Table of Contents
What is water pollution?
Water is the life-giving stream that is given to all creatures, craving to grow and live. Due to this very reason, water is the most important item which is exploited by humans so far.
Nearly 70% of our blue planet is covered by water out of which only 3% exists as a pure source of water. But, even this 3% is not available to us. 0.5% of water is only affordable. The values are given a shocking reminder about the sacred quantity of water we possess.
Even in this circumstance, we are trying to remove the soil under our feet. Yes, water pollution. Addition of any undesirable substances or factors which degrades the quality of water is known as water pollution.
This contamination of water usually occurs due to human activities. It leaves the water useless.
What are the causes of water pollution?
The causes of water pollution are many. Before discussing the cause for water pollution, the most important term which we should discuss is water pollutant.
Water pollutants can be defined as a physical, chemical, or biological factor causing a detrimental effect on aquatic life and, at the same time, on those who consume the water.
Under certain situations, even useful substances turn out into pollutants. Now, let us discuss the causes of water pollution in detail.
Industrial wastes
One of the major causes of water pollution nowadays is the deposition of the industrial waste directly into water bodies. The waste materials mainly from industries, factories, and mills get discharged into freshwater bodies. It includes dirt, trash, chemicals, weed, papers, etc.
The industrial waste can be hazardous or non-hazardous, in both cases, it degrades the quality of water. The intensity of water pollution increases mainly after the advancement of industrialization and is the main reason for these industrial wastes.
It affects not only humans but also aquatic life and creatures who dependents on them. Most often a pump is directly connected from the industry to the water bodies for its discharge without any treatment.
Mining
Water bodies near mining areas are often found unsuitable for human consumption. Mining causes a very drastic impact on the environment mainly on water bodies. People who live near mining sites are forced to carry water from faraway lands for their daily needs. Water appears yellow, blue, or sometimes green in those areas.
Aquatic life is also at risk that dead fishes are a common scene in such areas. The major impact of mining is on ground and surface waters. Discharge of untreated mine water and solid waste pollutes the water to its extreme. Due to the increased technologies machines can handle a large number of areas and rocks at the same time, hence contributing largely towards water pollution.
Sewage and waste water
When we criticize industries and factories for water pollution, usually we try to ignore our contribution to water pollution. Sometimes our own households act as industries discharging wastes directly to water bodies. This domestic or municipal wastewater is called sewages.
It consists of a high concentration of chemicals like ammonium, nitrate. A high PH value between 7 and 8 makes the water alkaline. Sewage and wastewater discharge change the color of water brown, grey, and even black since it carries pieces of soaps, detergents, toilet papers, human wastes, etc.
Sediments
Sediments are sand, clay, or other soil particles which settle at the bottom of the water body. Sediments are usually formed as a result of soil erosion. But how sediments contribute to water pollution? It reduces the quality of water, gives water a bad odor and taste. Sediments are highly rich in nutrients and thus cause algal bloom.
Oil spills
When water gets polluted with oil, the situation becomes so worse. The main reason is that oil cannot dissolve in water; forms a slush in water and pose difficulty for recovery or cleanup. This is a great threat to aquatic life.
This usually happens when an oil spill occurs from large containers, splashing a huge amount of oil into the ocean. Human beings are the only ones responsible for this catastrophe. Studies show that survival for oil-soaked birds is less than one percent.
Eutrophication and algal bloom
Eutrophication is a natural process and contributes highly to water pollution. When water bodies get loaded with high and unlimited nutrients, it affects the quality of water in a very adverse way. This will result in altered color, smell, and taste of water. At the same time, this becomes a reason for the elimination of desired fishes and other aquatic creatures.
Algal bloom, another dangerous phenomenon that takes place as a result of eutrophication. An algal bloom is the rapid spread and accumulation of algae in freshwater bodies. The harmful toxins released from these algae pollute water and at the same time consume most of the oxygen.
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides
In this modern era of agriculture, we cannot imagine farming without fertilizers and pesticides. These items are the most threatening water pollutants. It contains harmful toxins and is transferred into water bodies mainly through irrigation.
This eventually makes the freshwater bodies a sea of toxins or poison. In this situation how can one use water from the river to clean his hands? Even when a large number of pesticides are banned, it is not at all out of use. The result of water pollution by these chemicals will be chronic diseases, not only for humans but for all living creatures and finally results in death.
Global warming
Global warming also contributes to water pollution. Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the world due to the greenhouse effect. When the average temperature increases, the temperature in the water bodies will also rise gradually. The rise in temperature causes coral bleaching of reefs and the death of aquatic animals.
Different types of Water Pollution
Based on the source of water pollution, we can classify water pollution into point source and non-point source
Point source pollution
Under this category, the source of water pollution is already known. For example, when the public and government know or identify a nearby factory as the source for water pollution of a particular river, then we can say that the factory is a point source for water pollution.
