Pollution Essays -- essays research papers

Pollution, contamination of Earths environment with materials that inject with compassionate health, the quality of life, or the natural functioning of ecosystems (living organisms and their physical surroundings). Although somewhat 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. Advertisement Biodegradable pollutants are materials, such as sewage, that rapidly decompose by natural deales. These pollutants become a enigma 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. Once contamination occurs, it is difficult or impossible to pack these pollutants from the environment. Nondegradable compounds such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and r adioactive materials can reach unreliable levels of accumulation as they are passed up the food chain into the bodies of more and more larger animals. For example, molecules of toxic compounds may collect on the surface of aquatic plants without doing much damage to the plants. A small fish that grazes on these plants accumulates a high concentration of the toxin. Larger fish or other carnivores that run through the small fish will accumulate even greater, and possibly life-threatening, concentrations of the compound. This process is known as bioaccumulation.II. Impacts of PollutionPrint sectionBecause humans are at the flower of the food chain, they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nondegradable pollutants. This was clearly 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 beforehand authorities discovered that a local industry had released mercury into Minamata Bay. This super toxic element accumulated in the bodies of local fish and ultimately 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. incur Occupationa... ...es of excessive noise.Page 1 of 2See an outline for this article.How to reference point this article 1993-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.AdvertisementRelated ArticlesAir Pollutionbioindicators of environmental damageMore... BooksEncarta recommends take care for books slightly Pollution at BarnesandNoble.comPeriodicalsSearch for hebdomadary articles about Pollution in Electric Library.Free registration call forEncarta Training CenterSearch for courses and materials on PollutionInternet Searchfrom MSN SearchNewsfrom MSNBCRelated Web SitesE PA US Environmental shield AgencyNoise 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 undeniable Was too technical Didnt provide enough detail Was out of examine article on this topic. Poor Excellent Main reason for your rate