Waste Managment

Introduction

• Biodiversity = variety of all different species of organisms on Earth or within an ecosystem.

• High biodiversity = stable ecosystems.

• Human population and standard of living have increased → greater resource use + more waste.

• Human waste leads to pollution of water, air, and land, reducing biodiversity.

Water Pollution

• Sewage (urine + faeces):

  • In some countries → released directly into waterways.

  • In UK → usually treated, but accidents can release untreated sewage.

• Fertilisers from farms:

  • Cause dissolved oxygen levels in water to fall → kills aquatic organisms.

• Toxic chemicals from factories:

  • Poisonous to animals in rivers and streams.

Air Pollution

• Burning coal in power stations:

  • Releases acidic gases → acid rain.

  • Also releases smoke.

• Both can kill plants and animals, reducing biodiversity.

Land Pollution

• Landfills:

  • Millions of tonnes of waste dumped.

  • Destroys habitats.

  • Toxic chemicals can leach into soil.

• Chemical dumping:

  • Directly pollutes soil.

  • Kills living organisms.

✅ Summary / Key Points

• Human waste causes pollution of water, air, and land.

• Water: sewage, fertilisers, toxic chemicals → kills aquatic life.

• Air: burning fuels → acid rain, smoke → kills plants/animals.

• Land: landfills + chemical dumping → habitat loss + toxic soil.

• All forms of waste pollution reduce biodiversity.

• Essential to manage and dispose of waste safely to protect ecosystems.