28^th Ambassadorship, Month 1, Report 1

Month: March

Thematic report

Topic: Water Pollution

 

Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies (such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and groundwater) as a result of human activity. Water pollution is defined as any alteration in the physical, chemical, or biological qualities of water, whether minor or substantial, that has a negative impact on any living entity. Potable water, often known as drinking water, is considered safe for human and animal consumption.

Sources of Water Pollution

a.       Industrial effluents

b.       Domestic waste

c.       Insecticides and pesticides

d.       Fertilizers and Detergents

Some water pollution is also caused by direct sources, such as factories, waste management facilities, refineries, and other industrial facilities that discharge waste and hazardous by-products directly into nearby water sources without treatment. Pollutants that enter water bodies through groundwater or soil, or by acid rain in the sky, are examples of indirect sources.

Water pollution has the following effects:

a.       Drinking dirty water in any form has numerous negative health consequences in people. Typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and other diseases are caused by it.

b.       Ecosystems are incredibly dynamic and react to even little changes in the environment. If left uncontrolled, rising water pollution can lead to the collapse of an entire ecosystem.

c.       Eutrophication is the buildup and infusion of chemicals in a water body that promotes the growth of algae. On the surface of the pond or lake, algae develop a layer. Bacteria feed on this algae, reducing the amount of oxygen in the water body and negatively impacting aquatic life.

d.       Disorder in the food chain occurs when aquatic species (fish, prawns, seahorses, and so on) consume toxins and contaminants in the water, which are then consumed by humans.

The greatest strategy to avoid large-scale water contamination is to strive to mitigate its negative consequences. We must safeguard ourselves from a future where water is scarce by making a variety of tiny modifications.

Conserving water should be our first aim. Water wastage is a major problem globally and we are only now waking up to the issue. Simple small changes made domestically will make a huge difference. Treating waste products before disposing of it in water bodies helps reduce water pollution on a large scale. Agriculture or other industries can reuse this wastewater by reducing its toxic contents.

Water pollution, like life, is ultimately a matter of decision. We can't live with sewage-strewn beaches, polluted rivers, and dangerous fish to drink and eat. To avoid these outcomes, we may work together to keep the environment clean, ensuring the good health of the water bodies, plants, animals, and people who rely on it. To assist prevent water pollution, we can take individual or group action. For instance, by using environmentally friendly detergents, not dumping oil down the drains, and decreasing pesticide use, to name a few examples. We can all work together to preserve our rivers and seas clean.