How Does it Affect Physical Systems?

When toxic or harmful substances enter the water they harm the plants and animals who live in or near the water and they also cause harm to the animals and plants who drink from the water. In the past, many industries were careless about how they disposed of their manufacturing waste products. “Heavy metals from industrial processes are especially harmful sources of water pollution. Heavy metals that accumulate in lakes and rivers harm fish and other marine life and the humans who eat them” (Canadian Geographic). When animals and plants have to live in a toxic environment, they will die. There will be a reduction of amount of animals or plants that can survive and this could eventually lead to extinction. People are also forced to use these plants and animals as sources of food which could result in illness among people. As the health of the plants and animals is affected, humans may also have to change their pattern of where they live and what they eat due to the polluted waters.