 years 3-6year 6-12years 12years and more 5. Do you believe that land pollution is a major issue in West Watooka? Yes No Why do you think so? _____________________________ ___________________________________________ ____________________________ _____________________ _______ 6. What mainly influences land pollution in West Watooka? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________ 7. What are some diseases that are caused as a result of land pollution? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________ 8. How is land pollution responsible for people moving away from West Watooka? _____________________________ ___________________________________________ ____________________________ _____________________ _______ 9. Do you think that the act of land pollution is responsible for depopulation in West Watooka from the year 2005-2014? Yes No Why do you think so? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________
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10.Are 10.Are there any signs of a decrease in land pollution in West Watooka? Yes No 11.What 11.What measures do you think the residents of West Watooka can take to stop land pollution?
12.What 12.What alternative measure of garbage disposal the residents of West Watooka can use to stop land pollution? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________ _________ 13.Do 13.Do you think that livestock farming is affected by land pollution? Yes No In what way is it affected? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ _________________ ___ 14.What 14.What do you think should happen to persons who are caught polluting the land? Imprisonment they should be fined Put to do community cleanups
given a warning
15.What 15.What measures do you think the local government government can put in place to stop land pollution? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________ __________________ __________________ 16.Do 16.Do you think that by edifying the residents about the effects of land pollution can help stop land pollution? Yes No Why? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________ _____________ 17.Does 17.Does land pollution affect housing development in West Watooka? Yes No Why do you think so? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ________________________________ ______________________ ____ ~ 26 ~
18.What 18.What forms of land pollution exist in West Watooka? ____________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________ ______________________ ________ __________________ __________________ 19.Which 19.Which groups of individuals mainly contribute to this type of land pollution? _____________________________ ___________________________________________ ____________________________ _____________________ _______ _________________ _________________
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