Final EST Report
Final EST Report
Final EST Report
EDUCATION, MUMBAI
A MICROPOROJECT ON: -
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Subject and code: Environmental Studies (22447) Academic Year: 2024-25
Course Name and Code: CO-5I Semester: Fifth
MICROPROJECT REPORT ON
Prepare report on
“Water Pollution and How to Reduce It”
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Certificate
This is to certify that Ansari Zishan Rahman Roll No: 44 of Fifth Semester of Third-
year Diploma in Computer Engineering at ST. JOHN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
& MANAGEMENT has completed the Micro Project satisfactorily in Subject
‘Environmental Studies’ (22447) the academic year 2024-25 as prescribed in the
MSBTE prescribed curriculum of I Scheme.
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Certificate
This is to certify that Harsh Bhalerao Roll No: 46 of Fifth Semester of Third- year
Diploma in Computer Engineering at ST. JOHN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
MANAGEMENT has completed the Micro Project satisfactorily in Subject
‘Environmental Studies’ (22447) the academic year 2024-25 as prescribed in the
MSBTE prescribed curriculum of I Scheme.
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Certificate
This is to certify that Sahil Khan Roll No: 47 of Fifth Semester of Third-year Diploma
in Computer Engineering at ST. JOHN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
MANAGEMENT has completed the Micro Project satisfactorily in Subject
‘Environmental Studies’ (22447) the academic year 2024-25 as prescribed in the
MSBTE prescribed curriculum of I Scheme.
5
Certificate
This is to certify that Aayush Gunjal Roll No: 49 of Fifth Semester of Third- year
Diploma in Computer Engineering at ST. JOHN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
MANAGEMENT has completed the Micro Project satisfactorily in Subject
‘Environmental Studies’ (22447) the academic year 2024-25 as prescribed in the
MSBTE prescribed curriculum of I Scheme.
6
Index:
1 Abstract 8
2 Introduction 9
8 Conclusion 26
9 Reference 27
10 Weekly Report 28
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Abstract:
Water is the important constituent of life support system. No one can live and even dream to
live without water. Most of our water bodies have become polluted due to industrial growth;
urbanization and man-made problems mainly the result of population growth. Poor sanitation
and contaminated drinking water arising from human activity and natural phenomena create
serious problems in human health.
The chief sources of water pollution are sewage and other waste, industrial effluents,
agricultural discharges and industrial wastes from chemical industries, fossils fuel plants and
nuclear power plants. They create a larger problem of water pollution rendering water no
longer fit for drinking, agriculture and, as well as for aquatic life. More than 2.6 billion people-
-40% of the world's population--lack basic sanitation facilities and over one billion people
still use unsafe drinking water sources. As a result, thousands of children die every day from
diarrhoea and other water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases and many suffer and are
weakened by illness.
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Introduction:
This widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our health. Unsafe water kills
more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined. Meanwhile, our
drinkable water sources are finite: Less than 1 percent of the earth’s freshwater is actually
accessible to us. Without action, the challenges will only increase by 2050, when global
demand for freshwater is expected to be one-third greater than it is now.
Water pollution, the release of substances into subsurface groundwater or into lakes, streams,
rivers, estuaries, and oceans to the point that the substances interfere with beneficial use of
the water or with the natural functioning of ecosystems. In addition to the release of
substances, such as chemicals, trash, or microorganisms, water pollution may include the
release of energy, in the form of radioactivity or heat, into bodies of water.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that polluted water is water whose
composition has been changed to the extent that it is unusable. In other words, it is toxic
water that cannot be drunk or used for essential purposes like agriculture, and which also
causes diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and poliomyelitis that kill more
than 500,000 people worldwide every year.
The main water pollutants include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fertilisers, pesticides,
pharmaceutical products, nitrates, phosphates, plastics, faecal waste and even
radioactive substances. These substances do not always change the colour of the water,
meaning that they are often invisible pollutants. That's why small amounts of water and
aquatic organisms are tested to determine water quality.
