Water pollution is also known as aquatic pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities.
(Water body: it's any significant accumulation of water, generally on planet's surface.)
Water bodies include for example lekes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater.
Water pollution results when contaminants are introduced into the natural water bodies can lead to degradation of aquatic systems. It can cause harmful diseases that leads to death in both human and aquatic animals also.
It destroys aquatic ecosystems and cause many diseases. In sea we may have heard of oil leakage from the ships is also an example of marine water pollution it can harm the marine environment including molluscs, sea turtles, Wales, marine fishes etc.
Water pollution can be grouped into surface water pollution. Marine pollution and nutrient pollution are either point sources and non-point sources.
Point sources have one identifiable cause of the pollution, such as a storm drain, wastewater treatment plant or stream. Non-point sources are more diffuse, such as agricultural runoff. Pollution is the result of the cumulative effect over time. All plants and organisms living in or being exposed to polluted water bodies can be impacted. The effects can damage individual species and impact the natural biological communities they are part of.
The causes of water pollution include a wide range of chemicals and pathogens as well as physical parameters. Contaminants may include organic and inorganic substances. Elevated temperatures can also lead to polluted water. A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. Elevated water temperatures decrease oxygen levels, which can kill fish and alter food chain composition, reduce species biodiversity, and foster invasion by new thermophilic species.
Water pollution is measured by analysing water samples. Physical, chemical and biological tests can be done. Control of water pollution requires appropriate infrastructure and management plans. The infrastructure may include wastewater treatment plants. Sewage treatment plants and industrial wastewater treatment plants are usually required to protect water bodies from untreated wastewater. Agricultural wastewater treatment for farms, and erosion control from construction sites can also help prevent water pollution. Nature-based solutions are another approach to prevent water pollution.
India and China are two countries with high levels of water pollution: An estimated 580 people in India die of water pollution related illness ( including waterborne diseases ) every day. About 90 percent of the water in the cities of China is polluted. As of 2007, half a billion Chinese had no access to safe drinking water.
Over the last decade, we have produced more plastic than we have in the last 100years. This sharp increase in plastic entering our waters harms not only aquatic life but also humanity.
Plastic kills fish, birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, destroys habitats which can have devastating consequences and can wipe out entire species.
Aquatic pollution and Management
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