How Does Air and Water Pollution Affect Animals?

If you have asked, “How does air and water pollution affect animals?” We are here to explain.

Polluted air and contaminated water adversely impact humans, especially older adults and children. But have you ever considered the effects of air and water pollution on animals?

How can we eliminate—or at least mitigate—the adversity of environmental degradation on the core pillars of our ecological fabric? A good starting point is to understand the causes and consequences of these harmful influences and then follow up with appropriate conservation policies.

So, How Does Air and Water Pollution Affect Animals?

We are breaking down air and water pollution and its effect on animals. We hope you take away some ways that you can play a role and help reduce the harm to our environment. 

Effects of Air Pollution on Animals

Air quality plays a big role in human health. Air pollutants are also detrimental to animals. Let’s discuss air pollution specifically and how it affects animals.

Destruction of Habitats

Habitats are where animals live. It includes in and on the soil and in water.

Acid rain, a form of air pollution, can cause the soil and water to become too acidic for animals to survive (or perform normal functions). It can also release chemicals, like aluminum, into the water. Such a spike of metals in the water column intoxicates the habitat of many animals.

Toll on Animal Health

Some particular types of air pollution, like ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and smog, impact animals in the same way as humans, harming their cardiovascular systems and lungs.

Animals’ vulnerability to air pollution depends on how they breathe. Do they use their gills? Does air pass through their lungs? Or do they rely on some other form of gas exchange, such as passive diffusion across the skin?

In severe cases where animals need fresh air, polluted air suffocates them and eventually causes them to become extinct.

Reduced Food Supply & Quality

Many toxins, heavy metals, and POPs (persistent organic pollutants) impact wildlife by entering the food chain and affecting the quality and supply of food. When animals consume these metals, they are stored in their tissues.

The metals transfer as other animals eat them along the food chain. This process is called bioaccumulation. Top-level predators, like eagles and bears, among many others, are most prone to bioaccumulation.

Effects of Water Pollution on Animals

Water quality is a big issue, as we live by the ocean. It is sad to see the fish and marine life harmed by the decline of aquatic ecosystems. There is no denying it when it is in your face.

If you contact your local water quality monitoring agency, you can get a good idea of the pollution of the water in your area.

Disruption of Ecosystems

When pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and oil spills enter water bodies, they disrupt the ecological balance created by nature. An increased concentration of such toxic chemicals harms aquatic organisms, resulting in reproductive issues, gill damage, and even death.

Water pollution also causes oxygen depletion in the water due to algae growth. This creates ‘dead zones’ where aquatic life cannot survive.

Loss of Biodiversity

Contaminants in water bodies make it difficult for certain species to survive—eventually leading to death and extinction. The accumulation of mercury, for example, has resulted in the loss of various species. This has reduced ecological stability and resulted in a reduction of biodiversity.

Harming Growth of Aquatic Plants

With tons of moss in water bodies, sunlight fails to reach the water depths. This reduces photosynthesis and results in the death of aquatic plants.

Additionally, when sewage is mixed into water, the growth of fungus, bacteria, and algae is increased, consequently impacting the health of aquatic plants and reducing the food available for many marine organisms.

What Can You Do to Help Animals Being Harmed by Pollution?

First, the obvious answer here is to do your part to reduce consumption and your own pollution. We have resources for sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint.

Climate change is real. It is not a political topic; it is a fact. Human activities cause it. As greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide increase by humans, it increases the heat in the atmosphere.

Air and water pollution affects wild animals, farm animals, pets, and humans. Let’s work together to reduce our pollution and make significant changes in the long run.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions