WATER POLLUTION

INTRODUCTION:Clean and plentiful water provides the foundation for prosperous communities. We rely on clean water to survive, yet right now we are heading towards a water crisis. Changing climate patterns are threatening lakes and rivers, and key sources that we tap for drinking water are being overdrawn or tainted with pollution. Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds. Water pollution affects plants and organisms living in these bodies of water. In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual species and populations, but also to the natural biological communities. It has been suggested that it is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases, and that it accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily. An estimated 700 million Indians have no access to a proper toilet, and 1,000 Indian children die of diarrheal sickness every day. Some 90% of China's cities suffer from some degree of water pollution, and nearly 500 million people lack access to safe drinking water. In addition to the acute problems of water pollution in developing countries, developed countries continue to struggle with pollution problems as well. SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION:Sewage (Waste Water) Sewage is another name for waste water from domestic and industrial processes. Despite strict regulatory control, the Environment Agency data shows that the water and sewage industry accounted for almost a quarter of the serious water incidents in England and Wales in 2006. Agricultural Pollution The agriculture industry covers 76% of the land area of England and Wales. Agricultural processes such as uncontrolled spreading of slurries and manure, disposal of sheep dip, tillage, ploughing of the land, use of pesticides and fertilizers can cause water pollution. Accidental spills from milk dairies can also affect the quality of water. Oil Pollution Every year there are about 3,000 pollution incidents involving oil and fuels in England and Wales. Oil spillages affect water quality in a number of ways. Oil can make drinking water unsafe to drink. A substantial amount of oil released into oceans and seas will destroy wildlife and the ecosystems that sustain them. Oil spills also reduce oxygen supplies within the water environment. The main causes of oil related water pollution are:

loss from storage facilities spillage during delivery and; deliberate disposal of waste oil to drainage systems

Radioactive Substances Radioactive waste is another source of water pollution. Radioactive substances are used in nuclear power plants, industrial, medical and other scientific processes. They can be found in watches, luminous clocks, television sets and x-ray machinery. There are also naturally occurring radioisotopes from organisms and within the environment. If not properly disposed of, radioactive waste can result in serious water pollution incidents. River dumping Lots of people dump supermarket trolleys, bicycles, garden cuttings and electronic waste into rivers or river banks. This is illegal and offenders may be charged for fly-tipping if caught. River dumping not only causes water pollution; it also harms wildlife and increases the risk of flooding. Fly-tipping (this includes river dumping) is a criminal offence. In the most severe cases, it can attract a maximum fine of 50,000 or a 5 year jail term. Marine Dumping The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) estimates that a staggering amount of waste enters into the sea every year. Part of this is due to deliberate dumping of waste into coastal waters. Other sources of waste at sea include plastics and other materials blown or washed from land. Marine dumping is illegal under international and UK legislation.

Sl.No. 1

Pollutants Zinc (Zn)

Copper (Cu)

Barium (Ba)

Iron (Fe)

Cadmium (Cd)

Mercury (Hg)

Lead (Pb)

Effects Zinc is essential element for humans, animal and plants. It is also an important cell component in several metalloenzymes. Infants need 35 mg/day, adult males 15 mg/day, pregnant and lactating females 2025 mg Zn/day. However, heavy doses of Zn salts (165 mg) for 26 days causes vomiting, renal damage, cramps, etc. Excess of Cu in human body (more than 470 mg) is toxic, may cause hypertension, sporadic fever, uremia, coma. Copper also produces pathological changes in brain tissue. However, Cu is an important cell component in several metalloenzymes. Lack of Cu causes anemia, growth inhibition and blood circulation problem. Excess of Ba (more than 100 mg) in human body may cause excessive salivation, colic, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors*, paralysis of muscles or nervous system, damage to heart and blood vessels. It is one of the essential mineral for humans and animals. Degree of absorption depends upon solubility and stability of compound. It is a component of blood cells and liveral metalloenzymes. However, more than 10 mg per kg of body weight causes rapid respiration and pulse rates, congestion of blood vessels, hypertension and drowsiness. It increases hazard of pathogenic organisms, as many of them require Fe for their growth. Cd is very toxic, 50 mg may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, loss of consciousness. It takes 510 years for chronic Cd intoxication. During first phase, discolouration of teeth, loss of sense of smell, mouth dryness occurs. Afterwards it may cause decrease of red blood cells, impairment of bone marrow, lumber pains, disturbance in calcium metabolism, softening of bones, fractures, skeletal deformations, damage of kidney, hypertension, tumor formation, heart disease, impaired reproductive function, genetic mutation, etc. Mercury is very toxic. Excess mercury in human body (more than 100 mg) may cause headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, destruction of hemoglobin, tremors*, very bad effects on cerebral functions and central nervous system, paralysis, inactivates functional proteins, damage of renal tissues, hyper coagulability of blood, mimamata disease, and even death. It may cause impairment of vision and muscles and even coma. It disturbs reproductive and endocrine system. Also causes insomnia, memory loss, gum inflammation, loosening of teeth, loss of appetite, etc. More than 400 mg of lead in human body can cause brain damage, Vomiting, loss of appetite, convulsions, uncoordinated body movements, helplessly amazed state, coma. It is retained in liver, kidney, brain, muscle, soft tissues, and bones. Leads to high rate of miscarriages, affects skin, and respiratory system, damages kidney, liver and brain cells. Disturbs endocrine system, causes anemia, and long term exposure may cause even death.

WATER POLLUTION PREVENTIONS There are several steps that can be taken to help prevent water pollution from getting worse. Conserve Soil Erosion is one of the biggest causes of water pollution today. When you take steps to conserve soil, you are also conserving water and water life. Planting vegetative covers, strict erosion management and implementing beneficial farming methods are just a few of the many possible approaches to soil conservation. Dispose of Toxic Chemicals Properly Its always a good idea to use lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) products in your home whenever possible. If you do use toxic chemicals, such as paints, stains or cleaning supplies, dispose of them properly. Paints can be recycled and oils can be reused after treatment. Proper disposal keeps these substances out of storm drains, water ways and septic tanks. Keep Machinery in Good Working Order Oil is one of the largest polluters of water in the world. Its estimated that just the transportation of oil is responsible for .0001 percent of oil contamination in water. Take steps to ensure you arent adding to this problem by repairing oil leaks in cars and machinery as soon as they are spotted. Clean up the residue and dispose of the used oils properly. Clean Up Beaches and Waterways Just picking up waste and litter wherever it is spotted can go a long way to keeping debris and pollutants out of the water. Do your part by taking your own trash, other wastes and any you see to a nearby disposal facility. Avoid Plastics When Possible Plastic bags in the ocean are a well documented water pollutant. Keep this problem from getting worse by changing to reusable grocery bags whenever possible. Get Active and Get Involved Is there a company near your home that releases heat, coolants or chemicals into a nearby waterway? You can get involved. Contact the EPA, local authorities or write letters to the heads of companies. Spreading an awareness of problems is a big first step toward combating them. While water pollution solutions may seem like too little, too late when viewed in the light of major oil spills and floating plastic bag islands they are necessary to prevent these problems from growing worse. Simply slowing down the rate of pollution can give the environment and

scientists time to find long-term solutions to the very real problems of water pollution. If you do your part to prevent pollution in your area, then youll be helping to protect aquatic life.