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Every summer in the Gulf of Mexico an area, sometimes as large as Massachusetts, becomes void of life due to severely depleted levels of oxygen in the Gulf's water, a state known as hypoxia. This condition kills every oxygen-dependent sea creature within its 8,500 square mile zone. The dead zone varies in size, but it has been growing steadily...
Soil pollution has a major impact on the entire planet and it will play a large role in the well-being of future generations. The best we can do now is implement measures to slow down the pollution and clean up polluted areas where possible. Doing nothing will only allow the pollution to progress to a point where our soil...
Land pollution is a serious problem that impacts humans, animals, and the earth. Without taking measures now to reduce pollution levels, permanent changes to the land can occur. The adverse changes to the environment due to land pollution are subtle, but the problem is much bigger than it appears.Even though most people have a general understanding of pollution, they...
Water is, perhaps, the most precious resource available on the planet. For a large amount of life to exist on Earth, access to fresh water is crucial. Despite the fact that water comprises more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface, only about 2.5 percent of this water can be qualified as “fresh.” Though ample water can be found...
While most people have a general understanding of what pollution is and how it is caused, most people have not heard about thermal pollution. The basic idea of pollution that most people know about includes air pollution from carbon emissions in vehicles and general pollution through littering and use harmful chemicals.
A lot of people have never heard of thermal...
Starting in the 18th century and gaining popularity in the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about drastic changes in the social and economic lives of humans. The benefits of the revolution are felt even today, but so are the adverse effects. The introduction of industrialization brought about industrial pollution.
During the revolution, technology, manufacturing, and science all began rapidly...
Many pollution-related mechanisms degrade ecosystems and maintain them at degraded states. Some of the pollution topics are addressed below.Oil PollutionPersistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)Dead ZonesMarine DebrisNoise Pollution
The following article was published in the May-June 2000 issue of E-Magazine:
March of 1989 was the first time I laid my eyes on Prince William Sound, Alaska. Our research team, including myself and three other marine ecologists, had arrived a few days after the Exxon Valdez supertanker ran aground on Bligh Reef, from where it spilled 11 million gallons...
The threat and impacts of marine debris have long been ignored. Perhaps it is the perceived vastness of ocean and lack of visibility of marine debris to most people that has allowed society to dismiss the problem as a serious threat. However, recent research demonstrates that quantities and impacts of marine debris are significant and increasing. The Algalita Marine...
Ocean Acidification Bad for Shells and Reefs
Rising levels of atmospheric carbon due to fossil fuel emissions have made seawater more acidic. Now, two new studies show that increasing acidification could wreak havoc on marine organisms that build their shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate. Since these creatures provide essential food and habitat for other ocean dwellers, the effects could...