Water Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Prevention.

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, often due to human activities. Common pollutants include agricultural runoff, industrial waste, sewage, heavy metals, and hazardous chemicals. These pollutants can have severe effects on human health, leading to diseases like typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis, and can also disrupt entire ecosystems, causing significant environmental damage. Preventing water pollution involves measures like controlling the use of pesticides and fertilizers, properly treating industrial waste, establishing water quality standards, and ensuring correct sewage disposal. Understanding and mitigating water pollution is essential for protecting both human health and the environment.

1. Water Pollution S. Nahidha Begum II. M.Sc Microbiology Sacred Heart College

2. What is Water Pollution? What is Water Pollution? Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, and groundwater, by harmful substances. These pollutants, which include agricultural runoff (fertilizers and pesticides), sewage, heavy metals, chemical waste, and hazardous materials, negatively affect the health of humans, plants, and animals.

3. Sources of Water Pollution Sources of Water Pollution Water pollution can be categorized into two main types: Point Source Pollution: This involves pollutants discharged from a specific, identifiable source, such as pipes, ditches, drains, and vessels. Non-Point Source Pollution: This type of pollution comes from dispersed and unconnected sources, such as agricultural runoff, rainwater carrying pollutants from roads, and erosion of sediments .

4. Causes of Water Pollution Causes of Water Pollution Agricultural Runoff: Contains pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and other substances. Contaminated Land Runoff: Runoff and leaching from polluted lands. Mining and Construction: Silt, dust, and other pollutants from mining, quarrying, construction, and demolition. Disused Mines : Discharge of polluted groundwater from abandoned mines .

5. Causes of Water Pollution Improper Waste Disposal : Incorrect waste pipe connections leading to contamination. Transport-Related Pollutants : Oil, brake fluid, rubber, metal particles, and detergents from vehicles. Roof Runoff : Heavy metals and other pollutants washed from roofs. Animal Waste: Faeces from animals like dogs and birds.

6. Effects of Water Pollution Effects of Water Pollution Human Health: Consuming polluted water can lead to diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis. Environmental Impact: Can cause the collapse of entire ecosystems if not managed properly.

7. Diseases caused by water pollution Diseases caused by water pollution: Cholera Dysentery. Poliomyelitis Arsenicosis Giardiasis Respiratory tract infection Ameobiasis Typhoid Fever

8. How to prevent Water pollution How to prevent Water pollution ? Controlled Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers: Reducing the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture. Ban on Non-Biodegradable Substances : Prohibiting the use of substances that do not break down easily. Water Quality Standards : Establishing nationwide standards for acceptable water contaminants.

9. How to prevent Water pollution Proper Sewage Disposal: Ensuring sewage waste is treated and disposed of correctly. Industrial Waste Treatment: Treating industrial wastewater before it is released into water bodies. Regular Chlorination: Chlorinating drinking water to kill harmful microorganisms and ensure safety.

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