Table of contents:
- Water Pollution
- Causes of water pollution
- Chemical water pollutants
- Health implication of water pollution
- Government efforts to curb water pollution in India
- Give reasons why the quality of water is deteriorating ( NCERT)
Water Pollution:
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies( such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater ) by substances that can harm living organisms or disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.
These pollutants can come from various sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage, and even natural processes.
Common water pollutants include chemicals, heavy metals, pathogens, nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and plastics.
Water pollution has serious environmental and public health consequences, affecting aquatic life and decreasing the availability of safe drinking water.
Causes of water pollution:
Water pollution in India is caused by a combination of factors, including:
Industrial Discharges:
Many industries release polluted wastewater into rivers and other water bodies. This wastewater often contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Agricultural Runoff:
The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can lead to the runoff of these chemicals into nearby water sources, causing nutrient pollution and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Sewage pipe:
Inadequate sewage treatment and the lack of proper sanitation facilities in many areas result in the direct discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and lakes.
This sewage contains many disease-borne bacteria.
Urbanization:
Rapid urbanization leads to increased impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, which can cause stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into water bodies.
Mining Activities:
Mining operations generate pollutants like heavy metals and sediments that can enter water bodies if not properly managed.
Deforestation:
Loss of forest cover contributes to soil erosion, which can lead to sedimentation in rivers and streams, degrading water quality.
Industrial Accidents:
Accidents in industries, such as chemical spills or leaks, can release harmful substances into water bodies.
Waste Disposal:
Improper disposal of solid waste, including plastics, can lead to littering in water bodies and long-term pollution.
Groundwater Contamination:
Over-extraction of groundwater and contamination from agricultural chemicals and industrial activities can degrade the quality of underground water sources.
Organic waste:
Organic waste such as leaves, grasses, trash, etc., also pollute surface water by runoff.
Phytoplankton growth with water causes water pollution.
Organic waste decomposes in water by bacteria and consumes dissolved oxygen present in the water, leading to a shortage of oxygen in the water and the killing of aquatic animals.
Rivers Interlinking:
The interlinking of rivers for irrigation and water supply purposes can alter natural flow patterns and lead to water quality issues.
Lack of Regulation:
Weak enforcement of environmental regulations and inadequate infrastructure for pollution control contribute to water pollution in some areas.
Chemical water pollutants :
Chemical water pollutants refer to substances that, when present in water bodies, have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, human health, or both.
These chemical pollutants come from various sources, including industrial processes, agriculture, and urban runoff.
The following are some common examples of chemical water pollutants:
Heavy Metal:
Metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic contaminate water sources and have toxic effects on aquatic life and humans when ingested or accumulated in the food chain.
Pesticides:
Chemicals used in agriculture, such as organophosphates and herbicides, often run off into water bodies, leading to pesticide pollution. These substances harm aquatic organisms and disrupt ecosystems.
Industrial Chemicals:
Various chemicals used in industrial processes, like solvents, acids, and alkalis, enter water bodies through improper disposal or accidental spills, posing risks to both the environment and human health.
Chlorinated Compounds:
Chlorinated chemicals, including chlorinated solvents and disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes, are found in water due to industrial activities and the treatment of drinking water.
Petroleum Products:
Oil spills and runoff from roads enter hydrocarbons into water, causing harm to aquatic organisms and affecting water quality.
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs):
Residues from medicines, cosmetics, and hygiene products enter water systems and have been detected in surface and groundwater, raising concerns about potential ecological and human health impacts.
Nutrients:
Excessive amounts of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, often from agricultural runoff and sewage discharge, cause nutrient pollution, leading to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems.
Acid Rain:
Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industrial and transportation sources lead to acid rain, which lowers the pH of water bodies, harming aquatic life.
Health implication of water pollution:
Water pollution can have significant health implications for both humans and aquatic life.
Here are some of the key health concerns associated with water pollution:
Waterborne Diseases:
Contaminated water is a major source of waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can thrive in polluted water, leading to infections when consumed.
