Helena Joyce
Water pollution is a pressing global issue, threatening the health of humans and wildlife. Freshwater sources are vulnerable to contamination from a range of natural and human-made sources. Natural sources of freshwater pollution include arsenic, which can be found in naturally occurring deposits, and fluoride, which can be present as a minor constituent in groundwater. Additionally, eutrophication, a natural process where nutrients accumulate in water, can be accelerated by human activities, leading to premature aging and the death of water bodies. Furthermore, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste can contaminate freshwater sources, and oil pollution can occur when oil from roads and parking lots is carried into water bodies. These human-influenced sources of pollution have severe impacts on water quality and the health of ecosystems and communities that rely on freshwater resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources | Sewage treatment plants, factories, septic systems, landfills, farms, fossil fuel power plants, roads, parking lots, industry, agriculture, and livestock operations |
| Types of Pollutants | Chemicals, waste, plastic, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, oil, toxic chemicals, bacteria, pet waste, pharmaceuticals, arsenic, PFAS, lead, sediment, and nutrients |
| Types of Pollution | Point source pollution, nonpoint source pollution, diffuse pollution, thermal pollution, biological pollution, and groundwater pollution |
| Effects | Degradation of water quality, toxicity to humans and the environment, depletion of dissolved oxygen, public health hazards, and ecological damage |
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What You'll Learn
Agricultural pollution
Agriculture is a major source of freshwater pollution, and the sector is the biggest consumer of global freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using about 70% of the world's surface water supplies. The water pollution caused by agriculture is a serious issue, impacting aquatic ecosystems, human health, and productive activities.
Agricultural activities contaminate water through various means, including chemical runoff, erosion, and wastewater discharge. Farms release large quantities of agrochemicals, sediments, saline drainage, and organic matter into water bodies. This includes fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and animal waste, which contain harmful nutrients and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. These contaminants can wash into waterways during rainfall, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic or unsuitable for human use.
In the United States, agricultural pollution is the primary source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes. It is also a significant contributor to estuaries and groundwater pollution. The environmental and social costs of water pollution caused by agriculture in OECD countries are estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually.
The expansion of irrigation practices, the increasing use of fertilizers and pesticides, and the rise in livestock production have intensified agricultural pollution. Livestock production now accounts for 70% of all agricultural land and 30% of the planet's land surface. The excessive use of supplements, such as copper and zinc, in livestock feed can result in heavy metal pollution, which is detrimental to both human health and the environment.
Additionally, aquaculture, or fish farming, has grown exponentially since the 1980s, particularly in Asia, and is now recognized as a major contributor to freshwater, estuarine, and coastal environment pollution. Eutrophication, caused by the accumulation of nutrients in water bodies, is one of the consequences of agricultural pollution, impacting biodiversity and fisheries.
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Industrial waste
Industrial activities, such as manufacturing, mining, and waste disposal, are major sources of water pollution. These industries release a range of contaminants, including arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium, and volatile organic compounds. In the United States, for example, a News21 analysis of EPA data revealed that the drinking water of over 244 million people contains contaminants linked to industrial practices.
The composition of industrial wastewater varies depending on the type of industry. Pharmaceutical and chemical production often result in wastewater containing active pharmaceutical ingredients and cleaning chemicals. These substances are particularly concerning as they are often non-biodegradable and can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant microbes.
In some regions, the rapid growth of industrialization has outpaced the development of environmental policies and regulations. Emerging countries, such as China, India, and those in Africa and South America, face significant challenges in implementing and enforcing legislation to control industrial wastewater discharge. As a result, the illegal release of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater from industrial sources is a common occurrence, leading to the contamination of freshwater sources.
To address industrial water pollution, strict regulations and proper wastewater treatment are essential. In Europe, for instance, there are long-standing limits that industries must adhere to when discharging wastewater into public networks. Additionally, the Superfund program in the United States was established to facilitate the cleanup of contaminated sites, although looser environmental protections can hinder these efforts. While industrialization brings economic growth and job opportunities, it is crucial to balance these benefits with effective pollution control measures to protect freshwater sources and safeguard human and ecological health.
