Humans and Environment

This study guide explores the complex relationship between humans and their surroundings, focusing on disease management, environmental pollution, sanitation, and the conservation of natural resources in line with the JAMB syllabus.

1. Diseases and Human Health

Diseases are categorized based on their occurrence: Endemic diseases are constantly present in a population (e.g., Malaria in Nigeria), while Epidemic diseases occur suddenly and spread rapidly. Pandemics are global epidemics (e.g., COVID-19).

• Malaria: Caused by the Plasmodium protozoa and transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. Control involves clearing stagnant water and using insecticides.
• Cholera and Typhoid: Water-borne bacterial diseases (Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi). Spread through contaminated food/water. Controlled via proper sanitation and vaccination.
• Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia): Caused by blood flukes. The intermediate host is the water snail.
• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): Caused by Onchocerca volvulus (nematode) and transmitted by the Blackfly (Simulium).
• STDs: Gonorrhea (bacterium), Syphilis (bacterium), and AIDS (HIV virus). Prevention includes abstinence and use of barrier methods.

2. Pollution and its Control

Pollution is the release of harmful substances into the environment.

Types of Pollution:

• Air Pollution: Sources include industrial smoke (SO2, CO), exhaust fumes, and CFCs. Effects include respiratory issues, acid rain, and global warming. Control involves using catalytic converters and afforestation.
• Water Pollution: Sources include oil spills, sewage, and industrial effluents. A major effect is Eutrophication—the overgrowth of algae due to nutrient runoff (nitrates/phosphates), leading to oxygen depletion.
• Soil Pollution: Caused by non-biodegradable plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals. Control involves recycling and biological pest control.

3. Sanitation and Waste Management

Proper sewage disposal is critical to public health. Sewage treatment involves primary (physical removal of solids), secondary (biological breakdown by bacteria), and tertiary (chemical disinfection) stages. Personal hygiene and community health programs are essential for preventing the spread of infectious agents.

4. Conservation and Health Agencies

Conservation is the planned management of natural resources to prevent exploitation and destruction.

• Renewable Resources: Can be replenished (e.g., water, forests, wildlife).
• Non-renewable Resources: Cannot be replaced once exhausted (e.g., petroleum, coal, minerals).
• Agencies:
  • WHO: Sets international health standards and combats epidemics.
  • UNICEF: Focuses on the health and nutrition of children and mothers.
  • NCF (Nigerian Conservation Foundation): Promotes nature conservation in Nigeria.
  • IUCN: Focuses on the conservation status of species globally.

5. Game Reserves and National Parks in Nigeria

Nigeria has several parks established to protect biodiversity and promote ecotourism:

• Yankari National Park (Bauchi): Famous for the Wikki Warm Springs and elephants.
• Kainji Lake National Park (Niger/Kwara): Known for the Borgu and Zugurma sectors.
• Cross River National Park: Home to the Cross River gorilla.
• Gashaka-Gumti: Nigeria's largest national park.