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Causes of Water Pollution:
1. Agricultural:
A small boat in the middle of a body of water that is a deep, vibrant shade of green
Toxic green algae in Copco Reservoir, northern California. Not only is the agricultural
sector the biggest consumer of global freshwater resources, with farming and livestock
production using about 70 percent of the earth’s surface water supplies, but it’s also a
serious water polluter. Around the world, agriculture is the leading cause of water
degradation. In the United States, agricultural pollution is the top source of
contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third
main source in lakes. It’s also a major contributor of contamination to estuaries and
groundwater. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms
and livestock operations wash nutrients and pathogens—such bacteria and viruses—
into our waterways. Nutrient pollution, caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in
water or air, is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide and can cause algal
blooms, a toxic soup of blue-green algae that can be harmful to people and wildlife.
Used water is wastewater. It comes from our sinks, showers, and toilets (think sewage)
and from commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities (think metals, solvents, and
toxic sludge). The term also includes stormwater runoff, which occurs when rainfall
carries road salts, oil, grease, chemicals, and debris from impermeable surfaces into our
waterways.
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More than 80 percent of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment
without being treated or reused, according to the United Nations; in some least-
developed countries, the figure tops 95 percent. In the United States, wastewater
treatment facilities process about 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day. These
facilities reduce the amount of pollutants such as pathogens, phosphorus, and nitrogen
in sewage, as well as heavy metals and toxic chemicals in industrial waste, before
discharging the treated waters back into waterways. That’s when all goes well. But
according to EPA estimates, our nation’s aging and easily overwhelmed sewage
treatment systems also release more than 850 billion gallons of untreated wastewater
each year.
3. Oil pollution:
Big spills may dominate headlines, but consumers account for the vast majority of oil
pollution in our seas, including oil and gasoline that drips from millions of cars and
trucks every day. Moreover, nearly half of the estimated 1 million tons of oil that makes
its way into marine environments each year comes not from tanker spills but from land-
based sources such as factories, farms, and cities. At sea, tanker spills account for about
10 percent of the oil in waters around the world, while regular operations of the shipping
industry—through both legal and illegal discharges—contribute about one-third. Oil is
also naturally released from under the ocean floor through fractures known as seeps.
4. Radioactive substances:
Radioactive waste is any pollution that emits radiation beyond what is naturally released
by the environment. It’s generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants, and the
production and testing of military weapons, as well as by universities and hospitals that
use radioactive materials for research and medicine. Radioactive waste can persist in
the environment for thousands of years, making disposal a major challenge. Consider
the decommissioned Hanford nuclear weapons production site in Washington, where
the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive waste is expected to cost more than
$100 billion and last through 2060. Accidentally released or improperly disposed of
contaminants threaten groundwater, surface water, and marine resources.
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Effects of Water Pollution:
1. Impact on Drinking Water:
One of the primary concerns associated with water pollution is the contamination of drinking
water sources. Water supplies are often contaminated with pollutants like bacteria, viruses,
and chemicals. These harmful substances render the water unsafe for human consumption.
We face this contamination through a bunch of avenues such as industrial discharges,
agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal.
Water pollution has a significant impact on human health, leading to a variety of diseases
and illnesses. The effects of different types of water pollution can be devastating, as
contaminated water sources can carry harmful chemicals, bacteria, and pathogens that can
pose serious risks to those who consume or come into contact with the polluted water. Once
inside our body, these pollutants can cause a lot of harm.
Waterborne diseases are prevalent in areas with water pollution, particularly in regions with
inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses,
and parasites thrive in contaminated water, increasing the risk of diseases like cholera,
dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis. These infections can cause severe gastrointestinal distress,
dehydration, and even death.
5. Destruction of Ecosystems:
Water pollution is a pressing issue that has severe consequences for ecosystems around the
world. The destruction caused by water pollution is a result of various factors, including
industrial waste, sewage discharge, and agricultural runoff. These pollutants contaminate the
water, leading to serious damage to the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. The effects
of water pollution are far-reaching and can be devastating for both plant and animal life.
Among the many effects of water pollution on ecosystems, one of the most noticeable ones
is the decline in biodiversity. This can lead to a ripple effect that can be difficult to fix.
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When pollutants make their way into water, they disrupt the natural habitats of many species
and can even lead to some being wiped out entirely.
