Final answer:
The effect of pollution on the environment includes soil contamination, leading to issues like nutrient-poor soils and desertification. It also contributes to a decrease in biodiversity due to habitat destruction and the accumulation of contaminants in the food web. Pollution also impacts air quality and contributes to broader issues such as acid rain and ozone depletion. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cause and effect of pollution on the environment are myriad, but C) Soil contamination most directly answers the student's multiple-choice query. When pollutants are introduced into the environment, they can lead to a variety of destructive outcomes.
For instance, soil contamination can arise from various pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and induced changes in soil chemistry, which can all lead to nutrient-poor soils and increased salts, potentially causing desertification and a decline in soil productivity.
Water pollution, as the result of industrialization and the dumping of untreated waste, can create 'dead zones' where aquatic life cannot thrive. Furthermore, contamination can lead to biodiversity loss, as pollution-induced habitat destruction and the introduction of harmful substances into the food web negatively impact wildlife populations.
For example, the pesticide DDT had a profound effect on bird species like the peregrine falcon, leading to thinner eggshells and reduced hatching success. After its ban, recovery of these species was observed, highlighting the potential for reversal if pollutants are managed.
Additionally, fossil fuel combustion is linked with air pollution, contributing to acid rain and the depletion of the ozone layer, which in turn has further implications for the environment and human health. The correct option is C.