Pollution in utah and it's affect on wild life Essay

Pollution in utah and it's affect on wild life - Essay Example Wildlife of Utah does not have any other choice but to breathe in the bad quality air which leads to several health problems. The pollution in the air affects behaviour and reproduction ability in amphibians, birds and even in insects. Several pollutants are present in air in Utah such as sulphur dioxide and lead which can cause damage to the nervous system and the respiratory system of the wildlife in Utah. One of the major contributors to the air pollution is the oil and shale facilities. The development of energy in these facilities produces toxic substances which can cause problem to the deer and elk populations. Light pollution is another major problem that exists today in Utah. Light pollution refers to the increasing use of artificial lights which has grave implication o the ecology of individual insects and organisms. Light pollution causes alteration in the normal natural light cycles and affects both nocturnal and diurnal animals. Migrating birds are often surprised by tall buildings lit up heavily by lights. The birds lose their sense of direction and often smash into the buildings. This not only hampers the population ecology f the migratory species but also alters the migratory patterns and routes of these birds (Plumer, 2014). However, water pollution is perhaps one of the major threats to the wildlife of the region. Waters of large water bodies such as Great Salt Lake have been polluted with contaminants such as methyl mercury. Studies have shown that the fish of the Great Salt Lake contain methyl mercury in their bodies. The chemical bioaccumulates and is transferred between species through the food chain. Therefore, piscivorous animals such as birds, ducks and otters suffer from adverse effects from the toxicity which may cause behavioural, neurological changes and can even result in death (Utah, department of Environmental Quality, 2014). Surveys of the Great Salt Lake conducted in 1996-1997 reported presence of