▪ What is water pollution?
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate bodies of water, making
them toxic and unsafe for humans and the environment:
▪ TYPES OF WATER POLLUTANTS
1.Groundwater pollution:
Caused by chemicals released from landfills or agricultural plots
2.Surface water pollution
Occurs when water in lakes, rivers, and oceans is polluted, usually by chemicals in
rainwater drainage
3.Radioactive substances
A major and deadly pollutant that emits more radiation than natural levels
4.Chemical pollution
Occurs when water is contaminated by metals and solvents from industries
5.Nutrient pollution
Occurs when marine systems are polluted by excess nutrients from fertilizers and
pesticides
6.Oil spills
A hazardous source of water pollution that can lead to the sudden death of aquatic
creatures and a change in the ecosystem
7.Oxygen depletion pollution
Occurs when biodegradable matter, such as sewage, is released into the water,
which destroys the natural balance and kills fish and other wildlife
▪ Causes of water pollution
1. Industrial waste:
Industrial sites may not have proper waste management systems, which can lead to waste
draining into rivers, canals, and the sea.
2.Oil spills :
Oil spills can occur during oil drilling operations or when ships transport oil. Oil doesn’t mix
well with water, so it can cause major water pollution.
3.Sewage :
Sewage can contain bacteria and chemicals that contaminate the local ecosystem when it enters
bodies of water during heavy rainstorms.
4. Radioactive waste:
Radioactive waste can be generated from nuclear power plants, uranium mining, military
weapons production, and hospitals. This waste can remain in water bodies for a long time.
5.Eutrophication :
Eutrophication is a type of water pollution caused by the addition of sewage or fertilizer. This
can increase the nitrate concentration of the water and negatively impact the aquatic ecosystem.
6.Groundwater pollution :
Human activities such as farmyard dumping, manures, excessive waste disposal, agricultural
chemicals, and industrial effluents can pollute groundwater.
▪ Effects of water pollution
1.Disease :
Water pollution can cause waterborne diseases like diarrhea, which can lead to severe
dehydration and death.
2.Ecosystem damage :
Water pollution can harm the health of marine animals, plants, and wildlife.
3.Food chain disruption :
Water pollution can reduce the number of primary consumers, which can then reduce the number
of secondary and tertiary consumers.
4.Organ damage :
Chemical contaminants in polluted water can cause liver inflammation, kidney stones, and renal
failure.
5.Reproductive health problems :
Consuming contaminated water can cause reproductive health problems like reduced sperm
count, congenital disabilities, and infertility.
6.Cardiovascular disease :
Consuming contaminated water that contains heavy metals can lead to cardiovascular health
issues.
7.Eutrophication :
Eutrophication occurs when an excess of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia enter
bodies of water.
8.Oxygen depletion
Oxygen depletion occurs when biodegradable matter like sewage is released into the water,
which can kill fish and other wildlife.
9.Economic effects
Managing and restoring polluted water bodies can be expensive.
▪ Preventions of water pollution .
1.Reduce waste :Avoid flushing items down the toilet, and instead throw them in the trash. You
can also compost vegetable scraps.
2.Reduce water use :Install a water-efficient toilet, and run the dishwasher or washing machine
only when they are full.
3.Reduce chemical use :Use phosphate-free detergents and soaps, and minimize the use of
pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
4.Reduce runoff :Use porous ground coverings like gravel, wood, pavers, or pervious concrete to
prevent runoff from draining into sewers.
5.Reduce litter :Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can.
6.Reduce storm drain pollution :Don’t pour motor oil or other automotive fluids down the storm
drain. Instead, take it to an auto parts store.
7.Reduce thermal pollution:Use water as a coolant sparingly, and don’t release very cold water
from reservoirs into warmer rivers.
8.Reduce soil erosion :Plant more trees to help curb soil erosion, which can move soil into water
bodies and deteriorate water quality.
9.Reduce plastic use :Avoid single-use plastics, which can end up floating in rivers, lakes, and
oceans.
10. Treat wastewater :Treat wastewater before disposing of it in a water body. You can reuse
treated wastewater for irrigation and energy production.
▪ CONCLUSION
Water pollution is a global crisis that threatens the health and well-being of both humans and the
environment. As individuals become more aware of the devastating consequences of water
pollution, many are taking action by conducting research projects to better understand the
problem and find solutions.
One crucial aspect of any research project or essay on water pollution is the conclusion. The
conclusion is the final opportunity for researchers to summarize their findings, evaluate the
significance of their results, and provide recommendations for future action. It serves as a
powerful tool to communicate the importance of the project and its potential impact on
addressing water pollution issues.
