Water pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater) usually as a result of human activities. Water pollution is the second most imperative environmental concern along with air pollution.

Causes

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.

Industrial waste

Industries produce a huge amount of waste which contains toxic chemicals and pollutants. Industrial waste is discharged into our water bodies directly or indirectly.

Sewage and wastewater

Sewage, garbage and liquid waste of households, agricultural lands and factories are discharged into lakes and rivers. These wastes contain harmful chemicals and toxins which make the water poisonous for aquatic animals and plants.

Mining activities

Mining is the process of crushing the rock and extracting coal and other minerals from underground. These elements when extracted in the raw form contains harmful chemicals and can increase the amount of toxic elements when mixed up with water which may result in health problems.

Effects

Water pollution has a huge impact on the environment, which can lead to long term issues for nature and people.

Human health

The human heart and kidneys can be adversely affected if polluted water is consumed regularly. Other health problems such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery can also occur from polluted water.

Environment

Water pollution not only harms human health but also causes environmental degradation. Aquatic life in a polluted river or sea will suffer or even die.

Prevention

Preventing water pollution is always better than looking for solutions for the water pollution problem. Here are a few ways to prevent water pollution:

• Sewage treatments: The waste from factories and other places are treated before they are discharged into the water bodies.
• Industrial waste: Industries should treat their waste not only in a cost effective way but also in an environmentally friendly way.
• Public awareness: People should know about the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

See also

• Air pollution
• Environmental degradation
• Sewage treatment

References

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