Water Pollution caused by Toxic

SubstancesBy: Team 4

Pollution in the ocean is a major problem that is

affecting the ocean and the rest of the Earth, too.

Pollution in the ocean directly affects ocean

organisms and indirectly affects human health and

resources.

Oil spills, toxic wastes, and dumping of other harmful materials are all major sources of

pollution in the ocean.

What are toxic wastes?

Toxic wastes are poisonous materials that are being

dumped into the ocean. They harm many plants and

animals in the ocean and have a huge impact on our health. Toxic waste is the

most harmful form of pollution to sea life and

humans.

Many fishermen believe that the toxic

chemicals in the ocean are killing much of the fish population. One of

the most harmful chemicals in the ocean

is lead.

Lead can cause many health problems. It can

damage the brain, kidneys, and

reproductive system. Lead can also cause

birth defects for people.

 It has been shown to cause low IQ scores, slow growth, and hearing problems for small children. House and

car paint and manufacturing lead batteries, fishing lures,

certain parts of bullets, some ceramic ware, water pipes, and fixtures all give

off lead.

Water PollutionWater pollution, by the discharge of wastewater from commercial

and industrial waste (intentionally or through spills) into 

surface waters; discharges of untreated domestic sewage, and chemical contaminants, such as chlorine, from treated sewage;

Water Pollutionrelease of waste and contaminants

into surface runoff flowing to surface waters (including 

urban runoff and agricultural runoff, which may contain

chemical fertilizers and pesticides); waste disposal and leaching

into groundwater; eutrophication and littering.

Other source

of water pollution

Pollution causes a lot of plant and animal deaths in the

ocean. In  addition to boat pollution, other things that cause water pollution are

agriculture (like pesticide run-off), land clearing, and people that pollute the environment without thinking about what

harm it can do to animals and humans.

PREVENTWATER

POLLUTION

• Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment.

• Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don’t throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain.

• Use environmentally household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.

• Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.

• By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertilizer, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources.

• Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.