Environmental Impacts of Water

Pollution
What are the environmental
impacts of water pollution?
What are the environmental
impacts of water pollution?
 Eutrophication
Eutrophication refers to natural or
artificial addition of nutrients to
bodies of water and to the effects of
the added nutrients.
It results in changes in water pH,
dissolved oxygen, ammonia,
nitrates/nitrites and phosphates.
There are two types of eutrophication
which are cultural and natural
eutrophication.
Eutrophication
 Deoxygenation
Deoxygenation refers to the
depletion in the amount of dissolved
oxygen in a water body with
potential to cause stress and even
death for aquatic plants and animals.
Deoxygenation is caused by
bacterial overload, organic overload
and pollution.
 Coral Reef Destruction
Coral reefs are an important environmental indicator
of water quality because their tolerance ranges are
small.
According to the Catlin Seaview Survey of 2012, 80%
of the Caribbean coral reef has been lost in 50 years
as a result of costal development and pollution.
Coral reef are now threatened by global warming,
ocean acidification.
A report prepared by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature and the United Nations
Environmental Programme found that most
Caribbean reefs will disappear in 20 years.
Coral Reef Destruction
Coral Reef Destruction
 Fish Kills
Fish survive under specific
environmental conditions.
For example when nitrate
concentrations exceed 10mg/l it will
have an effect on fresh water aquatic
environment.
Fish Kills
 Public Heath Issues
Water borne epidemics and health
hazards can arise through improper
management and use of water
resources.
Public Health Issues