Question

How does pollution affect aquatic ecosystems?

Answer 1

Pollution can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems in several ways:

1. Water Quality: Pollution can contaminate water bodies with harmful chemicals, heavy metals, nutrients, and pathogens, leading to poor water quality. This can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems and harm aquatic organisms.
2. Habitat Destruction: Pollution can destroy or degrade habitats such as coral reefs, wetlands, and estuaries, which are crucial for the survival of many aquatic species.
3. Biodiversity Loss: Pollution can lead to the decline or extinction of aquatic species due to exposure to toxins or habitat destruction.
4. Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient pollution can cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels in the water, suffocating aquatic organisms.
5. Bioaccumulation: Toxins present in polluted water can accumulate in aquatic organisms through the food chain, leading to health issues for both wildlife and humans who consume contaminated fish or shellfish.