Water PollutionWater pollution in Sierra Leone is the contamination of water bodies such as boreholes, streams, and rivers. It transcends many fields of human activity. Rivers that serve rural communities as sources of drinking water encounter challenges of pollution as a result of
In 2012, Sierra Leone experienced the worst cholera outbreak in its history, having over 20,000 cases with 392 deaths. The main cause of the outbreak was as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding combined with poor hygiene practices, unsafe water sources, and ineffective waste management in the country.There are several causes of water pollution in Sierra Leone but, the most common is the sewage efflux and surface run-offs into boreholes, streams and rivers. In most parts of the country, boreholes and rivers are the means by which most of the water is supplied for drinking and domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. Since rivers flow through the country from the north-east to south-west, polluting the rivers upstream can affect the people and greatly endanger marine life and the environment downstream.
Air pollution occurs when gases, dust particles, fumes (or smoke) or odour are introduced into the atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful to humans, animals and plant. It is a major problem in Sierra Leone that causes illness.
Major sources of air pollution in the cities especially Freetown, Makeni and Bo are vehicular exhaust emissions, industrial activities, road and building industries,
Mining also has a great effect on the quality of the air in
Outdoor air pollution is a mix of chemicals, particulate matter, and biological materials that react with each other to form tiny hazardous particles. It contributes to breathing problems, chronic diseases, increased hospitalization, and premature mortality. The concentration of particulate matter (PM) is a key air quality indicator since it is the most common air pollutant that affects short term and long term health in the country.Sierra Leone is rated as the 17th most vulnerable countries in terms of air pollution. The causes of air pollution are multiple. Because many households use charcoal or wood as