dumping ground for wastes. This is wrong because raw sewage, garbage, and oil spills have begun to overwhelm the oceans, and most coastal waters are now polluted. Beaches around the world are closed regularly, often because of high amounts of bacteria from sewage disposal. Another threat is water that seeps through porous rocks and is then stored beneath the ground. This is called groundwater. Although groundwater is a renewable resource, it takes a long period of time to be replenished. Contamination also arises from leaking underground storage tanks, industrial waste ponds, and wells that contain hazardous wastes. We must consider the effects that water has on earth. This polluted water destroys the land we live on. The last problem we face is soil pollution. Soil pollution can affect plant and animal life. Having toxic materials on the ground kills plants that are necessary for insects to survive. If these insects die then other animals dont have food. This cycle continues until eventually all the animals die. Treating the soil with chemical fertilizers and pesticides interferes with the natural processes occurring within the soil and destroys useful organisms. This process kills even beneficial microorganisms and leaves the soil sterile and dependent upon fertilizer to support plant growth. This results in heavy fertilizer use and increases polluted runoff into lakes and streams. Solid wastes are another threat to our soil. Solid materials such as garbage, paper, plastics, metals, and wood are thrown out annually. Areas where wastes are buried, called landfills, are the cheapest and most common disposal method for solid wastes worldwide. Landfills quickly become overfilled and may contaminate air, soil, and water. These landfills are massive pits of pollution. The chemicals in the landfills fall to the bottom of the pits and are then absorbed into the ground. Once the chemicals are in the ground they are carried...
