8 Major Threats to Biodiversity and Ecosystem

6. Pollution

Increased pollution on the planet has many negative effects on biodiversity. First, destruction of the ozone layer and increased UV radiation reduce the rate of photosynthesis, which in turn influence plants’ growth and survival. Secondly, acid rains, which contain nitric and sulfuric acid, contaminate waters. Normal pH values in lakes and streams range from 6 to 8. Acid rain decreases pH values and organisms that are acid sensitive, especially young ones, suffer. Thirdly, nutrient pollution, a process in which nitrogen and phosphorus contaminate water and act as fertilizer, causes excessive growth of algae. The increase in algae population depletes the water of oxygen which in turn causes the death of large numbers of fish. Annually, the fishing industry loses tens of millions dollars because of nutrient pollution.