Ganibo, Shereen Grace M. Mr.

Donato Cadorna Manaois

BSA – A1A April 13, 2024
PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose significant threats to both the environment and human
health due to their long-lasting nature and ability to bioaccumulation in the food chain. Here are
five accessible ways on how I can contribute to controlling or minimizing the use of POPs
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
By adopting the mantra of reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling materials,
individuals can decrease the demand for new products that may contain POPs. This
practice minimizes the need for manufacturing processes that could release these
pollutants into the environment.

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Products

Opting for products labeled as eco-friendly, organic, or free from harmful chemicals can
help reduce exposure to POPs. This includes selecting organic food and household items,
as well as avoiding products containing substances like pesticides, flame retardants, and
certain plastics known to contain POPs.

3. Support Legislation and Policies

Engaging in advocacy efforts and supporting policies aimed at regulating the production
and use of POPs can have a significant impact. This may involve voting for political
candidates who prioritize environmental protection, participating in petitions or
demonstrations, and staying informed about relevant legislation.

4. Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Encouraging sustainable farming practices, such as integrated pest management, crop
rotation, and organic farming, can help minimize the use of pesticides and other POP-
containing chemicals in agriculture. Supporting local farmers who use these practices can
further incentivize their adoption.

5. Educate Others
Sharing knowledge about the dangers of POPs and how individuals can reduce their
exposure can empower others to take action. This can be done through conversations with
friends and family, participating in community workshops or events, or utilizing social
media platforms to raise awareness.
Ganibo, Shereen Grace M. Mr. Donato Cadorna Manaois
BSA – A1A April 13, 2024
 HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS
BRAND NAME CLASSIFICATI ACTIVE INGREDIENTS POP
ON S
Baygon Insecticide Mirex +
Lysol Disinfectant Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, -
Ethanol
Clorox Disinfectant Sodium hypochlorite -
Mr. Clean Cleaning Material Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, -
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Raid Insecticide Imiprothrin, Cypermethrin +
Roundup Herbicide Glyphosate -
Ortho Home Defense Insecticide Bifenthrin +
Simple Green Cleaning Material Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, -
Sodium lauryl sulfate
WD-40 Lubricant and Petroleum distillates, Dimethyl ether -
Cleaner
Comet Cleaning Material Sodium carbonate, Sodium lauryl sulfate -

Ganibo, Shereen Grace M. Mr. Donato Cadorna Manaois

BSA – A1A April 13, 2024
WATER ENVIRONMENT
1. What are the causes of water pollution, and how can they affect or degrades water
quality?
 CAUSES
 Industrial Discharges: Factories and industries release pollutants like chemicals,
heavy metals, and toxins into water bodies, which can contaminate water and
harm aquatic life. These pollutants can also affect human health if consumed.
 Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste from agricultural
activities can wash into nearby water sources during rainstorms, causing
contamination. Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers can
lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the water, suffocating aquatic
organisms.
 Urban Runoff: Storm water runoff from urban areas carries pollutants such as
oil, grease, trash, and pet waste into waterways. This can degrade water quality
and harm aquatic ecosystems.
 Improper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of household waste, including
plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents, can lead to water pollution. These
substances can leach into groundwater or be washed into surface water, posing
risks to both aquatic life and human health.
 Sewage and Wastewater Discharge: Untreated or inadequately treated sewage
and wastewater from households, businesses, and sewage treatment plants can
introduce pathogens, bacteria, and chemicals into water bodies, making them
unsafe for human use and harming aquatic organisms.

EFFECTS
 Harm to Aquatic Life: Pollutants can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to
declines in fish populations, loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction.
 Health Risks: Contaminated water can pose health risks to humans through
consumption, swimming, or recreational activities. Exposure to pollutants like
heavy metals, pathogens, and chemicals can cause illnesses ranging from
gastrointestinal issues to neurological disorders.
 Economic Impact: Water pollution can have economic consequences, including
the loss of revenue from fisheries and tourism, increased healthcare costs, and
expenses associated with cleaning up polluted water sources.

