The rapid growth in human population means that more waste substances are released into the environment. The release of substances into the environment can cause pollution. 1. Name one harmful substance that could cause air pollution. 2. Name three harmful substances that could cause water pollution. Do not refer to plastic or to litter in your answer. 3. Describe how substances that pollute air and water could be harmful to humans and other living organisms.

GCSE AQA Biology Biodiversity & the Effect of Human Interaction on Ecosystems: The rapid growth in human popula

The rapid growth in human population means that more waste substances are released into the environment - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Question 4

The rapid growth in human population means that more waste substances are released into the environment. The release of substances into the environment can cause pol... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The rapid growth in human population means that more waste substances are released into the environment - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Step 1

Name one harmful substance that could cause air pollution.

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Answer

One harmful substance that could cause air pollution is carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Step 2

Name three harmful substances that could cause water pollution.

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Answer

Fertiliser (e.g., nitrate or phosphate)
Sewage (which introduces pathogens into water bodies)
Toxic chemicals (e.g., mercury or sulfur compounds)

Step 3

Describe how substances that pollute air and water could be harmful to humans and other living organisms.

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Answer

Air pollution can have severe impacts on human health, leading to respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Substances like carbon monoxide can bind with hemoglobin in the blood, reducing oxygen transport and causing fatigue.

Water pollution, particularly from sewage and harmful chemicals, can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria that consume oxygen and create dead zones in aquatic environments, making it difficult for fish and other organisms to survive. For example, excess fertiliser can cause algal blooms, which block sunlight and deplete oxygen in the water, leading to the death of aquatic life.

The rapid growth in human population means that more waste substances are released into the environment - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The rapid growth in human population means that more waste substances are released into the environment - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Name one harmful substance that could cause air pollution.

Name three harmful substances that could cause water pollution.

Describe how substances that pollute air and water could be harmful to humans and other living organisms.

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