RNR 1001 Chapter : RNR 1001 2
Document Summary
As we have talked about degradation of the planet"s environment has accompanied human population growth throughout history. Reductions in biodiversity, habitat complexity, biological productivity, and ecosystem process integrity due to human activities. Pollution has contributed significantly to this degradation- substances that are released into the environment that are either toxic, or are released in such magnitude (or both) that they can"t be processed by affected ecosystem(s) Acute toxicity results in damage from a single exposure, ex: hydrogen sulfide. Emitted from paper, pulp, asphalt, was treatment plants, etc. Absorbed by lungs, irritation, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, death. Chronic toxicity results from continued exposure and accumulation of toxic compounds, ex: mercury. Worldwide industrial emissions, accumulation in fish and shellfish as methylmercury. Neurological problems, brain development, visual, motor skills, significant bioaccumulation. Pollutants can be solid, liquid, gaseous, and are found everywhere on the planet.
