Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with more than 70% of the Earth's surface covered in water, and human activity being the primary cause of contamination. The contamination of water systems, from lakes and oceans to groundwater, by chemicals, bacteria, and other microorganisms, has detrimental effects on the environment and human health. To tackle this, it is essential to understand the causes, which range from incorrect sewage disposal to urban development and agricultural practices. While there is no single solution, notable strategies include wastewater treatment, stormwater management, water conservation, and reducing plastic waste. Treating water before it enters water systems is key, and this can be achieved through biological, physical, and chemical processes in wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, individual actions such as proper waste disposal, reducing plastic usage, and water-efficient toilets can collectively make a significant impact on reducing water pollution.

Wastewater treatment

The first step in wastewater treatment is screening and pumping. Wastewater passes through screening equipment to remove large objects such as rags, wood fragments, plastics, and grease. The removed material is washed, pressed, and disposed of in landfills. The screened wastewater is then pumped to the next step, grit removal, where fine materials like sand and gravel are extracted and disposed of.

After grit removal, the wastewater undergoes primary settling in large circular tanks called clarifiers. Here, the settled material, known as primary sludge, is pumped from the bottom, while floating debris is skimmed off the top and sent to digesters. Chemicals are also added at this stage to remove phosphorus. The wastewater then moves to the aeration stage, where biological degradation occurs. Pollutants are consumed by microorganisms and transformed into cell tissue, water, and nitrogen through biological degradation.

Following aeration, the treated wastewater enters the secondary settling stage, where it separates from the biology in the aeration tanks. This process yields an effluent that is now over 90% treated. The activated sludge is continuously pumped from the bottom of the clarifiers and returned to the aeration tanks. The clarified effluent then undergoes filtration through 10-micron polyester media to remove any remaining solids.

The next critical step is disinfection, which ensures that the treated wastewater is virtually free of bacteria. Ultraviolet disinfection is commonly used to kill any remaining bacteria and bring the water to the required discharge standards. After disinfection, the treated water may undergo oxygen uptake to bring the dissolved oxygen levels up to the required level before being released back into the environment.

In addition to these standard steps, sludge treatment is also an important aspect of wastewater treatment. The primary sludge and waste activated sludge generated during the treatment process must be treated to reduce volume and produce a usable end product. This typically involves several additional steps, including digestion and dewatering.

Plastic waste reduction

Plastic waste is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. Humans only recycle about 9% of plastic waste, with 10 million tons of plastic dumped into the sea each year. This plastic waste negatively affects marine life, fisheries, coastlines, tourism, and the food we eat.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

The simplest way to reduce plastic waste is to cut down on single-use plastics. This includes plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, takeout containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then thrown away. Refuse single-use plastics when possible, and opt for reusable alternatives such as reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, and coffee cups.

Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste

While changing individual behaviour is important, it is not enough to address the issue of plastic pollution. We also need laws that reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate. Support local, national, and international legislation that aims to reduce plastic pollution, such as the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States.

Participate in Beach or River Cleanups

Get involved in local beach or river cleanups to help remove plastic waste from the ocean and prevent more plastic from entering the water. Organisations such as The Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, American Littoral Society, and Ocean Blue Project regularly arrange beach cleanups for volunteers.

Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. These microbeads enter our oceans and waterways through sewer systems and harm marine life. Avoid products containing microbeads by checking the ingredient labels for "polythelene" and "polypropylene".

Support Organisations Addressing Plastic Pollution

There are many non-profit organisations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, and the Plastic Soup Foundation. Support these organisations through donations or volunteering.

Recycle Effectively

Recycling is an important way to reduce plastic waste, but it can be confusing due to varying local recycling rules. Understand what types of plastic can be recycled in your area and actively follow recycling symbols on plastic products.

Install water-efficient toilets

Installing water-efficient toilets is a great way to reduce water pollution and conserve water. Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home's indoor water consumption. Older toilets can use up to 6 or even 7 gallons of water per flush, which is a major source of wasted water.

Water-efficient toilets, on the other hand, use less water per flush, typically around 1.6 gallons or less. This simple upgrade can significantly lower your water bill and contribute to environmental sustainability. There are various types of water-efficient toilets available, including low-flow toilets, dual-flush toilets, and pressure-assisted toilets.

Low-flow toilets use about 1.6 gallons of water per flush, while dual-flush toilets offer two options: a lower volume flush for liquid waste and a higher volume flush for solid waste. Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to enhance flushing power while using minimal water.

