R. Boodram (4Sc.

)
Topic 6 Pollution

POLLUTION
S.O. 6.2 Explain the negative impact of human activity on the environment

S.O. 6.3 Assess the implications of pollution of marine and wetland environment

Many human activities such as agriculture, industry, mining and disposal of waste have a negative
impact on living organisms and the environment. These activities:

• Cause the destruction and consequent loss of habitats and organisms living in them.

• Release waste and harmful substances into the environment which damage the
environment, harm living organisms and have a negative effect on human health, i.e. they
cause pollution.

Pollution is the process in which harmful substances are added to the environment. The substances
that damage the environment are called pollutants. Modern agricultural practices and industry
produce waste products that pollute the air, land and water.

POLLUTION BY AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

POLLUTANT AND SOURCE EFFECTS

Fertilisers – consists mainly of nitrates and
phosphates. When excessive fertilisers are used
on crops, they seep into groundwater and
eventually reach the lakes and rivers.
Causes eutrophication, i.e. the rapid growth of
green plants and algae in lakes, rivers and ponds,
which causes the water to turn green. The plants
and algae begin to die and are decomposed by
aerobic bacteria that multiply and use up the
dissolved oxygen. This causes other aquatic
organisms, like fish, to die.

Pesticides – includes insecticides and herbicides. Some pesticides are not biodegradable and can
They are used to kill pests that attack crops. persist in the environment for years. They can
Pesticides are washed by rainwater into streams poison the aquatic organisms when they are in
and rivers. high concentrations.

An example of a non-biodegradable insecticide is

DDT. DDT is not water soluble and when
consumed it is stored in the fatty tissues of
organisms and accumulates in their bodies. This
is called bioaccumulation. The insecticide builds
up in the bodies of organisms higher up the food
chain when they eat.
 R. Boodram (4Sc.)
Topic 6 Pollution

POLLUTION CAUSED BY INDUSTRY

POLLUTANT AND SOURCE EFFECTS

Carbon dioxide – burning of fossil fuels in Builds up in the upper atmosphere enhancing
industry, motor vehicles, power stations and the greenhouse effect, which is leading to global
aeroplanes. Deforestation also contributes to warming. Some is also absorbed by oceans
carbon dioxide in the air. causing ocean acidification.

Carbon monoxide – burning of fossil fuels in Combines with haemoglobin more easily than
industry and motor vehicles. oxygen. This reduces the amount of oxygen
reaching body cells which reduces respiration
and mental awareness. It causes dizziness,
headaches and visual impairment, and can lead
to unconsciousness and death.

Sulphur dioxide – burning of fossil fuels in Causes respiratory problems e.g. bronchitis, and
industry and power stations. reduces the growth of plants.

Dissolves in rainwater forming acid rain. Acid

rain decreases the pH of the soil, damages
plants, harms animals, corrodes buildings and
causes water courses to become unsuitable for
aquatic habitats.

Combines with water vapour and smoke forming

smog, which causes respiratory problems e.g.
bronchitis, asthma and lung disease.

Nitrogen oxides – combustion at high Causes lung damage and even at low
temperatures in industry, motor vehicles and concentrations they irritate the respiratory
power stations. system, skin and eyes. Very toxic.

Reduce plant growth and causes leaves to die.

Dissolves in rainwater forming acid rain.

Lead – main source of lead in the air are Lead can accumulate in the body, resulting in
incinerators, exhaust gases from cars, burning lead poisoning after a long period of time. Lead
coal and industries making metal ores. causes problems to the nervous system and the
heart.

Dust and other particulates – industry, mining Dirty the environment. Breathed in, they carry
and quarrying. toxins into the body via the lungs.
 R. Boodram (4Sc.)
Topic 6 Pollution

POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE

A very small amount of human garbage is recycled. Most is dumped in landfills, garbage dumps,
waterways, oceans, by the roadside or is incinerated. Improper disposal of garbage is a threat to the
environment because:

• Toxic chemicals in the garbage can leach out and contaminate soil and water sources.

• Greenhouse gases, e.g. methane and carbon dioxide, can be released into the atmosphere
where they contribute to global warming.

• Hydrogen sulphide gas can be released into the air. This gas is extremely toxic and even low
concentrations can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

• Plastics can enter waterways and oceans where they are harmful to aquatic organisms.

• Bacteria from untreated sewage can enter groundwater and cause disease, e.g. cholera.

• Garbage attracts rodents which can spread diseases.

• Garbage impacts negatively on eco-tourism because it is an eyesore.

POLLUTION OF MARINE AND WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS

Maine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, are aquatic ecosystems where the water posses a high salt
content. Wetland ecosystems however, are transitional ecosystems where dry land meets water and
the water may be fresh, brackish or salt; e.g. mangrove swamps.

Marine and wetland ecosystems contain rich biodiversity and beauty and therefore are major
contributors to the economies of many small island developing states (SIDS) of the Caribbean
through tourism, fisheries and coastal protection.

Many of these ecosystems are being polluted by untreated sewage, chemical fertilisers, pesticides,
industrial waste, hot water, garbage and oil from oil spills. This pollution impacts negatively on both
the overall health of the ecosystems and their aesthetic appeal. They are also being overfished and
destroyed for development purposes.

Damage to coral reefs, mangrove swamps and other marine and wetland ecosystems results in a loss
of:

• Biodiversity – coral reefs and mangrove swamps are amongst the most biodiverse
ecosystems on Earth.

• Habitats for many organisms, e.g. fish and oysters.

• Natural resources, e.g. fisheries.

• Tourism – attractions and recreational sites would lose its aesthetic value.

• Nursery grounds for reef fish which mangrove swamps provide, resulting in a reduction in
population sizes of fish on reefs.

• Nesting and breeding grounds for birds, e.g. scarlet ibis.

 R. Boodram (4Sc.)
Topic 6 Pollution

• Protection for shorelines against wave action and tidal forces, resulting in increased coastal
erosion.

• Flood control provided by wetlands.

Due to the pollution and destruction of marine and wetland ecosystems and the coastal erosion that
often follows, the tourism and fishing industries of Caribbean states are in danger of declining and
this will have a negative impact on their economies.