What is Water pollution?

Water is one of the most important natural resources on Earth, and it has been around for a long time. In reality, the water we drink today has existed in some way since the time of the dinosaurs. More than two-thirds of the earth's surface is covered with water. This corresponds to a little more than 1 octillion liters of water scattered between the oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Water pollution is the polluting of water bodies. Water pollution occurs when water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, and aquifers become contaminated with industrial and agricultural effluents. Pollution of water has a negative impact on all lifeforms that depend on it, whether directly or indirectly. Water contamination can have long-lasting consequences.

Water pollution is the introduction of contaminants or energy forms that directly or indirectly change the nature of the water body in such a way that negatively impacts its authorized uses. Water is often referred to as polluted when it is contaminated by manmade substances. Because of these contaminants, it either no longer supports a specific human use, such as drinking water, or has a significant alteration in its ability to support its biotic populations, such as fish.

Types of Water Pollution

1. Surface Water Pollution- When hazardous compounds come into touch with various sources of water, they cause surface water contamination. Harmful chemicals from many sources mix or dissolve in lakes, lagoons, and oceans, causing surface water contamination.
2. Ground Water Pollution- Pesticides and chemicals applied to crops and soil are washed deep into the ground during the rain. The pesticides mix with groundwater and lead to its pollution.
3. Suspended Matter Pollution In this type of pollution, contaminants enter water but do not combine with its molecules. As a result, suspended particles in water settle to the waterbed, forming silt. As a result, nutrients from the water were eliminated, causing it to become polluted.
4. Microbial Pollution Microorganisms cause this type of water pollution. Although most of the microorganisms are harmless, some bacteria and viruses may cause serious health problems.
5. Chemical Water Pollution Numerous businesses and farmers utilize chemicals for a variety of purposes. It leads to water contamination. Pollutants used to control weeds, insects, and pests contaminate the water, spreading contamination. Metals and solvents from businesses can contribute to water pollution.

Origin

Where does Water Pollution come from?

Pollutants come from their natural occurrence, natural product transformation, and man-made synthesis. Particulates may naturally occur and contribute to background levels of exposure in the ecosystem. Many of them get rid of by the organisms or eliminated. Naturally occurring contaminants include heavy metals and nitrogen oxides. Hydrocarbons and radioactive substances.

Pollutants can be created during home, agricultural, or industrial use through the concentration and change of naturally existing substances. Sewage and waste water contain pollutants such as agrochemicals, pesticides, petrochemicals, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and radioactive substances. Many of the chemicals do not found in the wild and the pollution they produce is entirely manufactured. The synthesis of insecticides, surfactants, plastics, and petrochemicals has released several chemicals into the environment, causing significant environmental issues.

Sources

Water pollution comes from both direct and indirect sources, among others. Direct pollution occurs when a corporation releases contaminated water or harmful materials directly into the sea or river. Poisonous water can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. Indirect water contamination is caused by toxins which end up in the water instead of being released directly. Chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides can be washed into groundwater and watercourses gradually. Air pollution can lead to acid rain, which can affect wildlife by polluting lakes, streams, and beaches. This additionally makes water unsafe for individuals who live in and around it.

The most significant sources of water pollution are :

• Sewage (Waste Water): Sewage water contains pathogens, a common water pollutant, as well as other hazardous bacteria and chemicals that can lead to major health problems and diseases.
• Agricultural Pollution: Farmers use chemical fertilizers and insecticides to protect their crops from insects and bacteria. However, when these compounds are combined with water, they produce dangerous pollutants for plants and wildlife.
• Oil Pollution: When huge quantities of oil flow into the sea and do not dissolve in water, it poses a significant hazard to aquatic creatures. It has a negative impact on local aquatic life such as fish, birds, and sea otters.
• Industrial Waste: Industries produce enormous quantities of garbage, which contains harmful chemicals and pollutants, causing air pollution and harm to both the environment and humans.
• The burning of fossil fuels: When fossil fuels such as coal and oil are burned, they emit significant amounts of ash into the sky. Acid rain is caused when harmful chemical particles combine with water droplets.
• River dumping and Marine Dumping: Household trash such as paper, plastic, food, aluminum, rubber, and glass is collected and dumped into rivers and seas, causing water pollution and harming aquatic species.