Eutrophication is when bodies of water get too many nutrients. The extra nutrients cause a
growth spurt in plants like algae. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it can lead to issues
with our environment and health. This phenomenon has become a major concern in recent
years, as it poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
The primary cause of eutrophication is water pollution, particularly from human activities
such as agriculture, industrial wastewater discharge, and urban runoff. These sources
introduce excessive amounts of nutrients, primarily nitrogen, and phosphorus, into water
bodies, which fuel the growth of algae and other plants. Water pollution is a major
contributor to eutrophication. Using excessive fertilizer in farming can lead to a bunch of
runoffs that brings nitrogen and phosphorus to bodies of water close by. Large amounts of
algae can also negatively impact recreational activities such as swimming and boating
because it can create a foul smell and unsightly appearance.
Water pollution can severely impact the availability of potable water, both in terms of
groundwater and surface water contamination.
Groundwater Contamination:
Groundwater contamination occurs when pollutants infiltrate underground water
sources, such as aquifers. The ground is like a sponge, it absorbs whatever we give it.
Things like industrial chemicals and waste disposal make their way into the ground all the
time. This can contaminate the groundwater that people drink. However, there is a cost to
fix this problem.
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Types of Water Pollution:
Water bodies can be polluted by a wide variety of substances, including pathogenic
microorganisms, putrescible organic waste, fertilizers and plant nutrients, toxic chemicals,
sediments, heat, petroleum (oil), and radioactive substances. Several types of water
pollutants are considered below. (For a discussion of the handling of sewage and other
forms of waste produced by human activities, see waste disposal and solid-waste
management.)
Water pollutants come from either point sources or dispersed sources. A point source is a
pipe or channel, such as those used for discharge from an industrial facility or a city
sewerage system. A dispersed (or nonpoint) source is a very broad unconfined area from
which a variety of pollutants enter the water body, such as the runoff from an agricultural
area. Point sources of water pollution are easier to control than dispersed sources, because
the contaminated water has been collected and conveyed to one single point where it can be
treated. Pollution from dispersed sources is difficult to control, and, despite much progress
in the building of modern sewage-treatment plants, dispersed sources continue to cause a
large fraction of water pollution problems.
1. Domestic sewage:
2. Solid waste:
The improper disposal of solid waste is a major source of water pollution. Solid waste
includes garbage, rubbish, electronic waste, trash, and construction and demolition waste, all
of which are generated by individual, residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial
activities. The problem is especially acute in developing countries that may lack
infrastructure to properly dispose of solid waste or that may have inadequate resources or
regulation to limit improper disposal. In some places solid waste is intentionally dumped
into bodies of water. Land pollution can also become water pollution if the trash or other
debris is carried by animals, wind, or rainfall to bodies of water. Significant amounts of
solid waste pollution in inland bodies of water can also eventually make their way to the
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ocean. Solid waste pollution is unsightly and damaging to the health of aquatic ecosystems
and can harm wildlife directly. Many solid wastes, such as plastics and electronic waste,
break down and leach harmful chemicals into the water, making them a source of toxic or
hazardous waste.
3. Toxic waste:
4. Sediment:
Sediment (e.g., silt) resulting from soil erosion or construction activity can be carried into
water bodies by surface runoff. Suspended sediment interferes with the penetration of
sunlight and upsets the ecological balance of a body of water. Also, it can disrupt the
reproductive cycles of fish and other forms of life, and when it settles out of suspension it
can smother bottom-dwelling organisms.
5. Thermal pollution:
Heat is considered to be a water pollutant because it decreases the capacity of water to hold
dissolved oxygen in solution, and it increases the rate of metabolism of fish. Valuable
species of game fish (e.g., trout) cannot survive in water with very low levels of dissolved
oxygen. A major source of heat is the practice of discharging cooling water from power
plants into rivers; the discharged water may be as much as 15 °C (27 °F) warmer than the
naturally occurring water. The rise in water temperatures because of global warming can
also be considered a form of thermal pollution.
Petroleum (oil) pollution occurs when oil from roads and parking lots is carried in surface
runoff into water bodies. Accidental oil spills are also a source of oil pollution—as in the
devastating spills from the tanker Exxon Valdez (which released more than 260,000 barrels
in Alaska’s Prince William Sound in 1989) and from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig (which
released more than 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010). Oil slicks
eventually move toward shore, harming aquatic life and damaging recreation areas.
