12

Picture 2: Otter covered in oil ²⁶

This picture shows the devastating effects an oil spill can inflict on fauna in the environment.

Otters depend upon the ability to keep warm from their fur. If an otter's fur remains soaked in

oil, the otter will die of hypothermia.

Toxic substances composed of organic chemical compounds also play a significant role

in water pollution. These toxic substances, classified as "Persistent Organic Pollutants" (POPs)^{2 7},

include industrial chemicals such as Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB), Polybrominated Diphenyl

Ether (BPDE), Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MtBE), and Tributyltin (TBT). These POPs enter

the waterways via several avenues. "PCBs can enter the environment during their manufacture,

use, and disposal; from accidental spills and leaks during their transportation; and from leaks or

fires in products containing PCBs. PCBs can still be released to the environment from hazardous

waste sites; illegal or improper disposal of industrial wastes and consumer products; leaks from

26 _{http://www.eco-pros.com/humanimpact.htm.}
27 _{http://www.worldwildlife.org/toxics/progareas/pop/index.htm/.}