Here, pollutants are usually collected by a network of pipes and discharged to a single spot. In this case, finding solutions is easier, since we know the root of the cause. Removing or cleaning the point source will thus help us to control or eradicate water pollution.
Non point source pollution
When we are unaware of the exact source of water pollution, then we can say that the water pollution occurs at a particular place due to a non-point.
When an entire becomes the source for pollution, we fail to predict the exact source for water pollution. In this case, solving the issue of water pollution is much more complicated, here we do not know the exact reason for the pollution.
Runoff from fields and roads can be considered as examples. So, compared to point sources non-point sources create problems in solving the issues of water pollution.
Agricultural pollution
Agricultural pollution is a major non-point source of pollution and is a major source of water pollution. It contaminates pure drinking water. Agricultural pollutants affect the water quality and the traces of pollutants are visible in lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
Modern farming overuses fertilizers and pesticides and its hazardous effects are also unlimited. These extremely toxic substances enter water bodies kill fishes, alter the color, smell, the taste of water, promote algal bloom and thus pollute water to the extreme.
Sediment pollution
Sediments are another non-point source that pollutes water. Usually, sediments are formed as an after-effect of soil erosion. Even if sediment formation is a natural process it causes turbidity, absorbs pollutants from water. It finally blocks sunlight from water and increases the ill effects of water pollution.
When water becomes opaque, aquatic plants and animals will not get enough sunlight for their survival. Chemicals dissolved in the sediments convert water into a poisonous source.
Microbiological water pollution
Water pollution caused by harmful microorganisms in the water is known as microbiological water pollution. These microorganisms and pathogens contaminate water and affect the health of humans, aquatic plants, and aquatic animals.
Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are the main microorganisms. The source of microbiological pollution is often inadequately treated human sewage or industrial waste directly into lakes and rivers. Algal bloom and turbidity of water increase the bacterial quantity.
Waterborne diseases like typhoid, cholera dysentery are the result of these harmful pathogens and microorganisms.
Effects of Water Pollution
Whatever may be the effects, the result of water pollution is drastic. But, the way it affects different lives on earth will be different. So, let us check the effects of water pollution.
Disease
One of the direct effects of water pollution is diseases. Contaminated water will spread the disease for sure. The chemicals and harmful elements in the polluted water give birth to water-borne diseases, which affect not only humans but also plants and animals.
Some of the common water-borne diseases are Cholera, Diarrhea, Typhoid, Amoebiasis, Dysentery, Schistosomiasis, Hepatitis, and Dracunculiasis. Lead poisoning is another drastic effect of water pollution.
The polluted water with high lead content is dangerous for consumption. It will cause a buildup of lead in the body and is known as lead poisoning.
Loss of Aquatic Life
When water gets polluted, the first living organisms to suffer its detrimental effects are aquatic flora and fauna. Without water these aquatic organisms cannot survive, so anything which disturbs their aquatic environment will pose a threat to their life.
The pollutants change the PH level of water at first and make the water unsuitable for them to live. In polluted water, chances for eutrophication and algal bloom are high. Uncontrolled growth of this algae will result in oxygen depletion. Also, as we discussed above, oil spills also block the path of sunlight to water. A large number of fishes is killed every year due to water pollution.
Disturbance in the food chain
Water pollution disrupts the food chain and creates an imbalance. The pollutants which contaminate the water are usually high in chemicals like lead and cadmium. These chemical substances remain in the water bodies for a long time that these are consumed by fishes living in these water bodies. The pollutants thus enter fishes, which are again consumed by birds or other larger fishes. Thus, these harmful chemicals, which enter the water, travel through the entire food chain and persist, even in high-level consumers like humans. So, when we deposit harmful substances chances are high that these chemicals will eventually reach us.
Effects on agriculture
As we discussed above agricultural pollution is one of the causes which pollutes freshwater bodies. But, at the same time polluted water affects crop production and various agricultural methods. The main step in the field of agriculture-related to water is irrigation.
Irrigating crops with polluted water can adversely affect the growth and production of crops. People who irrigate fields with this contaminated water will also be affected.
The farmers are likely to suffer from skin diseases, irritation, diarrhea, etc. Also, the final products from the field when washed with chemically polluted water it adds to the problem.
Does Water Pollution affect Climate Change?
The oceans hold about 96.5% of all Earth’s water. So, oceans are the mighty source of water. Along with this huge source of water, oceans are the major absorbent of carbon dioxide. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide mainly through diffusion from atmosphere and photosynthesis in aquatic plants. Aquatic plants are mainly plankton and algae.
Therefore, factors affecting these planktons and algae will have a bad effect on climate change and the environment. Water pollution is a major threat to the existence of aquatic plants. When oceans get polluted, pollutants destroy these aquatic plants and seriously impact the balance of oxygen production. This results in the formation of large areas of dead zones where no life can survive due to the absence of oxygen.
