Water and Air Pollution
Brazil has a diverse collection of flora and fauna and is home to numerous animal and plant species. However, the survival of these species is threatened by widespread air and water pollution that has become a national pandemic. Causes of this pollution include mining activities, oil spills, degradation wetlands, agricultural activities, and industrialization. Two main effects of pollution include an increased threat to the survival of endangered species and high mortality rates due to damaging health effects.
An endangered species such as the sea turtle is at risk of extinction. Massive destruction of marine habitat due to water pollution is a contributing factor. Water and air pollution cause adverse health problems that affect the lives of many Brazilians. Also, many animal and plant species face the threat of extinction. The extent of water pollution was evident from the numerous problems experienced during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games (Tracy, 2016). The venues for water sports were severely polluted by raw sewage from surrounding neighborhoods (Tracy, 2016).
Air pollution in Brazil is majorly caused by rapid urbanization and industrial development that has defined the country’s economic growth in the last few decades (Anderson, 2009). The construction of infrastructure was conducted with little regard for the environment. Half of the deaths caused by air pollution originating from outdoor pollution while the rest are caused by household pollution. There is a high concentration of harmful gases and substances such as acetaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, and ethanol in the air (Anderson, 2009).
These substances have negative health impacts on people and animals. Another effect of air pollution is acid rain. High concentrations of toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide cause acid rain that kills plant and animal species (Anderson, 2009). Sewage waste, industrial waste, landfill leaks, ethanol, and agricultural activities are major sources of water pollution in Brazil. The main environmental effects of pollution include the destruction of marine habitats, water scarcity, and anoxia.
The sea turtle is under danger of extinction because of habitat destruction by water pollution. In many cities where industrial waste and sewage effluent are directed into rivers and other water bodies, people are facing freshwater scarcity and experiencing incidences of waterborne diseases (Tracy, 2016). Anoxia leads to the death of marine animals because it causes stress due to the low availability of oxygen.
Air and water pollution in Brazil is a pandemic that needs to be addressed. Water scarcity, adverse health effects, high mortality rates, and increased threat to endangered species are some effects of widespread pollution. The situation will continue to worsen if the government does not take speedy action. The issue of water and air pollution in Brazil can be remedied by enacting laws that illegalize the release of toxic substances into water bodies and, that control the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere(Bailey, 2016).
Industrialization and urbanization programs should be micromanaged to ensure that they implement environmental conservation strategies. The government and non-governmental organizations should create awareness regarding the dangers of air and water pollution on the people and animals. Moreover, the government should construct more stations for recycling wastewater.
Response to Discussion Post
The example offered is valid because China is experiencing widespread air and water pollution due to rapid industrialization. The statistics included in the discussion offer insights into the severity of the pollution problem in China. I agree with the ideas presented in the discussion. However, the writer has not discussed the environmental impacts of pollution that the Chinese are experiencing. The discussion contains so many statistics that the main points are excluded. The conclusion is informative because the writer includes strategies to alleviate the problem of air and water pollution in China. The writer could have improved the discussion by providing more information on the strategies mentioned.
References
Anderson, L. G. (2009). Ethanol fuel use in Brazil: air quality Impact. Energy & Environmental Science, 2, 1015-1037.
Bailey, M. (2016). The Olympians can leave. Brazil’s poor live with filthy, reeking water every day. Web.
Tracy, B. (2016). Severe water pollution clouds the Olympic Games in Rio. Web.