Helena Joyce
Groundwater pollution is a pressing issue that can have severe adverse effects on plants, animals, and people who rely on these water sources. There are many sources of groundwater pollution, including human activities such as agriculture, industry, and sewage disposal. Natural sources of groundwater pollution include decaying organic matter, and mining and quarrying, which can release previously trapped pollutants into surrounding underground water sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | The spreading of slurry, fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and animal waste on the land can result in pollutants, such as nitrates and bacteria, seeping into underground water sources |
| Natural gas drilling | Methane can seep into the water |
| Mining and quarrying | Pollutants previously trapped in rocks can be released into surrounding underground water sources. These include acid, iron, sulfates, and aluminium. Toxins such as lead and arsenic, used in 19th-century mining, can persist in today's abandoned mine shafts |
| Seawater | When aquifers near the coast are over-pumped, there's a risk of creating a vacuum that can quickly be filled with salty seawater |
| VOCs | Aromatic hydrocarbons such as BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), and chlorinated solvents including tetrachloroethylene |
| Human activities | Sewage disposal and the overuse of pesticides and fertilisers, including animal manure |
| Naturally-occurring substances | Decaying organic matter can move in groundwater as particles and accumulate in excess quantities, posing a health threat if consumed |
Agriculture
The spreading of slurry, fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and animal waste on the land can result in pollutants, such as nitrates and bacteria, seeping into underground water sources. These pollutants can have severe adverse effects on plants, animals, and people who rely on these water sources. Some of them can even stay in the ground for many months to many years. Atrazine, a common weed killer, is linked to congenital disabilities, cancer, and low sperm counts in humans.
Fertilisers and pesticides are among the main sources of contamination and pollution of groundwater. Animal manure is also a source of groundwater pollution.
Additionally, other naturally-occurring substances, such as decaying organic matter, can move in groundwater as particles. Some of these contaminants may accumulate in excess quantities, posing a health threat if consumed.
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Natural gas drilling
Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater and is essential for drinking, irrigation, and industrial processes. When natural gas drilling contaminates groundwater, it can render it unsafe for human consumption and harmful to the environment. Contaminated groundwater can contain high levels of methane, as well as other pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. These pollutants can have severe adverse effects on human health, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and low sperm counts.
The potential impacts of natural gas drilling on groundwater pollution extend beyond the immediate vicinity of drilling sites. Groundwater flows through interconnected aquifers, and contamination in one area can spread to other regions, affecting a broader population and ecosystem. Preventing and mitigating groundwater pollution from natural gas drilling requires stringent regulations, proper well construction and maintenance, and effective monitoring and response systems.
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Mining and quarrying
In addition, mining and quarrying can release VOC pollutants into groundwater, including aromatic hydrocarbons such as BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethylene.
The release of these pollutants can have severe adverse effects on plants, animals, and people who rely on groundwater sources. Some pollutants can stay in the ground for many months to many years and have been linked to congenital disabilities, cancer, and low sperm counts in humans.
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VOC pollutants
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature, which means they can easily evaporate and enter the atmosphere as gases. VOCs are a primary cause of groundwater pollution.
Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), are a type of VOC that can pollute groundwater. These compounds are often used as solvents in the chemical industry and can be released into the environment through spills or leaks. They can also be formed during the combustion of fossil fuels.
Chlorinated solvents, including tetrachloroethylene, are another type of VOC that can contaminate groundwater. These solvents are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as dry cleaning and metal degreasing. They can enter the groundwater through spills or leaks, or through the disposal of wastewaters containing these solvents.
VOCs can have a range of harmful effects on human health, including respiratory problems, headaches, and dizziness. They can also cause damage to the central nervous system and other organs. In some cases, exposure to high levels of VOCs can even lead to cancer.
It is important to take steps to reduce the release of VOCs into the environment and to treat contaminated groundwater to remove these pollutants. This can involve the use of advanced water filtration systems or other remediation techniques. By addressing the issue of VOC pollution in groundwater, we can help protect human health and the environment.
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Sewage disposal
To prevent sewage disposal from polluting groundwater, it is important to properly maintain and repair sewer pipes to prevent leaks. Additionally, sewage treatment plants should be properly designed and operated to effectively treat wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.
One way to treat sewage wastewater is through the use of sewage treatment plants. These plants use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants from the water. The treated water is then discharged into surface water bodies or reused for non-potable purposes.
Another way to dispose of sewage wastewater is through land application, where treated sewage is applied to land as a fertiliser. This method must be carefully managed to prevent the contamination of groundwater. The application rate, timing, and location must be carefully considered to minimise the risk of pollutants seeping into underground water sources.
Proper sewage disposal is crucial to protecting groundwater resources and ensuring safe and clean water for human, animal, and plant use. By implementing effective sewage treatment and disposal methods, we can minimise the impact of sewage on groundwater pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Human activities such as agriculture, industry, and sewage disposal are among the main sources of groundwater pollution.
Polluted groundwater can have severe adverse effects on plants, animals, and people who rely on these water sources. Some pollutants can stay in the ground for many months or even years.
Examples of pollutants that can contaminate groundwater include nitrates, bacteria, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, methane, and decaying organic matter.
To prevent groundwater pollution, it is essential to reduce the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, properly manage sewage disposal, and regulate human activities that impact aquifers, such as intensive groundwater extraction and natural gas drilling.
