River Pollution: Understanding The Sources And Impacts

Rivers are polluted by a variety of factors, including human, agricultural, and industrial waste. Oil spills and sewage are also major contributors to river pollution. Fertilisers and pesticides used by farmers can be washed into rivers by rain, causing algae to grow and destroy water plants. Factories often use river water to power or cool machinery, and the dirty water containing chemicals is then put back into the river. This is a form of water pollution, which is the introduction of harmful waste into the environment. Water pollution is a widespread problem that is endangering our health and finite drinkable water sources.

Industrial waste

Effects of Industrial Water Pollution

Water pollution has far-reaching consequences. Humans rely on clean water for drinking, agriculture, energy production, tourism, and recreation. Marine life and animals that feed on marine life also depend on uncontaminated water sources for survival. When water becomes polluted with industrial waste, it becomes unusable for human consumption, can lead to poor sanitation and illness, and drastically reduce marine life populations.

Impact on Human Health

The effects of industrially polluted water on human health include the possibility of:

• Various types of cancer
• Birth defects
• And an increase in death rates

Impact on the Environment and Wildlife

Industrial water pollution also affects the environment and wildlife in several ways:

• Depleting oxygen: Certain pollutants from industrial waste, including nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to water becoming oxygen-depleted. These pollutants promote excessive algae growth, which further depletes oxygen levels as they die and decompose. This leads to the creation of "dead spots" where marine life suffocates and cannot survive.
• Harming fish: Industrial pollutants can directly harm fish if they ingest pollutants from oil spills, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals. This can cause deformities, issues with reproduction, and other health problems that can lead to death.
• Damaging ecosystems: Entire ecosystems may die off if industrial pollution is not kept in check. If fish and marine plants cannot thrive, it causes a knock-on effect, negatively impacting the wildlife that depends on these resources.

Preventing and Reducing Industrial Water Pollution

While industries cannot come to a halt, it is vital to find ways to make them more eco-friendly and sustainable. Here are some strategies to prevent and reduce industrial water pollution:

• Wastewater treatment systems: An effective water treatment system is essential for addressing industrial wastewater pollution. Treating wastewater helps remove pollutants before releasing the water into the environment.
• Green chemistry: Businesses can explore ways of completing processes without using or producing harsh chemicals and other harmful byproducts. Using natural, biodegradable, and recyclable products can lessen an industry's environmental impact.
• Eco-audits: Conducting systematic environmental audits can help companies identify sources of pollution and their impact on water sources. This allows businesses to tailor solutions and stay compliant with regulations.
• Collaboration: Engaging with stakeholders and collaborating with NGOs, suppliers, clients, and staff highlights the importance of reducing the company's environmental footprint. Working together is an effective way to get on the same page regarding waste reduction and compliance with regulations.

Sewage and wastewater

Outdated Infrastructure and Overflows:

One of the primary reasons for sewage overflow is outdated and undersized infrastructure in many sewage systems. Older cities, in particular, have sewage networks that cannot handle the increased volume of water that comes with heavy rainfall. As a result, the system becomes overwhelmed, leading to overflow and the discharge of untreated sewage into nearby rivers. Combined sewer systems, where stormwater runoff combines with wastewater, further contribute to this issue.

Heavy Rainfall and Blockages:

Excessive rainfall can also cause blockages in sewage systems. Stormwater runoff can carry debris such as leaves, branches, and litter, which accumulate in sewer pipes and cause obstructions. These blockages prevent the normal flow of wastewater, increasing the risk of overflow and sewage pollution in rivers.

Lack of Treatment Facilities:

According to the United Nations, more than 80% of the world's wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment or reuse. Inadequate or non-existent treatment facilities contribute to this issue, leading to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage. Even when sewage is partially treated, it can still contain harmful substances, including human waste, household chemicals, and plastics.

Impact on Human Health and the Environment:

Untreated sewage in rivers poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment. It can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. Human exposure to contaminated water can lead to various illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Additionally, sewage can cause eutrophication in rivers, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion, which can result in fish kills and harm aquatic life.

Preventative Measures:

To mitigate the impact of sewage and wastewater pollution, several measures can be implemented:

• Infrastructure improvements: Upgrading treatment plants and preventing raw sewage discharges through better infrastructure can help reduce the risks associated with sewage pollution.
• Strengthening regulations: Stringent regulations and enforcement are crucial to ensure wastewater treatment plants comply with standards and do not discharge untreated sewage.
• Public awareness and education: Educating the public about responsible waste disposal and the importance of protecting rivers can foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
• Collaboration and innovation: Addressing sewage pollution requires collaboration between water companies, environmental organizations, and government agencies to find sustainable solutions.
• Proper disposal practices: Properly disposing of chemicals, oils, and non-biodegradable items can prevent them from ending up in waterways and contributing to pollution.
• Independent monitoring: Mandatory independent monitoring of sewage discharge can ensure transparency and hold water companies accountable for their actions.

