How does pollution impact ecosystems?

Pollution significantly impacts ecosystems primarily by degrading both air and water quality, which can lead to harmful effects on various organisms. When pollutants—such as chemicals, heavy metals, and plastics—enter an ecosystem, they can disrupt the delicate balance that sustains life.

For instance, in aquatic environments, pollutants can lead to increased toxicity levels that harm fish and amphibians, reduce oxygen availability, and promote algal blooms, which can suffocate other marine life. In terrestrial ecosystems, air pollutants can cause respiratory issues in animals and damage the health of plants, which are vital for providing oxygen and food resources.

Overall, the degradation of environmental quality due to pollution leads to a decline in biodiversity and can result in the loss of habitat, making ecosystems less resilient to changes and more vulnerable to further environmental stressors. Understanding these impacts is crucial for conservation efforts and restoring ecological integrity.