WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Water pollution affects plants and organisms living in these bodies of water. In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual species and populations, but also to the natural biological communities. Water pollution has been seriously affecting the life of humans, plants as well as animals. The eco-system of rivers, streams, lakes, seas and oceans is also getting deteriorated due to the contamination of water, through various sources. This condition also leads to the outbreak of numerous diseases, majority of them being lethal and contagious. However, before going about finding a solution to the problem, we need to look into its underlying causes. In the following lines, we have provided information on the causes and harmful effects of water pollution. Go through them and then decide on your course of action.

Sources Of Water Pollution

Dumping of industrial wastes, containing heavy metals, harmful chemicals, by-products, organic toxins and oils, into the nearby source of water is one of the visible causes of water pollution. Another cause for the contamination of water is the improper disposal of human and animal wastes. Effluents from factories, refineries, injection wells and sewage treatment plants are dumped into urban water supplies, leading to water pollution. A number of pollutants, both harmful and poisonous, enter the groundwater systems through rain water. The residue of agricultural practices, including fertilizers and pesticides, are some of the major sources of water pollution. Untreated pollutants are drained into the nearest water body, such as stream, lake or harbor, causing water pollution. Another major source of water pollution comprises of organic farm wastes. When farm land, treated with pesticides and fertilizers, is irrigated, the

excess nitrogen and poisons get mixed into the water supply, thereby contaminating it. Pathogens, sediments and chemical pollutants are other sources of water pollution. The corporeal wastes produced by humans and farmed organisms pollute rivers, lakes, oceans and other surface waters.

Harmful Effects Of Water Pollution

A number of waterborne diseases are produced by the pathogens present in polluted water, affecting humans and animals alike. Pollution affects the chemistry of water. The pollutants, including toxic chemicals, can alter the acidity, conductivity and temperature of water. Polluted municipal water supplies are found to pose a threat to the health of people using them. As per the records, about 14000 people perish or incur various communicable diseases due to the consumption of contaminated drinking water. The concentration of bacteria and viruses in polluted water causes increase in solids suspended in the water body, which, in turn, leads to health problems. Marine life becomes deteriorated due to water pollution. Lethal killing of fish and aquatic plants in rivers, oceans and seas is an aftereffect of water contamination only. Diseases affecting the heart, poor circulation of blood and the nervous system and ailments like skin lesion, cholera and diarrhea are often linked to the harmful effects of water pollution. Carcinogenic pollutants found in polluted water might cause cancer. Alteration in the chromosomal makeup of the future generation is foreseen, as a result of water pollution. Discharges from power stations reduce the availability of oxygen in the water body, in which they are dumped.

 The flora and fauna of rivers, sea and oceans is adversely affected by water pollution.

Water pollution is one of the most significant challenges that we presently face. Generally speaking, water pollution comes from two main sources: point and non-point. Point source pollution comes directly from one specific location, while non-point source pollution comes from a larger area. Both of these types of water pollution are detrimental to the environment and human health. The specific causes of water pollution that will be discussed fall into these two categories. The disposal of sewage and wastewater into marine environments is a significant factor in water pollution. Specifically, untreated sewage water can harm marine ecosystems and cause disease. In developing countries, the main concern in access to sanitary water, which is unavailable to many people. Conversely, in the developed world the major problem is people flushing chemicals and pharmaceuticals that contaminate the water. Marine dumping is another major cause of water pollution. This practice can be both controlled and uncontrolled. Sources of marine dumping include garbage, debris from construction sites, waste chemicals, and bilge water. Different materials vary in the length of time they need to degrade; cardboard takes just two weeks while plastic remains for 400 years. As well as resulting in the death of marine animals, marine dumping causes occupational accidents and increased exposure to toxins through consumption of organisms. Industrial waste also has detrimental effects on water quality. This has been a problem since the industrial revolution and continues today with many companies using water to carry pollutants away from their factories. Common chemicals include asbestos, lead, and mercury, which harm marine ecosystems and contaminate drinking water. In addition, radioactive waste is also an important factor in water pollution. Another major source of water contamination is oil pollution. This can occur in a variety of ways, such as spills, shipping, run-off, and dumps. Oil spills are considered the most detrimental because such a large amount is concentrated in

one place. This creates a localized problem that is extremely damaging to the surrounding area. Underground storage leaks are also a cause of water pollution. These devices often store substances that are harmful to the environment, like petroleum. Corrosion usually causes the tank to leak slowly, leading to water contamination over a long period of time. Atmospheric deposition, specifically acid rain, is another significant cause of water pollution. This is caused by an increased amount of various pollutants in the atmosphere that are leached out in the form of rain. Acid rain results in an overall reduction in biodiversity. Related to phenomenon, is the rising ocean temperature caused by global warming. This has a variety of effects, including coral bleaching. Lastly, eutraphication greatly disrupts marine environments. Fertilizer running off into nearby water sources often causes this problem and it results in algal blooms. The increased amount of algae uses up all of the oxygen in the water, killing off other species. Water pollution comes from a variety of sources and is a multidimensional problem. It threatens both marine biodiversity and human health. This is a significant challenge that is becoming an increasingly important priority.

Water Pollution Solutions

The best solution for water pollution is prevention. While pollution that has already occurred is a current threat to all life on Earth, attempts to clean it up may cause even more harm. Chemicals used to treat or clean up oil spills may further contaminate water supplies. Adjustments in temperature to counteract heat or cooling pollution may not achieve proper balance, leading to more loss of aquatic life. Preventing water pollution does more for the environment by halting the level of pollutants where they are. This gives the environment needed time to begin to correct itself, and time for scientists to determine the best way to combat existing problems. Water Pollution Preventions There are several steps that can be taken to help prevent water pollution from getting worse. Conserve Soil Erosion is one of the biggest causes of water pollution today. When you take steps to conserve soil, you are also conserving water and water life. Planting vegetative covers, strict erosion management and implementing beneficial farming methods are just a few of the many possible approaches to soil conservation. Dispose of Toxic Chemicals Properly Its always a good idea to use lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) products in your home whenever possible. If you do use toxic chemicals, such as paints, stains or cleaning supplies, dispose of them properly. Paints can be recycled and oils can be reused after treatment. Proper disposal keeps these substances out of storm drains, water ways and septic tanks.

 Keep Machinery in Good Working Order Oil is one of the largest polluters of water in the world. Its estimated that just the transportation of oil is responsible for .0001 percent of oil contamination in water. Take steps to ensure you arent adding to this problem by repairing oil leaks in cars and machinery as soon as they are spotted. Clean up the residue and dispose of the used oils properly. Clean Up Beaches and Waterways Just picking up waste and litter wherever it is spotted can go a long way to keeping debris and pollutants out of the water. Do your part by taking your own trash, other wastes and any you see to a nearby disposal facility. Avoid Plastics When Possible Plastic bags in the ocean is a well documented water pollutant. Keep this problem from getting worse by changing to reusable grocery bags whenever possible. Get Active and Get Involved Is there a company near your home that releases heat, coolants or chemicals into a nearby waterway? You can get involved. Contact the EPA, local authorities or write letters to the heads of companies. Spreading an awareness of problems is a big first step toward combating them. While water pollution solutions may seem like too little, too late when viewed in the light of major oil spills and floating plastic bag islands they are necessary to prevent these problems from growing worse. Simply slowing down the rate of pollution can give the environment and scientists time to find long-term solutions to the very real problems of water pollution. If you do your part to prevent pollution in your area, then youll be helping to protect aquatic life.