Understanding Commercial Water Pollution: Causes And Impacts

Water pollution is the contamination of water by harmful substances or contaminants, including toxic waste, petroleum, chemicals, and disease-causing microorganisms. It occurs when these substances are released into bodies of water, such as rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and oceans, rendering the water unsafe for human use and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Commercial activities, including industrial processes and agricultural practices, are significant contributors to water pollution. Improper waste disposal, chemical dumping, and oil spills from commercial operations can have detrimental effects on water sources, leading to health risks and environmental degradation. The impact of commercial water pollution extends beyond the immediate surroundings, as pollutants can travel through waterways, affecting both upstream and downstream ecosystems and communities. Addressing commercial water pollution is crucial to safeguard water resources, protect public health, and preserve the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Characteristics of Commercial Water Pollution

Oil spills and leaks

Oil spills can occur in various forms, including natural leaks, daily human leaks, drilling blowouts, deliberate spills, transportation leaks, tanker accidents, and unchecked leaks. One of the most common sources of oil pollution in our seas is consumers, with oil and gasoline dripping from cars and trucks daily. Additionally, land-based sources such as factories, farms, and cities contribute significantly to the problem.

The cleanup and restoration process after an oil spill is crucial but challenging. While there are various methods to contain and remove oil, such as booms, skimmers, in situ burning, and chemical dispersants, it is impossible to remove 100% of the spilled oil. Cleanup efforts must also be carefully executed to avoid causing additional harm to the environment.

To address oil spills and leaks, various organizations have been established, such as the Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) and the National Response Corporation (NRC). These organizations specialize in oil spill response, containment, and remediation, utilizing different equipment and tactics to manage the spills effectively.

The prevention of oil spills is of utmost importance to mitigate their detrimental effects on the environment and human and animal health. This includes proper waste disposal, responsible industrial practices, and adherence to regulations by commercial entities. By prioritizing prevention and effective response strategies, we can minimize the impact of oil spills and leaks on our precious water resources.

Industrial waste

Commercial water pollution is the contamination of water bodies by harmful substances or contaminants, including surface water, ocean water, and groundwater. Industrial waste is a major contributor to this issue, encompassing waste generated by manufacturing, industrial, and mining processes.

The improper disposal of industrial waste has severe ecological and health consequences. It renders water unsuitable for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and industrial use. Contaminated water also poses a direct threat to aquatic life, reducing reproductive capabilities and causing eutrophication, which creates "dead zones" devoid of oxygen and aquatic life.

Furthermore, industrial waste can have long-lasting impacts on the environment. For instance, the Love Canal incident in 1978, where toxic waste surfaced in a residential area in New York, highlighted the enduring dangers of industrial contamination. Similarly, mining waste in northeast Oklahoma has left a legacy of contaminated water with heavy metals, impacting the health and well-being of nearby communities.

To address these issues, governments and organizations have implemented various strategies and regulations. The Ministry of Environment in each province, for instance, regulates the discharge of solid, liquid, and gaseous waste from industrial sources. Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations to safeguard drinking water sources from industrial pollution. However, despite these efforts, challenges remain, as evidenced by the hundreds of companies contaminating drinking water across America, as revealed by an analysis of EPA data.

Agricultural activities

Commercial water pollution refers to the contamination of water sources by businesses and industries, including agricultural activities. Agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution, as it accounts for 70% of water withdrawals worldwide. The use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in farming can lead to excessive levels of these substances in groundwater and surface water bodies, causing ecological damage and detrimental health effects on humans and animals.

Fertilisers can cause pollution through runoff, which is known as agricultural nonpoint source pollution. This type of pollution is the leading source of harm to water quality for surveyed rivers and streams and significantly impacts lakes, wetlands, and oceans. Fertiliser runoff contributes to eutrophication, the accumulation of nutrients in water bodies, which negatively affects biodiversity and fisheries. Nitrate from agricultural fertilisers is now the most common chemical contaminant in groundwater aquifers globally.

Livestock production, which accounts for 70% of all agricultural land, also contributes to water pollution. Livestock and their manure pollute the air and water, with manure management accounting for a significant portion of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Poultry waste, in particular, can harm waterways due to phosphorus runoff, as chicken manure contains high levels of phosphorus. Additionally, aquaculture, or fish farming, can diminish water quality due to fish excreta and uneaten feeds. The increased use of antibiotics, fungicides, and anti-fouling agents in aquaculture may also contribute to polluting downstream ecosystems.

Irrigation, which has more than doubled in recent decades, transfers agricultural pollution to water bodies. While it can increase food production, it can also lead to the drainage of agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, sediments, and saline into water sources. This can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, as recognised by the European Community's Water Framework Directive, which aims to restore all aquatic systems in Europe to 'good ecological quality'.

Sewage and waste management

Commercial water pollution is caused by human activities, particularly industrialization and urbanization. These activities release harmful substances or contaminants into water bodies, including surface water, ocean water, and groundwater.

Collection

Sewage is typically collected through centralized sewer systems or onsite wastewater management systems for properties in unsewered areas. The collection process ensures that wastewater is properly directed away from water sources to prevent immediate contamination.

Treatment

Treatment of sewage is essential to remove harmful pollutants and contaminants. There are various treatment technologies available, depending on the quality and quantity of the wastewater. Primary treatment allows for disposal below ground, while secondary treatment enables dispersion onto land through subsurface irrigation. Advanced-secondary treatment produces greywater that can be reused for flushing toilets and in washing machines.

Disposal and Reuse

The disposal and reuse of treated sewage must be carefully managed to prevent environmental and health risks. Treated sewage that meets certain quality standards can be discharged into waterways or reused for irrigation and other agricultural purposes. However, it is crucial to assess and control the risks associated with discharge to ensure compliance with regulations and protect water sources.

Regulation and Enforcement

Regulations play a vital role in ensuring proper sewage and waste management. For example, the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 aims to protect water bodies from pollution by establishing guidelines and standards for the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage. The Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into water bodies and the unauthorized disposal of sewage sludge and solid waste. Enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Public Works and Highways, are responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations.

Best Practices

To minimize the impact of sewage and waste management on water pollution, several best practices can be implemented:

• Avoid discharging untreated sewage directly into seas, rivers, or water bodies.
• Use biodegradable soaps and detergents without phosphates to reduce chemical pollution.
• Report any dumping of waste into water bodies, including unauthorized discharges from boats and ships.
• Choose environmentally responsible cruise ships and inquire about their waste discharge practices before booking a trip.
• Implement sustainable agricultural practices to reduce agricultural runoff, a significant source of nonpoint source pollution.

By following these practices and adhering to regulatory guidelines, effective sewage and waste management can play a crucial role in mitigating commercial water pollution and protecting our precious water sources.

Microplastics

Commercial activities, including industrialization and urbanization, are a major source of water pollution. Water pollution is the release of harmful substances or contaminants into water bodies, including surface water, ocean water, and groundwater, which interfere with the beneficial use of the water and the natural functioning of ecosystems.

Addressing the issue of microplastics requires collective action. Individuals can reduce their use of plastic products, recycle and reuse plastic items, and support products with sustainable packaging. Companies and industries must also take responsibility by switching to more sustainable alternatives and reducing plastic waste.

Frequently asked questions