IS THE WATER AROUND US WATER ANYMORE?
Water pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects the quality and availability of freshwater resources worldwide. It occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, industrial waster, and agricultural runoff, contaminate lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater.
CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION
Industrial Discharges
Industrial activities release various pollutants into water bodies, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and toxic chemicals. These discharges often result from inadequate waste management practices, accidental spills, or improper disposal of industrial waste (UNEP, 2021).
source - https://indianinfrastructure.com/2021/03/06/waste-not-want-not/
Agricultural Runoff
The use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in agriculture contributes to water pollution through runoff. These chemicals can contaminate nearby water sources, leading to nutrient imbalances, algal blooms, and reduced oxygen levels (WWF, 2021).
source - TIM MCCABLE, USDA/CC BY 2.0 (FLICKR)
Oil Spills
Accidental oil spills from maritime transport, offshore drilling, or pipeline ruptures pose severe threats to aquatic ecosystems. Oil spills can cause long-term damage to marine life, disrupt food chains, and contaminate water supplies (NOAA, 2021).
source - Agence France-Presse/Getty Images
IMPACTS OF WATER POLLUTION
Ecosystem Disruption
Water pollution can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to the decline or extinction of various species. Contaminants can accumulate in the food chain, affecting fish, birds, and other organisms. This disruption can have far-reaching ecological consequences (UNESCO, 2021).
source - https://www.airowater.com/blog/causes-and-effects-of-water-pollution/
Human Health Risks
Contaminated water sources pose significant risks to human health. Consumption or contact with polluted water can lead to diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Furthermore, toxic substances can bioaccumulate in fish, affecting the safety of seafood consumption (WHO, 2021).
Economic Implications
Water pollution has substantial economic impacts, including reduced availability of clean water for consumption, agriculture, and industrial use. Additionally, the degradation of aquatic ecosystems can negatively affect tourism, fisheries, and recreational activities, leading to economic losses (World Bank, 2018).
Water pollution poses significant threats to ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes stricter regulations, sustainable agricultural practices, improved wastewater treatment, and public awareness. By implementing these solutions, we can protect and preserve our valuable freshwater resources for future generations.
4 Comments
Hello Sanuli! This is your mentor Yewon.
Before I start, I apologize for the late comment.
You have written an interesting report about water, which is an essential matter for every living thing to survive!
Especially, the way you mentioned several factors that affect water was quite interesting, and all the factors you mentioned seem so important to maintain clean water!
Thank you for your meaningful report! Great job!
Posted 27-08-2023 00:01
Thank for your feedback. @ James Mentor and @ Jean Blaise Seka
Posted 19-07-2023 16:39
Hello Sanuli! This is your mentor James.
I can see that water pollution is your main topic for your free topic of June. You've suggested several main causes of pollution in bodies of water such as the industrial wastewater and frequent oil spills. Then you've listed possible consequences from polluting the water around us! I appreciate the fact that you've mentioned the human health risks from water pollution because the current society and industries should acknowledge the fact that ignorant emission of pollutants would just cause larger problems to human environments.
Thank you for your fantastic work! Let's keep it up with your next report as well.
Posted 11-07-2023 18:26
@Sanuli Wihena Gamage,
This is a great article and thank you for the incredible work. I just went through it and it is really true that water pollution poses a great threat to our existence as everything about our existence depends on water, as such we need clean water and it is up to each and every one of us to create this change we want to see. We must not do something big but we can do something small in a bigger way.
Posted 29-06-2023 21:00