Pollution
Light
Few areas in our world are immune to human pollution, but cities typically deliver light and noise pollution unique to urban development. A concentration of electric lights produces a "sky glow" around a city, tricking animals into thinking it is day when it is night [10]. The lights can also confuse migratory birds, leading to exhaustion and sometimes death when they encounter unexpected structures. The figure on the right illustrates light pollution in the Pacific Northwest over fifteen years ago, implying much greater light pollution as areas have become more developed [15].
Noise
Noise pollution is another pollutant that has only recently begun to be understood. While there is much research to be done, preliminary studies indicate that noise pollution has significant impacts to the ecosystem composition as a whole [16]. According to one study, noise levels changed the prevalence of certain plant seeds due to changes in pollinator behavior, and this in turn affected species who preyed on those seeds [16]. These rippling effects are startling in their extensive impact and potential influence on biodiversity, and there is much that still needs to be studied about noise pollution.
Air and Chemical
Air and chemical pollution are the stereotypical forms of pollution, and unfortunately have devastating effects on the health of humans and surrounding ecosystems. Smog from various urban activities can travel hundreds of miles away from its origin, causing damage to environments in otherwise "pristine" areas [10]. Acid rain is another byproduct of chemical waste, casing extensive degradation and harm to species in both freshwater and forested habitats alike.
Solid Waste
Solid waste in the form of plastic is also a major concern. Mammals in particular consume plastic, which does not degrade or pass through the digestive system particularly well, and so the animal may eventually starve to death. Marine animals seem to be impacted the most from plastics, and because plastic is not biodegradable over a short period of time, it collects in our oceans and continues to wreak havoc with our ocean's ecosystem [10]. In the Seattle area, this can affect a whole range of species, from our common harbor seals to the less common whales and porpoises.
Primary Sources
16. Francis, Clinton D., N. J. Kleist, C. P. Ortega, and A. Cruz. "Noise Pollution Alters Ecological Services: Enhanced Pollination and Disrupted Seed Dispersal."Proceedings Of The Royal Society Biological Sciences (2012): n. pag. 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2012/03/15/rspb.2012.0230.long>.
Secondary Sources
10. Groom, M. J., G. K. Meffe, and C. R. Carroll. Principles of Conservation Biology. 3rd ed. Sunderland: Sinauer, 2006. 187-89. Print.
15. "The Night Sky in the World." Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute. Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute, 2001. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. <http://www.lightpollution.it/dmsp/>.
Few areas in our world are immune to human pollution, but cities typically deliver light and noise pollution unique to urban development. A concentration of electric lights produces a "sky glow" around a city, tricking animals into thinking it is day when it is night [10]. The lights can also confuse migratory birds, leading to exhaustion and sometimes death when they encounter unexpected structures. The figure on the right illustrates light pollution in the Pacific Northwest over fifteen years ago, implying much greater light pollution as areas have become more developed [15].
Noise
Noise pollution is another pollutant that has only recently begun to be understood. While there is much research to be done, preliminary studies indicate that noise pollution has significant impacts to the ecosystem composition as a whole [16]. According to one study, noise levels changed the prevalence of certain plant seeds due to changes in pollinator behavior, and this in turn affected species who preyed on those seeds [16]. These rippling effects are startling in their extensive impact and potential influence on biodiversity, and there is much that still needs to be studied about noise pollution.
Air and Chemical
Air and chemical pollution are the stereotypical forms of pollution, and unfortunately have devastating effects on the health of humans and surrounding ecosystems. Smog from various urban activities can travel hundreds of miles away from its origin, causing damage to environments in otherwise "pristine" areas [10]. Acid rain is another byproduct of chemical waste, casing extensive degradation and harm to species in both freshwater and forested habitats alike.
Solid Waste
Solid waste in the form of plastic is also a major concern. Mammals in particular consume plastic, which does not degrade or pass through the digestive system particularly well, and so the animal may eventually starve to death. Marine animals seem to be impacted the most from plastics, and because plastic is not biodegradable over a short period of time, it collects in our oceans and continues to wreak havoc with our ocean's ecosystem [10]. In the Seattle area, this can affect a whole range of species, from our common harbor seals to the less common whales and porpoises.
Primary Sources
16. Francis, Clinton D., N. J. Kleist, C. P. Ortega, and A. Cruz. "Noise Pollution Alters Ecological Services: Enhanced Pollination and Disrupted Seed Dispersal."Proceedings Of The Royal Society Biological Sciences (2012): n. pag. 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2012/03/15/rspb.2012.0230.long>.
Secondary Sources
10. Groom, M. J., G. K. Meffe, and C. R. Carroll. Principles of Conservation Biology. 3rd ed. Sunderland: Sinauer, 2006. 187-89. Print.
15. "The Night Sky in the World." Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute. Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute, 2001. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. <http://www.lightpollution.it/dmsp/>.