Adverse Effects of Water Pollution

Water contamination has varying effects depending on the type and number of contaminants. In addition, the location of water bodies has a crucial role in determining pollution levels. Water pollution can have terrible repercussions. For example, a plant that discharged an extremely hazardous waste product into the sea directly contributed to causing neurologic sickness in a whole town for many decades. The consequences of water contamination are as follows:

1. Groundwater contamination: Pesticides and fertilizers used for the cultivation of crops are contaminating the groundwater as well as our ecosystem. If this groundwater is supplied to our home directly through bore-wells or tube-wells, it will lead to a number of health problems.
2. Affects Aquatic Life: Solid garbage that we put into rivers, lakes, or the sea can harm aquatic wildlife. This also disturbs the ecosystem because many water animal species are endangered. People who eat seafood are also at risk of developing health problems.
3. High TDS in water: Water is the best solvent for easily dissolving a wide range of compounds. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level in drinking water should be less than 500 mg/liter. High levels of TDS in water can cause a variety of health issues in humans.
4. Affect Human Health: Water contamination has an enormous harmful impact on public health. Many diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and skin infections, are caused by drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water. Dehydration is obviously the most serious issue in areas without access to drinking water.
5. Affect Environmet: Water contamination causes significant harm to biodiversity and aquatic environments. Toxic chemicals can alter the color of water and increase mineral concentrations, a process known as eutrophication, which has an adverse effect on aquatic life. Thermal pollution, defined as an increase in the temperature of water bodies, contributes to global warming and poses a significant risk to aquatic creatures.

Prevention of Water Pollution

Water contamination can be controlled in a variety of ways. It is preferable to treat sewage waste before releasing it into bodies of water. This can minimize the initial toxicity while also allowing the residual chemicals to be digested and turned harmless by the water body. After secondary treatment, water can be reused in sanitary systems and agricultural fields. There are numerous approaches to preventing and controlling water contamination. To begin, more trees should be planted near water bodies because they naturally help to absorb and recycle pollutants. Some key points are summarized here:

• A plant known as 'Water Hyacinth' absorbs dissolved hazardous compounds such as cadmium and mercury from water bodies, actively eliminating toxins from the water.
• It is essential to dispose of waste properly and not dump it directly into water bodies without proper waste treatment.
• Industries should carefully manage their waste before dumping chemicals and other things straight into bodies of water. Sewage treatment facilities and wastewater treatment plants in industries are built to treat the water utilized so that it can be safely discharged into rivers. It also supports water recycling.
• Using natural fertilizers and pesticides instead of conventional ones benefits both plants and water.
• Chemical techniques such as coagulation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and so on will significantly reduce water pollution.
• Finally, to prevent overall pollution, we should reduce our water consumption in daily activities and reuse water whenever possible.

Case Study For Water Pollution

Manimata Tragedy

Minamata sickness was found in the city of Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, in 1956, hence the name. It was caused by the leakage of methylmercury in industrial wastewater from the The Chisso Corporation's chemical industry, which occurred between 1932 and 1968. Bacteria in the sediment may have also converted some of the mercury sulfate in the wastewater to methylmercury. This extremely hazardous substance absorbed and transformed in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea, causing mercury poisoning among the local inhabitants. The poisoning and subsequent deaths of both humans and animals lasted 36 years.

Minamata Disease is a central nervous system condition with a variety of symptoms such as sensory disturbance in the farthest regions of the four areas of the body, ataxia, concentric contraction of the visual field, and so on. At the end of March 2001, 2,955 Minamata Disease patients had been certified, with 2,265 located on the Yatsushiro Sea shore. Minamata Disease appears to have disappeared in Japan as a result of therapeutic and preventative measures implemented upon its discovery.

