04/03/2017
Pollution found in oceans’ deepest spots
Man-made pollutants have been found in the deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean. A study of the Mariana and Kermadec trenches on the seafloor showed high levels of industrial chemicals, including PCBs – banned since the 1970s. The pollutants were probably transported by industrial accidents, discharges, and landfill leakages. They are being ingested by tiny marine animals on the ocean floor which are then eaten by larger and then even larger marine life.
■Class discussion: What are PCBs and why were they banned? Is there anything you can do or place you can go to avoid industrial chemicals in your air, water or food? Pollution from agriculture, manufacturing and generating energy is part of modern life. What can we do to reduce the impact of pollution? What would you be willing to do? What is pollution doing to other animal species? How long have homo sapiens been driving other species to extinction?