IndexIndustrial wastesTheir impact on the environmentInorganic wastesEffects of inorganic wastes on marine life and on landIndustrial wastesWhen most people think of industrial wastes, they imagine metal barrels with a Hazardous waste symbol above outside. There are many more sources of industrial waste than those causing the “hazardous waste” problem, and they hit much closer to home than you might think. Industrial waste is waste produced by industrial activity which includes materials rendered unusable during a production process such as that of factories, industries, mills and mining operations. It has existed since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Some of the most common examples of industrial wastes are chemical solvents, pigments, sludge, metals, ash, paint, sandpaper, paper products, industrial byproducts, and radioactive waste. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Its Impact on the Environment These industries are commonly located near water bodies due to industrial dependence on large quantities of water as inputs. Many industrializing areas do not yet have the resources or technology to dispose of waste with fewer effects on the environment. Both untreated and partially treated wastewater is commonly discharged back into a nearby body of water. Metals, chemicals and sewage released into the water body directly affect marine ecosystems and the health of those organisms that depend on the water as a source of drinking water. These toxins in wastewater can kill marine life or cause varying degrees of illness to those who consume these marine animals depending on the contaminants. Metals and chemicals released into water bodies affect its ecosystems. Wastewater containing nitrates and phosphates often causes eutrophication that can kill existing life in the water.Inorganic wasteWaste materials containing chemicals of mineral origin (i.e. substances that do not contain organic substances) are known as inorganic wastes. These substances are negligibly affected by microorganisms. Therefore, they are not biodegradable in nature. Some of this waste can be recycled, some cannot. Examples of inorganic waste are plastic, glass, electronic waste, metals, salts, etc. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Effects of Inorganic Waste on Marine Life and Land Non-biodegradable plastic containers in oceans and estuaries can harm fish, seabirds, and other marine organisms. Animals that eat plastic can have digestion problems that lead to disease. Microplastics, tiny pieces of polypropylene or polyethylene, hide under water and also pose a risk. The planet has a limited amount of land and people waste it when disposing of non-biodegradable materials. Products that don't naturally decompose can reside in landfills and take up space much longer than biodegradable materials. When people litter, some non-biodegradable waste may not even make it to landfill. Instead, it could make its way into forests, parks, fields and the sea. Polystyrene, also known as expanded polystyrene, is a non-biodegradable substance that can cause environmental problems when it becomes garbage.