Water pollution is a problem for humans and wildlife - AQA - GCSE Biology: Combined Science - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 2

To produce more food to sustain the growing population, farmers often use fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can run off into nearby water bodies, leading to nutrient loading, which contributes to algae blooms in rivers, lakes, and seas. The decay of this algae further reduces oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.

Industries contribute to water pollution by discharging toxic chemicals into rivers and seas. Chemicals can build up in food chains and disrupt ecosystems. For example, certain chemicals may act as hormonal disruptors, affecting the reproductive systems of wildlife.

Radiation leaks from nuclear power stations can contaminate water sources, leading to severe ecological and health effects. Additionally, acid rain formation contributes to the acidification of water bodies, causing further harm to aquatic organisms.

The littering of plastics and other waste in rivers, lakes, and seas leads to dire consequences for wildlife. Many plastics are not biodegradable and can cause ingestion issues for aquatic animals, leading to their injury or death.

The overall consequence of these pollutants is that organisms living in rivers, lakes, and seas are harmed. This can result in decreased biodiversity, as sensitive species may die off, thus disrupting the ecological balance.