IMPACTS OF POLLUTION ON THE AQUATIC

ENVIRONMENT

How does CFCs affect the aqautic environment?

Chlorofluorocarbons such as aerosol spray, refrigerants, air

conditioning etc, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. The
continuous depletion of the ozone layer adversely effects the aquatic
environment.
In the aquatic ecosystem, Phytoplankton forms the basis of aquatic
food webs. Due to the depletion in the ozone layer, more heat is
trapped onto earth thus increasing the atmospheric temperature.
Exposure to solar UVB radiation affects both the direction and
movement in phytoplankton which in turn reduce the productivity of
the phytoplankton. With the lack of growth of phytoplanktons, aquatic
organisms can not survive which results in reduced production of
organisms thus reducing the biodiversity and well as number of wildlife
in the aquatic environment.
UVB radiation also causes damage in the early development stages of
aquatic organisms.