Pollution Effects on US Wildlife

Questions and Answers

What percentage of endangered fish and freshwater mussels in the US is threatened by pollution?

80%

70%

100%

90% (correct)

What is the primary ecological role of freshwater mussels in aquatic systems?

Filtering and cleaning the environment (correct)

Serving as a food source for birds

Competing with invasive species

Providing habitat for fish

Where are the primary locations of the known floating garbage islands?

Between Hawaii and the US West Coast (correct)

Near the Arctic Circle

Between Florida and Cuba

In the Gulf of Mexico

What major factor is contributing to the movement of plastic waste in the ocean?

Ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Pacific garbage patch is true?

It measures approximately 618,000 square miles. Signup and view all the answers

How has climate change affected ocean currents in relation to garbage patches?

Ocean currents are starting to slow down. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the garbage patches in the ocean?

Plastic Signup and view all the answers

What notable difference exists between the Atlantic garbage patch and the Pacific garbage patch?

The Atlantic patch is longer and skinnier. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to larger pieces of plastic as they break down in the ocean?

They break down into smaller particles that fish can consume Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plastic is NOT mentioned in relation to seafood safety?

PVC Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of consuming seafood that contains microplastics?

Absorption of plastic particles into animal tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method mentioned for plastic waste disappearance in the ocean?

Being recycled into new products Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemical pollution is specifically mentioned in relation to household items?

Flame retardants used in furniture Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about people's behavior towards plastic use?

Only a minority are aware of the issue and making changes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Effects on Wildlife

Pollution endangers 90% of vulnerable fish and freshwater mussels in the US.
Early study highlighted plastic pollution as a threat to endangered species, especially filter feeders like mussels.
Freshwater mussels play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by filtering and cleaning the water.
Continued pollution negatively impacts filter feeders vital for ecological health.

Floating Garbage Islands

Two major floating garbage islands identified: Pacific Garbage Patch and Atlantic Garbage Patch.
Origin of debris primarily from North America, with the Pacific Patch also receiving waste from Asia (Japan and Korea).
These patches are caught in ocean gyres due to shifting currents exacerbated by climate change.
Major Pacific Garbage Patch spans 618,000 square miles, approximately three times the size of France.
Atlantic Garbage Patch is elongated, stretching from Virginia to Cuba, influenced by Atlantic ocean currents.

Impact of Plastic Breakdown

Larger plastic debris remains at the surface while smaller particles sink into the water column.
Fish ingest tiny plastic particles, leading to incorporation into their flesh, posing health risks for seafood consumers.
Plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, Styrofoam, nylon, and Saran, which are linked to seafood safety concerns.

Increasing Plastic Production

Plastic production is on the rise, leading to growing garbage patches, contrary to previous assumptions.
Possible fates for plastics include washing ashore, sinking, breaking down, or bioaccumulating in animal tissue.
Some societal shifts toward responsible plastic use exist, but vast majority remain insufficiently proactive in addressing plastic pollution.

Chemical Pollution

Industrial chemicals and bioproducts significantly contaminate land and water resources.
Flame retardants, essential for fire safety, contribute to waterway contamination, affecting wildlife.
Household chemical waste and agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilizers, exacerbate environmental pollution.
Emphasizing the need for responsible household chemical disposal practices to mitigate land and water pollution.

Description

This quiz explores the impact of pollution on endangered fish and freshwater mussels in the United States. Based on the findings of Wilcove et al. (1998), the role of filter feeders in aquatic ecosystems is emphasized. Understand how pollution threatens these vital species and the broader implications for environmental health.