Water Pollution: Atmospheric Impact And Our Future

Water pollution is a pressing issue that has detrimental effects on both human health and the planet. One of the significant ways water pollution occurs is through atmospheric deposition, where air pollution mixes with water particles in the atmosphere, forming a weak acid. This acidic water vapour becomes polluted with gases, resulting in acid rain that contaminates marine habitats such as rivers and lakes, harming aquatic life. The burning of fossil fuels releases sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which dissolve in water vapour and contribute to the formation of acid rain. This acidic precipitation negatively impacts the survival and reproduction of fish and other aquatic animals, even leading to some lakes being devoid of fish. Additionally, water pollution can be caused by trash, oil spills, sewage, fertilizers, and chemicals, further damaging aquatic ecosystems and the health of humans who depend on these water sources.

Acid rain and ocean acidification

Acid Rain

Acid rain is a significant environmental concern, resulting from the release of certain gases into the atmosphere, primarily by human activities such as power generation and agriculture. When sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ammonia, and nitrogen oxides are emitted as air pollutants, they can mix with water vapour and atmospheric water particles to form weak acids, namely nitric acid and sulfuric acid. These acidic compounds are then carried by the wind and deposited onto land and water bodies through precipitation, leading to acid rain. Acid rain typically has a pH level of around 3.0, significantly lower than that of neutral water, which has a pH of 7.0.

The impact of acid rain is not limited to terrestrial ecosystems; it also affects the ocean, particularly coastal waters. Coastal areas tend to bear the brunt of acid rain due to their proximity to sources of pollution, such as power plants, and the prevailing wind patterns. When acid rain mixes with coastal waters, it lowers the pH of the seawater, making it more acidic. This change in water chemistry can have detrimental effects on marine life, especially those species that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells or "exoskeletons."

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is the process by which the pH of seawater decreases due to the absorption of airborne carbon dioxide (CO2). The burning of fossil fuels and other human activities have led to a significant increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, and the ocean serves as a natural sink for this excess carbon. As the ocean absorbs more CO2, chemical reactions occur, reducing the pH of seawater. This phenomenon is known as ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification poses a significant threat to marine organisms, particularly those that depend on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Species such as sea urchins, shellfish, corals, and certain types of plankton may struggle to form their hard outer structures in more acidic waters. This can have cascading effects throughout the marine food web, as these organisms provide essential food and habitat for other species. Additionally, the increased acidity of seawater reduces the capacity of the upper ocean to store carbon, further exacerbating the impacts of climate change.

Vessels and exhaust gases

Vessels and motor vehicles are a significant source of marine pollution, from both the dumping of pollutants directly into the marine environment and the emission of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set limits on sulphur content in fuels for marine transport, but vessels continue to use residual high-sulphur fuels, which contribute to global emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM). The combustion of these fuels also results in higher emissions of contaminants, including metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

To remove SOx from exhaust gases, vessels use exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) or scrubbers, which spray exhaust gases with water. This process results in acidic washwater with elevated contaminant concentrations that are discharged into the aquatic ecosystem. The washwater has been found to contain high concentrations of zinc, vanadium, copper, nickel, and organic compounds. While the number of vessels with scrubbers is increasing, knowledge of the washwater's quality and impact is limited.

In addition to vessels, motor vehicles on land contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in densely populated urban areas. Vehicle exhaust emissions are a mixture of gases and particles emitted when an engine is running, including harmful pollutants such as benzene, black soot, metal particles, and particulate matter. These emissions degrade air quality and contribute to global warming and climate change. The health effects of exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes include allergies, skin irritation, heart disease, respiratory problems such as asthma, and an increased risk of lung cancer.

To mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions on air and water pollution, several solutions have been proposed. These include reducing the amount of driving, especially for short distances, and opting for walking, cycling, or electric transportation. The use of fuel-efficient vehicles, hybrid models, and fully electric vehicles can also significantly reduce air pollution. Additionally,遵守 speed limits and choosing vehicles with lower emissions can help minimize the pollution caused by exhaust gases.

