Human Activities Polluting Our Waterways And Oceans

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, which has a detrimental impact on their uses. Water pollution is predominantly caused by human activities, such as the disposal of untreated industrial and sewage waste, the careless disposal of garbage, and the excessive use of fertilisers. These activities introduce harmful substances, often in the form of chemicals or microorganisms, into water sources, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans and the environment.

Industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural activities

Industrial Waste

Industrial waste refers to the by-products of manufacturing or industrial processes. It includes a range of materials, such as cafeteria garbage, scrap metals, oils, solvents, and chemicals. When not treated properly, industrial waste can easily contaminate freshwater systems, leading to unsafe water for human consumption and disruptions in aquatic ecosystems. The toxic chemicals found in industrial waste can also cause temperature changes in freshwater systems, endangering the survival of aquatic organisms. Small-scale industries, in particular, may lack the necessary pollution control equipment due to financial constraints. Dry cleaning fluids, embalming fluids, and PCE (perchloroethylene) are examples of common contaminants found in industrial wastewater, posing risks to human health and groundwater supplies.

Sewage

Sewage, or wastewater, is another major source of water pollution. Even when treated, sewage can contain harmful chemicals, bacteria, and pathogens that breed diseases and impact the health of humans and animals. Sewage overflow and inadequate treatment have been prominent issues, with water companies occasionally releasing untreated sewage into rivers and waterways to prevent sewer backups during heavy rain. This has led to public outcry and the need for legal changes. Sewage encourages the growth of algal blooms, which can be detrimental to aquatic life and affect recreational activities.

Agricultural Activities

Agricultural practices contribute significantly to water pollution, particularly through agricultural runoff. The application of pesticides, fertilizer, and livestock manure can lead to increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies, stimulating algal blooms and creating hypoxic conditions that are harmful to aquatic life. Bacteria and nutrients from manure can contaminate drinking water supplies and affect shellfish beds. Additionally, excessive sedimentation from erosion can smother breeding areas and degrade coastal and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. Soil erosion, nutrient loss, and bacteria from livestock manure are also primary stressors on water quality. Implementing nutrient management practices, such as targeted fertilizer application and manure storage in protected areas, can help minimize runoff risks and improve water quality.

Plastic pollution

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating. It is estimated that nearly 2,100 species, including endangered ones, are affected by plastics. Birds, fish, and other marine organisms face entanglement, ingestion, and starvation due to plastic waste. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are particularly vulnerable to abandoned fishing gear and discarded six-pack rings, which can lead to strangulation. In addition, microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in municipal drinking water systems, the air, and even in human blood, lungs, and feces. The health risks associated with microplastics are still being investigated, but initial research suggests potential harm to the body's endocrine system, leading to developmental, neurological, reproductive, and immune disorders.

Furthermore, plastic production contributes to the climate crisis as it is derived from fossil fuels. When plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane, exacerbating global warming. The economic costs of plastic pollution are also significant, estimated to be between $6-19 billion USD annually.

The problem of plastic pollution is not limited to the ocean. Plastic waste is prevalent in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inadequate or non-existent. Even in developed countries, low recycling rates contribute to the issue. While some governments have taken steps to limit or ban plastic bags, the overall recycling rate for plastic is only about 10%, with the majority of plastic being incinerated or ending up in the environment.

The magnitude of plastic pollution calls for urgent action, including improved waste management, reduced plastic consumption, and the development of more sustainable alternatives. By addressing plastic pollution, we can protect our oceans, safeguard human health, and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Climate change

Water pollution is caused by a variety of human activities, including industrial waste, agricultural activities, sewage discharges, and marine dumping. Climate change is a significant factor in water pollution, threatening the quality of water sources and exacerbating water scarcity and water-related hazards. Here are some ways in which climate change impacts water pollution:

Impact on Water Sources

Increased Runoff and Sedimentation

Projected increases in heavy downpours due to climate change will result in more significant runoff of pollutants and sedimentation in source waters such as rivers, lakes, and streams. This can complicate the treatment of drinking water, increase costs, and decrease storage capacity.

Water-Borne Diseases

Algal Blooms

Higher air and water temperatures caused by climate change can promote the increased growth of algae and microbes in some water bodies. This leads to more frequent and severe Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which can threaten the availability of source water and increase the need for drinking water treatment.

Salinization of Groundwater

Rising sea levels due to climate change will result in the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater sources, decreasing the availability of freshwater for both human and ecological use in coastal areas.

Impact on Agriculture

Open defecation and poor sanitation

Open defecation is the practice of defecating outside, in fields, bushes, forests, ditches, streets, canals, or other open spaces, instead of into a toilet. It is often a result of unavailability of sanitation infrastructure and services, or the non-functionality of latrines. It can also be attributed to habit, cultural lifestyle, and poor design of public toilets. Open defecation is a major cause of water pollution, as it leads to faecal contamination of the local environment, including water bodies. During rain events or floods, human faeces deposited on the ground are moved into surface waters, including rivers and streams, causing water pollution. This, in turn, leads to the spread of water-borne diseases, such as typhoid, cholera, and giardia, which can be harmful to both humans and animals.

Poor sanitation, including open defecation, is a significant issue, particularly in rural areas and developing countries. In 2013, the United Nations designated World Toilet Day to highlight the importance of sanitation and the need to end open defecation. Since then, several countries, such as Nepal and India, have made significant progress in eliminating this practice. However, as of 2022, approximately 673 million people worldwide still lack access to basic sanitation services and continue to practice open defecation.

The lack of proper sanitation and hygiene has severe health consequences, especially for young children. Open defecation exposes individuals to various faecal bacteria and pathogens, leading to an increased risk of diseases such as diarrhoea, intestinal worm infections, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, polio, and trachoma. It also perpetuates a cycle of disease and poverty, with higher rates of mortality and undernutrition among children under five in countries where open defecation is prevalent.

To address the issues of open defecation and poor sanitation, community-led total sanitation (CLTS) programs have been implemented in various regions. These programs aim to promote behaviour change, encouraging the use of toilets and improved sanitation practices. Additionally, public funding and financial incentives are necessary to bridge the affordability gap and ensure access to safe and sustainable sanitation services for all. Raising awareness about operating and maintaining sanitation systems, enforcing health and safety regulations, and creating supportive policies for waste-to-resource activities are also crucial steps in tackling open defecation and improving sanitation.

Oil spills

The environmental consequences of oil spills can be severe. Oil penetrates the structure of the plumage of birds and the fur of mammals, reducing its insulating ability and making them more vulnerable to temperature changes and less buoyant in the water. Oil spills can also harm sea creatures, making seafood unsafe to eat, and damaging marine ecosystems. The economic impact of oil spills can also be significant, affecting industries such as fishing, tourism, and property values.

Cleanup and recovery from an oil spill are challenging and expensive, depending on factors such as the type of oil spilled, water temperature, and the types of shorelines and beaches involved. Physical cleanups can be very costly, and spills may take weeks, months, or even years to clean up. Oil spills have also sparked intense media attention and political debates, with governments facing scrutiny over their response and prevention measures.

To protect against oil spills, it is essential to follow good practices and industry guidelines. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences and a refusal by insurance companies to cover the costs of cleanup operations.

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