fforts" (145). The direct effect of oil spills is horrifying. Thousands of animals suffer a slow, agonizing death. This degrades the enviroment because not every oil soaked carcass is picked up, some wash up on shore for the innocent to walk upon and see. The effects of chemical water pollution are varied and depend on what chemicals are dumped and in what locations by industries. The main effect of chemical water pollution is that it kills life that inhabits water-based ecosystems. Dead fish, birds, dolphins, and many other animals often wind up on beaches, killed by pollutants in their habitat. The chemical poisoning in water have a great impact on humans because it can cause brain damage and physical deformities in unborn fetuses. Pollution disrupts the natural food chain as well. Pollutants such as lead and cadmium are eaten by tiny animals. Later, these animals are consumed by fish and shellfish, and the food chain continues to be disrupted at all higher levels. Eventually, humans are affected by this process as well. People can get diseases such as hepatitis by eating seafood that has been poisoned. Ecosystems can be severely changed or destroyed by water pollution. Many areas are now being affected by careless human pollution, and this pollution is coming back to hurt humans. Water is a vital element of life. The pollution of water greatly affects humans and animals alike. Water pollution harms individuals, degrades the enviroment, and shows the ignorance of polluters. Water pollution is a senseless act that people can help stop. ...