Airborne pollutants and inhalation

Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 7 to 8 million deaths occur annually due to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Airborne pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), pose significant risks to human health when inhaled. PM is a complex mixture of solids and aerosols, composed of small droplets of liquid, dry solid fragments, and solid cores with liquid coatings. These particles vary in size, shape, and chemical composition and can include inorganic ions, metallic compounds, elemental carbon, and organic compounds. PM with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10) can be inhaled into the lungs, causing adverse health effects, particularly for infants, children, and older adults with pre-existing heart or lung diseases. Long-term exposure to PM2.5, which are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, has been linked to premature death, especially in individuals with chronic cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.

In addition to the direct inhalation of PM, indoor air quality can be affected by the presence of pollutants originating from both outdoor and indoor sources. Indoor activities such as smoking tobacco, cooking, and burning incense or candles can generate particles that contribute to indoor air pollution. These particles can also form from the complex reactions of gaseous pollutants emitted by certain sources. As a result, indoor spaces may contain biological molecules, such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and cockroaches, which are known allergens for many individuals.

The effects of airborne pollutants on human health can be severe and vary depending on age, health status, and exposure time. Smog, for instance, can irritate the eyes and throat and damage the lungs, especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergies. The tiny particles in soot can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, worsening respiratory conditions, leading to heart attacks, and potentially hastening death. Research has also linked increased levels of air pollution to higher COVID-19 mortality rates, demonstrating the impact of long-term exposure to airborne pollutants on respiratory health.

To mitigate the effects of airborne pollutants and reduce the risk of inhalation, individuals can make conscious choices in their daily lives. This includes opting for transportation methods that reduce gasoline usage, such as walking, biking, or using public transportation. Additionally, supporting leaders who prioritize clean air and water initiatives and taking precautions during periods of high pollution levels, such as limiting outdoor activities, can help minimize exposure to harmful airborne pollutants.

Waterborne diseases

Today, waterborne diseases are responsible for a variety of illnesses, including respiratory illnesses, neurological illnesses, skin problems, gastrointestinal illnesses, and bloodstream infections. Cholera, for example, is commonly found in humanitarian emergencies or marginalized villages with poor sanitation and poverty. It is spread through contaminated water and causes severe dehydration and diarrhoea, which can be fatal within days or even hours of exposure. Typhoid fever is also well-known in extremely poor parts of developing nations, with an estimated 20 million people suffering from the illness each year. It is spread through contaminated food, unsafe water, and poor sanitation.

To prevent waterborne diseases, safe sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as access to clean water, are essential. This includes proper handwashing, refraining from drinking water that isn't bottled and sealed, and avoiding food from unsafe sources. Additionally, complex water systems in modern structures, such as high-rises, hospitals, and water parks, have increased the need for comprehensive water management programs to maintain water quality and control waterborne pathogens.

Soil and plant life

Soil and water pollution pose a significant threat to human health, with an estimated 9 million deaths attributed to pollution-related diseases in 2015. Soil, a critical component of the Earth's surface, sustains ecosystems and provides essential services such as water storage, flood prevention, and carbon capture. However, human activities have led to soil pollution, endangering both the environment and human well-being.

Soil pollution arises from various sources, including heavy metals, pesticides, biological pathogens, and micro/nanoplastic particles. These pollutants can contaminate soil through improper waste disposal, oil spills, deforestation, and agricultural runoff. When soil is polluted, its ability to support plant life and yield healthy food crops is compromised. Pollutants can inhibit plant growth, disrupt their metabolism, and make them more susceptible to diseases and pest infestations.

Water pollution, caused by sewage treatment plants, factories, mining activities, and agricultural runoff, also has significant implications for soil and plant life. Polluted water can alter the pH levels of the soil, affecting the solubility of essential nutrient ions such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. This, in turn, hinders the growth and survival of plants, particularly hydrophytes, which depend on the soil and water for their nutritional needs.

Additionally, water pollution can disrupt the process of photosynthesis in aquatic plants. Polluted water has a reduced capacity to dissolve gases like carbon dioxide, which is crucial for photosynthesis. As a result, plants may struggle to produce glucose and experience stunted growth or even death. Furthermore, water pollution can introduce dangerous chemicals into the soil, which plants can absorb through their roots. These toxins can then be passed on to animals and humans through the food chain, leading to potential health risks.

The impact of water and soil pollution on plant life has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts ecosystems, reduces crop productivity, and threatens the availability of safe and nutritious food sources for both human and animal consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to address and mitigate water and soil pollution to protect the environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure the well-being of all living organisms that depend on healthy soil and water ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions