Meghan Hodges
Water pollution is an environmental issue that affects all life on Earth. It is caused by the contamination of bodies of water such as rivers, oceans, lakes, and groundwater by human activities, which can be harmful to organisms and plants that live in these water bodies. There are two types of sources of water pollution: point sources and non-point sources. Point sources of pollution are specific and identifiable, such as sewage treatment plants or industrial facilities, while non-point sources are more diffuse and harder to trace, like agricultural runoff or urban stormwater. The main sources of water pollution include industrial waste, sewage and wastewater, mining activities, river and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main sources of water pollution | Industrial waste, sewage and wastewater, mining activities, marine dumping, accidental oil leakage, chemical pesticides and fertilizers |
| Point sources of pollution | Specific, identifiable sources, such as sewage treatment plants or industrial facilities |
| Nonpoint sources of pollution | Diffuse and harder to trace, like agricultural runoff or urban stormwater |
| Transboundary pollution | Contaminated water from one country spilling into the waters of another |
| Contaminants | Chemicals, microorganisms, plastic, waste, dirt, top soil, silt, oil, antifreeze, coolant, nuclear waste, toxins, bacteria, viruses, nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides |
| Bodies of water affected | Rivers, oceans, lakes, reservoirs, seas, groundwater, aquifers |
| Effects of water pollution | Negative impact on health, the environment, and the economy |
| Water pollution prevention methods | Reduce plastic consumption, recycle, carpool, use CFL bulbs, dispose of chemical cleaners, oils, and non-biodegradable items properly, maintain your car, landscape your yard to reduce runoff, avoid applying pesticides and herbicides |
Industrial waste
Industrial activities such as burning coal and fossil fuels (oil, petroleum, and natural gas) release pollutants into the air, which then fall back to the land and water bodies, causing "diffuse pollution." This type of pollution is challenging to regulate as it comes from widespread sources rather than a single identifiable culprit.
The main types of industrial waste that contribute to water pollution include:
- Petroleum products: Used as fuel or lubricating oil and produced during plastic manufacturing.
- Heavy metals: Such as copper, lead, and selenium, which come from industries like car manufacturing, mining, and exhaust air systems.
- Hazardous wastes: Highly flammable and corrosive substances from construction, demolition, manufacturing, trade, and waste treatment processes.
- Sediments: Non-degradable toxins accumulate in aquatic sediments due to the discharge of polluted industrial wastewater. These toxins can slowly enter groundwater or be stirred up during floods or dredging.
- Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS): Found in the textile industry, hard chrome plating, and extinguishing agents.
The release of these pollutants into water bodies has severe consequences for aquatic life and ecosystems. Hazardous substances from industrial waste, such as chlorobenzene, are difficult to biodegrade and accumulate in water sediments. This contamination can lead to the illness and death of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms, disrupting biodiversity. Additionally, polluted water from rivers and contaminated sediments can infiltrate groundwater, affecting drinking water sources.
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Sewage and wastewater
Sewage, which includes blackwater and greywater, is produced in households, institutions, and commercial establishments. Blackwater contains human excrement, urine, and flush water from toilets, while greywater comes from sources such as showers, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers. When sewage systems malfunction or are non-existent, this waste can directly enter natural water bodies, leading to contamination.
The improper disposal of sewage introduces harmful bacteria, viruses, nutrients, and toxins into the water. These contaminants pose serious health risks to both humans and wildlife that depend on these water sources. For example, sewage can promote the growth of algae, eventually creating eutrophic "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive due to oxygen depletion.
Wastewater, on the other hand, encompasses residential and industrial waste. Industrial wastewater is released from various facilities, including factories, power plants, and electroplating, manufacturing, and cement production sites. These industries discharge toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, arsenic, nitrates, and heavy metals, into water bodies, leading to widespread contamination.
Residential wastewater also contributes to the problem. This includes water from sources like showers, sinks, and toilets, which can contain chemicals and microorganisms that are harmful to the environment. Additionally, activities such as car maintenance can lead to the leakage of antifreeze, oil, coolant, and other chemicals that can be washed into the groundwater supply by rainwater.
In summary, sewage and wastewater are major sources of water pollution, and their improper management can have detrimental effects on our water resources, ecosystems, and public health. It is crucial to address these issues through proper waste treatment, infrastructure improvements, and the adoption of sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of sewage and wastewater on our precious water sources.
