Cambridge Biology - 20.4-20.5 "Types of Pollution"

Greenhouse Effect is caused by:

Co2 and Methane trapping solar radiation close to the Earth, heating it up.

Effects of the Greenhouse Effect:

• Global Warming.

• Harsh Climates.

• High Seas from melting ice.

• Desertification.

• Larger insect vectors.

Solutions to the Greenhouse Effects:

Reduce burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, and planting more trees.

Acid Rain is caused by:

Oxides (NO, No2, So2) forming in the clouds, which dissolve in water.

Effects of Acid Rain:

• Acidic Soil

• Inhibition of natural decomposition.

• Trees and marine life dying.

Solutions to Acid Rain:

By cleaning whenever fuel is combusted (i.e. cars, powerplants) oxides are released.

Crushed Limestone can help reverse the effects of acid rain in bodies of water.

Effects of Non-biodegradable Plastics:

• Blocked waterways.

• Poisoning of marine life by consumption.

• Inhibiting natural decomposition.

• Releases toxic fumes when burned.

Female Contraceptive Hormones

Hormones that are found in urine, which can pollute water. This causes sperm count to decrease in males, and feminization of marine life.

Leaching of Pesticides is caused by:

Overuse of pesticides in agriculture.

Effects of Pesticides:

Pesticide levels are amplified and concentrated as they pass through the food chain, reaching lethal amounts in the top predators.

• Bleeding Tissues/Defects.

• Worsened Metabolism.

• Death.

Solutions to Pesticides:

Using biodegradable pesticides, predators that kill pests, and stronger strains of crops.

Eutrophication is caused by:

High amount of nutrients polluting water via:

• Leaching.

• Input of raw sewage, manure, or biomass.

Effects of Eutrophication:

Depletion of oxygen and death of invertebrate. High nitrate levels are dangerous to human babies.

Solution to Eutrophication:

• Treating sewage.

• Preventing pollution by pesticides leaking.

• Bubbling air into ponds.

• Spacing trees with leaves (containing nutrients) that fall away from water.

• Control use of Fertilizers.