Water and pollution
Water is an essential commodity which is necessary for the survival of all living organisms. Pollution is the contamination of existing resources causing instability and impairment to the ecosystem. Water pollution is of two types both physical and chemical nature. The issue of pollution, especially in water is a very sensitive topic that needs to be revisited, investigated and solved since it has undesirable side effects to living organisms. Pollution has been prevalent in recent times, not only to water but to all environmental resources. Pollution anon leads to severe environmental and health associated problems. It is thus for this reason that all forms of pollution should be managed through the use of set strategies.
Water occupies approximately 70% of the world’s surface. Water pollution could result in adverse effects for all living organisms since all organisms depend on it for continued existence (Tripathi & Pandey 4). Water pollution results from a number of factors. These vary from simple causes such as soil erosion, and extend to complex chemical pollutions such as industrial affluence and oil spillage. Water pollution can be viewed from different perspectives. The nature of pollution thus varies accordingly and hence the effects too also vary with the nature of pollution being discussed.
The main cause of water pollution and environmental pollution in general is human activities. Discharge of organic chemicals from factories or sewage plants contaminates water directly. Secondly, oil spills and leakages affect the water directly. This is as a result of reducing the amount of oxygen that the water receives. Additionally, simple domestic and hygienic activities such as bathing and washing result in water contamination in that once the contaminated water is runs off directly into water sources; it pollutes the water (Goel 5). Agricultural activities, the use of fertilizer and other chemicals excessively such as pesticides and liquid fertilizers, result in direct contamination of water. This happens with rain washing these chemicals as surface run off into large water sources.
Also these chemicals could infiltrate and perforate within the earth surface resulting in the contamination of underground water too. Thermal pollution is also another though not commonly considered form of water pollution. Industries and factories habitually use water from a natural source such as a stream to cool their machines and later dispose this heated water back to their original source. Finally, acid rain also pollutes water in a major way. Nature also plays a significant role in the pollution of water and other aspects of the environment too. Earthquakes and landslides result in soil particles contaminating water. Also eutrophication, though partly could also be attributed to nature since algae is natural and not manmade. Eutrophication results from fortification in nutrients of water sources resulting in an increased growth rate of algae (Tripathi & Pandey 18). This later on deprives the water ample oxygen.
Water pollution has affected both living organism and the environment negatively. Oil spillage for instance makes water unfit for drinking. Secondly, it deprives the aquatic life ample oxygen resulting in the death or migration of many. This results in an unbalanced equilibrium in the ecosystem (Agarwal 185). Chemicals that contaminate water also pose threats to aquatic life survival. Secondly, these chemicals could be fatal and consumption of the water that is contaminated would lead to the death of people. Contaminated water can also lead to the contraction of diseases like cholera and typhoid that are not only fatal but affecting people at an alarming rate. Also, heavy metal poisoning could result in abnormalities in the growth patterns of people. It could also affect certain organs such as the liver and the kidneys. Agricultural water pollution results in eutrophication which causes an overall bereavement or migration of aquatic organisms. Silt also causes the jamming of dams and a lot of finances are used to dredge these dams. Thermal pollution reduces the ability of water to retain oxygen.
There are numerous ways to contain water pollution. The UNEP proposes that as an alternative of treating the diseases caused by water pollution, caution should be taken so as to prevent any other repercussions that may result from water contamination (Helmer & Hespanhol 97). This calls for discipline by the people. First of all, planting of trees is an essential strep so as to reduce run off erosion pollution. Secondly, treatment of industrial waste and sewage before it is released into water sources. Thermal water pollution can be reduced through the use of water which can be recycled instead of being released directly back into the water sources. Secondly, a cooling mechanism can be devised by the manufacturers of industrial equipments. Reduced air pollution is also essential so as to contain acid rain and reduce it marginally. Controlled use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers is also essential in the water pollution control process.
Though the problem is already too large be completely eliminated, it can however be managed so as to reduce its adverse effects on the environment, human beings and other living organisms. Water pollution management steps have already commenced since the adverse effects of water pollution have been felt in various parts of the world. The education on disease prevention by boiling water and drinking clean water is also in progress especially in parts of Africa.
Work cited
Agarwal, S. K. Water Pollution. New Delhi: APH Publishing, 2005
Goel, P. K. Water pollution: Causes, Effects & Control. New Jersey: New Age International, 2006
Effects of Water Pollution. Buzzle (2010). Web.13th Feb 2011
Lenntech Water treatment & purification Holding B.V, Water pollution FAQ Frequently Asked Questions (1999- 2009) Web. 13th Feb 2011.
Tripathi, A.K, Pandey S. N. Water Pollution. New Delhi: APH Publishing, 2009.
Water Pollution Control – A Guide to the Use of Water Quality Management Principles Helmer, Richard. & Hespanhol, Ivanildo.. (1999). Web. 13th Feb 2011
