Main Sources of Pollution
Runoff from Farms: When farmers use fertilizers and pesticides, these chemicals can wash into rivers and lakes. This is called agricultural runoff. About half of the nitrogen from farms ends up in our waterways, which can cause harmful growth of algae.
Factory Waste: Factories sometimes release dangerous metals like mercury and lead into rivers and lakes. This can harm fish and other wildlife. In some places, the mercury levels in fish can be two or three times higher than what is considered safe to eat.
Wastewater and Sewage: Sometimes, water that comes from homes and businesses is not treated properly before it goes back into nature. This can carry germs and extra nutrients into rivers. In the UK, around 80% of rivers are polluted.
Plastic Waste: Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. This is very harmful to sea creatures, as they can swallow plastic or get stuck in it.
Effects on Aquatic Life
Algal Blooms: When too many nutrients enter the water, it can cause algae to grow too much. This can use up oxygen in the water, making it hard for fish to survive.
Toxic Build-Up: Pollutants can build up in the food chain. This means that little fish eat toxins, and then bigger fish eat those little fish, getting even more toxins. In polluted areas, fish can die at a rate of 20% or more because of this.
Habitat Damage: Pollution can also cover the habitats where fish and other aquatic animals live. When sediments fill these areas, it can hurt the plants and animals that depend on clean environments.
Main Sources of Pollution
Runoff from Farms: When farmers use fertilizers and pesticides, these chemicals can wash into rivers and lakes. This is called agricultural runoff. About half of the nitrogen from farms ends up in our waterways, which can cause harmful growth of algae.
Factory Waste: Factories sometimes release dangerous metals like mercury and lead into rivers and lakes. This can harm fish and other wildlife. In some places, the mercury levels in fish can be two or three times higher than what is considered safe to eat.
Wastewater and Sewage: Sometimes, water that comes from homes and businesses is not treated properly before it goes back into nature. This can carry germs and extra nutrients into rivers. In the UK, around 80% of rivers are polluted.
Plastic Waste: Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. This is very harmful to sea creatures, as they can swallow plastic or get stuck in it.
Effects on Aquatic Life
Algal Blooms: When too many nutrients enter the water, it can cause algae to grow too much. This can use up oxygen in the water, making it hard for fish to survive.
Toxic Build-Up: Pollutants can build up in the food chain. This means that little fish eat toxins, and then bigger fish eat those little fish, getting even more toxins. In polluted areas, fish can die at a rate of 20% or more because of this.
Habitat Damage: Pollution can also cover the habitats where fish and other aquatic animals live. When sediments fill these areas, it can hurt the plants and animals that depend on clean environments.