Summary
Introduction of harmful substances into air, water or soil, such as plastics and chemicals.
In depth
Types: air (particulates, ozone), water (nutrients, chemicals, plastics), soil and noise or light pollution. Effects on health and ecosystems. Controls: regulation, cleaner technology, treatment.
Pollutants may be point source or non-point. Persistent organic pollutants travel long distances. Cleanup is often costly compared with prevention.
Example: lead removal from petrol lowered children's blood lead levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pollution?
Introduction of harmful substances into air, water or soil, such as plastics and chemicals.
Which area of biology covers Pollution, and how advanced is it?
Pollution is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Marine Microplastics Biology, Coral Reefs, Plastic Pollution.
Can you give an example of Pollution?
The Clean Air Act reduced lead and sulfur dioxide.
What should I learn before Pollution?
Pollution is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology that pair well with it include Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton.
What topics are related to Pollution?
The closest topics to Pollution are Marine Microplastics Biology, Coral Reefs, Plastic Pollution, Water Quality Indicators. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Pollution?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Pollution. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is Pollution different from Marine Microplastics Biology?
Pollution: Introduction of harmful substances into air, water or soil, such as plastics and chemicals. Marine Microplastics Biology: Tiny particles carry pollutants and microbes and are ingested at every trophic level. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Pollution step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Marine Microplastics Biology and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.