Causes of Water Pollution. ♥♥♥♥♥
- There are many causes of water pollution.
- These include the improper disposal of sewage, the occurrence of oil spills and the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
Improper disposal of sewage.
- Sewage refers to waste matter that is carried away from homes and industries by sewers ( pipes ) for treatment or disposal.
- Sewage includes human waste, dirty water , and even toxic substances such as chemicals.
- Sewage must be properly treated to remove toxins before it is discharged into the seas.
- However, not all places have sewerage systems.
- Some places also generate more sewage than their systems can handle, resulting in waste matter that is not treated before it is discharged.
- Moreover, certain substances such as detergents are non-biodegradable and cannot be removed.
- These substances are eventually discharged into the seas, thus polluting the water there.
- Industrial sewage is usually more toxic than sewage from homes because it contains heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
- Many countries require industries to treat their waste matter even before it is released into the sewers.
Occurrence of oil spills.
- An oil spill is the accidental release of oil into the seas and oceans by supermarkets ( very large crude oil carriers ).
- Major oil spills are usually the result of accidents and they can cause much damage.
- Smaller oil spills ( also called leaks ) may result from oil rig operations, the painting and cleaning of ships, and the loading and unloading of crude oil.
Use of pesticides and fertilisers.
- Pesticides and fertilisers disturb the balance of natural nutrients in the soil and cause water pollution when they are washed by rainwater into streams and rivers।
What Are Water Pollution?♥♥♥♥♥
- Water pollution refers to the contamination of water which makes it unsuitable for drinking, washing and recreational activities.- There are 2 types of water pollution : } Fresh water pollution} Seawater pollution- It is the second most important environmental issue next to air pollution.- Any change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of water that has a harmful effect on living things is water pollution.- Water pollution affects all the major water bodies of the world such as lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater.- Polluted water is unfit for drinking and for other consumption processes.- It is also not suitable for agricultural and industrial use.- The effects of water pollution are harmful to human beings, plants, animals, fish and birds.- Polluted water also contains viruses, bacteria, intestinal parasites and other harmful microorganisms, which can cause waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid.- Due to water pollution, the entire ecosystem gets disturbed.