Ground Pollution's Impact On Our Waterways

Ground pollution, or land pollution, is the degradation of the Earth's land surfaces at and below ground level. It is caused by the accumulation of solid and liquid waste materials that contaminate groundwater and soil. These waste materials are often referred to as municipal solid waste (MSW) and include both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Ground pollution has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human health. For example, it can contaminate drinking water, reduce the amount of fertile land for agriculture, and lead to climate change. It can also endanger and cause the extinction of species, as well as destroy habitats.

Ground pollution can affect waterways in several ways. For example, when it rains, water carries waste and pollutants from the ground into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This is known as stormwater runoff or nonpoint source pollution. It is one of the most significant threats to aquatic ecosystems in the United States. As the water runs over and through the watershed, it picks up and carries contaminants and soil, which are then washed directly into waterways. These contaminants can infiltrate groundwater and concentrate in streams and rivers, ultimately being carried down to the ocean.

Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms wash into waterways during rain

When it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms wash into waterways, carrying nutrients and pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, with them. This is known as nonpoint source pollution, which is the leading cause of water pollution in the US.

Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms can contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, or aquifer, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment. This is a widespread problem that is jeopardizing our health. Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined.

Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms can cause nutrient pollution, which is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide. This type of pollution is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air and can lead to algal blooms, a toxic soup of blue-green algae that can be harmful to people and wildlife.

When manure or commercial fertilizers enter surface water, the nutrients they release stimulate the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, which reduces the dissolved oxygen content of the water body. This leads to eutrophication, where a water body becomes abundant in aquatic plants and low in oxygen content. As these aquatic plants die, microorganisms use the organic matter as a food source, further reducing the oxygen content of the water. This ultimately results in a reduced dissolved oxygen content of the water body, eventually suffocating fish and other aquatic species.

In addition to oxygen depletion, the potential exists for the algae to be toxic. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can cause rashes, nausea, and respiratory problems in humans and has been known to kill livestock that drink from affected water sources.

Septic systems leak bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into the groundwater

Septic systems are a common source of water pollution, particularly in the case of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. These systems are often used by homeowners who also get their drinking water from private wells.

Septic systems are large, buried, water-tight containers that hold wastewater for separation and treatment. The wastewater enters the tank from drainage pipes in homes, and the solids settle at the bottom (sludge) while fats, oils, and grease float to the top (scum). Microorganisms break down the sludge and destroy some of the contaminants in the wastewater.

However, if a septic system is not working properly, or is located too close to a drinking water well, contaminants can leak into the groundwater. This can happen if the drain field, a shallow covered trench in the soil, becomes overloaded with too much liquid or clogged with solids. This can cause sewage to surface in the yard or back up into the home.

While the soil can filter out most bacteria and viruses, it cannot remove all contaminants, such as medicines, cleaning products, and other potentially harmful chemicals. If untreated wastewater surfaces in the yard, it can contaminate drinking water through unsecured well caps or cracks in the well casing.

The risk of contamination is higher if the well is at a shallow depth, in permeable soil, and in close proximity to the septic system. Poor construction or maintenance of the well or septic system can also increase the risk of contamination.

To prevent contamination, it is important to regularly service and pump the septic tank, ensure proper separation between the drain field and the water table, and avoid flushing chemicals or medications down the drain.

Hazardous waste sites, such as landfills, leak contaminants into the groundwater

Hazardous waste sites, such as landfills, are a significant source of groundwater contamination. Landfills are meant to have a protective bottom layer to prevent contaminants from seeping into the water. However, if this layer is absent or damaged, pollutants can leak into the groundwater. This includes harmful substances like car battery acid, paint, household cleaners, and other toxic waste.

The impact of landfill pollution on groundwater can be severe and long-lasting. Once pollutants reach an aquifer, the process of remediating the groundwater can be challenging and costly. In some cases, an aquifer may be unusable for decades or even thousands of years. The age of the waste is a critical factor in determining the degree of groundwater pollution, with older landfills posing a more significant threat.