Oil spills

When oil is spilled in a river, its behaviour depends on its density relative to the water. Some oils are denser than river water and will sink, while others are less dense and will float. In some cases, the density of oil may be similar to that of river water, causing it to move along the river partly underwater. If spilled oil sinks, it can be challenging to clean up, as it may pool on the river bottom and require specialized equipment like vacuum devices to remove.

River currents are generally directed downstream, making it easier to predict the movement of oil spills compared to those in open water. However, wind blowing across the river can affect the direction of the spill. Additionally, dams and locks in rivers can slow or divert water flow, causing oil to collect in certain areas.

To address oil spills in rivers, specialized responders employ various techniques. They may use booms to contain the oil and prevent it from spreading to sensitive areas. Skimmers, sorbent pads, and sorbent booms are used to remove oil from the water surface. In some cases, in situ burning or chemical dispersants may be utilized to break up the oil. However, it is important to note that complete removal of oil is often unachievable, and cleanup efforts must consider potential additional harm to the environment.

Fertiliser and farm waste

Fertilisers and farm waste are significant contributors to river pollution, with agriculture being the most common reason for water bodies failing to reach "Good Ecological Status". Phosphate, which is present in animal manure and fertilisers, is the leading cause of ecological decline in rivers.

Fertilisers are essential in modern agriculture, helping crops meet the ever-increasing global food demand. However, the misuse and overuse of fertilisers can have detrimental effects on rivers and the wildlife that depends on them. When excess fertilisers are applied, heavy rainfall can cause nutrient runoff, with nitrogen and phosphorus washing into nearby rivers and water bodies. This excess of nutrients causes eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms that block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and deplete oxygen levels as they decay, resulting in oxygen-poor areas where fish and other aquatic species struggle to survive.

Industrial livestock 'megafarms' are on the rise, and these concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) produce a significant amount of waste. The waste contains harmful pollutants such as nitrates, phosphates, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The common method of slurry disposal is spreading it on nearby fields, but due to oversaturation, the excess pollutants run off into rivers. This runoff, along with leaks from faulty slurry storage, leads to nutrient pollution in rivers, causing algal blooms that block sunlight, deplete oxygen, and kill fish and other wildlife.

The impact of fertiliser and farm waste pollution extends beyond the ecological damage to rivers. It also affects human health and well-being. Contaminated drinking water poses health risks, and recreational activities near rivers may be restricted due to skin rashes, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal illnesses caused by harmful algal blooms. Additionally, the decline in fish populations can have economic consequences for communities that rely on fishing as a source of livelihood.

To mitigate the effects of fertiliser and farm waste pollution, sustainable agricultural practices should be adopted. These include precision farming techniques, crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management (IPM). By optimising fertiliser use, breaking the cycle of nutrient buildup, and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, these practices can help minimise environmental impacts and protect our precious water resources and wildlife.

Radioactive substances

Radionuclides can be both naturally occurring and human-made. Naturally occurring radionuclides, such as radium, polonium, radon, and uranium, can be found in small amounts in rock, soil, and groundwater. These substances can dissolve in water and, if consumed, can put people at a higher risk of getting cancer. Human-made radionuclides can come from nuclear weapons production, nuclear energy, and uranium mining. Radioactive elements can also be introduced into water via medical treatments, such as radioactive iodine used to treat thyroid disorders. Oil and gas drilling, as well as any industrial activities that involve cracking into bedrock, can also release radioactive elements.

The production of nuclear weapons and energy has been identified as a potential source of radioactive river pollution. For example, the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California, a former nuclear and rocket testing site, has been linked to an unusual number of childhood cancer cases in the surrounding community. Radioactive substances such as cesium-137, strontium-90, plutonium-239, and tritium, along with other toxic chemicals and heavy metals, were released through spills, leaks, open-air burn pits, and a partial nuclear meltdown.

Radioactive river pollution is a global issue. About 80% of Texans in the United States are served by water utilities that have reported detectable levels of radium in their drinking water. In Minnesota, 9 out of 144 municipal water systems had levels of radium in treated water that exceeded the EPA standard. In India, the Ganges River, considered sacred by Hindus, has unsafe levels of faecal coliform bacteria from human waste.

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