Freshwater Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Aquatic Environment

Water is an essential resource, yet billions of people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. Water pollution has severe health, environmental, and economic consequences. It harms aquatic life, degrades habitats, and impacts industries such as fishing and agriculture. To reduce water pollution, individuals can properly dispose of toxic chemicals, fats, oils, and grease; use phosphate-free detergents; reduce plastic consumption; eat organic food; cut down on meat consumption; and maintain their vehicles to prevent leaks. Additionally, reporting water polluters, supporting environmental charities, and volunteering for clean-up efforts are crucial steps towards reducing water pollution.

Dispose of fats and oils properly

Fats, oils, and grease are a common cause of clogged pipes and drains. When poured down the sink, they solidify and stick to the insides of pipes, forming clogs that block water flow. This can lead to slow-moving or completely stalled drainage systems, resulting in costly repairs and inconvenience.

To properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease, follow these steps:

• Cool it down: Allow the oil to cool before disposal. Hot oil can be a fire hazard, and it can also cause waste containers to break or melt.
• Separate and collect: For small amounts of fats, oils, and grease, spoon them directly into the general waste bin or use paper towels to absorb excess oil from greasy surfaces before disposing of them in the bin. For larger amounts, pour them into a tightly sealed, preferably non-recyclable container such as a plastic takeaway container, bottle, or jar. Keep a designated container for this purpose next to your sink and dispose of it when it is full.
• Dispose of correctly: Throw the sealed container with the fats, oils, or grease into the general waste bin. Alternatively, look for a food waste recycling service that handles the disposal of fats, oils, and grease. These services use specialist equipment to recycle them into biodiesel or other products.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Reuse: If you have a large amount of oil that is still in good condition and has not been contaminated, you can reuse it for cooking. Strain the oil to remove any food particles using a sieve and store it in a clean, airtight container. Oil can generally be reused several times, but dispose of it if it becomes dark or starts to smell bad.
• Avoid using detergent: Using detergent to wash grease down the drain is ineffective. Detergents that claim to dissolve grease may actually cause blockages to occur further down the pipeline.
• Check for local disposal options: Some areas have specific disposal options for fats, oils, and grease. For example, there may be collection points or drop-off locations specifically for these waste products.
• Do not mix with other waste: Keep automotive waste, such as motor oil, separate from cooking fats, oils, and grease. Motor oil will contaminate cooking oil, and then it cannot be recycled.

Reduce use of pesticides and herbicides

Pesticides and herbicides are useful for controlling weeds, insects, and other pests. However, they can be harmful to wildlife and human health if not used properly. Here are some ways to reduce their use and prevent water pollution:

Proper Storage and Disposal

Follow the instructions on pesticide product labels for proper storage and disposal. Regularly inspect containers for leaks and corrosion to prevent any accidental spills. When mixing pesticides or cleaning equipment, do it in an area where neither the pesticides nor the rinse water can enter sewers or storm drains.

Minimise Use

Only use pesticides when necessary, and treat specific areas that need treatment. Avoid using pesticides if heavy rain is expected within 48 hours, as they may wash away from the application area and into water bodies. Use non-toxic methods for controlling insects in the home and garden, such as diatomaceous earth, which is effective against a broad range of common indoor insects without posing a hazard to your family or pets.

Alternative Methods

Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, which uses cultural, mechanical, and biological pest controls. Use landscaping techniques that increase native habitat and reduce the need for pesticides. Leave a border of untreated vegetation between treated areas and areas where wildlife may be present.

Be Informed

Be aware of the geology and groundwater depth in your area, and know which pesticides have the potential to leach into groundwater. Avoid using pesticides with groundwater contamination potential in areas with permeable soils and a shallow water table.

Buy Organic

Buy organic, locally grown fruit and vegetables to support pesticide-free produce. National surveys have shown that fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets contain fewer pesticides, even if they are not organic.

Avoid flushing medicines

Flushing medicines down the drain is a common practice for many people, but it is a harmful practice that can have serious environmental and health consequences. It is important to understand the impact of this action and adopt alternative methods of drug disposal to reduce freshwater pollution.

Medicines that are flushed down the drain enter the wastewater treatment system. While the water is cleaned in these treatment systems, they are often not equipped to effectively remove or filter out medications and related substances. This leads to the release of unfiltered water, potentially contaminating natural water systems like lakes, streams, and rivers.

Studies have found that certain medications, such as hormones and antidepressants, contain endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). When these compounds enter water bodies, they can interfere with the reproduction, fertility, and normal growth of aquatic species, including fish and frogs. Additionally, flushing medications can unintentionally expose humans to the chemicals present in these drugs through water systems, creating a cycle of harm.

To avoid these negative impacts, it is crucial to refrain from flushing medicines and explore alternative disposal methods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends "prescription take-back programs" or "household trash" as the preferred options for medication disposal. These programs allow individuals to drop off their unused or expired medications at designated locations, such as law enforcement facilities, pharmacies, or drug take-back sites. This ensures that the medicines are properly disposed of without causing harm to the environment or human health.