2. As a student, what can you suggest/s to protect our water environment?

 Reduce Water Usage: Conserve water by turning off taps when not in use, fixing
leaks, and using water-saving appliances. By reducing water consumption, you
help preserve freshwater resources and minimize the need for wastewater
treatment.
 Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste responsibly by recycling, composting
organic materials, and avoiding littering. Dispose of hazardous waste, such as
 batteries and chemicals, at designated collection sites to prevent contamination of
water sources.
 Minimize Chemical Usage: Use eco-friendly products and alternatives to harsh
chemicals for cleaning, gardening, and pest control. Avoid overusing fertilizers
and pesticides, which can leach into waterways and contribute to pollution.
 Volunteer for Clean-up Efforts: Participate in community clean-up events or
organize clean-up activities with classmates to remove litter and debris from
beaches, rivers, and other water bodies. Properly dispose of collected waste to
prevent it from re-entering the environment.
 Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about water pollution issues and
the importance of preserving water quality. Advocate for sustainable water
management practices and support policies that promote environmental
conservation and pollution prevention.

Ganibo, Shereen Grace M. Mr. Donato Cadorna Manaois

BSA – A1A April 13, 2024
WATER ENVIRONMENT
1. Benefits of Coral Reefs
 Biodiversity Hotspots: Coral reefs are incredibly diverse habitats, home to
thousands of species of fish, invertebrates, and plants. They provide vital breeding
grounds and shelter for many marine creatures, contributing to the overall health
of the ocean ecosystem.
 Protecting Shorelines: Coral reefs act as natural barriers, absorbing wave energy
and reducing the impact of storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis on coastlines. They
help prevent erosion and protect beaches and coastal communities from damage.
 Supporting Fisheries: Many commercially important fish species rely on coral
reefs for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Healthy reefs support thriving fish
 populations, which in turn sustain coastal communities through fishing and
tourism.
 Tourism and Recreation: Coral reefs attract millions of tourists each year who
come to snorkel, dive, and explore their vibrant underwater landscapes. This
tourism industry provides economic opportunities for local communities and
supports businesses like hotels, dive shops, and restaurants.
 Medicinal Resources: Coral reef organisms contain compounds that have
potential pharmaceutical applications, including treatments for diseases like
cancer and HIV/AIDS. Studying these organisms could lead to important medical
discoveries in the future.
 Carbon Cycling: Coral reefs play a role in the global carbon cycle by absorbing
and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps mitigate climate
change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

2. Reasons for Coral Reef Decline

 Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures due to climate change can cause coral
bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the algae living in their tissues,
turning them white and depriving them of their main food source. Bleached corals
are more vulnerable to disease and mortality, leading to widespread coral die-offs.
 Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are
absorbed by the ocean, leading to ocean acidification. This makes it difficult for
corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, essential for reef structure and
growth.
 Pollution: Runoff from coastal development, agriculture, and industrial activities
introduces pollutants like sediment, nutrients, and chemicals into the ocean. These
pollutants can smother corals, promote algal growth, and contribute to coral
disease outbreaks.
 Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices, such as using destructive fishing
gear or targeting key reef species, can disrupt the delicate balance of coral reef
ecosystems. Removing key predators or herbivores can lead to imbalances in the
food chain and negatively impact coral health.
 Destructive Fishing Practices: Practices like blast fishing, cyanide fishing, and
bottom trawling can directly damage coral reefs, destroying habitat and killing
marine life.
 Coastal Development: Coastal development activities like dredging, land
reclamation, and construction can damage or destroy coral reefs, disrupting their
natural processes and reducing their resilience to other threats.
 Tourism Pressure: Unregulated tourism and recreational activities can damage
coral reefs through physical contact, anchor damage, and pollution from boats and
sunscreen.