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Mining activities
Mining requires large quantities of water for processing ore, and for separating minerals, cooling machinery and controlling dust. The water used in these processes can become contaminated with chemicals and waste, which is then discharged as mine effluent. This waste often contains acid-generating sulphides, heavy metals and other contaminants. The Canadian mineral industry, for example, generates one million tonnes of waste rock and 950,000 tonnes of tailings per day. This waste rock is usually stored above ground and can be exposed to rainwater or surface drainage, which carries the contaminants into nearby water sources. This type of pollution is known as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) or Acid Rock Drainage (ARD). AMD and ARD can severely degrade water quality, killing aquatic life and rendering water unusable.
The process of mining can also disturb and sediment water sources, through the construction of mines and the building of roads during exploration. This can have a detrimental effect on the quality of water, as well as the surrounding environment and ecosystems.
Mining companies, particularly in Latin America, have been criticised for their lack of commitment to social and environmental issues. These companies, often foreign-owned, have been accused of causing harm to public health and the environment, with little regard for the consequences.
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Marine dumping
The waste dumped into the oceans often contains toxic substances that deplete the oceanic oxygen levels, leading to the deaths of mammals and fish in their natural habitat. The presence of plastic in the ocean is a severe issue, as plastic debris can float for years without decomposing, further decreasing oxygen levels and severely affecting the survival of marine life. According to reports, more than one million seabirds die each year due to ocean pollution, and thousands of dolphins and porpoises are also victims of increased human intervention in the oceans.
The dumping of industrial waste is particularly harmful, as it often contains hazardous materials such as cryolite, DDT, mercury, and even radioactive materials. These toxic substances can have detrimental effects on marine life and the environment. Ballast water from ships can also introduce harmful organisms into new environments, leading to invasive species issues. Additionally, sewage and wastewater treatment are significant contributors to water pollution, as they release contaminants directly into waterways.
To address the issue of marine dumping, several laws and regulations have been enacted. The London Convention of 1975, the Clear Water Act (CWA), and the Ocean Dumping Act (ODA) are examples of international and national efforts to tackle ocean pollution. The 1972 Stockholm Conference urged governments worldwide to control waste dumping and implement new laws, leading to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter in 1975. These regulations aim to prevent further degradation of the oceanic environment and protect marine ecosystems.
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Oil leaks
Oil spills from ships and tankers are a major source of water pollution. The transportation and transfer of oil increase the risk of spills, as oil must be moved through multiple stages, including ocean tankers, pipelines, trains, and trucks. Additionally, individual tanks within ships have limited sizes, and a leak in one compartment can cause significant damage. While MARPOL regulations have reduced oil spills, there is still progress to be made in ensuring proper disposal of oil and hazardous chemicals.
Pipeline oil spills are another significant issue, contributing about 1% of oil pollution to the oceans. These spills can be caused by fishing boat trawling, natural disasters, pipe corrosion, construction defects, sabotage, or attacks. Oil pipeline leaks often occur on land, with only a fraction reaching the oceans. However, even small amounts of oil can have detrimental effects on the environment.
Oil runoff from land-based sources, such as roads and rivers, is also a significant contributor to water pollution. Oil on roads can be washed into oceans during rainstorms, and it is estimated that runoff oil accounts for 11% of oil pollution in the oceans. Oil leaks from vehicles, fuel depots, and even domestic operations can end up in storm drains, leading to water contamination.
The cleanup and recovery process after an oil spill is challenging and time-consuming, often taking weeks, months, or even years. While controlled burning and dispersants can reduce the amount of oil in water, they must be used carefully to avoid causing additional environmental harm. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 established that those responsible for oil spills can be held accountable for cleanup and restoration costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Water pollution is caused by the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, oceans, lakes, and groundwater by human activities. The main sources of water pollution include industrial waste, sewage and wastewater, mining activities, marine dumping, accidental oil leakage, and chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Point sources of water pollution are specific, identifiable sources, such as sewage treatment plants, industrial facilities, or a pipe or channel used for discharge from an industrial facility or a city sewerage system.
Nonpoint sources of water pollution are diffuse and harder to trace, such as agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, or contaminated water from one country spilling into the waters of another.
Individuals can contribute to water pollution through everyday activities such as flushing trash, not picking up after pets, or failing to maintain their cars, which can cause chemicals to leak out and be washed into the groundwater supply.
