Pollution Essays -- essays research papers

Pollution, contamination of Earths environs with materials that interfere with human health, the quality of life, or the natural functioning of ecosystems (living organisms and their corporal surroundings). Although some environmental pollution is a result of natural causes such as volcanic eruptions, most is caused by human activities.There are twain main categories of polluting materials, or pollutants. advert Biodegradable pollutants are materials, such as sewage, that rapidly decompose by natural processes. These pollutants become a problem when added to the environment faster than they can decompose (see Sewage Disposal). Nondegradable pollutants are materials that either do not decompose or decompose slowly in the natural environment. in one case contamination occurs, it is difficult or impossible to remove these pollutants from the environment. Nondegradable compounds such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and radioactiv e materials can reach dangerous levels of accumulation as they are passed up the food chain into the bodies of progressively larger animals. For example, molecules of toxic compounds may collect on the surface of aquatic plants without doing much damage to the plants. A vitiated fish that grazes on these plants accumulates a high concentration of the toxin. Larger fish or other carnivores that eat the small fish will accumulate veritable(a) greater, and possibly life-threatening, concentrations of the compound. This process is known as bioaccumulation.II. Impacts of PollutionPrint sectionBecause humans are at the top of the food chain, they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nondegradable pollutants. This was understandably illustrated in the 1950s and 1960s when residents living near Minamata Bay, Japan, developed nervous disorders, tremors, and paralysis in a mysterious epidemic. More than 400 people died sooner authorities discovered that a local industry had releas ed mercury into Minamata Bay. This highly toxic element accumulated in the bodies of local fish and eventually in the bodies of people who consumed the fish. More recently research has revealed that many chemical pollutants, such as DDT and PCBs, mimic sex hormones and interfere with the human bodys reproductive and developmental functions. These substances are known as endocrine disrupters. See Occupationa... ...es of excessive noise.Page 1 of 2See an outline for this term.How to cite this article 1993-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.AdvertisementRelated ArticlesAir Pollutionbioindicators of environmental damageMore... BooksEncarta recommendsSearch for books closely Pollution at BarnesandNoble.comPeriodicalsSearch for periodical articles about Pollution in electric car Library.Free registration requiredEncarta Training CenterSearch for courses and materials on PollutionInternet Searchfrom MSN SearchNewsfrom MSNBCRelated Web SitesEPA US Environmental Protection A gencyNoise Pollution ClearinghouseMore DetailsAlso on Encarta10 words you should knowQwest managed solutionsAlso on MSNMSN Pets facts about furry friendsReal estate tips from HomeAdvisorOur PartnersThe Princeton ReviewStudentloan.comEncarta Reference LibraryLearn about our award-winning CD and DVD productsPlease rate Encartas 12345-select a reason- Exactly what I needed Was too technical Didnt provide enough detail Was out of date article on this topic. Poor Excellent Main reason for your rating