3.6 source of pollution

Pollution is any harmful contaminant released into the environment. 

Acid Precipitation 

• precipitation that has been made more acidic than usual by the combination of certain chamicals in the air with water vapor. 

• it impacts both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by causing species population to decline or disappear 

• certain minerals such as limestones are able to neutralize acid in lakes. 

• acid pollution also impacts human since it aggravates respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis

• it speeds up the corrosion of metals on cars and buildings 

Oil Spills 

• The most dramatic water pollution through accidental spills of oil 

• Oil is low to break down and difficult to clean up.

Methods for Cleaning Oil Spills 

Plastics at Sea 

• While plastic is a useful material it is a harmful part of our waste because it does not chemically degrade it remains in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years. 

• Plastics are responsible for significant ecological damage in marine ecosystems as pieces of plastic are bite sized and eaten by marine animals. 

• The manufacturing of plastic also creates pollution and results in the consumption of nonrenewable energy sources.