Water pollution definition - type Causes effect

 

Water pollution is an important problem worldwide when waste enters nature such as rivers, lakes and seas. Contaminated waters are harmful to aquatic ecosystems, human lives and the environment as such. There are various sources of water pollution such as industrial effluents, runoff from agriculture, poor waste disposal and storm water from towns and cities.

* Water pollution occurs as a result of various    industrial activities, where mercury, lead, toxic chemicals and oil spills, among others,   are released into the water. Such pollutants   can disrupt the balance in aquatic ecosystems and affect fish, flora and other creatures. Some other substances also  accumulate along the food chain and become  a threat to human lives once contaminated seafood is eaten.

* In a specific case, for example, agricultural     flush water forming pesticides, fertilizers and manure contributes greatly to the problem of water pollution. These substances can contribute to the eutrophication of water systems and subsequently to the harmful growth of algae. These blooms, which are toxic to aquatic life and can lead to water contamination, consume oxygen.

* First, improper disposal of waste, whether domestic or industrial, introduces pollutants such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, etc. into water sources. This is of particular concern as plastics are non-biodegradable and therefore take a very long time to break down, impacting marine life and ecosystems. Contamination of water resources may also occur due to pharmaceuticals, which indirectly affects aquatic life and human health.

* Another concern related to urban stormwater runoff involves contaminants such as heavy metals, oil and silt being washed into water systems. Increasing impervious surfaces worsen urban runoff and thus increase the occurrence of pollutants.

* Water pollution leads to more serious long-term effects than damage limited to the environment alone. Safe drinking water is compromised by polluted sources, leading to health problems for more than 50 percent of the world's population. The pollution of this water provides a favorable environment for water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, and this has led to the wide spread of these health problems, especially in developing countries that do not have proper sanitation measures.

*  The fight against water pollution has been achieved through laws and regulations, technology and public education. Governments usually set rules that limit industrial discharges on their own site and how the waste is disposed of. Improved waste treatment is aimed at ensuring that the water is free of impurities so that it can be reintroduced to nature. In addition, creating awareness about responsible waste management and sustainable practices helps to stop further pollution.

Finally, water pollution is a complex problem that affects a number of ecosystems, human health as well as their environment. This problem requires individual efforts of people, different sectors and other governing bodies to adopt environmental protection; reduce pollution and protect water for future generations.