Rhoi

Water Pollution
by RHOI ZHANDER
ANICIETE
Introduction to Water
Pollution
Water pollution is a critical environmental issue that threatens the
health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems around the world.
It occurs when contaminants, such as chemicals, nutrients, or
microorganisms, are introduced into bodies of water, compromising
the quality and suitability of the water for various uses.
Understanding the types, sources, and impacts of water pollution is
essential for developing effective strategies to protect this precious
natural resource.
Types of Water
Pollution
Chemical Pollution Nutrient Pollution Microbial Pollution Plastic Pollution
This includes the Excessive nutrients, Contamination by The accumulation of
presence of toxic particularly nitrogen and pathogenic plastic objects and
substances, heavy phosphorus, can lead to microorganisms, such as particles (e.g. plastic
metals, and synthetic algal blooms and bacteria, viruses, and bottles, bags and
organic compounds, such eutrophication, depleting protozoa, can make microbeads) in the
as pesticides and oxygen levels in the water unsafe for Earth's environment that
industrial chemicals, in water and causing harm drinking, swimming, or adversely affects
water bodies. These to aquatic ecosystems. other recreational humans, wildlife and
pollutants can have activities, posing a threat their habitat.
severe consequences for to human health.
aquatic life and human
health.
Chemical Pollution Example: Heavy Metal
Contamination
Minamata disease
In the mid-20th century, industrial wastewater
containing methylmercury was discharged into
Minamata Bay in Japan by a chemical factory.
Nutrient Pollution Example:
Eutrophication
The Gulf of Mexico
Dead Zone
Each summer, the Gulf of Mexico experiences a
significant dead zone largely attributed to nutrient
pollution from the Mississippi River watershed. Fertilizer
runoff from agricultural areas drains into the river and
flows into the Gulf, leading to massive algal blooms and
resulting in oxygen-depleted waters that are
inhospitable for marine life.
Microbial Pollution Example: Pathogen
Contamination
E. coli Outbreaks
In many regions, runoff from agricultural operations or
inadequate sewage treatment can introduce pathogens
like E. coli into water bodies.
Plastic Pollution Example: Ocean
Plastics
Great Pacific Garbage

Patch
also known as the Pacific trash vortex, spans waters
from the West Coast of North America to Japan. The
patch is actually comprised of the Western Garbage
Patch, located near Japan, and the Eastern Garbage
Patch, located between the U.S. states of Hawai'i and
California.
Sources of Water
Pollution
1 Industrial Discharge 2 Agricultural Runoff
Wastewater from Fertilizers, pesticides, and
manufacturing, mining, and animal waste from agricultural
other industrial processes can activities can be washed into
contain a variety of pollutants, nearby water bodies, leading
including heavy metals, to nutrient enrichment and
organic compounds, and toxic microbial contamination.
chemicals.
3 Domestic Sewage 4 Oil Spills

Untreated or inadequately Accidental or intentional
treated human waste, release of oil and petroleum
containing pathogens, products into water bodies can
nutrients, and organic matter, have devastating impacts on
can be a significant source of aquatic ecosystems and
water pollution, particularly in wildlife.
developing countries.
Impact on Aquatic
Ecosystems
Habitat
1
Degradation
Water pollution can destroy or degrade the natural habitats of
aquatic organisms, such as coral reefs, wetlands, and river
ecosystems, leading to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem
function.
Toxicity and Bioaccumulation

2
Pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic
compounds, can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms,
leading to toxic effects and biomagnification up the food chain.
Eutrophication and Hypoxia

3
Excessive nutrient inputs can cause algal blooms and depletion of
dissolved oxygen, leading to the suffocation of aquatic life and the
collapse of entire ecosystems.
Impact on Human
Health
Waterborne Exposure to Toxic
Diseases Chemicals
Microbial contamination of Consumption of water or food
water can lead to the spread of contaminated by toxic
diseases, such as cholera, pollutants, such as heavy
typhoid, and dysentery, metals or persistent organic
particularly affecting compounds, can result in a
communities with limited access range of health issues, including
to clean water and sanitation. neurological problems, cancer,
and reproductive disorders.
Recreational Risks
Swimming, fishing, or engaging in other recreational activities in
polluted water bodies can increase the risk of skin irritation,
gastrointestinal illnesses, and other health problems.
Water Pollution Monitoring and
Assessment
Sample Collection Laboratory Analysis Data Interpretation Risk Assessment

Systematic collection of Advanced analytical Comprehensive analysis of Evaluating the potential risks
water samples from various techniques, such as water quality data, including posed by water pollution to
sources is the foundation of spectroscopy, trends and spatial variations, human health and aquatic
effective water quality chromatography, and is essential for understanding ecosystems is a critical step
monitoring and assessment. microbiology, are used to the extent and severity of in developing effective
identify and quantify the water pollution. mitigation strategies.
presence of pollutants in
water samples.
Strategies for Water Pollution
Prevention
Source Reduction
Minimizing the generation of pollutants at the source, through
improved industrial processes, agricultural practices, and waste
management, is a key strategy for preventing water pollution.
Wastewater
Treatment
The installation and maintenance of efficient wastewater
treatment facilities is essential for removing contaminants and
reducing the discharge of pollutants into water bodies.
Wetland Restoration
Natural wetlands can act as effective filters, removing nutrients,
sediments, and other pollutants from water before it reaches
larger water bodies, making them a valuable tool for water
pollution control.
Water Treatment
Technologies
Physical Treatment Filtration, sedimentation, and
aeration to remove suspended
solids and particulates.
Chemical Treatment Disinfection with chlorine or ozone,

and coagulation/flocculation to
remove dissolved contaminants.
Biological Treatment The use of microorganisms to break

down organic matter and remove
nutrients from wastewater.
Advanced Treatment Membrane filtration, ion exchange,

and advanced oxidation processes
to remove trace pollutants and
contaminants of emerging concern.
Policies and Regulations for Water
Protection
International National Legislation Local Initiatives
Agreements
Global initiatives, such as the Many countries have enacted laws Community-based efforts, such as
United Nations Sustainable and regulations, such as the Clean watershed management programs
Development Goals and the Water Act in the United States, the and public-private partnerships,
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Water Framework Directive in the can play a crucial role in
provide a framework for countries European Union, and the Water addressing water pollution
to cooperate in addressing (Prevention and Control of challenges at the local level,
transboundary water pollution Pollution) Act in India, to set tailoring solutions to specific
issues. standards and enforce water environmental and social contexts.
quality protection.
Conclusion
Water pollution is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to
address. By understanding the types, sources, and impacts of water pollution, and by implementing a range of
prevention and treatment strategies, we can work towards a future where our precious water resources are
protected and preserved for generations to come. As individuals, communities, and global citizens, we all have a
role to play in this critical endeavor.
THANK
YOU!!!
“We never know the worth of water till the
well is dry.” -Thomas

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Water Pollution

Great Pacific Garbage

3 Domestic Sewage 4 Oil Spills

Toxicity and Bioaccumulation

Eutrophication and Hypoxia

Sample Collection Laboratory Analysis Data Interpretation Risk Assessment

Chemical Treatment Disinfection with chlorine or ozone,

Biological Treatment The use of microorganisms to break

Advanced Treatment Membrane filtration, ion exchange,

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