EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION ON ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
by C. H. Ward
Recently, Dr. H. B. N. Hynes, a noted ecologist, said in a symposium
address that, “ . . . although pollution is damaging our environment in
many ways, we know how this is happening and in most respects we know
how to stop it. Technologically most of the problems are solved. . . . The
rest is largely a matter of finance, administration and education . . . it
is now largely a matter of seeing to it that our politicians and administra-
tors organize [meaning pollution control] that it is done properly” (Hynes,
1965).
In making the above statements, Dr. Hynes refers to conditions as they
exist in Great Britain. However, a similar philosophy appears to be pre-
valent in the United States. That is, if given enough money and legisla-
tive control, pollution surveys and applications of present technology could
eliminate the pollution problem. I am sure this approach is needed and will
provide significant initial relief. But it wifi not provide adequate informa-
tion on which to base realistic pollution standards or provide the knowl-
edge requisite to understanding the biological effects of pollution. Pollution
problems will not disappear following a crash cleanup program.
The Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks,
Stanley A. Cain, believes that "... much more attention must be given
to ecological research if the total public interest is to be served . . . and
. . . the quality of the environment is to be maintained and restored”
(Cain, 1967). What does Mr. Cain mean by ecological research? Ecology
is the science that deals with the interrelationships between organisms
(including man) and their environment. We all have a working, but highly
imperfect, knowledge of how man interacts with his fellow man and in
turn with the environment.
Today we are addressing ourselves to the role of man as spoiler of his
environment. Plants and animals also interact with one another and their
environment. In the process they, too, pollute their environment. It should
Editor’s Note: Mr. Ward is Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental
Science, Rice University.
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