POLLUTION IN THE

MACKAY REGION
The following presentation explores the impacts of pollution on the local region of
mackay and suggestions to reduce it.

Alex Jesshope S0240628
Ecosystems
Natural ecosystems survive with various processes of
decomposition and renourishment. Decomposition is the process
of breaking down organic matter in soil through organisms
obtaining their nutrients, and releasing waste and remains into
the soil, water and air to be then reused again, (Miller &
Spoolman, 2013). The cycle in which is formed can often be
disrupted by inorganic matter such as litter and solid waste. The
build up of this inorganic matter can often result in wildlife
becoming entangled in plastic bags, rope and other lightweight
materials. By considering the choices we make, these natural
habitats can be preserved and maintained through examining
and exploring various habitats around the regions and
recognising ways to reduce pollution.


Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2013). Environmental Science (14
th
ed.). Belmont, USA:
Yolando Cossio.

Rubber and plastic in water ways
Rubber and plastic are just some of the
processed materials found across the
region. As waste management strategies
such as burying and burning by transferring
them to one part of an environment to
another can cause more serious
environmental issues (Miller & Spoolman,
2013), the only way to help the situation is to
reduce the waste produced.


Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2013). Environmental Science (14
th
ed.).
Belmont, USA: Yolando Cossio.

Debris in creek, Walkerston.
Ways to reduce plastic in waterways.
When visiting these areas, ensure you collect any litter left by you or people
previous.
Consider plastic free packaging when purchasing items, the less packaging the
less waste.
Reuse plastic bags where you can for shopping, cleaning, bin liners, emergency
gumboots, shower cap the choices are endless.

Drains in Walkerston

The developing area of Walkerston is slowly
becoming a highly polluted region of Mackay.
The image shows that plastic bottles, bags and
soft drink cans are predominantly an issue in the
area. As this water way builds up during wet
season, water is unable to be effectively drained
and allows for smaller debris and unnatural
materials to be washed out into the ocean.
Drain near Walkerston State School,
Walkerston.
Marine Life and pollution
Marine life suffer the consequences of the
actions we take regarding recycling materials and
waste management strategies. Sea turtles in
particular become highly threatened with the
increase of plastic bags deposited into the ocean.
Mistaking materials such as plastic bags and
packets as jelly fish, turtles ingest the litter and
instantly suffocate. As run off pollutants such as
silt, fertilisers, pesticides and other general waste
reach the ocean, coral beds become bleached,
(Miller & Spoolman, 2013).
Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2013). Environmental Science (14
th
ed.).
Belmont, USA: Yolando Cossio.



Townsville, North Queensland.
The Blue Water Trail
The Blue Water Trail is a rich and diverse
ecosystem that provides families with
activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Bins
are provided along the area, however litter
still distributes long the banks of the Pioneer
River. Aluminium cans are the predominant
issue in the area as they become lodged
between rocks and mangroves along the river.
When appropriately discarded, aluminium
cans can be recycled through the primary
process as they are used to make new
products of the same type, (Miller &
Spoolman, 2013).
The Pioneer River, Mackay.
What is this made of?
When grocery shopping consider what the item, packaging and materials are made from. As
most cardboard and boxes are made from recycled materials, making these conscious
choices can ensure you are doing your part. Soft drink cans are recyclable as aluminium is
considered high quality matter due to its availability and concentration, and can be
effectively broken down to create different forms of aluminium (Miller & Spoolman, 2013).
By considering the properties of materials, appropriate choices can be made to ensure we all
do our part in keeping our Earth green.

Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2013). Environmental Science (14
th
ed.).
Belmont, USA: Yolando Cossio.



Recycling
Recycling involves the processing of unwanted solid materials into new forms and products,
(Miller & Spoolman, 2013). The five major types of materials that can be recycled include
paper, glass, aluminium, steel and some forms of plastic. Primary or closed loop recycling
materials are recycled into new products of the same form such as paper becoming
cardboard. Secondary recycling involves waste and materials becoming different products,
such as tyres becoming road-surfacing material, (Miller & Spoolman, 2013).

Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2013). Environmental Science (14
th
ed.).
Belmont, USA: Yolando Cossio.


Conclusion
To ensure our Earth continues to stay green, materials and their properties can be
organised and classified for effective recycling purposes. By having this thorough
understanding of materials and their properties, as well as considering alternatives
for their use, we can begin to make more conscious decisions about what is
discarded. Providing images and information about the impacts pollution has on the
natural environment, it is an incentive to begin making informed decisions as these
may influence the future as we know it.
References
(All images were taken as primary sources.)

Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2013). Environmental Science (14
th
ed.).
Belmont, USA: Yolando Cossio.