How Does Water Pollution Harm the Environment?

You might already be able to imagine how pollution hurts aquatic ecosystems.

Select each image to learn more about how water pollution harms the environment and the animals.

Dead fish floating in dirty water near the shore and a bird standing nearby

When water pollution poisons one animal in an ecosystem, it hurts the whole food chain.

An oil spill and a starfish covered in oil floating at the surface

Oil spills can leave a huge section of the ocean completely lifeless and further harm wildlife on the shore who depend on these marine animals for their food.

A sea turtle swimming in the ocean with a plastic bag wrapped around its neck

Marine animals can get injured by eating or getting caught in trash.

A filthy water canal between two rows of houses

Polluted water can hurt people by transmitting bacteria and disease.

Dead fish floating in dirty water near the shore and a bird standing nearby

When water pollution poisons one animal in an ecosystem, it hurts the whole food chain.

An oil spill and a starfish covered in oil floating at the surface

Oil spills can leave a huge section of the ocean completely lifeless and further harm wildlife on the shore who depend on these marine animals for their food.

A sea turtle swimming in the ocean with a plastic bag wrapped around its neck

Marine animals can get injured by eating or getting caught in trash.

A filthy water canal between two rows of houses

Polluted water can hurt people by transmitting bacteria and disease.