The ecosystem can always cope with pollution?

1 Answer
Jun 11, 2018

Nope.

Explanation:

The ecosphere cannot cope with pollution if assimilative capacity is passed.

Assimilative capacity refers to the ability of the environment or a part of it (e.g. a stream, air mass, or soil portion) to carry waste matter without adverse effects on the environment or on users of its resources. Pollution occurs only when the assimilative capacity is exceeded (Reference 1).

Some environmentalists argue that the concept of assimilative capacity involves a substantial element of value judgement, i.e., pollution discharge may alter the flora and fauna of a body of water, but if it does not effect organisms we value (e.g., fish) it is acceptable and within the assimilative capacity of the body of water (Reference 1).

Reference:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/assimilative-capacity