Water pollution is a major threat to the environment and human health
Water pollution is caused in water bodies by human activities. Water bodies refer to lakes, rivers, seas, and groundwater. The presence of pollutants in water in the natural environment is called water pollution.
If inadequately treated wastewater accumulates in natural water bodies, it can cause environmental degradation of aquatic ecosystems. As a result, public health problems may arise among people living downstream.
They may drink this contaminated water and use it for bathing or irrigation. Most of the people infected or killed by waterborne diseases worldwide are due to water pollution.
Pollution is caused by a long period of cumulative activity. All plants and organisms living in or coming into contact with a polluted water body can be affected by it. Pollution can destroy individual species and damage the natural biological organization to which they belong.
Water pollution can be caused by a wide range of chemicals and pathogens; there are also many physical parameters. Pollutants can be organic or inorganic. High temperatures can also cause polluted water.
A common source of thermal pollution is using water as coolant in thermal power and industrial plants. High water temperatures lower oxygen levels, which can kill fish, disrupt the food chain, reduce species diversity, and promote the growth of new bacterial species.
Water pollution is measured by analyzing water samples. Physical, chemical, and biological tests can be performed. Water pollution can be controlled with proper infrastructure and management plans. Infrastructure can include wastewater treatment plants.
Sewage treatment plants and industrial wastewater treatment plants can protect water bodies from untreated wastewater. Farm wastewater treatment and erosion control at construction sites can help prevent water pollution.
Another way to prevent water pollution is to use nature-based solutions. Urban drainage systems can be effectively controlled by reducing the speed and volume of runoff. In the United States, effective management of water pollution involves reducing water volume and enhancing water quality.
Water is said to be polluted if it is affected by human-made pollutants. Pollutants can render water unsafe for drinking or destroy its ability to support life, like fish.
Natural events like volcanoes, algal blooms, storms, and earthquakes can greatly affect water quality and ecosystems.
Water pollution is a serious global problem. For this, it is necessary to evaluate and re-evaluate water resources policies at all levels. Water pollution is believed to be the leading cause of disease and death in the world. The Global Marine Environmental Survey reports that water pollution is a significant environmental issue that could endanger life on Earth in the coming decades.
Water pollution severely impacts phytoplankton, which generate 70% of Earth’s oxygen and absorb significant carbon dioxide.
In addition to the acute water pollution in developing countries, developed countries are also struggling with pollution problems. Surface water pollution includes pollution of rivers, lakes, and seas.
A category of surface water pollution is marine pollution. A common route for pollutants to enter the ocean is through river water. An example of this is the direct discharge of sewage and industrial waste into the ocean. This type of pollution is particularly common in developing countries.
Plastic waste is trapped in large ocean basins. Plastic waste absorbs toxic substances produced by marine pollution, which can be toxic to marine organisms if they eat it.
These long-lived substances often end up in the stomachs of seabirds and animals. As a result, their digestive tract is blocked. As a result, their appetite is reduced or they may even starve. In addition to the main pollutants, there are many indirect effects.
When sediment is suspended in a stream, sunlight can’t reach the water, limiting photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
Specific water pollutants can be of various types, including chemicals, pathogens, and physical changes such as high temperature and discoloration.
Chemicals like calcium, sodium, iron, and manganese occur naturally in water but are considered contaminants based on their concentration. High concentrations of natural substances can have harmful effects on aquatic plants and animals.
Substances that reduce oxygen levels can include natural substances, such as plant parts, as well as human-made chemicals.
Both natural and human-made substances can cause water turbidity, blocking light and hindering plant growth. In some fish species, this turbidity can clog their gills.
The factors responsible for changing the physical and chemical properties of water are acidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, and eutrophication. Eutrophication is the increase in chemical elements in an ecosystem, which increases the primary productivity of the ecosystem.
Eutrophication can lead to harmful environmental effects like anoxia and poor water quality, endangering fish and other animals.
Pathogenic microorganisms are called pathogens. These microorganisms can cause waterborne diseases in humans or animals. Coliform bacteria are not the direct cause of waterborne diseases but serve as indicators of water pollution.
Pathogenic microorganisms spread mainly from poor sanitation systems or inadequately treated sewage. Old city sewerage systems can leak contaminated sewage water into the environment due to unwanted outflows.
Some cities have combined sewer systems that can discharge contaminated water untreated during storms. Poorly managed areas where livestock operations are carried out can also be a source of disease transmission.
