Consequences of sulfur dioxide
It leads to acid rain. Acid rain can cause the acidification of soil and lakes.
This acidification leads to the death of multiple organisms.
Consequences of carbon monoxide polution
If a person inhales corbon monoxide, its haemoglobin becomes bound to it, so it can’t bind with oxygen. The person may lose consciousness and/or die as a result of a lack of oxygen.
Greenhouse gases
water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane and CFCs
How do human activities contribute to the release of greenhouse gases
By the burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gases are released. Many human activities burn fossil fuels.
How does an increase in greenhouse gases results in an enhanced greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is caused by the presence of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. An increse in the presence in these greenhouse gases will lead to an enhanced greenhouse effect.
Biological consequences of pollution of water by sewage
- Aerobic bacteria use oxygen to break down organic materials. A decrease in oxygen concentration leads to the death of organisms.
- Untreated sewage contains pathogenic bacteria, these are a danger to human health
Eutrophication
Large amounts of nutrients enter a body of water
Consequences of eutrophication
- The rapid growth of algae will cause an algal bloom.
- The algae will block sunlight and decreases oxygen produced by photosynthesis.
- Aerobic bacteria decompse dead algae, they respire in the process, therefore using up oxygen.
- Water will become anoxic. This leads to the death of organisms.
Consequences of deforestation
- Leaching
- Soil erosion
- Disturbance of water cycle
- Inbalance of atmospheric gases
- Destruction of habitats
Leaching
Rain washes the minerals out, this reduces the soil quality.
Soil erosion
No tree roots hold the soil together.
Inbalance of atmospheric gases
This can lead to a greenhouse effect, therefore climate change.
Disruptance to water cycle
Trees return water vapour from the soil to the air by transpiration. Cutting down trees disrupts this cycle.