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Sewage and wastewater treatment
The impact of sewage and wastewater treatment on freshwater pollution is twofold. Firstly, in many cases, wastewater is discharged into bodies of water without adequate treatment. According to the United Nations, more than 80% of the world's wastewater flows back into the environment untreated or unused, and this figure exceeds 95% in some least-developed countries. This untreated wastewater introduces harmful substances, such as pathogens, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, into freshwater sources, degrading water quality and rendering it unsafe for human and environmental use.
Secondly, even when wastewater undergoes advanced treatment, it can still harm freshwater ecosystems. Recent research in northern Spain has revealed that treated wastewater can cause subtle yet fundamental shifts in ecosystem functioning. These findings suggest that despite the improvements in water quality achieved through treatment, toxic compounds and nutrients may remain, continuing to pose a threat to the health of freshwater ecosystems.
The issue of sewage and wastewater treatment as a source of freshwater pollution is not new. Decades of investment and legislation, such as the European Water Framework Directive and the U.S. Clean Water Act, have been directed towards reducing wastewater pollution. However, the persistence of contaminants in treated wastewater highlights the need for further advancements in treatment technologies and a more comprehensive approach to limiting the introduction of pollutants into our waterways.
Addressing sewage and wastewater treatment as a source of freshwater pollution is crucial for safeguarding freshwater sources and the health of both human populations and aquatic ecosystems. By improving treatment methods and reducing the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater, we can mitigate the impact of this significant source of pollution and move towards protecting and restoring the health of our freshwater environments.
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Fossil fuels
Additionally, the extraction, transportation, and refining of fossil fuels carry the risk of oil spills, which can have devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities. Oil spills can destroy habitats, erode shorelines, and result in the closure of beaches, parks, and fisheries. They also harm wildlife, killing birds, turtles, fish, marine mammals, and plants. Furthermore, the wastewater generated during the fracking process can contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources with toxic substances such as arsenic, lead, chlorine, and mercury.
Air pollution caused by fossil fuels also indirectly contributes to water pollution. Atmospheric nitrogen compounds, emitted primarily from agricultural activities and fossil fuel burning, can be deposited back onto land and subsequently wash into nearby water bodies. This form of "diffuse pollution" affects not only the air but also the land and water quality.
The combustion of fossil fuel additives, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, releases cancer-causing ultra-fine particles and aromatic hydrocarbons, posing significant health risks to humans. Fossil fuel pollution has been linked to various health issues, including asthma, heart disease, and premature death. It disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income communities, with higher exposure to particulate matter pollution.
To mitigate the impact of fossil fuels on freshwater pollution, businesses can play a crucial role by managing and reducing emissions. This includes improving energy efficiency, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing measures to conserve energy. Individual actions, such as proper waste disposal, responsible flushing practices, and the use of phosphate-free detergents, can also help protect freshwater sources from pollution.
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Herbicides and pesticides
Pesticides are also used in homes and businesses, on lawns and gardens, along roads, in recreational areas, and on pets and livestock. In 2007, about 390 million kilograms (430,000 tons) of pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, were used in the United States. Pesticides released into the environment for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes can contaminate surface water and groundwater, which are critical sources of drinking water.
A USGS study of pesticides in U.S. rivers and streams found that, on average, 17 pesticides were detected at least once at 74 river and stream sites sampled 12 to 24 times per year during 2013–2017. Another study found that paddy fields in Japan contribute significantly to the pesticide contamination of Japanese rivers because they account for about 50% of the country's agricultural land. The contamination of these rivers is of great concern because river water accounts for about 70% of drinking water sources in Japan.
The generated wastewater (contaminated with pesticides) has negative impacts on human health, the ecosystem, and the aquatic environment. Pesticides have been linked to health issues such as hematologic and hormonal abnormalities, infertility, and fetal health issues. However, biodegradable and biocompatible (including plant-based) pesticides have been introduced to reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of synthetic pesticides.
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Frequently asked questions
Freshwater pollution can occur due to several naturally occurring sources, including:
- Arsenic, which can be found in natural deposits.
- Fluoride, which can be found in groundwater.
- Eutrophication, a process in which a body of water accumulates nutrients, leading to increased organism growth and oxygen depletion. While eutrophication can be accelerated by human activity, it is a naturally occurring process.
- "Dead zones", or hypoxic areas where dissolved oxygen levels are extremely low, are often caused by nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff.
It is important to note that while these sources are naturally occurring, human activities such as agriculture, industry, and sewage treatment can significantly contribute to and accelerate freshwater pollution.
