Surface Water Pollution: Sources And Causes

Surface water pollution is a pressing issue that threatens our global drinking water supplies and the aquatic animals and plants that rely on surface water environments. Surface water is any body of water found on the Earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers and streams, and it is extremely susceptible to pollution because it occupies such a large portion of the Earth's surface. Surface water pollution is almost entirely the result of human activities, including agriculture, mining, factory effluent, landfills, human/animal waste and localized pollution.

Accidental or deliberate spills

Surface water pollution can be caused by accidental or deliberate spills of harmful or benign substances. Spills can occur in a number of ways, including from improperly treated wastewater from a sewage treatment plant or an industrial operation, from erosion, or from runoff as the result of a rainstorm.

Accidental spills can occur when harmful substances are not properly contained or controlled. For example, a spill may occur during the transport of hazardous materials, such as chemicals or oil, if a container is not properly secured or if there is a malfunction during the transport process. Accidental spills can also occur during industrial or agricultural operations, such as when chemicals or pesticides are being applied, if there is a malfunction or human error.

Deliberate spills, on the other hand, are often the result of illegal dumping or improper waste disposal. Individuals or businesses may intentionally dump harmful substances into surface waters to avoid the cost or inconvenience of proper disposal methods. This can include dumping industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or sewage into rivers, lakes, or oceans.

The impact of accidental or deliberate spills can be far-reaching and devastating for the environment. Spills can contaminate surface waters with harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or other toxins, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and ecosystems. They can also impact human health, as polluted surface waters can be a source of drinking water for communities.

To prevent accidental or deliberate spills, it is important to have strict regulations and enforcement measures in place. This includes proper training and safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, as well as strong penalties for illegal dumping or improper waste disposal. Additionally, communities can promote education and awareness about the impacts of water pollution and the importance of proper waste disposal to help reduce the incidence of accidental or deliberate spills.

Sewage leaks

Surface water pollution is almost entirely the result of human activities. One of the main sources of this pollution is sewage leaks and wastewater. Sewage leaks can occur from improperly treated wastewater from a sewage treatment plant or an industrial operation. Sewage leaks can also occur from residential areas, where runoff can be high in pesticides, and from retail/commercial areas, where runoff can be high in trash and bacteria.

The Environmental Protection Agency has been working to protect water quality, particularly in reservoirs and lakes, as well as in streams, which are subject to heavy stress due to their use for water supplies, agriculture, industry, and recreation. However, sewage leaks can still occur and impact these water sources.

To prevent sewage leaks and their impact on surface water, it is important to properly treat wastewater and ensure that sewage treatment plants are functioning effectively. Additionally, reducing the use of pesticides and trash in residential and commercial areas can help minimize the risk of contamination from sewage leaks.

Industrial waste

The nature of the contaminants present in industrial wastewater depends on the type of industry and factory. For example, wastewater from pharmaceutical production may contain antibiotics, hormones, and cytostatic drugs, while wastewater from other industries may contain agrochemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, and animal wastes.

Without proper treatment and management strategies, the discharge of industrial waste into water bodies can have detrimental environmental and health effects. Industrial wastewater can be toxic, reactive, carcinogenic, or ignitable. It is important to implement effective waste management and treatment strategies to prevent further pollution of surface water and protect human health and the environment.

Agricultural runoff

Surface water pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including agricultural runoff, sewage/wastewater, oil pollution, and radioactive substances. One of the main sources of surface water pollution is agricultural runoff, which occurs when water flows over land that has been contaminated by fertilisers, pesticides, and other chemicals used in farming. This contaminated water then flows into nearby streams, lakes, and rivers, polluting these water sources.

The impact of agricultural runoff on surface water pollution is particularly concerning due to the widespread use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in modern agriculture. As these chemicals are applied to crops and fields, they can easily be washed away by rainwater or irrigation, eventually making their way into nearby water bodies. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many agricultural areas are located near rivers, lakes, or other water sources, increasing the likelihood of contamination.

To mitigate the effects of agricultural runoff on surface water pollution, it is essential to implement sustainable farming practices that reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Alternative methods such as organic farming, integrated pest management, and precision agriculture can help minimise the impact of agriculture on water quality. Additionally, creating buffer zones between agricultural land and water bodies can help filter out pollutants before they reach the water.

By addressing the issue of agricultural runoff, we can significantly reduce the pollution of surface water and protect the health of both aquatic ecosystems and human communities that depend on clean water sources. This requires a collective effort from farmers, policymakers, and individuals to adopt more sustainable practices and prioritise the preservation of our valuable water resources.

Radioactive substances

Radioactive contamination is more prevalent in groundwater compared to surface water due to its proximity to radioactive elements found in rocks. However, surface water is not exempt from radioactive pollution. Atmospheric deposition, both dry and wet, of cosmogenic radionuclides can add radioactive nuclei to surface water. This includes the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons, which contributes to the contamination of drinking water obtained from surface sources.

Mining activities of radioactive elements like uranium and thorium can also pollute surface water. Uranium, in particular, is found in oceans and seas as a natural repository, with higher concentrations in areas of greater salinity. Nuclear power plants located in coastal regions contribute to radiological contaminants in marine water through the release of atomic wastes.

Additionally, sewage treatment plants can generate sludge containing radioactive elements such as 40K and 7Be, which can pollute surface water.

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