Causes of water pollution

water pollution

Water pollution can come from a number of different sources. If the pollution comes from a single source, such as an oil spill, it is called point-source pollution. If the pollution comes from many sources, it is called no point-source pollution.

Most types of pollution affect the immediate area surrounding the source. Sometimes the pollution may affect the environment hundreds of miles away from the source, such as nuclear waste, this is called Tran boundary pollution.

Domestic households, industrial and agricultural practices produce wastewater that can cause pollution of many lakes and rivers.

· Sewage is the term used for wastewater that often contains faces, urine and laundry waste.

· There are billions of people on Earth, so treating sewage is a big priority.

· Sewage disposal is a major problem in developing countries as many people in these areas don’t have access to sanitary conditions and clean water.

· Untreated sewage water in such areas can contaminate the environment and cause diseases such as diarrhea.

· Sewage in developed countries is carried away from the home quickly and hygienically through sewage pipes.

· Sewage is treated in water treatment plants and the waste is often disposed into the sea.

· Sewage is mainly biodegradable and most of it is broken down in the environment.

· In developed countries, sewage often causes problems when people flush chemical and pharmaceutical substances down the toilet. When people are ill, sewage often carries harmful viruses and bacteria into the environment causing health problems.

Industry is a huge source of water pollution, it produces pollutants that are extremely harmful to people and the environment.

· Many industrial facilities use freshwater to carry away waste from the plant and into rivers, lakes and oceans.

· Pollutants from industrial sources include:

o Asbestos – This pollutant is a serious health hazard and carcinogenic. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, intestinal cancer and liver cancer.

o Lead – This is a metallic element and can cause health and environmental problems. It is a non-biodegradable substance so is hard to clean up once the environment is contaminated. Lead is harmful to the health of many animals, including humans, as it can inhibit the action of bodily enzymes.

o Mercury - This is a metallic element and can cause health and environmental problems. It is a non-biodegradable substance so is hard to clean up once the environment is contaminated. Mercury is also harmful to animal health as it can cause illness through mercury poisoning.

o Nitrates – The increased use of fertilizers means that nitrates are more often being washed from the soil and into rivers and lakes. This can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments.

o Phosphates - The increased use of fertilizers means that phosphates are more often being washed from the soil and into rivers and lakes. This can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments.

o Sulphur – This is a non-metallic substance that is harmful for marine life.

o Oils – Oil does not dissolve in water, instead it forms a thick layer on the water surface. This can stop marine plants receiving enough light for photosynthesis. It is also harmful for fish and marine birds.

o Petrochemicals – This is formed from gas or petrol and can be toxic to marine life.

Preventing:

If you want to help keep our waters clean, there are many things you can do to help. You can prevent water pollution of nearby rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following some simple guidelines in your everyday life.

· Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount f contaminated water that needs treatment.

· Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don't throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain.

· Use environmentally household products, such as washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.

· Take great care not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.

· By having more plants in your garden you are preventing fertilizer, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources.

Don't throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.