Water Pollution

Hydrology
Water Pollution
Introduction
Causes
Agricultural causes
Domestic Causes
Industrial Causes
Solutions

1. WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and
groundwater). This form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or
indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful
compounds. Water pollution affects the entire biosphere – plants and organisms living in these
bodies of water. In almost all cases the effect is damaging not only to individual species and
population, but also to the natural biological communities.

INDUSTRIAL WATER POLLUTION

Industrial water pollution is caused by the discharge of harmful chemicals and compounds into
water, which makes it unsuitable for drinking and other purposes.
Since the industrial revolution, we have achieved a lot; our manufacturing processes have
become more efficient and productive. But it also brought with them a wide spectrum of
problems, water pollution being one of them.

CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL WATER POLLUTION

 Lack of Stringent Policies
There are lack of strict pollution control policies in many countries of the world.
In many countries, policies are there, but the apathy of the enforcement authorities
has allowed industries to take such laws for granted and bypass them easily.
 Use of Outdated Technologies
some industries still rely on old and outdated technologies that produce a greater
amount of pollutants compared to modern technologies. Industries basically try to
avoid the high cost of modern technologies by using outdated technologies,
although these are known to be less efficient than modern technologies.
 Lack of Capital
In many countries, industrial water is not treated adequately before discharging it
into rivers or lakes. This is particularly true for small scale industries that do not
have enough capital to invest in pollution control equipment.
 Leaching of Resources from Mines
the extraction of minerals through mining and drilling causes industrial water
pollution. Mining and drilling operations make the land useless for agricultural
activities, and any accidental leakage can escape into the surrounding water and
then enter the ocean. Oil spills can pollute both the land and the sea. Wastes
generated during mining operations can increase the salt and mineral content of
water, and change its pH level. Mining pollutes both surface water ground water.

EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIAL WATER POLLUTION

2. 1

 EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM
Industrial water pollution can have far reaching effects on the ecosystem. The water used
in various industrial processes comes in contact with toxic chemicals, heavy metals,
organic sludge, and even radioactive sludge. So, when such polluted water is thrown into
the ocean or other water bodies without any treatment, they become unfit for any human
and agricultural use.

 THERMAL POLLUTION
radioactive sludge deposited at the bottom of water bodies can remain highly radioactive
for many decades, and pose serious health risks for people living nearby. Nuclear reactors
are also a major source of thermal pollution along with power plants. Thermal pollution
refers to an increase in ambient water temperature. It can have an adverse effect on
aquatic or marine life, as some organisms are extremely sensitive to slight changes in
temperature.

 EFFECTS OF EUTROPHICATION
When the nutrient content of water undergoes changes, it can disturb the delicate balance
of the ecosystem. For example, when the nutrient content of water increases, which is
known as eutrophication, it can promote algal bloom. Algal bloom can deplete the
oxygen content of water. Though algae produce oxygen in the daytime with the help of
photosynthesis, at night, they use the oxygen dissolved in water. Sometimes, this process
can reduce the oxygen content of water to such an extent that it can no longer support
aquatic life. Such hypoxic areas of ocean, where marine life cannot survive are known as
dead zones.

 EFFECT OF CHEMICALS

 Sulphur
This is a non-metallic substance that is harmful to marine life.

 Asbestos
This pollutant has cancer-causing properties. When inhaled, it can cause
illnesses such as asbestosis and some types of cancer.

 Lead and Mercury
These are metallic elements and can cause environmental and health
problems for humans and animals. It is also poisonous. It is very hard to
clean from environment.

 Nitrates and phosphates
These are found in fertilizers and washed from soil to nearby water bodies.
Then cause problem for marine life.

 Oils
Oils form thick layer on water and don’t allow passing light for
photosynthesis which cause death of animals.

3. 2



DOMESTIC SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION
Domestic Pollution is the pollution caused to the earth by domestic use. Sewage originating
primarily from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sources, waste from food preparation,
dishwashing, garbage, toilets, baths, showers, and sinks, etc.

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 areas
without access to sanitary conditions can contaminate the water, which can result with diseases.

DOMESTIC SOURCES:
Domestic sewage contains a wide variety of dissolved and suspended pollutants. The main
organic materials are food and vegetable wastes. Domestic sewage is also very likely to contain
disease-causing bacteria, which can travel on any waste. The various substances that we use for
keeping our houses clean add to water pollution because they contain harmful chemicals. Many
detergents and washing powders have phosphates which are used to soften the water, and do
many more things. These and other chemicals contained in washing powders affect the health of
all forms of life in the water.

EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC POLLUTION:
Bathers are at increased risk of catching any illness from bacteria and viruses in the sewage
effluent. Shellfish breathe water through their gills, but have to strain to trap microscopic plants
and animals for food. If the water was contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, these could
be consumed as food by shellfish. When eaten raw or somewhat cooked, these shellfish can
make people sick. Certain fish in contaminated waters can develop high levels of toxic
substances. When these foods are taken in frequently over a lifetime, they may increase the risk
of unwanted health effects. Detergents can cause liver and kidney damage, while sewage water
carries diseases that may be extremely harmful to the human body, and all of the sea life around
the area.

AGRICULTURAL SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution due to agricultural runoff refers to biotic and abiotic by products of farming
practices that result in contamination of water. The pollution may come from a variety of
sources, ranging from point source pollution (from a single discharge point) to more diffuse,
landscape-level causes, also known as non-point source pollution.
Agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is the leading source of water quality impacts to
rivers and lakes.

MAIN SOURCES:
Runoff from barnyards, feedlots and cropland carries away manure, fertilizers, ammonia,
pesticides, livestock waste, oil, toxins from farm equipment, soil and sediment can cause
deficiency of oxygen in water, killing all of the animals and fish. Nitrates also soak into the
ground and end up in drinking water.

4. 3

Vegetable handling, especially washing in polluted surface waters in many developing countries,
leads to contamination of food supplies. Growth of aquaculture is becoming a major polluting
activity in many countries. Irrigation return flows carry salts, nutrients and pesticides. Tile
drainage rapidly carries leachates such as nitrogen to surface waters.

EFFECTS:
Health problems can occur as a result of this and they contribute to blue baby syndrome which
causes death in infants. Ammonia, pesticides as well as oil, degreasing agents, metals and other
toxins from farm equipment harm and kill aquatic life and animals and cause health problems
when they get into drinking water. Bacteria and parasites from animal waste can get into
drinking water which can cause illness and death.

SOLUTIONS:
• Soil Test: Test the soil to see the amount of fertilizer needed.
• Don't fertilize before a rain storm.
• Use organic fertilizers that release nutrients more slowly.
• Substitute biological methods for pesticides and never apply them near a well or water.
• Recycle oil, antifreeze, batteries, fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals and materials
as much as possible.
• Control runoff from exposed soil, feedlots and barnyards so that it doesn't get into
drinking water, streams and lakes.
• Keep barnyards and feedlots clean and routinely pick up livestock waste and dispose of it
properly.
• Maintain proper storage of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals and monitor
containers for leaks.

REFERENCES:

 http://www.bioenergyconsult.com/solid-waste-management-in-pakistan
 http://www.angelfire.com/nc/namicol/effects1.html
 http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/household-waste.html
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24511697
 http://mjcetenvsci.blogspot.com/2013/11/thermal-pullution-source-effects-and.html