Water Pollution Solution
Prevention is better than cure! Now, the drastic effects of water pollution are clear to us. So, it is better to avoid chances for water pollution. Some of the prevention methods are listed here
Stop dumping
Dumping a huge amount of waste to clean and clear water sources is a pathetic activity. Without stopping the dumping of waste materials into water sources we cannot prevent water pollution by any means.
Marine dumping into the ocean consists of highly toxic materials and huge man-made structures. This results in the death of aquatic animals and also causes health issues in humans.
Dumping of nuclear waste in the water is also a threat and is hazardous to all forms of life. Usually, nuclear wastes are the wastes from medical laboratories or nuclear power plants or produced from processes including radioactive material.
Maintain septic tanks
Improper maintenance of septic tanks can be a reason for water pollution. Leakage from the septic tanks can pollute groundwater with human waste, thus making the water unsuitable for any purpose.
Failed septic tanks contaminate groundwater with excess nutrients like nitrogen and provide a breeding area for viruses and bacteria like E Coli. Also, make sure that the well located at a proper distance from the tank to avoid contamination of drinking water.
Dispose pesticides and fertilizers properly
Major water pollutants of this era without any doubt are pesticides and fertilizers. Generally, this is associated with agricultural pollution. Fertilizers and pesticides applied to the crops are not absorbed completely. These chemicals get mixed with water mainly through irrigation and finally reach the nearby water body.
Shifting to organic farming will limit the use of these chemicals. Adding a conservation buffer full of trees and shrubs will help in absorption a d prevent them from reaching the water bodies. Also, we must try to apply the right amount of fertilizers.
Artificial pesticides used by farmers containing harmful chemicals often get mixed with groundwater, so using natural pesticides can control and prevent pesticide water pollution.
Avoid using Plastic
Plastics are very difficult to decompose and may persistent on earth for more than 1000 years and continue to pollute the earth. These days oceans and rivers are filled with plastic bottles, cans, etc. Its ill effect on aquatic life is huge.
So, prevent disposing of plastic from water sources. The first to stop this is by avoiding plastic use. Using a cloth bag for shopping can be the first step.
Stop buying packed water bottles from the shop. Thus a decrease in the availability of plastic will save our water bodies.
Report Polluters
We, people, can prevent water pollution to an extent. Reporting polluters to the law can help to limit pollution. Strict laws and cooperation from the public save water and aquatic life and finally, it helps us.
The role of awareness in stopping water pollution is large. Areas like slums have a large number of uneducated people and whose pathetic conditions force them to follow a very unhygienic lifestyle.
So educating them about the importance of water and various ways by which water gets polluted will help them to keep water pure. This will give them health and access to pure water sources. So, awareness is an important way to prevent water pollution.
Wastewater Treatment
Even when prevention measures are there, we should find solutions to treat water that is already polluted with pollutants. Wastewater treatment is the method by which harmful substances from the water are removed through a physical, chemical, or biological process.
Industries release wastewater without proper treatment and discharge it directly to water bodies. In wastewater management system processes like coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection converts polluted water toxic-free.
Reduce Air Pollution
As we stated above oceans are the largest sink of carbon dioxide. Thus we contaminate water bodies since a large amount of carbon dioxide is human-induced. Thus, preventing air pollution can in turn reduce water pollution.
The burning of fossil fuels emits harmful substances like sulfur and nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere. These toxic elements end up in water bodies through precipitation. Acid rain is an important example.
Water pollution in India
Pollution is not restricted to a particular area, so like all the other places around the world, India is also affected by pollution. It is said that 80% of India’s water is polluted.
Rivers are the most dynamic ecosystem which executes the primary function of transporting water. Whenever we think about the pure and water sources of India, the first sacred river of prime importance is river Ganga.
The water of the Ganga is traditionally been considered a valuable and precious gift of nature. Instant development in recent decades of industry and agricultural sector of India resulted in the degradation of the sacred river.
The Ganga basin is one of the most densely populated river basins of the world. Stretching from the Himalayan foothill to the Bay of Bengal the river provides water to nearly half a billion people. People of India have an emotional connection with the river and is the main part of Indian history.
Studies show that water-borne diseases kill 1.5 million children every year. The main reason for this waterborne disease is the polluted rivers like the Ganges. Even superbugs are identified in the water of Ganga which is a bacterium with high resistance towards antibiotics. T
The sewage and industrial wastes from paper mills and sugar mills are the main pollutants of the river. Even if billions of rupees were spent in the name of the ‘Namami Ganga’ project’ a significant change in the water quality of the river is absent.
The government of India has set up a powerful body for the restoration of Ganga named NMCG with motives to clean water and its continuous flow thereby protecting geological features and aquatic biodiversity.
National Mission for Clean Ganga completes 22 projects and sanctions 17 new projects amounting to Rs 557.83 crores. Even the whole project is aimed at restoring a single river; we cannot say that Ganga is totally restored. These force us to think about the intensity and depth of effects caused by water pollution to water bodies.