Causes of Water Pollution

Water has always been one of the most important natural resources on the planet. In fact, the water we drink has existed in some form or another since the time of the dinosaurs.

More than two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered in water. This equates to 1,260,000,000,000,000,000,000 liters of water dispersed over the oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Although this is a large amount of water, only about 0.3 percent of it is suitable for human consumption. That number has decreased as commercialization and industrialization have developed. Water contamination has also been caused by inefficient and obsolete techniques, a lack of understanding, and a variety of other factors.

What is water pollution of water?

The polluting of water bodies is known as water pollution. Water pollution occurs when industrial and agricultural effluents contaminate water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, and aquifers.

When water becomes contaminated, it has a negative impact on all life forms that rely on it, whether directly or indirectly. Contamination of water will have long-term consequences.

Water Pollution Sources

The following are the main causes of water pollution in India:

• Urbanization.

• Deforestation.

• Effluents from industry

• Religious and social customs

• Detergents and fertilizers are used

• Insecticides and pesticides are used in agricultural run-offs

• A Modern Epidemic of Water Pollution

Water Pollution Causes

Toxic chemical poisoning of water bodies is one of the most common causes of water pollution. Dumped plastic bottles, tins, water cans, and other waste damage aquatic bodies, as seen in the example above. This leads to water contamination, which is harmful to not only humans but the entire ecosystem. Toxins released by these contaminants make their way up the food chain, eventually affecting humans. In most situations, the result is merely harmful to local populations and species, but it can also have a worldwide influence.

Every year, over 6 billion kg of waste is dumped in the oceans. Other types of undesired items, in addition to industrial effluents and untreated sewage, are thrown into numerous water bodies. Nuclear waste to oil spills, the latter of which can render enormous areas uninhabitable, are examples.

Water Pollution’s Consequences

The impact of water pollution is determined by the type and concentration of contaminants. The location of water bodies is also an essential element in determining pollution levels.

The water bodies near metropolitan areas are very polluted. This is the result of industrial and commercial businesses dumping rubbish and harmful substances.

Water pollution has a significant impact on aquatic life. It alters their metabolism and behavior, as well as causing illness and death. Dioxin is a toxin that can cause a variety of issues, ranging from infertility to cancer. Fish, chicken, and meat bioaccumulate this chemical. Before reaching the human body, chemicals like these go up the food chain.

Water pollution can have a significant impact on the food chain. It throws the food chain off. Cadmium and lead are hazardous chemicals that, once introduced into the food chain via animals (fish ingested by animals, humans), can cause further disruption at greater levels.

Pollution affects humans, and diseases such as hepatitis can be contracted through fecal matter in water sources. Infectious disorders such as cholera can always be caused by poor drinking water treatment and unsuitable water.

Water pollution has the potential to negatively impact, modify, and destructure the environment.

Minamata Incident

Minamata Disease – Water Pollution

One of the worst incidents of water pollution was the Minamata Incident.

In 1932, a plant in Minamata City, Japan, began dumping methylmercury-laced industrial effluent into the neighboring harbor and sea. Methylmercury is extremely harmful to both people and animals, causing a variety of neurological problems.

Its negative consequences were not immediately apparent. However, this all changed when methylmercury began to bioaccumulate in Minamata Bay shellfish and fish. The local people then caught and ate the impacted creatures. The dangers of methylmercury were quickly discovered.

Animals such as cats and dogs were initially afflicted. The city’s cats would frequently convulse and make weird noises before passing away, giving rise to the term “dancing cat illness.” People began to exhibit the same symptoms, however the source was unknown at the time.

Other patients who were impacted displayed signs of acute mercury poisoning, such as ataxia, muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination, speech and hearing problems, and so on. Paralysis happened in severe cases, followed by coma and death. These diseases and deaths persisted for about 36 years before the government and organization could formally acknowledge them.

Since then, the Japanese government has implemented a number of water pollution management measures in order to prevent future environmental disasters.

Ganges River Pollution

Some rivers, lakes, and groundwater have become unsafe for human consumption. The Ganges River in India is the world’s sixth most polluted river. Hundreds of surrounding enterprises discharge their effluents into the river, so this is unsurprising. Furthermore, religious activities near the shore, such as burials and cremations, contribute to pollution. Apart from the environmental consequences, this river offers a severe health danger, as it can spread diseases such as typhoid and cholera.

The Ganges’ pollution is also driving some of the river’s unique biodiversity to extinction. The Ganges River shark, which belongs to the Carcharhiniformes group, is a severely endangered species. Another endangered dolphin species found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers’ tributaries is the Ganges River dolphin.

According to a survey, over 4 billion people will be without water by the end of 2026. Approximately 1.2 billion people globally do not have access to safe drinking water or adequate sanitation. Water-related difficulties are also estimated to kill about 1000 youngsters in India each year. Although groundwater is a vital supply of water, it is also subject to pollution. As a result, water pollution is a critical social issue that must be addressed immediately.

Conclusion

A variety of strategies can be used to control water pollution to a greater extent. Rather than dumping sewage waste into bodies of water, it is preferable to treat it first. By doing so, the original toxicity can be reduced, and the leftover compounds can be destroyed and rendered harmless by the water body itself. Water that has undergone secondary treatment can then be reused in sanitary systems and agricultural fields.

The Water Hyacinth is a unique plant that can absorb dissolved hazardous substances like cadmium and other metals. Establishing them in areas prone to such pollution will greatly lessen the negative consequences.