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Diseases Caused by Water Pollution:
By 2050, it’s thought that the global population will reach around 10 billion. That increase
will precipitate not only a demand for more resources, but also the production of more
waste. Unfortunately, the latter is likely to impact upon the former, as water supplies could
become contaminated by chemical, microbial and sewage waste. The most pronounced
effects of this are the contraction of a number of serious diseases, many of which already
afflict a significant chunk of the world’s peoples. Given that around a third lack access to
clean drinking water, and approximately 10% rely on crops cultivated using poor quality
H2O, that’s perhaps unsurprising. But which diseases are the most prevalent among those
caused by water pollution?
1. Bacterial diseases:
A. Cholera: This disease takes hold of the digestive tracts and can lead to dehydration and
renal failure in the most serious cases, where it can potentially be fatal.
B. Diarrhoea: Abdominal pains, fever, nausea and headaches are the most common
symptoms of diarrhoea, although it can cause premature death in especially vulnerable
individuals.
C. Salmonellosis: Responsible for inflammation in the intestinal tract, salmonella can result
in swift death if not treated appropriately.
D. Shigellosis: Another disease afflicting the digestive tract, shigellosis can damage the
intestinal lining and result in stomach cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea.
2. Viral diseases:
Contaminated water provides the perfect breeding ground for viruses to develop and
multiply. Once consumed, they can take the following forms:
B. Encephalitis: Spread by the Culex mosquito which lays its eggs in polluted water,
encephalitis is often symptomless – but can cause coma and paralysis in susceptible
individuals.
C. Polio: Poliomyelitis causes a sore throat, constipation or diarrhoea and fever, while it can
result in a comatose state in severe cases.
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D. Gastroenteritis: This family of diseases includes adenoviruses, calciviruses and
rotaviruses, with symptoms including headaches, nausea and vomiting. It can be deadly in
infants and young children.
3. Parasitic diseases:
As the name suggests, parasitic diseases are transmitted by parasites through contaminated
water. Some of the most commonplace to affect humans include:
B. Galloping amoeba: Affecting the stomach lining, galloping amoeba can take both cyst
and non-cyst form, precipitating chills, fever and diarrhoea in the patient.
D. Schistosomiasis: Caused by a small parasitic worm living in water, this disease can
remain dormant for years – but damages the internal organs all the while.
Acute intestinal ulceration and infection distinguish 'Typhoid' from other bacterial
infections. It is caused by a bacterium called salmonella typhi. Ingesting contaminated
food or drinking contaminated water usually causes the disease. The disease is
common in rural areas that lack a basic sense of sanitation and hygiene. This illness is
characterised by a gradual onset of fever, headaches, weakness, constipation, mild
vomiting, low appetite, abdominal pain, and nausea. People can also develop "rose
spots, " rashes on their skin. If typhoid isn't appropriately treated, it can have grave
consequences.
2. Arsenicosis:
Bleach, paint, paint thinner, ammonia, and other household chemicals can contain
dangerous contaminants and are becoming a serious problem. If you add up thousands of
people every month dumping toxic chemicals down the drain or flushing them down the
toilet, the impact quickly becomes significant. The good news is that many household
chemicals can be safely recycled. Your community may have a recycling center that can
take old paint, used motor oil, etc., and recycle them. Community collection centers and
drop-off sites also exist in some areas. Your community may even have a hazardous waste
collection day where those toxic chemicals can be dropped off for safe disposal.
You can avoid issues with household chemicals and pesticides by not buying products that
contain persistent and dangerous contaminants in the first place. Many companies now sell
non-toxic cleaners and/or biodegradable cleaners and pesticides. Spending a little extra
money on those products automatically cuts down on water pollution.
Grease, fat, and used cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash or kept in a “fat jar” for
disposal with other solid waste. Your pipes might clog and cause sewer pipes to back up
into yards and basements, contaminating local bodies of water.
You can further reduce water pollution by using just enough of these cleaners to do the job.
Phosphate-free cleaning products are ideal, as phosphates can lead to algae blooms that kill
fish and other aquatic animals by reducing the oxygen in the water.
Sometimes these devices drain into the town’s sanitary sewer pipes. This connection dumps
biological waste, heavy metals, chemicals, and more into the system. If you have a sump
pump or cellar drain and aren’t sure where they drain, you should be able to find out by
checking with the city’s pollution control department.