When choosing a water-efficient toilet, consider the following:

• Flush Performance: Look for toilets with a high MaP (Maximum Performance) rating, which indicates effective flushing performance.
• Bowl Shape: Elongated bowls provide more comfort but may require more space. Round bowls are more compact and ideal for smaller bathrooms.
• Height: Comfort-height toilets are slightly taller and can be more comfortable for older adults and individuals with mobility issues.
• Certification: Ensure the toilet is WaterSense certified, which means it meets strict water efficiency and performance criteria set by the EPA.

By installing a water-efficient toilet, you can save money on your water bill and do your part to reduce water pollution. It is a simple and effective way to make a positive impact on the environment.

Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket

Water pollution is a pressing issue, with around 71% of the Earth's surface covered in water, and it is important to take steps to protect our water sources. Water pollution can be caused by sewage and wastewater, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, and the burning of fossil fuels. One way to reduce water pollution is to avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.

Toilets are designed to dispose of human waste and toilet paper, but many people use them to get rid of other types of waste, such as wet wipes, diapers, dust cloths, wrappers, toys, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, rags, dental floss, cigarette butts, dust/dirt/lint, rubber gloves, bandages, any plastic, condoms, underwear, and cat litter. This can cause serious problems, as these items can clog sewer pipes and disrupt the wastewater treatment process. When items are flushed down the toilet, they can get stuck in pipes, causing blockages that are difficult to clear. This can lead to sewage backing up into homes and businesses, resulting in costly repairs and increased sewer bills.

Flushing items that don't belong in the toilet can also interfere with the wastewater treatment process. Wastewater treatment facilities use biological, physical, and chemical processes to remove contaminants from sewage. However, when too many foreign objects are flushed, it becomes more difficult for the treatment plants to effectively clean the water. This can result in partially treated sewage being released back into the environment, which can harm aquatic life and contaminate drinking water sources.

To prevent these issues, it is important to dispose of waste properly. Dust cloths, wrappers, tissues, and other garbage should be placed in a trash can instead of being flushed down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed, with the exception of items specifically labelled as "flushable", such as certain wipes. By following these guidelines, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing water pollution and protecting our precious water sources.

Stormwater management

To address this issue, implementing effective stormwater management strategies is essential. Here are some detailed and instructive measures that can be taken:

• Green Infrastructure: One approach is to use green infrastructure techniques such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs. These methods slow down and disperse stormwater, allowing it to soak into the ground naturally and be filtered by plants, reducing the amount of polluted runoff.
• Proper Disposal of Waste: It is crucial to ensure that waste, such as cigarette butts, pet waste, and garbage, is disposed of properly. Putting these materials into trash cans or compost bins helps prevent them from being washed into storm drains and water bodies, reducing the pollution load.
• Maintenance of Vehicles: Regularly maintaining vehicles and properly disposing of automotive fluids like motor oil, antifreeze, and brake fluids can help prevent these pollutants from entering stormwater. Fixing oil leaks and recycling used automotive fluids are important steps in this process.
• Reducing Impervious Surfaces: Impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, prevent water from soaking into the ground. By reducing the amount of impervious surface area, such as driveways and patios, and replacing them with permeable paving or vegetated areas, you can allow stormwater to infiltrate and be naturally filtered, reducing the volume of runoff.
• Washing Vehicles at Commercial Car Washes: Washing cars, trucks, and equipment at commercial car washes or on grassy or gravel areas can help prevent soapy water from flowing into storm drains. If washing at home, directing the wash water onto a lawn or gravel area can help filter the water naturally.
• Reducing the Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides: Cutting down on the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can minimize the amount of chemicals that can be washed away by stormwater. When using these chemicals, following directions and avoiding application before rainstorms is essential.
• Stormwater Treatment: In some cases, treating stormwater before it enters water bodies may be necessary. This can be achieved through processes such as sand filtration, electrocoagulation, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation. Implementing treatment measures can help remove pollutants and reduce the environmental impact of stormwater runoff.
• Volunteerism and Community Support: Getting involved in local initiatives, such as becoming a stormwater volunteer, can help educate and engage the community in stormwater management. Supporting local storm or surface water programs can also contribute to preventing flooding and protecting natural resources.

By implementing these measures, we can effectively manage stormwater and significantly reduce the amount of pollution that reaches our natural water bodies, helping to protect the environment and safeguard aquatic life.

Frequently asked questions