Conservation and Pollution Chapter 19

Conservation Conservation is the wise use of the environment. Land, water and organisms are protected for future generations.

Pollution Pollution is caused by substances which make the environment unpleasant and dangerous for living things. The 3 types of pollution are: Water pollution Air pollution Soil pollution

Water pollution. Caused by Sewage and Slurry which reduces the amount of Oxygen available to fish and other aquatic organisms. Fertilisers which cause algal bloom. Oil which poisons seabirds and kills fish.

Air pollution The main cause of air pollution is the burning of coal, oil and other fuels. 1. Smoke and dust- Irritate the lungs causing bronchitis. Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog. 2. Sulphur Dioxide- caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Causes acid rain. 3. Carbon Monoxide and Lead Poisoning. - Caused by the burning of petrol and Diesel. Air pollution can be prevented by using lead free petrol, smokeless fuels and the release of chemicals.

Soil Pollution Soil pollution is caused by pesticides, artificial fertilisers and acid rain Pesticides can be carried in the food chain Fertilisers can cause river pollution Acid rain can make the soil more acidic.

Waste management and recycling Waste management is the careful use of incineration, landfill sites and dumping at sea , so as not to harm the environment. Materials such as glass, paper some metals and plastics can be recycled. Living organisms affect the environment in positive ways as well as in negative ways