MATCH THE FRESH WATER POLLUTANTS TO THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS. Silt

Silt, while a natural component of freshwater ecosystems, can act as a pollutant in excessive amounts. Here are some of the health and environmental effects associated with silt pollution: ### Health Effects: 1. **Waterborne Diseases**: Increased silt can harbor pathogens and microorganisms, potentially leading to waterborne diseases in humans who consume or come into contact with the contaminated water. 2. **Respiratory Issues**: In some cases, silt can become airborne, causing respiratory issues in individuals living near affected water bodies. ### Environmental Effects: 1. **Habitat Disruption**: Excessive silt can smother aquatic habitats, particularly for organisms like fish and invertebrates that rely on clean, clear water and stable substrates for breeding and feeding. 2. **Reduced Photosynthesis**: Silt can decrease light penetration in water bodies, hindering photosynthesis in aquatic plants and phytoplankton, which are essential for the oxygen supply and overall ecosystem balance. 3. **Erosion and Sedimentation**: High levels of silt may lead to increased erosion of riverbanks and destabilization of the waterbody's structure. 4. **Nutrient Imbalance**: The presence of silt can carry with it additional pollutants, such as nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), leading to eutrophication and algal blooms that can further deplete oxygen levels in the water. Overall, while silt itself is not harmful in small amounts, its accumulation and pollution in freshwater systems can have significant negative impacts on both health and the environment.