Purifying Water: Removing Pollution And Its Harmful Effects

Water pollution is a pressing issue that can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. It is caused by a range of factors, including industrial and agricultural practices, improper waste disposal, and the use of household chemicals. While it can be challenging and time-consuming to reverse the impacts of water pollution, there are several methods to address it. This involves implementing government regulations, adopting sustainable practices at home and in the community, and supporting organizations dedicated to watershed protection and water pollution cleanup. In this discussion, we will explore effective strategies to combat water pollution and restore the quality of our precious water sources.

Characteristics and Values of Water Pollution Treatment Methods

Prevent polluted runoff from entering waterways

Preventing polluted runoff from entering waterways is one of the most effective ways to reduce water pollution. Runoff from streets, parking lots, and buildings picks up pollutants like pet waste, sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and automotive fluids, which then flow into local creeks, rivers, and bays. Here are some ways to prevent this from happening:

Green Infrastructure

Implementing green infrastructure in urban and suburban areas can help slow down and soak up polluted runoff. This includes using permeable pavement, green roofs, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands, which can absorb and filter stormwater before it enters waterways.

Reduce Fertilizer and Chemical Use

Lawn fertilizers and chemicals are a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in runoff. Reducing or eliminating the use of fertilizers and chemical herbicides and pesticides can help decrease the amount of these pollutants entering waterways.

Properly Dispose of Hazardous Household Items

Oils, anti-freeze, paint, solvents, cleaners, preservatives, and prescription drugs should not be poured down drains or into storm drains. Check with your local waste management service to find out how to properly dispose of hazardous household items.

Service Your Septic System Regularly

Septic systems should be inspected and serviced yearly to ensure they are functioning properly. Failing septic systems can leak waste into the groundwater, which can eventually find its way into local waterways.

Landscape with Native Plants

Using native grasses and plants in landscaping can reduce stormwater runoff as they require less watering and fertilizing compared to non-native species. This helps to slow down and absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of polluted runoff.

While these measures can help prevent polluted runoff from entering waterways, it is also important to advocate for government regulations and policies that address water pollution and promote responsible land use. These measures can help reduce the impact of polluted runoff on our precious water resources.

Reduce use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are essential for agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. They help protect crops, control pests, and increase crop yields. However, their overuse and misuse can lead to water pollution and pose serious health and environmental risks. Here are some ways to reduce the use of these chemicals and minimize their impact on water bodies:

• Proper Disposal of Hazardous Substances: Many household items, such as oils, anti-freeze, paints, solvents, and prescription drugs, should not be poured down drains or into storm drains. Check with your local waste management service to find out how to properly dispose of hazardous materials.
• Reduce or Eliminate Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fertilizer Use: Opt for more natural alternatives to control pests and promote plant growth. For example, consider using integrated pest management techniques, which use natural predators to control pests. Additionally, learn to tolerate a few weeds or dandelions in your lawn or garden, reducing the need for herbicides.
• Servicing Septic Systems: Regularly inspect and service your septic system to ensure it functions properly. Failing septic systems can leak waste into the groundwater, which can eventually contaminate local waterways.
• Native Landscaping: Landscape your yard with native plants, grasses, and vegetation. Native plants are more adapted to the local environment and often require less watering and fertilizing than non-native species, reducing the risk of fertilizer runoff into water bodies.
• Community Education and Collaboration: Educate your community about the impacts of pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use on water quality. Encourage the use of alternative methods and promote proper disposal techniques. Collaborate on community projects, such as storm drain stenciling, to raise awareness and prevent polluted runoff from entering waterways.
• Support Environmental Policies and Regulations: Advocate for responsible land use and conservation policies in your community. Vote for policies that prioritize environmental protection and support regulations that limit the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, setting standards for water quality.

By implementing these measures, we can reduce the pollution caused by pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, protecting our water sources and the environment for future generations.

Properly dispose of hazardous household items

Preventing water pollution is critical, as it is very difficult to reverse the effects of polluted water. Natural cleansing processes can take years, decades, or even centuries, and even with costly technological interventions, it can still take years to remove all harmful substances.

