Contaminated Water: A Health Hazard And Disease Carrier

Polluted water can cause a range of illnesses and infections. Waterborne pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria, are the main causes of water-related illnesses. These pathogens can enter water sources through animal faeces, industrial and manufacturing chemicals, agricultural practices, and human activities. People can be exposed to these contaminants through drinking water, recreational activities like swimming, and consuming fish and shellfish. The illnesses caused by polluted water can vary in severity, from gastroenteritis and salmonella to more aggressive waterborne diseases.

Salmonella

Polluted water can contain viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria. These contaminants can enter water sources through human activities, such as industrial and manufacturing processes, agricultural practices, and sewage.

One of the diseases that can be contracted from polluted water is salmonella. Salmonella is a waterborne disease caused by a virus that enters water supplies through animal faeces, especially after floods. It can contaminate private wells, water tanks, and other water supplies.

The symptoms of salmonella infection can include diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, the infection can lead to more severe complications, such as dehydration, blood infections, and reactive arthritis.

To prevent salmonella infection, it is crucial to practise good hygiene and sanitation practices. This includes proper handwashing, thoroughly cooking food, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Additionally, ensuring that water sources are adequately treated and filtered can help reduce the risk of contracting waterborne illnesses like salmonella.

Gastroenteritis

Drinking polluted water can expose people to waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. These diseases can also be caused by the toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria.

To prevent gastroenteritis, it is important to avoid swallowing polluted water when swimming, and to be cautious when consuming food or drinks that may have been contaminated with faeces. It is also important to practice good hygiene and to avoid getting polluted water on your skin or in your eyes.

In addition to gastroenteritis, other waterborne diseases caused by polluted water include salmonella. Salmonella can enter private wells, water tanks, or other water supplies when domestic or wild animals leave their faeces in or near water surfaces such as rivers, lakes, or ponds.

Viruses

One example of a virus transmitted through polluted water is the salmonella virus. Salmonella is transmitted when humans ingest food or water contaminated with faeces. This can occur when domestic or wild animals leave their faeces in or near water surfaces such as rivers, lakes, ponds, or streams. The salmonella virus can then enter private wells, water tanks, or other water supplies, especially after a flood.

Another illness associated with swimming in water polluted by sewage is gastroenteritis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhoea, headache, or fever.

It is important to note that most swimmers are exposed to waterborne pathogens when they swallow the water. However, people can also get infections simply from getting polluted water on their skin or in their eyes. In rare cases, swimmers can develop illnesses or infections if an open wound is exposed to polluted water.

Bacteria

Polluted water can contain bacteria that cause waterborne diseases. These diseases are easily transmitted when contaminated water is used for drinking, making ice, washing uncooked fruits and vegetables, and cleaning.

Swimming in water polluted by sewage can cause gastroenteritis, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhoea, headache, and fever.

People can also get infections from polluted water simply by getting it on their skin or in their eyes, or if they have an open wound exposed to the water.

In addition to bacteria, polluted water can contain viruses, protozoa, and toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria. These contaminants are responsible for some of the most aggressive forms of waterborne diseases.

Protozoa

It is important to note that protozoa are not the only pathogens present in polluted water. Viruses, bacteria, and toxins produced by harmful algae and cyanobacteria can also be found in contaminated water, leading to various waterborne diseases.

Tests have shown that protozoa can be useful bioindicators for evaluating the toxicity of waters polluted by different concentrations of metals. This highlights the importance of monitoring and treating water sources to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses caused by protozoa and other pathogens.

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