Gastrointestinal disease:
Ingesting water contaminated with pathogens or harmful chemicals can result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Skin and Respiratory disease:
Exposure to polluted water can cause skin irritations, and respiratory infections, and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
Cancer:
Some chemical pollutants found in water, such as certain heavy metals and organic compounds, are known or suspected carcinogens. Prolonged exposure to these substances through drinking water or contaminated fish can increase the risk of cancer.
Developmental and Reproductive Problems:
Exposure to certain water pollutants during pregnancy can lead to developmental issues in infants. Additionally, some pollutants can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive problems.
Neurological Effects:
Some contaminants, such as lead, methylmercury, and certain pesticides, can have neurotoxic effects, leading to cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and behavioral problems, especially in children.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
In some cases, contaminated water can hinder nutrient absorption in the body, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and related health issues.
Harm to Aquatic Life:
Water pollution can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to declines in fish populations and the contamination of seafood, which can, in turn, affect human nutrition and health.
Government efforts to curb water pollution in India:
The Indian government has taken several measures to curb water pollution and improve water quality. These efforts involve policies, regulations, and programs aimed at addressing various sources of pollution.
The following are some key government initiatives and actions:
Water Pollution Control Acts:
India has several laws and regulations to control water pollution, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, of 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986. These laws empower the central and state pollution control boards, to regulate the quality of water.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (Namami Ganga project ):
National Mission for Clean Ganga (Namami Gange) was launched in 2014, this mission aims to rejuvenate and clean the Ganges River and its tributaries. It involves various projects for sewage treatment, industrial effluent control, and riverfront development.
National Water Quality Sub-Mission:
This submission, under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme, focuses on providing safe drinking water to rural areas. It includes water quality monitoring, source protection, and community-based water supply and sanitation projects.
Industrial Effluent Standards:
The government has set effluent discharge standards for industries to control the release of pollutants into water bodies. Industries are required to clean their wastewater before discharge.
Clean Water Bodies:
Various state-level programs and initiatives aim to clean and rejuvenate polluted water bodies. For instance, the Yamuna Action Plan focuses on improving the water quality of the Yamuna River.
Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
Efforts are being made to expand sewage treatment infrastructure in urban areas to treat domestic wastewater before discharge into water bodies.
Awareness and Education:
The government promotes awareness about water pollution and conservation through campaigns and educational programs.
Corporate Responsibility:
The government encourages industries to adopt responsible environmental practices and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives related to water quality and conservation.
Question.
Give reasons why the quality of water is deteriorating.
( Chapter 5: Water, Class 7- Our Environment ( GEOGRAPHY), SOCIAL SCIENCE)
Answer.
The quality of water is deteriorating worldwide due to a combination of natural processes and human activities.
The following are some key reasons why water quality is deteriorating:
Pollution:
Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources contaminates water bodies. This includes chemicals, heavy metals, sewage, and plastics. These pollutants harm aquatic ecosystems and make water unsafe for human consumption.
Nutrient Pollution:
Excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and sewage, lead to nutrient pollution in water bodies. This can lead to harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and the deterioration of water quality.
Sedimentation:
Soil erosion due to deforestation, construction, and agriculture results in sediment runoff into water bodies. Sedimentation can disrupt aquatic habitats, and smother aquatic life.
Pesticides and Herbicides:
Agricultural and urban runoff often contain pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can contaminate water, harming aquatic organisms and potentially entering the human food chain.
Industrial Discharges:
Industrial processes release various pollutants into water, including chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins. Inadequate treatment of industrial wastewater can severely degrade water quality.
Sewage and Wastewater:
Inadequate sewage treatment and sanitation systems in many areas lead to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into rivers and coastal waters, spreading diseases and contaminating water supplies.
Aquifer Depletion:
Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and municipal use can lead to the intrusion of saline water into freshwater aquifers, reducing the availability of clean drinking water.
Lack of Regulation and Enforcement:
Weak or ineffective water quality regulations and enforcement can allow industries and agricultural operations to release pollutants without consequences.
Population Growth:
Increasing human populations puts greater stress on water resources. The increasing human population also leads to an increase in many pollutants that leads to more pollution and competition for limited clean water sources.
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