1. Heavy metals: Industries often release heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic into water bodies as effluent. These substances can persist in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and cause severe toxic effects on both aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
2. Organic chemicals: Many industries discharge effluents containing various organic chemicals such as solvents, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and synthetic compounds. These substances can contaminate soil and water, leading to ecological imbalances and posing threats to both wildlife and human health.
3. Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds: Industries releasing effluents rich in nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, mainly from fertilizers, can cause eutrophication in water bodies. Excessive nutrients promote the growth of harmful algal blooms, deplete oxygen levels, and harm aquatic life, resulting in devastating consequences for the ecosystem.
4. Acidic or alkaline substances: Acid mine drainage from mining industries or other acidic or alkaline effluents can have a detrimental impact on water bodies. It alters the pH balance, affecting aquatic organisms and their habitats. Acidic effluents can leach heavy metals from surrounding rocks, further exacerbating water pollution.
List four effluent substance dumped by industries that are very harmful to the environment.
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