Impact of Pollution on Marine Life
Introduce different types of pollutants into the marine environment and observe the effects on marine life.
No Pollution
Fish Population: 50
Seabird Population: 10
Sea Turtle Population: 10
Marine Mammal Population: 20
Oxygen Level (%): 100
Coral Health (%): 100
Plankton Population: 100
Plastic Pollution:
Plastic waste, such as bags, bottles, and microplastics, enters the ocean and can be ingested by marine animals, leading to injury, death, and disruption of the food chain. It also contributes to the degradation of marine habitats.
Nutrient Pollution:
Excess nutrients, primarily from agricultural runoff, enter water bodies and lead to the overgrowth of algae, a process known as eutrophication. This can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life and causing dead zones.
Chemical Pollution:
Chemicals, including pesticides, industrial waste, and toxic substances, are introduced into marine environments, leading to the poisoning of marine life, disruption of reproductive systems, and long-term ecosystem damage.
Oil Spill:
Oil spills, often from tanker accidents or offshore drilling, spread a layer of oil on the water’s surface. This coats marine animals, disrupts their insulation and buoyancy, and can lead to large-scale mortality of marine life.
Heavy Metals:
Heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, can accumulate in the ocean from industrial activities. These metals are toxic to marine organisms and can bioaccumulate through the food chain, posing a risk to predators, including humans.