What is one way chemicals can hurt the environment?

Chemicals can harm the environment by contaminating soil and water sources, leading to toxicity in ecosystems. For instance, pesticides and fertilizers can leach into water bodies, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Additionally, persistent organic pollutants can accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to wildlife and human health. Overall, chemical pollution disrupts natural processes and biodiversity.