What+are+the+ways+in+which+pollution+of+water+bodies+can+affect+life+on+land?
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◆Erosion Effects on Ecosystem Water flowing over land surfaces has the potential to pollute land resources and increase the environmental impacts of water pollution. In addition, other factors such as topography and flood potential can heighten the risk for certain areas.
◆The effect of water pollution on land will depend upon the nature of the pollutants. Acidic mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines, for example, can introduce a host of lethal toxins into the surface water including arsenic and lead. These types of contaminations are especially harmful to the land because they persist in the environment rather than breaking down. Over time, the concentrations can increase to toxic levels, which will not only affect the land, but also all the plants and wildlife that inhabit a contaminated area. According to the EPA, there are over 500,000 abandoned mines in the United States.
◆Other Factors
The potential for additional environmental threats from water pollution exists because of other factors, such as land cover type. Urban and developed areas typically contain large areas of impervious surfaces such as streets and sidewalks. The surfaces themselves often contain contaminated areas from motor oil and other pollutants. When rain occurs, the water flows over these surfaces increases and builds momentum due to the lack of resistance and absorption by plants. More land can potentially become polluted due to this toxic runoff.