Table of Contents
What is Water Pollution? ; Types of Sources of Water Pollution ;
Effects of Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater) by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.
Sources of water pollution include point sources and non-point sources. Point sources are easily identifiable and include municipal wastewater treatment plants, factories, and mines. Non-point sources are harder to identify and include agricultural runoff, stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
Water pollution can have harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans. Some common effects of water pollution include death of aquatic life, eutrophication, and human health problems.
Point Source
Pollution
Point source pollution is the release of pollutants into the environment from a specific, identifiable point. This might be a factory pipe, a car’s exhaust pipe, or the runoff from a farm. Point source pollution is easier to control than other types of pollution, because the source can be identified and measures can be put in place to stop the pollution.
Non-point Source
Pollution
Non-point source pollution is the pollution that comes from many different sources that are not easily identified. This type of pollution is caused by things like runoff from farms, cars, and factories. It can also be caused by things like people and pets walking on the beach and leaving their trash behind.
What are the Causes of Water Pollution?
There are many causes of water pollution, but most can be summed up into six general categories:
1. Point Source Pollution
This type of pollution comes from a specific, identifiable source, such as a factory discharge pipe or a leaking septic tank.
2. Nonpoint Source Pollution
This type of pollution is harder to track and comes from many diffuse sources, such as runoff from farms, yards, and roads.
3. Municipal Sewage
This type of pollution is created by the treatment and discharge of wastewater from municipal (or city) sources.
4. Industrial Wastewater
This type of pollution is created by the treatment and discharge of wastewater from industrial sources.
5. Agricultural Runoff
This type of pollution is created by the runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from agricultural land.
6. Urban Stormwater
This type of pollution is created by the runoff of rainwater and melted snow from urban areas, often carrying pollutants such as oil, grease, and metals.
Domestic Waste
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is a not-for-profit organisation that helps businesses and individuals to reduce waste and recycle more. WRAP provides advice and guidance on waste reduction and recycling, and operates a number of programmes including the Recycle Now campaign.
WRAP also publishes a range of resources including the Waste Hierarchy, which sets out the order in which waste should be managed:
1. Prevent waste arising
2. Reuse where possible
3. Recycle what can’t be prevented or reused
4. Recover energy from the waste that can’t be recycled
5. Dispose of the waste safely
Industrial Waste
Industrial waste is waste that is produced by industries. It can include waste from manufacturing processes, mining, and agriculture. Industrial waste can be hazardous, and it can contaminate soil, air, and water.
Nutrients Pollution
The main type of nutrient pollution is caused by fertilizers and manure that are applied to land in excess of what crops can use. When fertilizers and manure are over-applied, the excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) run off the land and pollute waterways.
Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms, which can create dead zones in waterways where no aquatic life can survive. Excess nutrients can also cause serious water quality problems, such as eutrophication and fish kills.
Sources of Nutrient Pollution
The main sources of nutrient pollution are fertilizers and manure that are applied to land in excess of what crops can use. Other sources of nutrient pollution include wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and livestock operations.
Nutrient Pollution Solutions
The best way to reduce nutrient pollution is to apply the right amount of fertilizer and manure. You can also help reduce nutrient pollution by using best management practices on your farm or in your community.
Chemical Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, groundwater) by substances that can be harmful to living organisms.
The substances that cause water pollution include:
• chemical pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial chemicals
• biological pollutants such as viruses and bacteria
• suspended solids such as silt and sediment
• dissolved solids such as salts and metals
The sources of water pollution include:
• point sources such as factories and sewage treatment plants
• nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff and stormwater runoff
Oxygen Depleting
Substances
An oxygen depleting substance is a material that reduces the oxygen content of air.
Pollutants of Water Pollution
There are a variety of pollutants that can contaminate water supplies, making them unsafe for drinking, swimming, and other activities. Some of the most common pollutants include:
Microorganisms : Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can cause waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory infection.
: Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can cause waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory infection. Chemicals : Many industrial chemicals and pesticides can pollute water supplies, causing adverse health effects.
: Many industrial chemicals and pesticides can pollute water supplies, causing adverse health effects. Heavy metals : Toxic metals such as lead and mercury can contaminate water, causing serious health problems.
: Toxic metals such as lead and mercury can contaminate water, causing serious health problems. Nutrients: Excessive levels of nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen can promote algae growth and create water quality problems.
Treatment of Water Pollution
Water pollution can be treated in a variety of ways, including physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods.
Physical treatment methods include sedimentation, flocculation, and filtration. In sedimentation, particles in the water settle out over time due to their weight. In flocculation, particles join together to form clumps that can then be filtered out. In filtration, particulate matter is removed from water by forcing it through a filter.
Chemical treatment methods include chlorine disinfection and ozone oxidation. In chlorine disinfection, chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria and other organisms. In ozone oxidation, ozone is added to the water to break down pollutants.
Biological treatment methods include activated sludge and aerobic digestion. In activated sludge, microorganisms are used to break down pollutants in the water. In aerobic digestion, microorganisms are used to break down pollutants in the water while also generating biogas.
