U8 APES Aquatic and terrestrial pollution

Endocrine Disruptors

chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system in animals and humans.

-These chemicals can mimic, block, or alter hormone signals, which can lead to a variety of health issues, especially during critical periods of development like fetal growth or puberty.

Thermal Pollution

Pollution that occurs when heat released into water produces negative effects to the organisms in that aquatic ecosystem

-Warm water = Less dissolved oxygen

-Less oxygen levels = Supports less aquatic life

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

A group of toxic chemicals used during the industrial boom after World war 2

Purpose: pest and disease control, crop production and industry

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) negative effects

• Persist in the environment for a long time,

• Bioaccumulate in the food chain, and

• Pose risks to human health and the environment.

Bioaccumulation

The process by which toxic substances (pollutants) build up in an organism over time, especially when the organism absorbs a substance faster than it can get rid of it.

Biomagnification

Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of toxic substances (pollutants) as they move up the food chain.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

the amount of free, oxygen gas (O₂) present in water, and it’s essential for aquatic life.

Eutrophication

The process by which a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.

The excessive growth of algae causes the levels of dissolved oxygen to lower.

Eutrophication Causes

Eutrophication is caused by Agricultural runoff and poorly treated sewage

both carry excess of Phosphorus and nitrogen

Cholera

Spread through Contaminated water (often due to poor sewage treatment)

Malaria

Spreads through Mosquito bites

Tuberculosis (TB)

Spread through: Airborne particles (person-to-person in crowded conditions).

Associated with poor air quality and inadequate housing.

Dysentery

From Contaminated food or water

Hepatitis A

Ingesting contaminated water or food.