Question

Mention one way in which waste accumulation has an effect on the following:
(i) aquatic life
(ii) terrestrial life
(iii) landscape

Answer 1

• Solid and liquid wastes that accumulate in water bodies affect the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem.
• The impact can range from less reproduction and also a reduction in the total population of various plants and animals to the extinction of a few species which cannot survive in the changed environment.
• The thermal power plants and oil refineries release hot water into nearby water bodies. The increase in the temperature of the water has hazardous effects on fishes and algae, which is wiped out in due course of time.
• The inorganic fertilizer and pesticide residues are responsible for killing several types of soil organisms, worms, etc.
• Sulphur dioxide can destroy leaf tissues. It can cause a disease in which the green portion of leaves become yellow.
• Waste accumulation can impact landscape badly because of the clearance of forests and degradation of land caused by humans. Forests can also turn into grasslands forever due to landscape damage.