What kind of pollution was the most abundant in the US national parks? How did this pollution affect park wildlife and ecosystems?
1 answer
The most abundant pollution in the US national parks is air pollution, specifically ozone and particulate matter. This is mainly caused by human activities such as transportation, industry, and energy production. Air pollution can harm park wildlife and ecosystems by reducing visibility, damaging plant and animal species, and disrupting food chains. Ozone can cause respiratory problems in animals and decrease photosynthesis in plants. Particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs of animals and can cause inflammation and other health problems. This pollution can also result in the acidification of water bodies which harms aquatic plants and animals. Overall, air pollution in national parks can have significant negative impacts on the natural environment and wildlife.