Meghan Hodges
Water pollution is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The first step in cleaning up water pollution is to identify and remove the source of contamination, which can range from leaking oil tanks to toxic substances. This may involve simple actions like picking up litter and disposing of it properly or more complex measures such as legislating controls on toxic substances. Additionally, preventing polluted runoff, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment, from reaching local water bodies is crucial. Air stripping is another method that uses air to remove contaminants from water by evaporating chemicals like fuels and solvents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove the source of water pollution | Digging up a leaking oil tank, legislating controls on toxic substances, developing government regulations to set limits on air and effluent emissions |
| Prevent polluted runoff | Preventing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from running into local creeks, rivers, and bays |
| Phytoremediation | Removing groundwater contaminants without pumping water through a well |
| Chemical oxidation | Removing groundwater contaminants without pumping water through a well |
| Air stripping | Using air to remove contaminants from water by pumping contaminated water through a large chamber and blowing air upwards to cause chemicals to evaporate |
| Individual actions | Picking up litter, sweeping fertilizer off paved areas, mulching or composting grass or yard waste, washing cars or outdoor equipment where water can flow to a gravel or grassy area |
What You'll Learn
Removing the source of water pollution
In some cases, government regulations may be necessary to minimise industrial and agricultural pollution practices. These regulations typically set limits on the amount of pollutants that can be emitted and how and where wastes may be disposed of.
There are also some individual actions that can be taken to help remove the source of water pollution. For example, picking up litter and disposing of it properly, as well as not blowing leaves into the street, can help to prevent stormwater pollution. Additionally, individuals can avoid using fertilisers before it rains, as the chemicals can wash into storm drains and waterways.
Another method to remove the source of water pollution is air stripping, which uses air to remove contaminants from water. This process can effectively remove chemicals that evaporate easily, such as fuels and solvents. Contaminated water is pumped through a large chamber, where it is sprayed over packing material, allowing the water to slowly trickle to the bottom of the tank. At the same time, a fan blows air upwards, causing the chemicals to evaporate out of the water.
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Air stripping
The process of air stripping involves pumping contaminated water through a large chamber, where it is sprayed over packing material. The packing material allows the water to slowly trickle to the bottom of the tank. At the same time, a fan blows air upwards, which causes the chemicals to evaporate out of the water.
One advantage of air stripping is that it does not require the groundwater to be pumped up through a well in order to remove the contaminants. This makes it a more accessible and cost-effective treatment method in some cases.
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Preventing polluted runoff
To prevent polluted runoff, it is important to understand the sources of water pollution and how to remove them. This can range from simple actions such as digging up a leaking oil tank to more complex measures like developing government regulations to control toxic substances.
One of the main sources of water pollution is runoff from streets, parking lots, and building rooftops. When water flows off these surfaces, it picks up pollutants like pet waste, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and automotive fluids. To prevent this, it is essential to properly dispose of waste and avoid using excessive amounts of chemicals. For example, pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can, and avoid blowing or sweeping fertiliser onto paved areas, especially before it rains.
Another way to prevent polluted runoff is to ensure that stormwater or runoff is directed away from gutters and storm drains. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as proper landscaping and the use of permeable pavements. Additionally, washing your car or outdoor equipment in a gravel or grassy area instead of on the street can help prevent polluted runoff.
Air stripping is a method that uses air to remove contaminants from water. This process is effective in removing easily evaporating chemicals, such as fuels and solvents. Contaminated water is pumped through a large chamber, where it is sprayed over packing material, allowing it to slowly trickle to the bottom of the tank. Simultaneously, a fan blows air upwards, causing the chemicals to evaporate out of the water.
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Picking up litter
To prevent this, it is important to pick up any litter you see and dispose of it properly in a garbage can. This simple act can help reduce the amount of pollution entering our waterways. Additionally, if you notice any stormwater pollution, such as litter, fertilizer, or other contaminants, you can report it to the Stormwater Helpline or relevant authorities.
Another way to reduce litter and pollution is to avoid littering yourself. This includes properly disposing of waste, such as cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and food wrappers, in designated bins or recycling them whenever possible. If you are organising or attending an event, ensure that there are enough trash and recycling bins available to prevent littering.
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Using mulch or compost
One way to help clean up water pollution is to use mulch or compost. This is particularly useful for preventing stormwater pollution. Stormwater pollution occurs when water flows off streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, picking up pollutants such as pet waste, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and automotive fluids. These pollutants then make their way through gutters and storm drains to the nearest stream.
Mulch or compost can be used to grass or yard waste. This helps to prevent the build-up of organic material that can contribute to water pollution. By composting or mulching grass clippings and yard waste, you are not only reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills but also creating a natural fertiliser that can be used to improve soil health.
Additionally, mulch or compost can be used to absorb and filter pollutants. When applied to areas where stormwater runoff occurs, mulch or compost can act as a natural filter, trapping pollutants and preventing them from entering water bodies. This is especially effective for pollutants such as oils and automotive fluids, which can be absorbed and retained by the mulch or compost.
It is important to note that mulch or compost should not be blown or swept into the street, as this can clog and damage storm drains. Instead, it should be left in the yard or composted properly. By following these simple steps, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing stormwater pollution and improving the health of their local water bodies.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to remove the source of the water pollution, so that additional water contamination does not occur. This can be as easy as digging up a leaking oil tank or as difficult as legislating controls on a toxic substance.
This depends on the source of the pollution and the type of pollution. For example, air stripping is a method that uses air to remove contaminants from water. This process can effectively remove chemicals that evaporate easily, including fuels and solvents.
If you see stormwater pollution, you can call the Stormwater Helpline or send an email to the relevant authority. You can also pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can, and blow or sweep fertiliser back onto the grass if it gets onto paved areas.
You can wash your car or outdoor equipment where it can flow to a gravel or grassy area instead of a street. You can also mulch or compost grass or yard waste, or leave it in your yard if you can't compost.
You can prevent polluted runoff—especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment—from running into your local creeks and rivers. This can be done by ensuring that water does not pick up pollutants like pet waste, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and automotive fluids as it flows off streets, parking lots, and building rooftops.
