Brian Barton
Aquatic pollution, or water pollution, is the contamination of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, which negatively impacts their use. It is predominantly caused by human activities, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and agriculture, which release pollutants such as chemicals, waste, plastic, and other toxins into the water. These contaminants are harmful to aquatic ecosystems, reducing the lifespan and reproductive ability of organisms, and can also contaminate drinking water supplies, posing a significant threat to public health. Water pollution is a global issue that endangers the health of millions and affects the safety and availability of water for human use, as well as terrestrial and aquatic wildlife in freshwater and marine environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Water pollution (or aquatic pollution) is the contamination of water bodies, with a negative impact on their use. |
| Sources | Sewage discharges, industrial activities, agricultural activities, urban runoff, soil, groundwater systems, and the atmosphere (via rain). |
| Types of Pollutants | Organic, inorganic, radioactive, chemicals, pathogens, physical changes (such as temperature), toxic waste, petroleum, microorganisms, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, plastics, heavy metals, and more. |
| Impact | Degradation of aquatic ecosystems, harm to human health, reduced biodiversity, contamination of food chains, and economic impacts. |
| Causes | Human activities, such as industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture. Natural events like floods and droughts can also contribute. |
| Prevention | Governmental policies, consumer behaviour changes, and pollution control measures. |
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What You'll Learn
Sewage and industrial waste
Sewage
Domestic sewage is the primary source of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) and putrescible organic substances. Because pathogens are excreted in faeces, all sewage from cities and towns is likely to contain pathogens of some type, posing a direct threat to public health. Sewage also commonly contains active pharmaceutical ingredients, which can harm aquatic organisms and facilitate antibiotic resistance.
The decomposition of organic matter in sewage by bacteria and other microorganisms depletes the dissolved oxygen content of the water. This endangers the quality of lakes and streams, where high levels of oxygen are required for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive.
Untreated sewage is a major contributor to macroscopic pollution—large visible items polluting the water—and microplastics pollution. Stormwater, untreated sewage, and wind are the primary conduits for microplastics from land to sea.
Industrial Waste
Industrial wastewater often contains a mix of toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial by-products. These contaminants are toxic to aquatic life, reducing the lifespan and reproductive ability of organisms and moving up the food chain as predators eat prey.
Untreated industrial wastewater often carries excessive loads of nitrogen and phosphorus, key culprits behind a harmful process called eutrophication. This involves the explosive growth of certain types of algae, which sucks up all available oxygen as it decomposes, creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
The discharge of polluted industrial wastewater allows non-degradable toxins to accumulate in aquatic sediments for years, slowly entering the groundwater or being stirred up during floods or dredging. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are one example of such pollutants, which mainly come from the textile industry, hard chrome plating, and extinguishing agents.
In Europe and the USA, there are strict limits on the discharge of industrial wastewater into public networks. However, in emerging countries such as China, India, Africa, and South America, environmental policies are often lacking or not consistently enforced, leading to the illegal discharge of wastewater from industries into rivers and lakes.
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Agricultural activities
Water pollution, or aquatic pollution, is the contamination of water bodies, which negatively impacts their use. It is predominantly caused by human activities, with agricultural activities being one of the four main sources.
Additionally, agricultural activities contribute to the pollution of groundwater, which serves as a vital source of drinking water. Pollutants from farms, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and manure, can infiltrate groundwater, rendering it unsafe for human consumption. The excessive use of antibiotics, fungicides, and anti-fouling agents in livestock production may also pollute downstream ecosystems, further compromising water quality.
The expansion of irrigation practices in agriculture has exacerbated the issue of water pollution. As the area equipped for irrigation has more than doubled in recent decades, there is an increased risk of transferring agricultural pollution to water bodies. The use of pesticides and fertilizers in irrigated fields contributes to water pollution, and efficient irrigation schemes are essential to mitigate this issue by reducing water return flows and the migration of chemicals into water bodies.
Furthermore, the growth in aquaculture, or fish farming, has led to water quality issues. Fish excreta and uneaten feed from aquaculture diminish water quality and can contribute to the pollution of nearby water bodies. The concentration of fish in these farms can lead to excessive waste, which, when combined with the use of antibiotics and other chemicals, can have detrimental effects on the surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
To address water pollution from agricultural activities, various measures can be implemented. Establishing protection zones, such as buffer strips or constructed wetlands, along water bodies can effectively reduce the migration of pollutants. Implementing integrated systems that collectively manage crops, livestock, and fish can enhance environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of agricultural activities on water quality. Additionally, adopting soil and water conservation practices, such as the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) in the United States, can help minimize the runoff of sediments, nutrients, bacteria, pesticides, and other pollutants from farms.
