Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Air and Water Pollution and select one option to complete the assignment. You can choose from the following options: 

• Option 1: Air and Water Pollution Paper 

• Option 2: Gulf Oil Spill Paper 

Click the Assignment Files tab to submit your assignment.

Option 1: Air and Water Pollution Paper

 

Air and water pollutants exist in many forms. Understanding what they are and where they come from better equips you to address air and water pollution.

 

Select two types of air pollutants and two types of water pollutants.

Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you analyze your selected pollutants and their effect on the environment. Include the following items:

 

·         Indicate whether the selected air pollutants are considered primary or secondary pollutants. Explain why they are considered to be primary or secondary and discuss the sources of these pollutants.

·         Describe how the air pollutants affect the different layers of the atmosphere. Discuss how these pollutants affect human, plant, and animal life.

·         Examine the selected water pollutants. Discuss the sources of these pollutants and indicate their effects on water resources and aquatic life.

·         Discuss the effect of poor water quality on humans and the environment. What are some solutions for reducing poor water quality?

 

Cite at least two references.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Option 2: Gulf Oil Spill Paper

 

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill that started on April 20, 2010, and ran 86 days was a terrible disaster, but is was also a grimly informative experiment. In its wake, scientists are learning many lessons about deep-drilling technology, the environment, and the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you answer the following questions:

 

·         Identify the types of air and water pollutants that occurred because of this oil spill. Are these primary or secondary pollutants? Explain.

·         What are the short- and long-term effects of this spill on the environment and wildlife?

·         Describe how the different layers of the atmosphere interact with different pollutants. Will the pollutants from this disaster affect the atmosphere? Why or why not?

·         In the face of such disasters, what cleaning procedures, including bioremediation, can be undertaken?

·         What are some new regulations and safety measures for oil drilling?

·         As the world runs out of oil, what are some other technologies or alternative energy sources? What would be your first plan of action if you were to identify possible solutions to this crisis?

 

Cite at least one reference.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.