Arsenic pollution at Punjab/UP

Arsenic pollution in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the groundwater, is a significant environmental and public health concern. Here are some key points regarding arsenic pollution in these regions:

1. High Levels of Arsenic: Groundwater in parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh has been found to contain high levels of arsenic, often exceeding the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Arsenic contamination poses serious health risks to people who consume this water over extended periods.
2. Causes of Contamination: The contamination of groundwater with arsenic is primarily attributed to natural geological processes. Arsenic naturally occurs in certain rock formations, and when groundwater interacts with these rocks, it can dissolve and carry arsenic into the water supply.
3. Agricultural Practices: In addition to natural sources, agricultural practices, including the use of arsenic-containing pesticides and fertilizers, may contribute to arsenic pollution in some areas. Improper disposal of agricultural waste can also exacerbate the problem.
4. Health Impacts: Long-term consumption of arsenic-contaminated water can lead to severe health problems, including skin lesions, cancer (particularly of the skin, bladder, and lungs), cardiovascular diseases, and neurological effects. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of arsenic exposure.
5. Mitigation Efforts: Various mitigation measures are being undertaken to address arsenic pollution in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. These include the installation of arsenic removal plants, drilling of deep bore wells to access cleaner water sources, and promoting awareness about the risks associated with arsenic-contaminated water.
6. Government Initiatives: Both state and central governments have initiated programs to tackle arsenic contamination. These efforts include water testing campaigns, the provision of safe drinking water facilities in affected areas, and collaborations with international organizations to implement sustainable solutions.
7. Challenges: Despite these efforts, challenges persist in effectively addressing arsenic pollution. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic factors contribute to the complexity of the problem. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of mitigation measures remains a concern.
8. Need for Continued Monitoring and Action: Continuous monitoring of groundwater quality, along with robust regulatory frameworks and community engagement, is essential to mitigate arsenic pollution effectively. Long-term solutions require interdisciplinary approaches involving government agencies, scientific institutions, NGOs, and local communities.

The Ganga River Pollution

The pollution of the Ganga River, also known as the Ganges, is a complex and long-standing environmental issue in India. Here are key points regarding Ganga River pollution:

1. Causes of Pollution: The pollution of the Ganga River is caused by a combination of industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources. Industrial effluents containing heavy metals, chemicals, and untreated sewage are discharged directly into the river. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers also contributes to pollution. Additionally, religious and cultural practices, such as the disposal of human remains and offerings, contribute to the pollution load.
2. Impact on Water Quality: The pollution has severely degraded the water quality of the Ganga River. High levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic matter, and pathogens, have led to contamination of the water, making it unsuitable for drinking, bathing, and irrigation. The presence of pollutants also affects aquatic life and biodiversity in the river.
3. Health Risks: The contaminated water of the Ganga River poses significant health risks to the millions of people who depend on it for drinking water and other domestic uses. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, are prevalent in areas along the river due to its polluted state.
4. Cultural Significance: The Ganga River holds immense cultural and religious significance in India. It is considered sacred by Hindus, who believe that bathing in its waters can cleanse one of sins and bestow spiritual blessings. However, the pollution of the river presents a paradoxical challenge, as the same water revered for its spiritual significance is heavily polluted and poses health risks.
5. Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched several initiatives over the years to clean up the Ganga River. The most notable among these is the Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014 with the aim of rejuvenating the river and restoring its water quality. The program involves various measures such as sewage treatment plants, riverfront development, afforestation, and public awareness campaigns.
6. Challenges: Despite government efforts, cleaning up the Ganga River remains a formidable challenge. Issues such as inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure, industrial pollution, encroachments on riverbanks, and lack of community engagement continue to hinder progress. Coordinating efforts across multiple states through which the river flows also presents logistical challenges.
7. Community Participation: Addressing Ganga River pollution requires active involvement and participation from local communities, civil society organizations, and religious institutions. Engaging stakeholders in the cleanup efforts, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the river's health are crucial aspects of any long-term solution.
8. Need for Sustainable Solutions: Achieving meaningful and lasting improvement in the water quality of the Ganga River necessitates a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of pollution, promotes sustainable development practices, and ensures effective enforcement of environmental regulations. Collaboration between government agencies, scientific institutions, NGOs, and the public is essential to realizing the goal of a clean and rejuvenated Ganga River.