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GCSE Biology · key term
The addition of harmful substances to the environment, causing damage to organisms or ecosystems.
Used by AQA
Specification 4.7.3.2 · Paper 2
Revise: Waste ManagementWaste is not automatically pollution, but it can become pollution when waste or chemical materials are not handled properly. For example, untreated sewage may enter a river, smoke may be released into the atmosphere, or toxic chemicals may leak into soil.
For each type of pollution, name a specific pollutant and link it to its source and biological effect: pollutant → environmental change or harm → organisms die → biodiversity may fall.
Do not confuse where pollution originates with where it causes harm. For example, fertiliser comes from farmland but becomes water pollution when run-off carries it into rivers or lakes.
Population growth does not itself constitute pollution. Explain the intermediate links through greater resource use, greater waste production and inadequate handling of waste or chemicals.
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