Pollution

Toxic materials released into the environment

• Some polluting materials such as pesticides and fertilizers have a purpose, while others such gas emissions and product packaging are only byproducts of our society

• Biodegradable products can pollute as well when put into the environment in high concentrations

• Pollution can come in many forms and lead to several outcomes (e.g. acid precipitation, oil spills, litter and many others)

Acid precipitation:

• .

Example:

Oil spills:

• Often caused by boat accidents, which lead to oil leakage

• Greatly negatively impacts ocean/lake lifeforms/wherever the oil is spilled

• Can also disturb pH1 levels in the water

• Kill plants and animals

Example:

Litter:

• Waste (usually undegradable things) randomly thrown

• Not supposed to be where it is (not in garbage/recycling)

• Can pollute both air and water

• Litter can be burned in open air which can contribute to toxic gas emissions

Example: plastic in the ocean, waste thrown on the sidewalk

Keywords:

1pH levels — the purity/acidity of the water

• Pure water has a pH of 7

• The lower, the more acidic