To prevent water pollution, it is essential to properly dispose of hazardous household items. Improper disposal of these items can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Many communities have collection programs for hazardous household waste (HHW) to reduce the potential harm posed by these chemicals. Here are some guidelines for properly disposing of hazardous household items:

• Check with your local waste management service or your county waste management service to find out what hazardous materials they accept and any specific instructions for disposal.
• Many communities have permanent collection sites or special collection days for HHW. Contact your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency to learn more about HHW collections near you.
• If your community does not have a dedicated HHW collection program, some local businesses may accept certain products for recycling or proper disposal. For example, local garages may take used motor oil for recycling.
• Always follow any instructions for use, storage, and disposal provided on product labels. This helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of products exploding, igniting, leaking, or mixing with other chemicals.
• Keep hazardous products in their original containers with the labels intact. Never store them in food containers.
• Consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients. Opt for environmentally friendly, natural products, or explore simple recipes to create your own cleaning solutions.
• Remember that even empty containers of HHW can pose hazards due to residual chemicals, so handle them with care.

By following these guidelines and properly disposing of hazardous household items, you can help protect our water sources and the environment while ensuring the safety of your community.

Use air stripping or activated carbon filtering to remove contaminants

If you are concerned about your water quality, you should consider water treatment options. Water filters are generally effective in reducing contaminants, odors, and bad tastes from water.

Activated carbon filters, also known as activated charcoal filters, are a leading player in water filtration. The activation process involves injecting carbon with heat or steam to increase its surface area, opening up more pores and allowing it to absorb and trap a wider range of contaminants. This process makes carbon a far more effective filter medium. The carbon particles have a large surface area, allowing them to be exposed to as many active sites in the filter medium as possible, maximizing the absorption of pollutants.

Activated carbon acts as a sponge, absorbing contaminants in water. The liquid's dissolved impurities move towards the areas with the strongest attractive forces, which, in this case, is the carbon surface. The filtered water then moves on to the next stage of treatment if necessary. Activated carbon filters can remove specific contaminants, such as up to 99% of total suspended solids, volatile organic compounds, sediment, heavy metals, chloramines, and other impurities from drinking water. They are particularly effective at removing chemicals such as chlorine, which other filters may struggle with.

Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters are a type of activated carbon filter that can remove certain chemicals, especially organic ones, from water. GAC filters can also eliminate unpleasant odors or tastes, such as hydrogen sulfide (a rotten egg smell) or chlorine. However, other chemicals like iron and nitrate are not attracted to the carbon and will require a different type of filter, such as reverse osmosis or green sand. GAC filters are made from raw organic materials like coconut shells or coal, which are high in carbon.

Air stripping is another water treatment technology that is effective for groundwater remediation in highly contaminated sites. It is a process that involves bringing clean air into contact with contaminated water, causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other contaminants to move into the air. Air stripping can address issues with VOCs, acidity due to dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), and disinfection by-products (DBPs). It is particularly effective at removing dissolved gases like methane and CO2, while some contaminants, like ammonia, are more challenging to strip out. There are three main types of air strippers: towers, stacked trays, and sliding trays, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advocate for government regulations and vote for conservation policies

One of the most impactful ways to address water pollution is to advocate for government regulations and vote for conservation policies. Water pollution is a complex issue that requires collective action and systemic change. Here are some ways to get involved:

Educate yourself on the issues: Stay informed about current water pollution issues and proposed government regulations. Understand the science behind water pollution, its sources, and its impacts on the environment and public health.

Support and vote for conservation policies: Use your voting power to support candidates and policies that prioritize water conservation and protection. Vote for leaders who are committed to enforcing and strengthening environmental regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, and who promote sustainable practices.

Advocate for stricter government regulations: Contact your local, state, and national government representatives to express your support for stronger water pollution regulations. Urge them to implement laws that limit pollutant discharges, set wastewater standards, and enforce strict guidelines for industrial and agricultural practices.

Engage in community education and activism: Spread awareness about water pollution issues and conservation practices within your community. Educate others on the importance of proper waste disposal, the impact of fertilizer and pesticide use, and the value of water conservation. Encourage community members to get involved in local initiatives, such as stream cleanups or advocacy groups.

Collaborate with environmental organizations: Join or support non-profit organizations and advocacy groups dedicated to water conservation. These organizations often have the expertise and resources to lobby for policy changes and implement conservation projects. They can also provide you with tools and resources to become a more effective advocate.

By advocating for government regulations and voting for conservation-minded leaders, you can help drive systemic change and create a cleaner, healthier water environment for current and future generations.

Frequently asked questions