Water Supply: Pollutants' Impact And Our Health

Water pollution is a pressing issue that jeopardises the health of millions worldwide. Caused by the contamination of water bodies, it is a result of harmful microorganisms, chemical substances, and other pollutants entering our water supply. From industrial waste to agricultural runoff, these pollutants can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, human health, and the economy. With water being an essential resource for all life on Earth, it is crucial that we address the issue of water pollution and take steps to protect our water sources.

Industrial waste

The effects of water pollution are devastating to people, animals, fish, and birds. Polluted water is unsuitable for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and industry. It diminishes the aesthetic quality of lakes and rivers, destroys aquatic life, and reduces its reproductive ability. Eventually, it is a hazard to human health.

There are two types of industrial waste of particular concern: dry cleaning fluids and embalming fluids. Dry cleaning fluids have contaminated groundwater supplies in all areas of the US, with PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene) being one of the most common contaminants. As a suspected carcinogen, PCE must be removed from water to very low levels. Embalming fluids, meanwhile, contain carcinogens and can contaminate the water supply, especially with the aging population.

The treatment of industrial wastewater can be done in part or as a whole by biological, chemical, or biological treatment processes. The important factors that affect the planning for industrial wastewater treatment plants include discontinuous and seasonally discharged wastes, the high concentration of waste, and the non-biodegradability and toxicity of some wastes.

Sewage and wastewater

The impact of sewage and wastewater on the environment is largely negative. It needs to be properly treated before disposal, usually into the ocean. Partial treatment before disposal can contaminate water bodies and harm wildlife. Leaking or flooding can cause untreated sewage to enter rivers and other water sources, leading to pollution.

Even properly treated sewage can have adverse effects. Microscopic plastic fibres released from certain clothes during washing can pass through wastewater treatment plants and enter marine ecology systems, harming animals and damaging the food chain.

Oil leaks and spills

Oil is less dense than water, so when there is an oil spill, it spreads quickly across the water surface. Currents, wind, and warm temperatures cause the oil to spread faster. This means that oil spills need to be contained as quickly as possible. The thicker the oil, the slower it spreads. Lighter oils, like gasoline, spread faster than heavy crude oils.

Oil spills can have devastating impacts on surrounding ecosystems. They can suffocate fish and block light from photosynthetic plants in the water. Oil can settle at the bottom of the water, affecting bottom-dwelling fish and causing them to develop liver disease and reproductive and growth problems. Oil spills can also harm birds and marine animals. When the feathers and fur of these animals become coated in oil, they can no longer insulate themselves against cold water, and birds struggle to fly. When the animals clean themselves, they ingest the oil, which can make them very sick or even kill them.

Oil spills can also affect humans. They can contaminate water intended for drinking and other purposes, such as fishing and hunting, which is especially detrimental to people who rely on these activities, such as many rural communities. Oil spills can also result in closed beaches and harbours, impacting commercial fishing, recreational businesses, tourism, and property values.

There are several methods for cleaning up oil spills, including natural methods such as bioremediation, where microorganisms in the environment break down harmful chemicals like oil, and manual methods, where oil is cleaned up by hand, with shovels, trucks, and vacuum trucks, or washed off beaches with pressurized hoses.

Agricultural chemicals

Agricultural activities have also been linked to changes in water quality and the health of stream ecosystems. The increased use of fertilisers and pesticides in recent decades has led to higher levels of nutrients in waterways, stimulating algal blooms and affecting the health of aquatic life. Pesticides transported into streams can pose risks to aquatic life and drinking water supplies.

In addition, agricultural practices can influence the transport of excess nutrients. Factors such as tillage methods, drainage systems, and the timing of fertiliser application can impact nutrient runoff during storms and snowmelt. By adopting conservation practices, such as drip irrigation and buffer strips, farmers can help reduce the amount of nutrient transport due to runoff.

Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are another source of agricultural pollution. In CAFOs, animals are raised in cramped conditions, and food is brought to them in their pens. These facilities generate a significant amount of animal waste, which, if released, can affect the environment. Runoff from CAFOs can impair waterways, kill fish, produce harmful algal blooms, and potentially transmit diseases.

Radioactive waste

One of the primary concerns with radioactive waste is its impact on water supplies. Radioactive isotopes can contaminate water through leaks and runoff from nuclear facilities, as seen in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, where radioactive water was released into the ocean. This contamination can move up the food chain, affecting marine life and potentially human health. While the ocean has a large capacity to dilute radiation, studies have found elevated levels of radioactive elements in fish and other marine organisms near nuclear sites. These elements, such as cesium-137 and iodine-131, can be absorbed by phytoplankton, zooplankton, kelp, and other marine life, and then transmitted up the food chain.

The release of radioactive waste into water supplies can have severe consequences for human health. According to experts, around 95% of cancers in humans are triggered by exposure to toxic substances in the environment, including food and water. Radioactive isotopes can damage human DNA, leading to genetic mutations and an increased risk of diseases like cancer. Radioactive iodine, for example, is absorbed by the thyroid in humans, while cesium acts like potassium and is taken up by muscle tissue.

To protect water supplies from radioactive contamination, strict regulations and safety measures are necessary. Public drinking water systems regularly test and filter out contaminants, including radionuclides, to ensure the water meets federal, state, and local standards. Additionally, identifying potential contamination sources and preparing for emergencies are crucial steps in preventing radioactive waste from entering water supplies.

While nuclear power has its benefits, the safe disposal of radioactive waste remains a significant challenge. As new nuclear plants emerge to tackle climate change, ensuring the responsible management of radioactive waste is crucial to protect both the environment and human health from the harmful effects of radiation contamination.

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