6 DONE What Is Water Pollution

What Is Water Pollution?
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.
The Causes of Water Pollution

Water is one of the most important elements on Earth when it comes to sustaining life.
Unfortunately, it is also extremely susceptible to pollution. This is largely because water
is a universal solvent that can dissolve many substances. While this is a wonderful
quality that we take advantage of for everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and
taking medication, it is also the exact quality that causes water to become polluted so
easily.
There are many causes of water pollution. Below, we will focus on seven of the major
ways that water can become polluted.
1. Industrial Waste
Industries and industrial sites across the world are a major contributor to water
pollution. Many industrial sites produce waste in the form of toxic chemicals and
pollutants, and though regulated, some still do not have proper waste management
systems in place. In those rare cases, industrial waste is dumped into nearby freshwater
systems. When industrial waste is not treated properly (or worse, not treated at all), it
can very easily pollute the freshwater systems that it comes into contact with.
Industrial waste from agricultural sites, mines and manufacturing plants can make its
way into rivers, streams and other bodies of water that lead directly to the sea. The
toxic chemicals in the waste produced by these industries not only have the potential to
make water unsafe for human consumption, they can also cause the temperature in
freshwater systems to change, making them dangerous for many water dwelling
organisms.
2. Marine Dumping
The process of marine dumping is exactly what it sounds like, dumping garbage into the
waters of the ocean. It might seem crazy, but household garbage is still collected and
dumped into oceans by many countries across the world. Most of these items can take
anywhere from two to 200 years to decompose completely.
3. Sewage and Wastewater
Harmful chemicals, bacteria and pathogens can be found in sewage and wastewater
even when it’s been treated. Sewage and wastewater from each household is released
into the sea with fresh water. The pathogens and bacteria found in that wastewater
breed disease, and therefore are a cause of health-related issues in humans and animals
alike.
4. Oil Leaks and Spills
The age-old phrase “like water and oil” is used when describing two things that do not
mix easily or at all. Just as the saying states, water and oil do not mix, and oil does not
dissolve in water. Large oil spills and oil leaks, while often accidental, are a major cause
of water pollution. Leaks and spills often are caused by oil drilling operations in the
ocean or ships that transport oil. wildlife.
5. Agriculture
In order to protect their crops from bacteria and insects, farmers often use chemicals
and pesticides. When these substances seep into the groundwater, they can harm
animals, plants and humans. Additionally, when it rains, the chemicals mix with
rainwater, which then flows into rivers and streams that filter into the ocean, causing
further water pollution.
6. Global Warming
Rising temperatures due to global warming are a major concern in terms of water
pollution. Global warming causes water temperatures to rise, which can kill water-
dwelling animals. When large die-offs occur, it further pollutes the water supply,
exacerbating the issue.
There are many everyday ways you can help reduce global warming, which will in turn
help lower water pollution. These methods include recycling, carpooling and using CFL
bulbs in your home.
7. Radioactive Waste
Radioactive waste from facilities that create nuclear energy can be extremely hazardous
to the environment and must be disposed of properly. This is because uranium, the
element used in the creation of nuclear energy, is a highly toxic chemical.
Unfortunately, accidents still occur at these facilities, and toxic waste is released into
the environment. The coal and gas industries are, in many ways, no better. This is one of
the major impetuses behind the development of alternative, clean sources of energy,
including solar and wind.
Effects of Pollution of Water
Diseases: In humans, drinking or consuming polluted water in any way has many
disastrous effects on our health. It causes typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and various other
diseases.
Destruction of Ecosystems: Ecosystems are extremely dynamic and respond to even
small changes in the environment. Water pollution can cause an entire ecosystem to
collapse if left unchecked.
Eutrophication: Chemicals in a water body, encourage the growth of algae. These
algae form a layer on top of the pond or lake. Bacteria feed on these algae and
this decreases the amount of oxygen in the water body, severely affecting the aquatic
life there.
Effects the food chain: Disruption in food chains happens when toxins and pollutants in
the water are consumed by aquatic animals (fish, shellfish etc) which are then
consumed by humans.
Prevention
The best way to prevent large-scale water pollution is to try and reduce its harmful
effects. There are various small changes we can make to protect ourselves from a scary
future where water is scarce.
Save Water: Conserving water is our first aim. Water wastage is a major problem
globally and we are only now waking up to the issue. Simply small changes you can
make domestically will make a huge difference.
Better treatment of sewage: So, treating waste products before disposing of it in a
water body helps reduce water pollution on a large scale. Agriculture or other industries
can reuse this wastewater by reducing its toxic contents.
Use environmentally friendly products: By using soluble products that do not go on to
become pollutants, we can reduce the amount of water pollution caused by a
household.

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What Is Water Pollution?

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—

The Causes of Water Pollution

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