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Thermal pollution
Water pollution is a major global environmental concern as it can result in the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater, coastal, and ocean waters. Thermal pollution, in particular, is a type of water pollution that involves changes in the physical properties of water, specifically its temperature. This can be caused by both natural events and human activities, with the latter being the most common cause.
In addition, thermal pollution can increase the metabolic rate of aquatic animals. Enzyme activity increases with higher temperatures, leading to an increased food consumption rate. This can result in a decrease in available resources and a compromise in the food chains of both the old and new environments. Thermal pollution can also foster the growth of algae, particularly blue-green algae, which thrive in warmer water. The decomposition of organic matter is accelerated in warmer water, providing additional nutrients for algae growth.
Furthermore, thermal pollution can have indirect effects on the ecosystem. As the water temperature rises, the surface water temperatures can contribute to releasing warm air into the atmosphere, influencing air temperature. This makes thermal pollution a contributor to global warming. Additionally, the elevated temperatures can disturb the reproductive cycles, respiratory and digestive rates, and other physiological changes in aquatic organisms, further disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.
The impact of thermal pollution on aquatic life is significant, and it is important to address this issue through regulatory measures and changes in human activities to mitigate its effects on aquatic ecosystems.
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Marine debris
Plastic pollution is one of the most extensive types of marine debris. Plastics are commonly used in many items, and as society has found new uses for them, the variety and quantity of plastic items in the marine environment have increased drastically. Plastics can break down into microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that persist in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. These microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to health risks and entering the marine food web. Seabirds are especially vulnerable to plastic pollution, with recent studies finding plastic in 90% of seabirds.
Other types of marine debris include derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Derelict fishing gear, such as nets and lines, can entangle marine animals, leading to injury or death. It can also damage habitats and interfere with navigation. Abandoned vessels can sink or break apart, releasing additional debris into the ocean.
The sources of marine debris are varied and often related to human activities. One significant source is improper waste management, with trash being dumped or blown out to sea through storm drains. Another source is runoff from land, including urban areas, agricultural activities, and industrial sites. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and typhoons, can also contribute to marine debris by damaging infrastructure and spreading waste.
The impacts of marine debris on aquatic ecosystems are profound. Marine animals can ingest debris, mistaking it for food, leading to internal injuries, intestinal blockages, and starvation. They can also become entangled in debris, causing injury or death. Marine debris can smother and starve animals, and it can damage and degrade habitats, threatening the biodiversity and health of coastal and marine ecosystems. Additionally, marine debris can cause economic losses to fishing and maritime industries and degrade the quality of life in coastal communities.
Addressing the issue of marine debris requires a multifaceted approach. Prevention is crucial, and this can be achieved through education, outreach, and improved waste management practices. Additionally, community-based marine debris removal projects, such as shoreline cleanups, play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of marine debris on aquatic ecosystems.
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Oil spills
The impact of oil spills on marine life is extensive. Oil can destroy the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and impair the water repellency of birds' feathers, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia. Juvenile sea turtles are at risk of becoming trapped in oil and mistaking it for food. Dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals can inhale oil, leading to respiratory issues, immune dysfunction, and reproductive problems. Additionally, many birds and animals ingest oil during their attempts to clean themselves, resulting in poisoning.
Even fish, shellfish, and corals, which may not be immediately exposed to oil spills, can suffer consequences if the oil becomes mixed into the water column. Oil can cause reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and impaired reproduction in adult fish. Fish eggs and larvae are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of oil spills and may experience lethal or sublethal impacts. Furthermore, oil can make seafood unsafe for human consumption due to the accumulation of toxins.
The clean-up and recovery process after an oil spill is complex and requires scientific expertise. Specialists and veterinarians are often involved in cleaning and rehabilitating affected wildlife, with the goal of returning them to their natural environment. To fully characterise the impact of an oil spill, extensive sampling of water, sediment, and affected species is necessary, which can be challenging due to the rapid disappearance of evidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Aquatic pollution, or water pollution, is the contamination of water bodies, including surface water, ocean water, and groundwater, which results in a negative impact on their uses.
Aquatic pollution can be caused by a variety of sources, including:
- Sewage discharges
- Industrial activities
- Agricultural activities
- Urban runoff
Aquatic pollution has numerous effects, including:
- The degradation of aquatic ecosystems
- The spread of water-borne diseases when polluted water is used for drinking or irrigation
- Reduced ecosystem services, such as drinking water provision
Aquatic pollution involves a wide range of pollutants, including:
- Chemicals such as heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, mercury), pesticides, and nitrate fertilizers
- Pathogens and microorganisms
- Physical changes, such as elevated temperatures and turbidity (cloudiness)
- Solid waste and marine debris, including plastics
Aquatic pollution poses significant risks to human health. Polluted water can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and disease-causing microorganisms. Ingesting these contaminants can lead to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, and altered brain function. Additionally, aquatic pollution can reduce the availability of safe drinking water and limit recreational activities such as swimming.