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6. Dispose of medical waste properly:
Never flush medicines down the toilet or dump them in a nearby pond or creek. These drugs
tend to accumulate in the water — and in fish and other wildlife. Hormones and other
compounds can end up causing a variety of health problems in animals and contaminate
drinking water that people and livestock use.
Organic foods tend to be produced with few synthetic chemicals. As a result, eating organic
reduces the amount of chemical pollution that ends up in the water. The food we choose to
eat can have a big impact on environmental quality — consider the chemicals used to grow
food and the fuel used to transport crops and power farm equipment on industrial farms.
Many cases of illegal waste disposal and other forms of water pollution go unreported and
often aren’t cleaned up. Consider reporting those who pour oil in storm drains, toss bags of
trash in streams, etc. to your local water protection program.
No matter where you live in the country, there are going to be charities working on
watershed protection, water pollution cleanup, and similar causes. Find an organization
that’s active in your area and get involved or make a donation. Your support may even lead
to expanded anti-pollution work.
Raising animals for meat consumption often takes a lot of water for the grains and other
foods they need, as well as drinking water. Additionally, antibiotics and solid waste from
livestock both tend to end up in groundwater and rivers.
Plastic shopping bags and plastic rings from six-packs of beverages cause inordinate
problems in lakes and seas. Plastic bottles can last for hundreds of years in the ocean. Buy
some reusable cloth or plastic grocery bags instead. They can often be purchased for as little
as $1 each, so there is a minimal cost involved. Use reusable, insulated containers to hold
drinks and make your own filtered water at home.
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12. Keep your vehicles from leaking:
Oil and other fluids leak from motor vehicles and end up in the local water table, or running
off into creeks and streams. This runoff problem is easy to treat; just be diligent about
maintaining and repairing your vehicles. Leaky seals, hoses, and gaskets tend to cause
expensive mechanical problems anyway, so replacing the worn parts can save you money in
the long run.
Homeowners like to keep the yard looking green and healthy. However, the desire for a
green lawn can produce water pollution, as fertilizers and pesticides will inevitably run off
the shrubs and grass into the water. Select landscaping that is adapted to the climate. No
matter where you live, there are bound to be attractive plants that can thrive with minimal
help from added chemicals. This makes the plants cheaper to care for and you will waste
less water keeping them alive.
Trees reduce erosion that washes pollution into the water. You can volunteer your time in a
local tree-planting effort. Or, if you own land along a river or pond, consider planting trees,
bushes, or grass along the bank.
Supporting charities devoted to protecting the water is important because they can do work
that is beyond the power of the average consumer. If you can’t afford to donate money, you
might volunteer to help plant trees, clean up local bodies of water, or help collect leftover
chemicals from local residents. Some environmental groups might have collection days
where they need volunteer labour.
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Conclusion:
Water pollution is a global crisis that threatens the health and well-being of both humans
and the environment. As individuals become more aware of the devastating consequences
of water pollution, many are taking action by conducting research projects to better
understand the problem and find solutions.
One crucial aspect of any research project or essay on water pollution is the conclusion.
The conclusion is the final opportunity for researchers to summarize their findings,
evaluate the significance of their results, and provide recommendations for future action.
It serves as a powerful tool to communicate the importance of the project and its potential
impact on addressing water pollution issues.
A well-crafted conclusion can inspire others to join the fight against water pollution, as it
highlights the urgency and need for immediate action. Furthermore, a comprehensive
conclusion can also guide policymakers and stakeholders in implementing effective
strategies to mitigate and prevent water pollution.
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References:
1. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-
everything-you-need-know
2.https://www.arcadia.com/blog/15-proven-
ways-can-reduce-water-pollution
3.https://www.envirotech-
online.com/news/water-wastewater/9/breaking-
news/12-diseases-caused-by-water-
pollution/57710
4.https://www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/blog
/6-practical-ways-to-reduce-water-pollution-
at-
home?srsltid=AfmBOoq3wj3t1R2JyiFb_Q_-
bVYIw-B_Wm_9pTjsUQDd9b9vgXn4M7Hg
5.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environm
ental-
science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.880246/full
6.https://byjus.com/biology/water-pollution-
control/
7.https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/wate
r-pollution
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WEEKLY REPORT
Sr.No Date Timing Work or activity Performed
Sign
of the
From To Duration Guide
in hours
1 25/07/2024 3:30 4:30 One Discussion and Finalization
Hour of the Project Title
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