Additionally, hazardous waste sites can also affect groundwater through atmospheric contaminants. As part of the hydrologic cycle, groundwater is susceptible to contaminants in the atmosphere or surface water. Atmospheric pollutants can eventually be transferred to groundwater supplies, further exacerbating the problem.

The consequences of contaminated groundwater are far-reaching. Groundwater is a crucial source of drinking water for over 50% of the United States population, and it is also essential for irrigation. When groundwater is polluted, it becomes unsafe for human consumption, leading to serious health risks. Contaminated groundwater has been linked to various diseases, including hepatitis, dysentery, and certain types of cancer.

Furthermore, the impact of hazardous waste sites on groundwater extends beyond human health. Wildlife and aquatic ecosystems can also suffer severe harm from polluted groundwater. As groundwater flows into streams, lakes, and oceans, it can spread contamination over vast areas, threatening the health of entire aquatic environments and the wildlife that depends on them.

Atmospheric contaminants enter the hydrologic cycle and eventually transfer into groundwater supplies

The hydrologic cycle is a continuous process of water circulation in the Earth-Atmosphere system. Atmospheric contaminants can enter the cycle through human activities and natural processes, which can eventually transfer into groundwater supplies.

Water pollution can be caused by a variety of contaminants, including toxic waste, petroleum, and disease-causing microorganisms. These contaminants can enter water bodies through point sources, such as industrial facilities or sewage treatment plants, or dispersed sources like agricultural runoff. Human activities, such as improper waste disposal, industrial processes, and agricultural practices, contribute significantly to water pollution.

One way atmospheric contaminants enter the hydrologic cycle is through precipitation. When contaminants are released into the atmosphere, they can be carried by wind and deposited onto land or water bodies during rainfall. Contaminants can also enter water sources through runoff, where rainfall washes pollutants from the ground into nearby waterways. This includes stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants from impermeable surfaces, and agricultural runoff, where fertilizers, pesticides, and waste are washed into rivers and streams.

Additionally, atmospheric contaminants can infiltrate the ground and reach groundwater supplies. Groundwater is water stored below the Earth's surface in aquifers, which are underground formations of porous rock. Contaminants can reach groundwater through natural processes, such as infiltration and percolation, or human activities, such as improper waste disposal and leaking storage tanks. Once contaminated, groundwater can be difficult or impossible to clean, rendering it unsafe for human use.

The impact of atmospheric contaminants on the hydrologic cycle and groundwater supplies is a serious issue. These contaminants can have detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems, and the environment. It is crucial to address and mitigate these contaminants to ensure safe and sustainable water resources for current and future generations.

Oil, grease, and chemicals from roads are washed into waterways by rainwater

Oil buildup on roads is a significant contributor to water pollution. Vehicles drip small amounts of oil onto the road, which accumulates over time, especially in areas with minimal rainfall. When it does rain, the oil mixes with the water and is carried into nearby waterways. This can create a slippery road surface, increasing the risk of accidents, as well as causing environmental damage.

In addition to oil, grease, and chemicals, rainwater can also wash other pollutants into waterways. This includes road salts, debris, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. These pollutants can contaminate both surface water and groundwater, leading to a range of negative effects on human health and the environment.

Groundwater pollution occurs when rainwater carries contaminants deep into the earth, filling cracks and crevices in aquifers. Once polluted, aquifers can remain unusable for decades or even thousands of years. Surface water pollution, on the other hand, affects oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. This type of pollution can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, reducing oxygen levels and creating "dead zones" where no life can exist.

The impact of oil, grease, and chemicals from roads being washed into waterways by rainwater is far-reaching. It not only poses a risk to human health and the environment but also underscores the importance of proper waste disposal and watershed management to mitigate the harmful effects of water pollution.

Frequently asked questions