WATER POLLUTION

It is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced into water
bodies such as lakes, rivers, and seas. These contaminants are generally introduced by
human activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills.
Common water pollutants:
- Industrial waste may include organic compounds, heavy metals, nutrients, or
radioactive material.
- Marine dumping
- Solid wastes, wastewater, and sewage that escape outdated treatment plants pose a
threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems, introducing hazardous compounds
and pathogens into waterways.
- Oil leaks and oil spills are high-profile examples of water pollution.
- Greenhouse gases can affect water quality. When the ocean absorbs the CO2, it
turns to be inhospitable for certain creatures.
How water pollution affects the environment:
- The chemicals and nutrients enter the water system and make it undrinkable and
dangerous for plant and animal life. In turn, this affects the ecosystem of the area
and kills off important organisms. Nutrient pollution in a stream, lake, or river can
create toxins that kill off fish. Without enough fish in the water, it can become
permanently soiled and the entire ecosystem can collapse.
How water pollution affects the human:
- The disinfectants are often flushed into drinking water. When these are combined
with toxic algae, the pollution leads to the creation of dioxins. Dioxins are chemical
compounds that cause cancer and reproductive issues.
- Another serious issue caused by water pollution is something called blue-baby
syndrome. This happens when babies drink water that’s contaminated with nitrates
and are unable to breathe properly. If untreated, it can lead to early death.
How can we solve it:
- Use fewer chemicals to clean your home, never put something that isn't
biodegradable down the drain, conserve as much water as possible and don’t flush
medication or trash.