What are the main factors affecting the health of aquatic systems?
The main factors affecting the health of aquatic systems include pollution (such as chemicals, plastics, and waste), overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species. These factors disrupt the balance of ecosystems, degrade water quality, and threaten biodiversity.
How do human activities impact aquatic systems?
Human activities impact aquatic systems through pollution (e.g., runoff of chemicals and plastics), habitat destruction (e.g., deforestation and urbanization), overfishing, and climate change, leading to altered water quality, disrupted ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity. These changes can harm aquatic life and affect ecosystem services.
How do aquatic systems contribute to biodiversity?
Aquatic systems provide diverse habitats essential for the survival and reproduction of numerous species, fostering genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. They support complex food webs, serve as breeding and feeding grounds, and facilitate nutrient cycling, which promotes rich biodiversity.
What are some methods to restore degraded aquatic systems?
Methods to restore degraded aquatic systems include habitat restoration, such as replanting vegetation and removing invasive species; implementing pollution control measures; restoring natural water flow through dam removal or modification; and enhancing water quality through bioremediation and nutrient management techniques.
How does climate change affect aquatic systems?
Climate change affects aquatic systems by increasing water temperatures, leading to altered species distributions and decreased biodiversity. It also causes ocean acidification, disrupting coral reefs and marine life. Additionally, alterations in precipitation patterns result in changes in freshwater systems, affecting aquatic habitats and water availability. Sea-level rise threatens coastal ecosystems and habitats.