Question

Water Pollution and Endangered Species
Current Issues Portfolio Assignment Current Issues Portfolio Assignment
Overview
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hired you to research one of several
environmental problems. In addition, you will need to provide solutions that will help the
environment.
Step #1: Selection of Topic and Targeted Area of Focus
You are going to select from the list of broad environmental problems listed below. Examples
of specific areas of focus for each broad topic are indicated. Please select a broad topic along
with an area of focus.
Step #2: Identifying the Severity of the Problem
You are going to find two articles that describe, in detail, the impact of the problem. Your
articles should express how your area of focus is hurting humans and/or the habitat.
Include a 4–6 sentence summary paragraph for each article that describes key points of the
article in your own words.
write me articles on both

Answer 1

give me resources for both articles

Answer 2

Article 1 — Water Pollution (focus: agricultural runoff and industrial contaminants)
Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharges is degrading freshwater and coastal ecosystems worldwide. Excess fertilizers and animal waste carry nitrogen and phosphorus into rivers and lakes, triggering harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen, kill fish, and make water unsafe for recreation and drinking. Industrial pollutants — including heavy metals, PCBs, and emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals — accumulate in sediments and aquatic organisms, posing long-term health risks to people who consume contaminated fish or use affected water supplies. These impacts also harm local economies that depend on fisheries, tourism, and clean drinking water and disproportionately affect low-income and rural communities with fewer resources to respond. Reducing this threat requires stronger discharge controls, improved wastewater and stormwater treatment, agricultural best practices (buffer strips, cover crops, precision fertilizer use), and monitoring to protect both human health and aquatic habitats.

Article 2 — Endangered Species (focus: habitat loss, pollution, and cascading ecosystem effects)
Endangered species worldwide are declining primarily because of habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change, with pollution playing a major, sometimes overlooked role. Contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and plastic debris impair reproduction, reduce food availability, and weaken immune systems of many animals and plants, accelerating population declines. Loss of species reduces ecosystem resilience and the services nature provides — clean water, pollination, flood control, and fisheries — which people rely on for food, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Protecting endangered species therefore benefits human communities as well as biodiversity and requires habitat protection and restoration, stricter pollution controls, captive-breeding and reintroduction programs where needed, and community-based conservation that addresses the socioeconomic drivers of decline.