In cases where take-back options are not readily available, individuals should check the FDA's Flush List to determine if their medication can be safely flushed. The list includes specific drugs that are sought-after for misuse or abuse and can result in death from a single dose if inappropriately taken. However, it is important to remember that flushing medications should only be considered as a last resort when no other disposal options are accessible.

By following these guidelines and avoiding the flushing of medicines, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing freshwater pollution and protecting both the environment and public health.

Cut down on plastic usage

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with plastic debris pervading our ecosystems and even our clouds. A significant portion of plastic pollution in oceans comes from land, entering rivers from streets during heavy rain. The best way to tackle this issue is to cut down on plastic usage. Here are some ways to do that:

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids, are used once and then discarded. Opt for reusable alternatives instead. Bring your own tote bags when shopping, use a reusable water bottle, and carry your own cutlery and straws. Avoid plastic packaging as much as possible and choose products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.

Boycott Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic scrubbers found in beauty products like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes. Due to their small size, they slip through water treatment plants and are often ingested by marine animals. Choose products with natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt instead, and be cautious when purchasing cosmetics.

Buy Secondhand

Consider purchasing secondhand items made of plastic, such as toys, containers, and electronic gadgets. This reduces the demand for new plastic products and gives a new lease of life to existing ones. For items you rarely need, borrowing is also a great option.

Recycle and Reuse

Recycling is an important step in reducing plastic waste. Check with your local recycling program to understand which types of plastic they accept. Additionally, reuse plastic items whenever possible, such as containers and bottles, and give them a new purpose.

Support Anti-Plastic Initiatives

Support initiatives that aim to reduce plastic usage, such as bag taxes or bans. Urge your local representatives to implement measures that discourage the use of single-use plastics.

Spread Awareness

Educate those around you about the importance of reducing plastic consumption. By influencing the people in your circle, you can amplify the positive impact on the planet.

Maintain your car to prevent leaks

Maintaining your car and preventing leaks is an important step in reducing freshwater pollution. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to help you achieve this:

Identify the Source of the Leak

Finding water inside your car is relatively easy, as it usually collects in the lowest spot, such as the footwells. However, determining the source of the leak can be challenging. Water can run along wires, travel up fabric surfaces, and make it difficult to pinpoint the exact entry point. To start, try to identify when the leak occurs. Does it happen after rainfall or car washing? Does it only occur when the car is parked on a slope? Identifying the circumstances can help narrow down the cause. If it leaks even without rain or washing, the source is likely within the car itself.

Common Causes of Leaks

Poorly Fitted Pollen Filter

Some cars have pollen filters fitted in the engine compartment, and if not installed correctly, they can be prone to leaking. Check for any damage to the seal and replace it if necessary.

Damaged Door Card Membrane

Behind the door card is a membrane, usually made of polythene or thin foam, designed to keep water out of the interior. If this membrane is damaged, water can enter the body of the door and soak into the door card. Check for dampness or water staining at the bottom of the door, and use waterproof tape to repair any tears.

Damaged Door Seal

The rubber seal around the edge of the door can also be a common source of leaks. If the seal is damaged or dried out, water can track down the front of the door and into the car. A visual inspection can usually confirm if this is the issue. Try using silicone spray or rubber restorer to rejuvenate the seal, and replace it if necessary.

Faulty Door Window Seal

The rubber seal that rests against the side windows can let in too much water if it's not flush with the glass. This can cause water to enter the door cavity and soak into the door panels. A visual inspection should help identify if this is the problem.

Heater Matrix/Heater Core Issues

If your car smells like coolant (antifreeze) when it gets warm, it could indicate an issue with the heater matrix or heater core. Check the liquid collecting in the car—if it's antifreeze, the heater matrix or core may have sprung a leak. These components are often buried behind the dashboard, making access difficult, and a replacement is typically the only solution.

Leaking Rear Screen Hose

Cars with rear screen wipers have a washer jet fed by a rubber tube from the bottle under the bonnet. This tube can sometimes split or detach, causing water to leak and dampen the headlining. To fix this, you may need to remove the headlining to access and replace the pipe.

Sunroof Drainage Issues

Sunroofs are designed to leak slightly, but one of the biggest causes of in-car leaks is blocked sunroof drain tubes. To test this, open the sunroof and pour water into the drain tube. If it doesn't drain properly, you'll need to find the end of the tube (usually down the A-pillar) and blow through it with an air line to clear any blockages.

Other Potential Issues

Other potential causes of leaks include issues with the cabin air filter, windshield rubber, air conditioning system, and more.

Fixing the Leak and Preventing Mould

Once you've identified and fixed the leak, it's important to thoroughly dry the interior of your car to prevent mould and unpleasant odours. Remove any affected trim, seats, carpets, and door panels, and use absorbent materials like microfibre cloths or kitchen towels to mop up as much liquid as possible. Then, use a plug-in dehumidifier or a plastic tub full of desiccant to help dry the car completely.

By regularly maintaining your car and addressing leaks promptly, you can help prevent water pollution and keep your vehicle in good condition.

Frequently asked questions