Substances that, in any amount, are not biodegradable, such as plastics and highly persistent chemicals like DDT and other organochlorines. One pollutant often affects more than one ecosystem. AIR Sulphur dioxide produced through the burning of coal, causes acid rain and respiratory problems. Nitrogen oxides and volatile hydrocarbons from vehicle emissions, combine to form photochemical smog which causes respiratory problems. Carbon monoxide from vehicle emissions, restricts oxygen uptake, causes drowsiness, headaches, death.
Carbon dioxide produced during the burning of coal enhances global warming.
Methane from feedlots and rubbish dumps enhances global warming. Noise from industry and traffic affects hearing and is stressful. Nutrients in sewage cause eutrophication. Fertilizers used in agriculture cause eutrophication. Silt build up in freshwater ecosystems, caused by inappropriate agriculture, smothers aquatic organisms.