In this post we will assess common water pollutants , their effects on humans and strategies that can be enforced to minimize water pollution.
Most water pollution is contributed by human activities. Factories and manufacturing industries regularly expel hazardous chemicals and pollutants into adjacent water sources. Once the pollutants are in contact with water for drinking, it becomes unsafe for humans and wildlife.
Agriculture also considerably contributes to water pollution through the overspill of fertilizers, pesticides, and manure that can be released into nearby water sources i.e. rivers and lakes.This interferes with the aquatic system by depleting oxygen levels, causing abnormalities for marine organisms, poisoning due to the ingestion of toxins from chemicals released.
As a matter of fact, the release of industrial chemicals and heavy metals into the environment is deemed the most significant source of water pollution.
The common water sources of water pollution include:
- Pathogenic organisms
- Industrial chemicals
- Plastics
- Oils and tars
- Micro-organisms i.e bacteria, protozoa
Water quality varies extensively due to various factors such as the applied farming practices, local geological structure and industrial accessibility.
Sources of Water pollution
Water contamination can occur either at the source, through distribution systems or at the household level.
At the source, ground water contains higher quantities of minerals such as arsenic, nitrates , chloride etc in comparison to surface water. Surface water, on the other hand, usually contains more biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria etc and is more prone to contain industrial pollutants than ground water.
Along the distribution system – local water plants that make water accessible to various households and facilities, contaminants such as additives, heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel , zinc etc and chemicals can be added. In particular, chlorine which may be added to water for the destruction of certain pathogenic bacteria, can form toxic by-products when it reacts with organic materials to produce THMs that are associated with high risk of certain cancers.
At home, heavy metals such as lead , copper, cadmium, zinc can leach from pipes. They can cause health effects such as hypertension and respiratory illnesses.
Effects of water pollution
The contamination of water sources predisposes you to various health complications including gastro-intestinal disorders and respiratory illnesses. There is also the potential for unknown severe health effects.
In addition, water pollution can harm aquatic organisms, leading to a disrupted food chain and decreased bio-diversity. It can cause depleted oxygen levels, and the poisoning of marine organisms when they ingest toxins from chemicals released.
Water pollution also causes decreased water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes.
How to control water pollution
Water safety is crucial, especially water for drinking.To ensure water safety , you should:
- Use purification apparatus to eliminate certain contaminants.
- Seek professional assistance for water analysis if an issue is prospected.
- Treat water i.e. through chlorination or boiling to reduce pathogenic micro-organisms
On a larger scale,water pollution can be curbed by implementing stringent regulatory systems to administer and control the quantities of contaminants released into water sources. Sustainable farming practices alongside improved farming technologies should be promoted to limit chemical run-off into water sources. Creating public awareness on water pollution and its effects can also be effective to educate masses on how they can start by addressing water contamination at individual and household levels.
Water pollution is a notable concern that causes numerous potential challenges that not only affect humans beings, but other wildlife and organisms within the ecosystem. It is key that appropriate measures are undertaken –at individual, household and national levels, to mitigate the extent of water pollution, and prevent its related outcomes.The implementation of regulations that restrict industrial release of waste as well as training community members on the importance of water pollution can tackle the water pollution concern.