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Essay / Industrial and Inorganic Waste and Their Impact on the Environment
Table of ContentsIndustrial WasteIts Impact on the EnvironmentInorganic WasteEffects of Inorganic Waste on Marine and Land LifeIndustrial WasteWhen most people think of industrial waste, they imagine metal barrels with a hazardous waste symbol on it outside. There are many other sources of industrial waste than those that cause “hazardous waste,” and they hit much closer to home than we think. Industrial waste is waste produced by industrial activity which includes materials rendered useless during a manufacturing process such as that of factories, industries, factories and mining operations. It has existed since the start of the industrial revolution. Some of the common examples of industrial waste are chemical solvents, pigments, sludges, metals, ashes, paints, sandpaper, paper products, industrial byproducts, and radioactive wastes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Its impact on the environment These industries are usually located near water bodies due to industrial dependence on large quantities of water as an input. Many industrializing regions do not yet have the resources or technology to dispose of waste with less environmental impact. Untreated and partially treated wastewater is generally discharged into a nearby body of water. Metals, chemicals and wastewater released into bodies of water directly affect marine ecosystems and the health of organisms that rely on water as a source of drinking water. These toxins from sewage can kill marine life or cause illness to varying degrees in those who consume these marine animals depending on the contaminants. Metals and chemicals released into water bodies affect its ecosystems. Wastewater containing nitrates and phosphates often causes eutrophication which can kill existing life in the water.Inorganic wasteWastes containing chemicals of mineral origin (i.e. substances that do not contain organic substances) are called inorganic waste. These substances are little affected by microorganisms. They are therefore non-biodegradable in nature. Some of this waste can be recycled, others cannot. Examples of inorganic waste are plastics, glass, e-waste, metals, salts, etc. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Effects of Inorganic Waste on Marine and Land Life No -Biodegradable plastic containers in oceans and estuaries can harm fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Animals that eat plastic can experience digestion problems that can lead to illness. Microplastics, tiny pieces of polypropylene or polyethylene, lurk underwater and also pose a risk. The planet has a limited amount of land and people waste it when they dispose of non-biodegradable materials. Products that don't decompose naturally can sit in landfills and take up space much longer than biodegradable materials. When people throw away their waste, some non-biodegradable waste may not even end up in landfills. Instead, it can make its way through forests, parks,..