Sources Of Water Pollution

In todays era water pollution is the most harmful as we have very limited water present on our earth and water pollution is causing marine life to suffer the most and they are dying. Coral reefs are vanishing and sea is becoming very polluted due to action of we humans. So let's take a look on some of sources of water pollution.

Industrial waste

Industries are a major source of chemical waste and other pollutants that are discharged into water resources. Industries without a proper waste disposal system tend to dump their wastage directly into water sources near them that brings adverse effects on the environment.

The discarded chemicals such as lead, asbestos, sulfur, mercury etc. can change various parameters of water such as color, mineral content, and temperature and is hazardous to the aquatic life. All the industries should be certified on basis of their water treatment system and allowed to dispose chemicals in ses only if they have treated it well and made it less harmful for marine environment.

Oil spills

Nowadays most of the transportation is done by ships and tankers. Oil spills from tankers is only responsible for the 12% of the total oil pollution in the world. In fact, more than 70% of the oil pollution in water is due to regular shipping and the oil poured down the drain by people. However, tanker spills are extremely hazardous because of the vast quantity of the spill. Oil spills must be cleared as soon as possible by the port authority in order to make less damage to marine life.

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is the response of an ecosystem to the addition of nutrients like phosphates. It may cause water pollution by increasing the number of phytoplankton which leads to algal blooms. This disrupts ecosystem by using up oxygen necessary for the survival of other organisms. Some of these algae also produce toxins. Eurtophication increases the level of turbidity and can result in loss of aquatic life.

Mixing of sewage

The sewage from residences and industries are polluting several water resources, causing a range of water borne diseases. Lack of proper sewage disposal management is a critical problem in several countries. The sewage collected at some sewage treatment plants are pumped into the sea every year.

Burning of fossil fuels

When fossil fuels are burnt, ashes and smoke are released into the atmosphere. These particles produce toxic chemicals when they react with water vapor in the air, resulting in acid rain.

Use of fertilizers and pesticides

The chemical fertilizers used in fields mix with the water from the rain and flow to rivers. It poses a threat to the survival of aquatic life.

Ocean dumping

This kind of water pollution is caused because of the littering in water bodies. Different substances have different degradation period and these substances harm marine animals.