Human Impact
Reclamation process
Surface mining clears
the land destroying
ecosystems. Mining
Mining releases pollutants
that can affect
nearby areas.
Land
Pollution/
Soil
Erosion
Removes native
vegetation and loosens
the soil which allows
Farming the wind and water to
wash away soil and
depletes the nutrients
exhaust from motor
vehicles create smog
and the fossil fuels
Transportation burned release carbon
monoxide and nitrous
oxide which contributes
to ozone depletion.
Air
Pollution
Power plants that burl
coal or oil release
Factories pollutants such as
sulfur dioxide that
/ Power enter the air and
contributes to acid
Plants rain.
Runoff from crops and
livestock carry contaminants
such as fertilizers and
pesticides into nearby water
ways. Nutrients such as
Agricultural nitrates in the fertilizers
promote algae growth in the
water and clog the area
causing organisms to die
creating dead zones.
Water
Pollution
Wastewater from cities
and towns contain
Municipal contaminants from homes,
businesses, and industries
(cities and and can pollute bodies of
towns) water from sewage
disposal, storm drains,
boats, and yard runoff.
helps return the mine
to its natural state.
Using alternative
energy sources will
lessen the need for
non-renewable
resources.
Adding organic material
to the soil in the form of
plant or animal waste
increases the fertility of
the soil and improves it’s
ability to hold onto water
and nutrients.
Catalytic converters help
to break down pollutants
before they are released in
motor vehicles and hybrid
vehicles have an electric
motor that also helps
reduce auto emissions.
Pollutants are removed
from the exhaust streams
of power plants before
they enter the atmosphere
and catalysts break down
sulfur and nitric oxides
which reduces issues such
as acid rain.
The Clean Water Act gives
the EPA the authority to
set standards for water
quality for agriculture,
industry, and residential
uses which focuses on
reducing the discharge of
pollution into water ways.
Water treatment plants
removes contaminants
from sewage and water
purification produces
drinking water by removing
bacteria, algae, viruses,
and fungi through a series
of steps.
 Human Impact

What Can You Do?

Land Pollution/Soil Erosion: Landscape with plants that minimize erosion.

Air Pollution: Riding a bike or walking instead of driving.

Water Pollution: Keep litter, pet waste, leaves, and grass clippings out of street
gutters and storm drains.