Any addition of matter or energy that degrades the environment for humans or other organisms is
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Pollution
Pollution is defined as any addition of matter or energy to the environment that results in harmful effects to living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It involves the introduction of contaminants into natural systems, often due to human activity. These contaminants can be physical, chemical, or biological agents that degrade air, water, or land quality.
Pollution can take various forms, such as air pollution from vehicle emissions or industrial gases, water pollution from untreated sewage or agricultural runoff, soil pollution from chemical waste, noise pollution from machinery and urban traffic, and even thermal pollution from heated industrial water discharged into rivers. All these forms of pollution negatively affect environmental health and balance.
The presence of pollutants can disrupt natural processes. For example, excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers in water bodies can cause eutrophication, leading to the death of aquatic life due to oxygen depletion. Air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can result in acid rain, which harms plants, aquatic animals, and buildings. In addition, long-term exposure to polluted environments can cause serious health issues in humans, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancers.
Pollution not only affects human health and biodiversity but also reduces the availability of clean resources. Polluted water becomes unsafe for drinking and agriculture, while polluted soil can become infertile and unusable for food production. Reducing pollution involves practices like waste management, clean energy use, environmental regulations, and public awareness efforts.
Understanding pollution as the harmful addition of matter or energy to the environment is key to taking action. Protecting ecosystems and maintaining a clean environment ensures sustainability and health for future generations. Therefore, pollution is a critical global issue that demands attention at local, national, and international levels.